Arkansas docs hold medical mission in Sarangani

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - The provincial government of Sarangani, in partnership with the Arkansas Medical Mission Inc., a mission team based in the United States, is conducting free medical and surgical services that targets to cater to 400 patients from Alabel and Malapatan within two days.

The medical and surgical mission, which runs from May 29 to 30 at the provincial gymnasium, grants free dental check-up and tooth extraction, cyst removal, medical check-up, circumcision, free reading eyeglasses, and lice control.

Seventy-three doctors, nurses and volunteers from the Arkansas Medical Mission Inc. extended their free assistance to Sarangans who are in dire need of medical services.

Andy Sucuban, who heads the mission, said that it is their 13th year of conducting free medical mission all over the Philippines.

"This year, we cater Sarangani Province and General Santos City. Next year, we target to reach Olongapo City and Cavite," Sucuban said.

A total of 535 patients were served during the Arkansas Medical Mission in General Santos City which was set two days earlier than the scheduled mission in Sarangani.

"We had a contact person in General Santos and here in Sarangani that is why we came here for the mission," Sucuban said, adding that they are willing to go around the Philippines to give free medical services to Filipinos.

"We do this because we want to help people. We have been blessed and we want to bless others too," he said.

On the other hand, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon is grateful with the dedication of volunteer doctors and nurses of Arkansas in extending free medical services to the Sarangans.

The activity is part of the Serbisyong Sarangan Community Outreach Program that ties up with non-government organizations and other offices. 

"We welcome organizations that want to partner with us in giving assistance and bringing better services to our people. It is always a privilege for us to partner with those who have same vision with us," Solon said.

During the first three months of 2014, the provincial government of Sarangani, in partnership with Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, has already spearheaded successive medical missions that benefited thousands of patients not only from Sarangani but also from the neighboring province of South Cotabato.

On February 15 to 23, 2014, the provincial government spearheaded a medical mission in coordination with the local government of General Santos, and the World Surgical Foundation headed by its founder and president Dr. Domingo Alvear from Pennsylvania, USA.

A total of 142 beneficiaries from Sarangani Province and General Santos were served during the activity.

Meanwhile, on February 24, 2014, another medical mission spearheaded by the RD Foundation, in coordination with the province of Sarangani, General Santos, and South Cotabato, was successfully held serving more than 1,000 patients. The activity was supported by the Canadian Medical Mission Society.

On March 13, 2014, another free dental services was sponsored by the province held in Malapatan, Sarangani. The activity, dubbed as “Sa Ngiping Garantisado, sa Pag-aaral ay Ganado,” served 300 high school students of the Lun Padidu National High School. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani hosts Arkansas Medical Mission

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014)- Sarangani Province hosts a Free Medical and Surgical Mission in partnership with Arkansas Medical Mission Inc. at the Capitol gym on May 29-30. The medical mission offers free dental check-up and tooth Extraction, cyst removal, medical check-up, circumcision, reading eyeglasses and lice control. The mission targets to cater to 400 patients from Malapatan and Alabel. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical mission in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - Angeline Cabasag, 10, is one of the beneficiaries of the medical and surgical mission of Arkansas Medical Mission Inc. based in the United States. Cabasag availed of free medical check-up and free medicines and vitamins. The mission is being conducted in coordination with the provincial government. It runs from May 29 to May 30 at the Capitol gym. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

La Union barangay officials visit Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - Thirty-one barangay officials from the Province of La Union pay a courtesy call to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon Wednesday, May 28. The barangay officials visited SOCSKSARGEN for their lakbay-aral and were delighted at what Sarangani has to offer. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon keynotes invention contest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 29, 2014) - In his keynote speech during the DOST - Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits, Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon emphasizes that a country which has an excellent science research technology base is more powerful than the others. He stressed that inventors and researchers play an important role in nation building. Gov. Solon said the government and other stakeholders will find ways to make sure that the student-researchers will get enough support. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits opens

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 29, 2014) - Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST XII; Engr. Edgar Garcia, director of Technology Application and Promotion Institute-DOST; Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon; and Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, chancellor of MSU-Gensan; lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the opening of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) Wednesday, May 28. The RICE is held pursuant to RA 7459, also known as the Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines, to encourage both professional and student inventors and researchers in pursuing the development of projects with applications that can provide significant contributions to the economy. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon signs commitment for children

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon signs the commitment wall supporting Plan International Inc., Resilience and Change for Children and Families in Mindanao (REACH) and the Department of Education-Sarangani Wednesday, May 28, at Capitol gym. Both parties agreed to join efforts and to maintain a close working relationship in order to achieve their mutual objectives of respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of the poor, excluded and marginalized children within the province. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Memorial on AIDS

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) – Marie Jess Ancheta, Senior Administrative Assistant III, lights candles during the International 2014 AIDS Candlelight Memorial at Municipal Hall on May 23. The event aims to SALE (Support, Advocate, Love and Educate) HIV victims thru lighting up candles with the theme “Let’s keep the light on HIV”. (Ruel Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

More teachers for quality education

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon extends his gratitude to the Department of Education-Sarangani in absorbing more teachers to render quality education Tuesday, May 27. Hundreds of newly-hired teachers attended the two-day orientation-training on teacher induction program at the Capitol gymnasium. Gov. Solon has innovated learning and teaching strategies through the QUEST2 internship program and the Sulong Karunungan component of the Sulong Sarangani Program, which focuses in the improvement and betterment of education in Sarangani. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

New barangay site inspected

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) – Barangay Captain Wilfredo Suizo of Barangay Ladol and his barangay council members meet up with Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon on May 23 about the former’s request of a barangay site for Barangay Ladol. Gov. Solon and some provincial department heads and engineers conducted an ocular inspection near the coastal area where the proposed barangay site may rise. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

PDRRMC adopts P3 million projects

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon presides over the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) meeting Tuesday, May 27. Members of the council justified their respective project proposals that have impact on disaster risk reduction and management. The council adopted projects of the PEO, OPAG, PENRO and PSWDO amounting to over P3 million. ( Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PESO conducts anti-illegal recruitment drive

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) – Ed Ryan Lequillo of Kiamba Public Employment Service Office (PESO) talks on anti-illegal recruitment and skills registry system at Barangay Lomuyon on May 22.  (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Sarangani partners with Plan International

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) - Isagani dela Cruz, schools division superintendent, signs the Memorandum of Understanding between Plan International Inc., Resilience and Change for Children and Families in Mindanao (REACH) and Department of Education-Sarangani Wednesday, May 28, at the Capitol gym. Both parties agreed to join efforts and to maintain a close working relationship in order to achieve their mutual objectives of respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of the poor, excluded and marginalized children within the province of Sarangani. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sulong Sarangani validates barangay needs

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 29, 2014) – A Sulong Sarangani validation team confers with residents of barangay Maligang on May 20. Sulong Sarangani Program, a flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, has its Sulong Kalusugan pillar which aims to uplift and improve the lives of the indigenous people. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani retirees receive “pabaon”

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 23, 2014)- Sarangani Province Employees Union (SPEU) president Anacleto “Bobby’ Saya-ang gives checks amounting to P97,500 to each of the three members of the SPEU who are retirees for the month of April and May during the Capitol flag raising ceremony on May 19. The “pabaon” was as part of Collective Negotiation Agreement between SPEU and the management of Sarangani province. The retirees are Alejandro Magallona (2nd from left), an Administrative Aide III from the Provincial General Services Office and is a member of the SPEU since 2005 (9 years), Lilia Hombrog of Kiamba District Hospital (10 years member of SPEU) and Rodolfo Lubaton, Administrative Aide IV from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (11 years member of the SPEU). They also received 50% of their total contribution. (Alma Caminade-Gabuat for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cavite mayors tour Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 23, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon welcomes Cavite mayors with delicious local delicacies and presents some interesting facts about the province's treasures. The mayors who visited Sarangani for their Lakbay Aral were Enrico Alvare (Noveleta), Emilia Lourdes Poblete (Silang), Bienvenido Dimero (Indang), Herminio Lindo (Ternate), Virgilio Varias (Alfonzo), Reynaldo Rillo (Maragondon), Benjarde Villanueva (Amadeo), Danilo Bencito (Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo), and Edwin Sisante (Magallanes). They visited Sarangani’s finest destinations on May 20-21. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Ayala Land eyes Sarangani investment

