Tamadang Children

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 29, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon tells a story to the children of barangay Tamadang during the “child friendly space” activity conducted by Kapayapaan Kapatid Council during the Serbisyong Sarangan community outreach activity on June 24. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Haggai Community

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 29, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives his words of encouragement to the Haggai for Peace community participants during their three-day culture of peace and values formation training at barangay Tambilil.(Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay Health Worker

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 29, 2011) – A barangay Tamadang health worker checks a patient during the Serbisyong Sarangan community outreach activity in partnership with 73rd Infantry Battalion, 1002nd Brigade Medical Team, Philippine National Police Region 12, Provincial Health Office, Office of the Vice Governor, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, local government of barangay Tamdang and municipality of Kiamba.(Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message body1st SoCCSKSarGen business summit on July 28-31

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 28, 2011) - The Sarangani Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (SarCham) will host the 1st SoCCSKSarGen Business Summit on July 28-31 tagged as ‘“SoCCSKSarGen: Your Gem of Opportunity” Building Capacity Towards Harmonious Global Economic Partnership.’

Summit venue is the Babes Bar at the 2nd Floor of East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade in General Santos City.

“The 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Business Summit will highlight topics on tourism and trade during its one day plenary sessions,” said Cherrylin Marie Espinosa, SarCham president. “It aims to gather around 300 participants coming from the private and government sectors of Region XII and neighboring regions in Mindanao.”

The summit will also feature a trade fair, golf tournament, eco-tour, and jobs fair.

SoCCSKSarGen, which stands for the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City, is considered the “Door in the South” for domestic and international trade.

“We intend to promote more and new opportunities through this effort of hosting a collaborative business partnership activity on a peaceful ambiance here in the Southern part of the Philippines,” Espinosa said.

“Also, we endeavor to have a further access to the EU Market and other trading countries like the ASEAN in which the Philippines have bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements with,” she added.

Invited from the government sector are tourism and trade officers, and municipal and city councilors who are committee chairs of tourism and trade.

A minimum registration fee of P700 will be charged to each participant inclusive of meals, snacks and conference kit.

“For query or more information, you may contact our event coordinator Ms. MeAnne Lunasco at mobile number 0923-9355-778 or email address ann_lunasco@yahoo.com,” the SarCham president said. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

DTI to hold SME Negosyo Caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 28, 2011)- A Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Negosyo Caravan will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry XII on July 26-27 at the Provincial Gymnasium, Capitol Complex.

The objectives are to improve access of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to government and private sector services particularly to areas where the provision of business development services may be limited, and to increase awareness of micro, small and medium enterprises on business development services provided by the government and private sector entities.

Resource speakers from Manila who are experts in their respective fields will be brought to Region XII to conduct briefing, training and counseling sessions to promote entrepreneurship, improve access to credit and markets, and increase productivity and efficiency of micro, small and medium enterprises.

Topics covered will include: Basic Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Packaging and Labeling, How to Put Business On-line or E-Marketing, Productivity Improvement, and Credit Sourcing and Management.

Micro Small and Medium Enterprise information materials will also be provided to the participants during the event.

Expected to attend are Micro Finance Institutions, MSMEs, private stakeholders, businessmen and other interested participants from all over SOCCSKSARGEN area.

This activity is a component event of this year’s MSME development month celebration USWAG Sarangani. USWAG is slated July 6-31.

Interested individuals may contact the Department of Trade and Industry at telephone no. (083) 508-5277, (083) 508-2014, 0917-726-9361 or E-mail at sp@dti12.org or dti12_sp@yahoo.com. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Students join tree planting

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) – Students from Alabel Regional Science High School and members of the Junior Ecology Movement join the tree planting initiated by the provincial government of Sarangani through the Riverbank Rehabilitation Project to celebrate Philippine Environment Month at Maribulan village Monday, June 27. More than 600 hills of mahogany, acacia and langka were planted along the riverside participated in by employees of different agencies of the local government of Sarangani, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, barangay officials, and mountaineers. (Russell Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan, Parang sign sisterhood ties

Beverly C. Paoyon

GLAN, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) – Municipal mayors of Glan and Parang, Maguindanao signed on Monday (June 27) a sisterhood agreement to boost the Glan-Tahuna trade relations.

Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. said the “previous agreement with the Sangihe government of Tahuna, North Sulawesi, Republic of Indonesia for the importation and exportation of local products was temporarily cancelled” due to fuel funding problem.

Tahuna had subsidized the fuel needs of KM SUNLIA vessel’s every trip in transporting local products to Glan and going back to Indonesia until a proposal for a 50-50 percent fuel sharing was raised.

When Glan had an exploratory conference with Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay on March 24 and April 18 this year, a memorandum of understanding was conceptualized to consider the “possibility and feasibility of resuming the operations of the business venture.”

However, with the memorandum of understanding (MOU), new arrangements were added to the trading pact.

Instead of the 50-50 percent fuel sharing between Glan and Tahuna, Parang will shoulder half of Glan’s share but Parang will join the trade, making every voyage of KM SUNLIA call at the port of Parang to deliver and get local products for export.

“Upon the resumption of the operation, the Municipality of Parang undertakes to import products from Indonesia and will also export their local products to Indonesia,” the MOU said.

It was also stressed that “Glan will be the first and the last port of entry of the vessel,” from Tahuna to Glan, Glan to Parang, Parang to Glan, and Glan going back to Tahuna.

The provincial government of Sarangani would also subsidize “five (5) back and forth trips fuel subsidy” of Glan’s counterpart and leaving the rest subsidies for the municipal government of Glan to shoulder.

Governor Migs Dominguez commended Glan and Parang saying this as “a challenge to continuously pressure the private sector in looking south to our partners especially beyond our borders.”

“Let us not follow the example of Spratly Islands on their warfare on boundaries. What we are doing now is fighting over markets. We are fighting over markets so we can find ways and reasons and that we could tell that Glan and Tahuna will mutually benefit this trade,” Dominguez said.

It can be recalled that Glan also signed a sisterhood agreement with Indonesia’s Sangihe Regency on November 28, 2006 to promote and expand effective and mutual cooperation in the development of the two areas as part of the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT) activities.

JAGS-CT is a cluster of southern Philippine towns formed in 2003 in support to the Brunie-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Mayor Ibay said development in Parang is gradually taking off and with the MOU, he was hoping that this may “be the beginning of better opportunities” for both municipalities. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan, Parang sisterhood signing

GLAN, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) – Glan Mayor Victor James Yap (seated, center) and Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay (left) sign the memorandum of understanding for a sisterhood agreement between the Municipality of Glan and Municipality of Parang as conformed by Honorable Sukarsono (right), acting consul general of Indonesia, and Governor Migs Dominguez (extreme right, standing) Monday, June 27, in front of the municipal building. Standing as witnesses are (from left) trade and industry provincial director Nenita Barroso, Iranun Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Monina Macarongon, Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Cherrylin Marie Espinosa and Robert Yee, Glan Chamber of Commerce president. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message for the week

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez tells his department heads in his message for the week that “it is easier to influence your people if you have built up a good and strong relationship with them” during the flag raising ceremony Monday, June 27, in front of Capitol building. The governor also announced the designation of Jelyn Apura and Imelda Senobago as acting department head and acting assistant department head, respectively, of the Provincial Planning and Development Office. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Souvenir photo

GLAN, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) - Local officials of the municipality of Parang headed by Mayor Ibrahim Ibay (5th, right) pose for a souvenir photo with Governor Migs Dominguez (4th, right) after the signing of memorandum of understanding for a sisterhood agreement between the Municipality of Glan and Municipality of Parang, Maguindanao Monday, June 27. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Token of appreciation

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez awards a rice cooker as token of appreciation from Kalinaw Sarangani Unit to Lelibeth Ragedio, 32, a job order employee working as janitress for her exemplary performance in maintaining order and cleanliness in her area of assignment particularly at the training center of the Capitol Monday, June 27, during the flag raising ceremony. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Firearms inspection

GLAN, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) - Mayor Victor James Yap (2nd from left) and Governor Migs Dominguez inspect the firearms as police regional director PCSUPT Benjardi Mantele (extreme left) and Police Chief Inspector Jaime Tabucon look on during the presentation of 15 active bandits and former members of New People’s Army to media Monday, June 27, at the municipal hall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Surrenderees

