by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz is in the city today for the signing of “A Voluntary Code of Good Practices on Decent Work in the Fishing and Canning Industries” back to back with the launching of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood towards Community Enterprise Development (DILP-CED).

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday its military counterparts in Pakistan have arrested suspected terrorist Omar Patek, a high-ranking Jemaah Islamiyah member.

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — The City Government of Isabela reorganizes the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) through city Executive Order No. 47 hoping to institutionalize the operation of the said council as policy body on the fight against drug abuse.

TABUAN LASA, Basilan — Mayor Muctar Junaid announced that the municipal government is eyeing to put up a floating school for the Badjaos in this newly-created municipality.

PAGADIAN CITY — The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army on Tuesday hailed the National Democratic Movement for Peace (NDMP) for holding a peace rally coinciding the 42nd year anniversary of New People's Army. The rally which was held in Molave gym carries the theme, "NDMP and society condemn the 42nd anniversary of New People's Army."

DIPOLOG CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) turned over to the City Government of Dipolog a check worth P711,000.00 for the expansion of the Livelihood Skills Development Enhancement Center (LSDEC) in the city.

DIPOLOG CITY — City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has recently returned from Spain where she was invited to share the best practices of this city with the local government leaders from the Mediterranean states.

PAGADIAN CITY — The Palarong Pambansa 2011 Executive Committee headed by its chairman, former Cong. Romeo "Nonong" G. Jalosjos has moved the deadline for the Songwriting and Jingle Contest from March 30 to April 12.

PAGADIAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Health and Nutrition Center (HNC) and the Adopt-A-School Program (ASP) Secretariat in coordination with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and Lamoiyan Corporation will conduct

DATU SALIBU Maguindanao — Representatives of various United Nations (UN) relief agencies are very impressed on the implementation of their developmental programs in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by their local counterparts.

MAASIM, Sarangani — A United Nations official has expressed his impressive comments to the provincial leadership in bringing assistance to lowly communities in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).