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 23, 2014) - Ayala Land Corporation executives Aniceto Bisnar, Enrique Manuel, Apollo Tanco, Al Legaspi and Shirley Silva visit the shoreline of Gumasa cove Tuesday, May 20. They were impressed by Sarangani's rich culture, delicious delicacies, clean infrastructures & surroundings, and very hospitable accommodation. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon accompanied the group of Ayala Land Corp. in making an ocular inspection around Sarangani's tourism sites for potential business venture (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

I Love SarBay Fest

“I left my secrets in SarBay”

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) – In photo is writer Ian John M. Lagare who reportedly left his secrets at #sarbayfest2014. Lagare writes for the General Santos City Public Information Office. He supports the #ilovecleansarbay campaign as he prepares to join SarBay again next year with a promise not to leave nothing in Gumasa, Glan but his footprints in the white sand. (Photo by Russell Delvo of GENSAN CPIO for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

“I left my secrets in SarBay”

By Ian John M. Lagare

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) - Summer is nearly over. Most of us are already sighing, thinking that we are heading again to our regular routines--our busy days, perhaps. Good thing, I had a stop-over before going to that hectic, erratic destination.

#sarbayfest2014 is the name. And this is my escape from reality.

Located 55 km. away from General Santos City (my hometown), the silent, idyllic shores of Gumasa, Glan becomes the venue of SarBay --one of the biggest summer beach parties in the Philippines.

SarBay, before reaching its glory today, is just a miniscule idea of some humble people with ambitious dreams. The event was conceived in 2006, when Migs Dominguez was governor of Sarangani.

Formerly known as Sarangani Bay Festival, SarBay has its own travails to tell. Before becoming the prided summer party, SarBay has undergone a series of trials-and-errors: meeting expectations, branding contemplation, financial outsourcing, you name it. Certainly, the popularity of SarBay is no less than but because of hardwork, not by some of kind of fluke.

Years passed by, and SarBay has gained its momentum. Its rapport has been cunningly spreading from place to place thru traditional media, social media and word of mouth. We just woke up one day, realizing that SarBay is everbody’s rant already. 

And I'm not exaggerating things when I say that SarBay has gone international. Not anymore. Year by year, the increasing flow of foreign tourists going to the fest is ubiquitous. Nonetheless, SarBay is now a brand of an ideal summer getaway.

In 2013, the tourism council of Sarangani estimated that 75,000 people have gathered and partied in SarBay. And that's not a small figure. 

This year, together with some friends, I had my systems ready (importantly my liver) as we would experience again the ecstasy of SarBay. And yes, #sarbayfest2014 didn't disappointment me and 100,000 others.

Affixed in the resorts of Coco Beach, Rosal, and White Haven of Gumasa, #sarbayfest2014 truly has the specs of a spectacular beach party and summer adventure. Sexy curves of shores, flawless white sands, tantalizing blue waters--these are the perfect aesthetics why, indeed, SarBay is the royal crown of the South.

We arrived in Gumasa by evening already. By that time, crowds were already cheering as fine young men and women compete for the SarBay 2014's Bay Bodies search.

Nevertheless, we had to rest first as we were waiting for the most anticipated SarBay foam party sponsored by Smart Communications. As the search comes to an end, people were already gathering in the main event area, excited for the wild and wet party that was coming ahead.

I've seen familiar faces there—high school classmates, old flames, common friends--they were all there. And it was like SarBay has been the rendezvous of instant reunions for long separated souls.

The night has sunk in. The first beat came like an alarm--a fusion that invited all people that it is time to loosen themselves up in the wave of the party. 

Local performers and DJs from Magic 89.9 Manila dropped their high-class beats, creating a contagious rave to the crowd. The party is sure wild and wet, as thousands had been drenched already by the frothing foam machine.

The clock ticked past 12 midnight but the party has no sign of stopping. It is the early hours of the second day of #sarbayfest2014 but people were still wild and awake, like the night has became day. 

It was past 4am when the foam party ended, but nonetheless, people were asking for more. They have to call it a night, but certainly, SarBay was not over yet.

I had barely slept because I still have to witness at 6am the first SarBay Fest Triathlon for the Environment by the provincial government of Sarangani, co-sponsored by Smart Communications. Various teams coming from different places in Mindanao participated in the race, including our very own Tri-Generals.