GLAN, Sarangani (June 27, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez welcomes the 15 active bandits and former members of New People’s Army who voluntarily surrendered last June 21 to Mayor Victor James Yap (2nd right seated) and 1st Lt. Rolly Destura of the 73rd Infantry Battalion along with their high powered firearms as they are presented to media during a press conference Monday, June 27. Also in the panel are police regional director PCSUPT Benjardi Mantele, Major Romasanta of 73rd IB and police provincial director Florendo Quidilla. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

13 former NPAs get livelihood aid in Sarangani

By BEVERLY PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 24, 2011) - Thirteen former members of the New Peoples’ Army who voluntarily returned to the folds of the law early this year received on Wednesday (June 22) P50,000 each as livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The financial aid was awarded thru the provincial government of Sarangani as part of the Local Social Integration Program, a province-wide program which the Provincial Peace and Order Council with the support of OPAPP created in 2008 to provide immediate psychosocial, technical and financial assistance to armed groups and its members who would like to surrender to the government.

Governor Migs Dominguez told the former rebels (FR) that “the assistance is intended to start a livelihood project to ensure better future for their families.”

“I hope your children would not experience what you have gone through,” Dominguez told them.

“Karon nakita nako sa inyong mga mata ang paglaum,” Dominguez told the former rebels, and that as governor he always sought for reasons why people like them joined the rebel movement.

“It could be caused by lack of education and convincing promises” from insurgent groups, but in Sarangani, Dominguez said all they have to do is to work hard to survive and “there could be no longer reasons their children could not go to school and for them to remain in the hinterlands.”

“Nobody wanted war especially Filipinos fighting each other,” Dominguez said. However, the government would always be ready to respond if there were armed groups threatening peace and security.

Major William Rodriguez of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade appreciated the peace and development interventions of the provincial government as he admitted the military could not respond to insurgency alone without the help of the local government and the returnees themselves.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office reported 315 FRs from the municipalities of Glan, Malapatan, Alabel and Malungon since 2008 have been facilitated for debriefing and training. These individuals now have organized themselves into livelihood associations.

The office said the fund assistance is “a realization of the returnees’ individual aspirations.”

In the past, only P5,000 as emergency assistance were provided but starting this year, each surrenderee will receive P50,000 because OPAPP wanted to ensure the sustainability of the livelihood assistance.

For this batch, the group underwent a three-day training on agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping before OPAPP granted the aid.

Provincial social welfare officer Hermelo Latoja said immediately after the encashment of the fund assistance, his office will evaluate the FRs individually on the implementation and progress of the livelihood project they engaged in.

Some FRs were to engage in farming while another wanted to put up a welding shop. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Project background

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 22, 2011) - Buenaventura Solarte Jr., a community affairs officer II, briefs former rebels on the background of livelihood assistance project from the provincial government of Sarangani in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Wednesday, June 22, at the Capitol guest house. These 13 former combatant rebels completed a three-day agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping workshop conducted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Office of the Vice Governor as requisite for the provision of financial assistance amounting to P50,000 for each rebel returnee from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Livelihood assistance

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 22, 2011) - A recipient of livelihood assistance program of the provincial government in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process looks at his check and certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony on agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping Wednesday, June 22, at the Capitol guest house. 13 former combatant rebels completed a three-day agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping workshop conducted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Office of the Vice Governor as requisite for the provision of financial assistance amounting to P50,000 for each rebel returnee from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor’s message to rebel returnees

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 22, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez delivers a message of peace to former rebels during their graduation ceremony on agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping and turnover of checks amounting to P50,000 as livelihood assistance to each recipient from the provincial government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Wednesday, June 22, at the Capitol guest house as provincial social welfare officer Hermelo Latoja and Major William Rodriguez listen. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Distribution of checks and certificates of completion

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 22, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez hands out a check amounting to P50,000 and certificate of completion on agri-farming technologies and simple bookkeeping to one of the 13 former rebels who are recipients of livelihood project assistance from the provincial government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as Major William Rodriguez of the 1002nd Brigade and provincial social welfare officer Helmelo Latoja look on Wednesday, June 22, at the Capitol guest house. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani to cut red tape with SARPTAS

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 19, 2011) – The provincial government’s technological innovation in real property tax collection is seen to enhance efficiency and more effective revenue collection.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Unit under the Provincial Governor’s Office began the deployment of the Sarangani Automated Real Property Tax Assessment System (SARPTAS) on May 30 in Malungon and to the seven municipalities.

