SENATE PASSES ARMM’S P33.5B BUDGET

COTABATO CITY: The fast approval of P33.569-billion budget for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for 2018 by the Senate in less than one minute on Wednesday was perceived by the constituents as the lawmakers’ trust and confidence in the leadership of the autonomous region. ARMM executive secretary Laisa Alamia, said the Senators during the plenary budget hearing did not raise any questions which made the budget approval quick. The Senate finance subcommittee endorsed the budget proposal on September 18 after the House of Representatives passed it September 12. ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said P14.661 billion is for personnel service; P14.042- billion for capital outlay and P4.766billion for maintenance and other operating expenses.

NEW RO- RO WHARF OPENS IN CEBU

TOP officials in Cebu inaugurated a roll- on- roll- off ( ro- ro) wharf at the City of Pulambato Port in Bogo City to spur economic growth in northern Cebu. Gov. Hilario Davide 3rd said the wharf makes Cebu accessible to neighboring islands, including Luzon. Similarly, Bogo City Mayor Carlo Martinez said the opening of the P45.7- million new wharf is instrumental in the growth of the city as it accepts more passenger ships to dock there. Port Officer- in- Charge Nelson Navares said the port serves the towns of Cataingan and Cawayan in Masbate and the towns of Villaba and Palompon in Leyte. Lite Shipping Cargo, a Cebu- based shipping line, will also start its six- hour service from Pulambato Port to Calbayog City Port in Western Samar, Bogo City Port’s fifth route, Navares said. In 2012, the port made an annual income of P2 million. Navares said he is expecting to increase this income to P7millio with the port’s development and additional routes.

SINULOG VENDORS TO OBSERVE COLOR CODING SCHEME

CEBU City will implement color coding and ID System on all vendors of candles, flowers, balloons and religious icon near the Basilica del Santo Niño during the fiesta celebration commonly known as Sinulog Mardigras on the third Sunday of January next year. City Councilor and Deputy Mayor Dave Tumulak met with all side walk vendors on Friday to help them organize and plan their stalls location to maintain order during the festivities. Thousands of local and foreign tourists come every year to celebrated and receive miracles from Cebu patron saint – Senior Santo Niño. The city will also provide a place for the devotees to stay for a night – a container van furnished like a decent room – located near the Basilica.