Day: July 7, 2006

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/6 July) — The Drug Stores Association of the Philippines (DSAP) is strict with its members against selling of counterfeit drugs, the head of the local chapter here said. Carolyn U. Carreon, president of the DSAP Davao chapter, said they have a policy against selling fake drugs and violators would be penalized by expulsion from the association. But Carreon admitted that only 40 percent, or 100 of the 250 drugstores identified by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) operating in Davao City, are members of the association. Carreon said they can only extend reach to their members, who benefit from membership privileges like training, advocacy and other forms of support. Members pay a minimal annual due.

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/6 July) — The provincial government of South Cotabato plans to invest an additional P50 million over the next two years for the continuing upgrading and expansion of the provincial hospital here and for various public health services. Dr. Edgardo Sandig, provincial health officer, said the fresh funds would primarily be used to purchase modern medical equipment and the hiring of new personnel for the hospital’s new annex building, which is now almost complete. “The provincial government has committed to prioritize these investments, which are very essential in ensuring the delivery of proper public health services to our residents, especially the poor,” he said.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/6 July) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is planning to establish various production zones in the seven municipalities of Sarangani province in a bid to fast track the development of the province’s seven flagship products under the “One Town, One Product” or OTOP program. Nenita Barroso, DTI-Sarangani provincial director, said they are set to forge a memorandum of agreement with the seven local governments of Sarangani for the implementation of OTOP and the development of key production areas in the area through the local micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

MARAWI CITY (MindaNews/6 July) — Muslim Filipinos may have stayed tuned to the Larios-Pacquaio battle, but another contest was going on in their areas. The best of the country's qari, or Qur'an readers, Filipinos being recognized in international competitions, converged at the home of the defending champion of the 31st National Qur'an Reading Competition (NQRC) in Lanao del Sur as the province also celebrated its week-long 47th founding anniversary at the colorfully decorated provincial capitol. Two new reigning champions, Rahma Bangon and Cairoden Mangotara of Northern Mindanao, were awarded Monday night by the keynote speaker, Ambassador Jalal Kalantari of the Islamic Republic of Iran.