“Revenue generation is focal in local governance and its modernization through automation is very imperative in promoting efficiency and transparency,” Norbert Feria, ICT Unit head said.

“Under the administration of Governor Migs Dominguez, the Information and Communications Technology unit was built to specifically address the need for the government of Sarangani to be more efficient and transparent through the use of modern technology,” Feria said.

SARPTAS is a property of Sarangani provincial government as it was developed by its own solutions developers.

The total project cost for SARPTAS is P2.437-M. But Feria said the system can cost up to P89 million as quoted by private contractor.

In the memoranda of agreements signed by the municipal local chief executives and Governor Migs Dominguez, the province “will be providing one computer set to the second party (municipality), thru the Provincial Assessor’s Office (PASSO), to be used for the utilization of the said system”.

Further, ICT will also provide technical persons to educate and help the municipalities maintain the system.

Sarangani’s Real Property Tax System (RPTS) is a system that automates the transactional operations and records management of the assessor’s office.

The software covers the management of assessment records of properties and automates the generation of reports (e.g. tax declarations) as well as the collection process.

The goals and objectives of the system is to enhance and upgrade the Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA) through automation in order to enhance the efficiency on handling the transaction and management of records pertaining to tax assessment.

“What is most important about the electronic real property tax collection system is that the province can now have a clear layout of the taxable and the non-taxable lands in the province through its tax mapping software,” Feria said.

RPTS is a sequential process that proceeds logically from a tax mapping phase through property valuation and tax determination phases to final collection phase.

Development of the tax mapping software and data preparation of the tax mapping will be done from March to December this year.

“Accuracy and efficiency are the main factors that information technology could bring,” the project profile said.

In Alabel, a resolution supported the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the provincial and municipal governments during the turn-over ceremony on June 14. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fall in line

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez instructs students to fall in line as he treats them with ice cream during the graduation ceremony of the first batch of Maasim Technical-Vocational Competence Center class of 2011 Friday, June 17. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Graduation speaker

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez speaks before the first batch of graduates of Maasim Technical-Vocational Competence Center during their graduation ceremony Friday, June 17, at Mangelen Integrated School. Mostly out-of-school youth from Maasim, these 78 graduates are now National Competence II holders after passing the TESDA’s national competence assessment and examination and completing the required hours of training. This technical-vocational center that offers courses in plumbing, electrical installation and maintenance and shielded metal arc welding is a joint project of Sarangani Energy Corporation, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and TESDA Sarangani and General Santos City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Certificate of completion

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) – One of the first batch graduates of MTCC (Maasim Technical-Vocational Competence Center) receives his certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony Friday, June 17, at Mangelen Integrated School. Mostly out-of-school youth from Maasim, these 78 graduates are now National Competence II holders after passing the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) national competence assessment and examination and completing the required hours of training. This technical-vocational center that offers courses in plumbing, electrical installation and maintenance and shielded metal arc welding is a joint project of Sarangani Energy Corporation, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and TESDA Sarangani and General Santos City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MTCC Class of 2011

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) – Graduates of the MTCC Class of 2011 pose with their instructors, TESDA provincial director Maisalam Macarimbang, Sarangani Energy Corporation project assurance manager Joel Aton, and Mangelen Integrated School principal Corazon Gerotape Friday, June 17, after the graduation ceremony infront of MTCC school building. Mostly out-of-school youth from Maasim, these 78 graduates are now National Competence II holders after passing the TESDA’s national competence assessment and examination and completing the required hours of training. This technical-vocational center that offers courses in plumbing, electrical installation and maintenance and shielded metal arc welding is a joint project of Sarangani Energy Corporation, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and TESDA Sarangani and General Santos City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Energy Corporation project assurance manager

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) - Sarangani Energy Corporation project assurance manager Joel Aton with the graduates observe the graduation ceremony Friday, June 17. Mostly out-of-school youth from Maasim, these 78 graduates are now National Competence II holders after passing the TESDA’s national competence assessment and examination and completing the required hours of training. This technical-vocational center that offers courses in plumbing, electrical installation and maintenance and shielded metal arc welding is a joint project of Sarangani Energy Corporation, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and TESDA Sarangani and General Santos City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Woman electrician

