DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay handed P500,000 each to the towns of Katipunan, Roxas, and Manukan for the construction and improvement of senior citizens centers in their respective areas. Binay likewise informed the senior citizens of Katipunan town that they can also avail of the privileges granted by the Makati City government to its senior citizens whenever they visit the city by virtue of the sisterhood agreement between the two local government units. Binay promised to help the senior citizens from Katipunan to get free medical treatment at the Makati University Hospital. (Nonoy Lacson)

Medical Services

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) — In a bid to enhance its health services, the provincial government of South Cotabato and a local non-government organization (NGO) launched a new program that will provide cheaper medicine packages for various surgical and medical needs of poor residents in the area. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato health officer, said they launched the surgical and medical packs program with Mahintana Foundation to ensure the availability of medicines at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. “This is to give better health services to our poor patients,” he said.

Student Welfare

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) lauded a medical and school institution in Zamboanga City for allowing students to wear “hijab” or head covering, which is obligatory for Muslim women. NCMF Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman, who never leaves home without her ubiquitous and colorful hijab, said the Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc. upheld “the value of gender and cultural sensitivity.” She said Brent allows Muslim students to don a white veil or hijab while in the school premises as they attend their classes or performing school-related activities. (Edd Usman)

Davao Event

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Region-11 office of the Department of Tourism is taking steps to host the 2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge from April 28 to 29, which will be held in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. DoT-11 Director Art Boncato said at least 21 teams have confirmed their participation in the highly anticipated international outdoor competition. The competition is a 24-hour extreme challenge for up to 35 participating teams, composed of three members each that will see action on mountain biking, trekking, water tubing and road running. (Joseph Jubelag)

Samal Project

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (PIA) — A remote village here was recently energized through the city’s electrification project, benefiting some 54 families. The city government invested more than P1 million from the general fund for the installation of electrical transmission lines at Sitio San Juan in Barangay Tagbitan-ag, situated near Putting Bato, one of the tourist destinations in this city. City Engineer Darwin S. Arig said the city government intends to energize other areas this year, such as the sitios in Barangay Cogon, Babak District, Purok 4 of Barangay Tagbitan-ag, and some Sitios in Kaputian District.