The competition is a 51.1-km. race from Gumasa to Barangay Baliton, then back. A long stretch of swimming, cycling, and running tested the heart and endurance of the triathletes. One of the most known participants, Rhea Jamisola, a resident of GenSan and an employee of Sarangani Capitol, said that the course was really hard, but definitely exciting. She also thanked GenSan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera for supporting the Tri-Generals.

In the aftermath of the race, three outstanding competitors outlasted other participants. Peter Villocino, 24, (Team Davao Tri SOS); Junito Mahinay, 20, (Team Tagum Tri-Buddies); and Jimboy Limboran, 18, (Team Gensan Tri-Generals) were hailed as the first, second, and third winners, respectively.

But aside from the triathlon race, #sarbayfest2014 also hosted other simultaneous events such as the 2nd SarBay JetSki Competition, beach volleyball, sand sculpture, and Zumba sessions. And the #ilovecleansarbay clean-up drive.

Noticeably, #sarbayfest2014 has complete amenities for everyone's comfort. Portalets, food court, strong Wi-fi connection (for selfies, of course), and a tent city that provided a suitable resting place for the thousands of visitors. Police visibility was also present there to remind us that while we are in SarBay, we are safe.

Night came again and we all know that SarBay is nearing its closure. Luckily, the festival knows how to say goodbye properly--a rock solid goodbye. 

Before the start of the end, flashes of fireworks lit up the sky and waters of Gumasa. It was a 15-minute fireworks display that painted smiles on our faces. And oh, it was a prelude for something overwhelming to come.

Philippine's topnotch rock band Kamikazee took the stage of the last night of #sarbayfest2014, which had pumped everyone's vein into an all-out party. As the band gained the hype of the crowd, Jay, the lead vocalist, had one sulking word on his mouth:

"Bakit ngayon nyo lang kami inimbitahan?" 

Right after the concert by Kamikazee, local DJs continued to electrify the party as they played their finest beats. People still jammed, but many had disintegrated from the crowd and just enjoyed SarBay with friends and some new-found companies. Some went swimming and some just boozed their night away.

And as for me? Never mind. What happens in SarBay, stays in SarBay. I left my secrets in SarBay.

For those who have never been to SarBay, trust me when I tell you this: "You may have been to Boracay and Samal Island or other beaches, but you have never experienced Sarbay.”

Reality hits me back once again. But I'll make sure that I'll be setting my foot again to SarBay next year. (Ian John M. Lagare of GENSAN CPIO for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Waiting for #sarbayfest2014 sunset

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) – A barkada gathers along the shoreline to wait for the magnificent sunset during the last day of #sarbayfest2014 Saturday, May 17. Web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani officials join #sarbayfest2014

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon sits on the sand with Board Member Armand Guili and Board Member George Falgui during the bay bodies competition of #sarbayfest2014. Web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon and Michelle at #sarbayfest2014

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 16, 2014) - The ultimate and ever active couple -- Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Michelle Lopez Solon, regional tourism council chair -- witnesses the first night of #sarbayfest2014 on Friday, May 16. Web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Going to #sarbayfest2014

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) Beach-goers take a leisurely stroll towards the events area of #sarbayfest2014 on Saturday, May 17, as part of the more than 100,000 record crowd who attended the biggest beach party in the Philippines today. Web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

#sarbayfest2014 triathlon winners

GUMASA, Glan (May 20, 2014) - Triathlete and sports enthusiast Peter Villocino, 24, from team Davao SOS was declared as the champion for the first SarBay Fest Triathlon for the Environment #ilovecleansarbay, as he outlasted over a hundred participants during the entire course of the race. Following Villocino are Junito Mahinay, 20, from team Tagum Tri-Buddies; and Jimboy Limboran, 18, from team Gensan Tri-Generals. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

#sarbayfest2014 documentor

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 20, 2014) - Enjoying the summer fun at #sarbayfest2014, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon takes photos by the beach, documenting for himself the best ever beach party in Mindanao. Web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

LGU and locals clean #sarbayfest2014 beach, party zone

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2014) – After a madding crowd of some 100,000 ruled #sarbayfest2014 over the weekend, Gumasa is now reclaiming its usual serenity of a perfect hideaway.

Except for a little more housekeeping.

With the throng of people that almost doubled last year’s 70,000 record, litter would also likely multiply.

Now, #sarbayfest2014-goers are pegged at 120,000. This is based on the barangay’s partial head count according to Sherwin Hermoso, an official overseeing car parking.

According to Hermoso, some 1,150 vehicles and around 1,800 motorcycles were recorded in two days (May 16-17). This figure excluded cars parked outside the designated parking areas and in adjacent resorts which were also fully occupied.

Cars double parked at the highway as far as two to three kilometers away leading to #sarbayfest2014 main venue. Hermoso said the highway parking was not included in their monitoring list.

The increase is far more than the 10 to 15 percent increase targeted this year. Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC) accredited this to effective social marketing campaign and word of mouth.

Right now, the local government unit (LGU) and residents of barangay Gumasa are mobilized to do the #ilovecleansarbay beach clean-up. Garbage collectors of the LGU estimated heaps of plastics, bottles, styrofoam, paper and other food wastes to be more than a ton which they target to complete collecting today.

Regional and provincial tourism council president Michelle Solon announced right after the beach festival that they are “still in ‪#‎Sarbayfest cleaning mode.”

“We are not done yet. We never leave Gumasa unfinished. We love Sarangani Bay and we are committed to cleaning it. I would like to personally thank every Sarbayfest citizen who did their part...Who used our trash bins, who picked up garbage with us. We have high respect for you! We are taking notes on how to be better next year. And yep, toilets and portalets are on top of our checklist! Thank you for your support and love for Sarbay. Its going viral!!!,” Solon posted in her facebook account.

Every after SarBay, the provincial government does beach clean-up in coordination with Glan municipal environment and natural resources office and barangay Gumasa, but this is aside from the daily cleaners during the event, April Marie Rudes of STIPC said.

The main venue measures approximately six hectares that catered to around 300 tents, the concert area and a variety of food and novelty shops.

Rudes said organizers have “doubled preparation every year especially when it comes to garbage and portalets but the crowd gets bigger and bigger so there’s more to improve.”

To prepare for next year, she said “we will start calling our sponsors/partners for the fabrication of new and bigger trash bins and other garbage strategies to lessen the trash issues.”

“We also request our audience to be responsible with their waste as this is not just the work of the organizers but everybody,” she added.

While everybody else are cleaning, 7 year old Ivan Ganao among other group of children took the advantage of picking up empty plastic containers of softdrinks and mineral water.

Since Sunday (May 18) he already collected around 16 sacks of plastics. He said the amount he would be generating from his P7 a kilo hoard will be used to buy his school supplies for the opening of classes.

Brigida Smaso, 68, said #sarbayfest2014 is the biggest ever since. Aside from enjoying she also gets additional income by cleaning the venue. In regular days, she joins a group of female friends fishing (manginhas). She also dives to get sea urchins which are very salable with beachgoers.

The bay, she said, is a haven of healthy marine life from fish to corals and even clams which she enjoys every time she dives. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

#ilovecleansarbay campaign ongoing

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2014) – After the clean-up drive at the main venue of #sarbayfest2014, this is now the scene Monday morning, May 19, along the seashore area. Personnel of barangay Gumasa conducted the #ilovecleansarbay clean-up drive early morning. At least 100 persons, a garbage truck from the Municipality of Glan and dump trucks deployed by the provincial government are doing the job of cleaning following the biggest beach festival in the country on May 16-17. More than 100,000 revelers attended #sarbayfest2014 according to organizers. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Locals do #ilovecleansarbay

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2014) – Personnel of barangay Gumasa conduct a clean-up drive at the main venue of #sarbayfest2014 between Coco Beach and White Haven resorts Monday, May 19. Based on the initial record of the barangay, more than 100,000 people joined this year’s biggest beach festival in the Philippines on May 16-17. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Triathlon now #sarbayfest2014 event

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 17, 2014) – A participant seemingly enjoys the scenic Sarangani Bay while doing the 51.50 kilometer triathlon, the newest adventure sports introduced in #sarbayfest2014. Live web updates powered by SMART. (COCOY SEXCION for Sarangani Information Office)

#sarbayfest2014 launches challenging triathlon

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 17, 2014) – And there they race at the mass start Saturday, May 17, to test their true grit with the 51.5-km. #sarbayfest2014 triathlon designed by organizers as “new challenge.” While it is common for triathlons to be raced in flat roads, #sarbayfest2014’s swim-bike-run was more daring than Subic’s following the rough and hilly road system of Glan. Live web updates powered by SMART. (COCOY SEXCION for Sarangani Information Office)

#sarbayfest2014 citizens pack Gumasa

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 17, 2014) – Gumasa is packed with #sarbay2014 citizens walking aimlessly along sugary fine shores. Some are waiting for the jet ski race to begin as among the crowd-drawing beach sports every year. Live web updates powered by SMART. (COCOY SEXCION for Sarangani Information Office)

Zumba in Gumasa

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – As summer heats up, #sarbayfest2014 promotes physical fitness and awareness through its two-day Zumba exercise. Hundreds of SarBay goers joined the event to get their bodies and minds ready for the various parties and activities lined up during the entire course of the festival. (Ruel Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Yoga at #sarbayfest2014

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – Early morning of the second day of #sarbayfest2014 Saturday, May 17, a yoga session led by instructors from General Santos City took place with tourists who were into the exercise. Some of the participants are employees of Sarangani Provincial Capitol. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Summer’s biggest beach party

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – Right after the search for the Bay Bodies 2014 Friday, May 16, tourists and visitors from all over the country enjoy the foam party during #sarbayfest2014. The party, sponsored by Smart Communications, is considered as one of the biggest summer beach parties in the entire country. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Bay Bodies take center stage

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – Contestants of Bay Bodies spice up the first night of #sarbayfest2014 Friday, May 16, as they flaunt their fine faces and bodies. Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon awards Princess Nicole Bautista from Tacurong City as the Ms. Bay Body 2014, while Ichin Daclan of General Santos City bagged the title Mr. Bay Body 2014. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sand art at #sarbayfest2014

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – “Creativity” is another name for #sarbayfest2014 as many skillful hands and ingenious minds participate in the traditional Sand Sculpture Competition Friday, May 17. The Team Antigo bagged the first place, while Glan Padidu Team and AZAP Team ranked as 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Prizes for the winning entries are P10,000, P8,000, and P5,000. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Davao wins #sarbayfest2014 volleyball finals

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – Volleyball enthusiasts from different areas in Mindanao gather at #sarbayfest2014 for the open-invitational beach volleyball competition Saturday, May 17. The team from Davao was hailed as the champion as they outplayed the team from Koronadal City during the finals. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hard route tests triathletes in #sarbayfest2014

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GUMASA, Glan (May 17, 2014) – Triathletes flocked to #sarbayfest2014 to test their true grit with the 51.5-km. semi sandy hilly track, a design organizers described as “new challenge.”

While it is common for triathlons to be raced in flat roads, #sarbayfest2014’s swim-bike-run (SBR) was a bit more daring following the rough and hilly road system of Glan.

The run, event organizer Allan de Lima described, was a “river-run like race” because of the timely high tide.

Players had their sprint and Olympic run exactly at 6:30 in the morning in the beach line of historic Sarangani Bay, the venue of the biggest beach party in the Philippines every summer.

De Lima said they purposely followed the difficult trail design as Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon is also pushing Sarangani as a “tourism adventure” destination. “We put some variety of local play works here,” De Lima said.

The bike was a 10-km out and 10-km back race going to barangay Baliton of Glan from Gumasa.

“It’s a bit of an uphill bike,” de Lima said. He said #sarbayfest2014’s route is more challenging than Subic’s.

Twenty-four year old Peter Villocino from Davao City was the champion of the 51.5km triathlon while Junito Mahinay, 20, from Tagum, and Jimboy Limburan, 18, from General Santos City ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Among the 144 athletes who joined this triathlon is elite player Miguel Antonio Lopez who was named “Best Coach of the Year” during the 3rd Annual SBR Awards and did the latest North Face Ultra Trail from Baguio to Benguet who ranked 12th out of around 300 athletes.

