Saturday, March 2, 2013

Sarangani marks 20th year milestone, honors first leaders

By JENNY ROSE DE GUZMAN
and BEVERLY C. PAOYON
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – Governor Migs Dominguez on Wednesday (November 28) paid tribute to the first leaders of the province as he led provincial officials in celebrating the 20th founding anniversary of Sarangani.
“We owe today the celebration of 20 years to our forefathers” who have not only “served” but gave “totoong kalinga at pagmamahal” to all the Sarangans, said Dominguez.
“Kalinga”,according to the governor, would hail the province as “not one province out of 79” but “the best province among the 78 provinces”.
Dominguez officially declared the opening of the 20th foundation anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival at 4pm anniversary program called PANAGTIGUM 2012 at the Capitol grounds.
Sarangani is marking the milestone as a separate province from South Cotabato as declared on March 16, 1992 through Republic Act 7228 or An Act Creating the Province of Sarangani (formerly House Bill No. 46 filed on July 27, 1987) which was sponsored by then Congressman James L. Chiongbian.
“Hindi madali ang pagbuo ng isang probinsiya, but we all were willing to face all the challenges, we all knew the vision, we all knew the road that we would take,” the governor said.
He recalled 20 years ago when Sarangani was formed and was one of the poorest and left behind areas of southern Philippines, but is now “kinakakatakutan na ng mga probinsiya” because of its “community with shared values of commitment, hard work, honesty and perseverance.”
The unveiling of Alcantara donation marker was one of the highlights during the evening program. This, according to Vice Governor Steve Solon, is a “gesture of gratitude” in recognition of the noble contribution of Don Conrado Alcantara and his family for the generous donation of the of 26-hectare Capitol site.
Thru integrity of service, Solon said “ang ating probinsiya ay maraming narating at mas marami pang pwedeng magawa at maibigay na serbisyo sa mga tao sa Sarangani Province.”
As the province celebrates its history, culture and resources, Gov. Dominguez left the crowd with the encouragement of making the province “not only proud but prouder of who we are not only today but be better tomorrow.”
The anniversary program coincided with the formal opening of the three-day MunaTo Festival and recognition of exemplary performing barangays and local legislatives in the province that contributed in realizing the so-called“Excellence in Local Governance.”
The project was initiated in partnership with the provincial government and the Department of Interior and Local Government dubbed as “Barangay sa Sarangani”. It was aimed at improving the system of governance and the quality of performance of the barangays in delivering social and economic services to its populace.
An award system was also conferred to best performing Sanggunians (municipal councils) for legislating measures that helped build the foundation of meaningful local administration and development.
In the message read for Rep. Manny Pacquiao, he attributed the “gained confidence (of Sarangani) in terms of our competence and character” to the past experiences of the province that molded its capacity to deliver the best for its people.
“We have grown in our dealings as we linked with leaders representing all sectors in our community. We learn from each other as we worked together in unity.”
Recognizing the best performing LGUs, Pacquiao said their “efforts are never in vain. Your exemplary performance is a challenge for everyone to raise a standard of service. Given your accomplishment, is an encouragement that it can be done.” For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Jenny Rose de Guzman and Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

No comments: