SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – The soon to rise P15 million training center here is expected to boost the income of the Surigao del Norte provincial government.

The funding for facility’s 1st phase worth P10 million will come from the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Local Government Support Fund, while the budget for the 2nd phase amounting to P5 million come from the Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco T. Matugas, and Governor Sol. F. Matugas.

The implementation of the 1st phase of the project is expected to start next month, local officials said. (Mike Crismundo)

OFW Scholarship

PAGADIAN CITY – The Region-9 office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-9) is now accepting applications for its Overseas Filipino Workers Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) for School Year 2012-2013.

OWWA officer Leonilo Y. Daymiel said a total of 64 slots have been allotted for Region 9 this year. The program offers a P20,000 financial assistance per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs who are OWWA active members, and whose monthly salary is not more than $400. Eligible to participate in the program are high school graduates, those about to graduate, and those already enrolled in college. (Nonoy Lacson)

Peace Program

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mindanao executives lauded the national government for the implementation of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program that is aimed at alleviating poverty, improve governance, and empower communities through projects that will enhance peace and socio-economic conditions.

Sarangani Governor Rene Miguel Dominguez expressed his appreciation and gratitude to President Aquino and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles for their all-out support for winning peace in Mindanao. “We are all looking forward to this Pamana program,” he said. “It’s time we give more focus to our communities and invest in our people,” he added. (Nonoy Lacson)

Lanao Scouters

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP)-Lanao del Norte Council received a recognition for its all-out support to the BSP activities and program.

The recognition was received by the BSP Lanao del Norte Council spearheaded by Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo at the recently concluded 2012 First Regional Scout Committee Meeting, and Key-3 Conference for Western Mindanao Region at a hotel here.

The BSP Lanao del Norte Council also got a recognition as the biggest delegation that participated in the first-ever BSP One-Mindanao Jamboree held in Pagadian City last November 23. (Mike Crismundo)

Sports Project

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Education (DepEd) has chosen the Zamboanga Sibugay National High School (ZSNHS) in Barangay Pangi, this capital town, as the agency’s regional pilot institution for Special Program in Sports (SPS) for Western Mindanao.

Acting provincial schools division superintendent Amelia Pulmano-Torralba said the selection of the ZSNHS was announced by Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro through DepEd Order No. 71, Series of 2011 that disclosed that the region’s SPS pilot school, which boasts of a spacious school ground, will receive P500,000 for use in the effective delivery of service for students who excel in sports activities. (Tony Pe. Rimando)