The youngest #sarbayfest2014 triathlete is Keyson Galeos, 16, and the oldest is Boy Villar, 64, famously known as “Boy Powers” who biked from Davao City to CamSur during the half ironman triathlon in Camarines Sur. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Swim-Across-the-Bay opens #sarbayfest2014

SARANGANI BAY (May 17, 2014) - The Swim-Across-the-Bay Competition, Sarangani Bay Festival’s most grueling race, tests the strength and endurance of the 15-kilometer relay swimmers as #sarbayfest2014 opens Friday, May 16. The race started in Kamanga, Maasim and finished in Tango, Glan. The Dadiangas Torpedoes, a team of five swimmers and students of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, won the competition with a clocking of 3:36:46. Other winners are the first-timer Aqua Valley Gliders of Koronadal City (3:53:57) and the Kidapawan Team (4:00:46). The winners received P50,000, P35,000 and P25,000, respectively. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Foam party marks #sarbayfest2014 all-night-long fun

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 17, 2014) - #sarbayfest2014 foam party kicks off at Gumasa cove Friday night, May 16. The festival was attended by tens of thousands of visitors. #sarbayfest is celebrated every May, facilitated by the provincial government. Live web updates powered by SMART. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

All systems set for #sarbayfest2014

By JOY R. SEVILLA

GUMASA (May 15, 2014) – Personnel of the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC), organizer of Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival, said they are 99.9% ready for the biggest beach festival in Southern Philippines which kicks off May 16.

“Lahat ng nakakapunta sa venue, napapa-‘wow’ na. We are all set like 99.9% ready,” Taqna Sumajit of STIPC said in an interview.

Sumajit added they are even ready to respond to any challenge that may exist during the event.

She said they already coordinated with the security group to make sure that everyone, especially the visitors and tourists, will feel safe and secure.

It was learned that there are a total of 185 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be detailed in the venue during the whole duration of the festival (May 16 and 17), 80 members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and 150 barangay tanods who will also assist during the event.

“We also have medical and rescue teams, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and members from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),” she said, adding that the province has tied up with the municipality of Glan regarding the security matters.

Earlier, it was reported that STIPC targets 10 to 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals for this year’s SarBay celebration.

In 2013, there was a remarkable increase in the number of tourist arrivals from 52,000 in 2012 to 70,000 tourists in 2013.

The increase can be attributed to the better implementation of activities which people from all over the country look forward to every year.

Aside from sports and environmental activities such as Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Jet Ski Competition, Swim Across the Bay, Triathlon for the Environment, and others, SarBay is an avenue to continuously raise awareness in protecting and preserving the bay. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace and development in villages

MALUNGON, Sarangani (May 14, 2014) - "Your peace and order situation is our priority," Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon says to the residents of Barangay Lutay during the Sulong Sarangani orientation Tuesday, May 13. Barangay Lutay is one of the far-flung areas of Malungon where issues on peace and order, and farm-to-market roads are raised. Gov. Solon envisions that Sulong Sarangani project may help reduce these issues and take in development to their community. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ >Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

NAPC exec visits Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon welcomes Usec. Florencia Dorotan and party (National Anti-Poverty Commission) on Tuesday, May 13. Usec. Dorotan visited Sarangani for the dialogue on strengthening of the local committees on anti-trafficking and violence against women and children (LCAT-VAWC). Gov. Solon also presented his endeavors in the development of province's social welfare sector. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Good place for outdoor enthusiasts

MALUNGON, Sarangani (May 13, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon checks out a mountain range in Malungon Tuesday, May 13. The governor, along with Barangay Capt. Modesto Aban (right), trekked to one of the highest peaks in Malungon to have a much better view of the site. Gov. Solon stated this could be a good place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and mingle with culture as well as with Mother Nature. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ >Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Environmental awareness dialogue held

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 14, 2014) - For the awareness of everyone, John Heitz (standing), owner of a resort near the on-going construction of the coal-fired power plant in Maasim, addresses the environmental impacts of the construction of the power plant Tuesday, May 13. In the past week, Heitz, along with Chris Dearne, dove at the construction site of the power plant's pier and took pictures of damages on corals and artificial reef allegedly caused by the construction. Heitz pointed these out to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and eventually called up a meeting which was attended by provincial government executives, municipal mayors, Sarangani Energy Corporation, Protected Area Management Board, Engineering Equipment Inc., Provincial Environment and Natural Resources office and the local media. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

BM Martinez thanks Kiamba officials, employees for prayers

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 12, 2014) – Board Member Cornelio Martinez Jr. confers gratitude to LGU Kiamba officials and employees for their prayers and support while he was in New Bilibid Prison during the flag ceremony in front of Municipal Hall Monday, May 12. Board Member Martinez was acquitted of the case filed against him. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)