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2011) - Geraldin Pantalita shows her certificate of completion for electrical installation and maintenance during the graduation ceremony Friday, June 17. Geraldin also received an electrician starting kit for being in the top three among all graduates from EIM (electrical installation and maintenance) course. Graduates were rated through their competence, attendance and working behavior. The Maasim Technical-Vocational Competence Center is a joint project of Sarangani Energy Corporation, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Sarangani and General Santos City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thanking the volunteers

MALUNGON, Sarangani (June 16, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon thanks volunteers from Reach International Healthcare and Training, Inc., for participating in the Serbisyong Sarangan Community Outreach at barangay Tamban Wednesday, June 15. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Serbisyong Sarangan

MALUNGON, Sarangani (June 16, 2011) – A volunteer from Reach International Healthcare and Training, Inc. checks the vital signs of a patient in barangay Tamban, during the Serbisyong Sarangan Community Outreach. The outreach served 179 patients for medical services and 19 patients for surgical services Wednesday, June 15. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PCSO ambulance

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 16, 2011) – (L-R) Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Board Member Arman Guili and Board Member Abdulracman Pangolima take a pose after testing one of the new ambulances for the seven municipalities of Sarangani during the turn over ceremony Wednesday, June 15. Congressman Manny Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

First aid training

MALUNGON, Sarangani (June 16, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) together with the members of Integrated Barangay Defense Force listen to the volunteers from Reach International Healthcare and Training, Inc., as they demonstrate the proper procedure of rescuing a person and applying first aid Wednesday, June 15 at Barangay Tamban. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

22 volunteers

MALUNGON, Sarangani (June 16, 2011) – 22 volunteers from Reach International Healthcare and Training, Inc. share their skills in serving the people of barangay Tamban during the Serbisyong Sarangan Community Outreach Wednesday, June 15. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rep. Pacquiao and Gov. Migs test ride PCSO ambulance

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez test ride one of the seven ambulances during the turn over to each municipality Wednesday, June 15, at the Capitol. Congressman Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ambulance vehicles from PCSO for Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Ambulances for the seven municipalities of Sarangani are parked at the Capitol ground before the turn over to each municipality Wednesday, June 15. Congressman Manny Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of thanks

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon expresses his thanks to Congressman Manny Pacquiao in his closing remarks Wednesday, June 15, during the turn over ceremony of seven ambulances for the seven municipalities of the province. Congressman Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of unity

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao delivers his message as he recognizes all efforts of government officials from the governor down to barangay councilors for working with him in one direction and that is for the benefit of the people of Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cargo ship finally pulled from Bacud Reef

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) – M/V Double Prosperity, the overseas bulk carrier stuck for more than five weeks at Bacud Reef in Kiamba town, was refloated early Wednesday (June 15) and was on her way to Davao City for emergency repairs, according to the Philippine Coast Guard(PCG).

Cdr. Roy Echeverria, General Santos City Coast Guard station deputy commander, disclosed that the vessel towed by tugboats of the salvor Malayan Towage Company was given certification to sail from Kiamba to Davao City where the vessel would dock until such time that the Special Board of Marine Inquiry (SBMI) hearings were done.

Echeverria, who also chairs the SBMI, has assured the provincial government that the PCG “will, in all our power, hold the vessel until they have settled with the province.”

“We will set SBMI hearing until such time that both experts have agreed (on the remuneration). Hence we have reason to technically hold the vessel by virtue of your complaint and later on, the written agreement,” Echeverria said in a text message to provincial legal officer Arnel Zapatos Wednesday.

“Papayagan lamang itong umalis kapag na settle ang lahat na accountabilities,” said Governor Migs Dominguez. “The damage is anywhere between 40-65 million pesos.”

Atty. Zapatos said the Protected Area Management Board led by the governor has already filed a Complaint In Intervention before the SBMI.

“In the Special Board of Marine Inquiry, we prayed that the boat will be retained by the Philippine Coast Guard under their authority being the investigative body and being mandated by law as one of the protectors of the environment,” Zapatos said.

“Just this morning the chairman of SBMI assured us that the boat will not be cleared to leave the country until and when the SBMI is done for the compromise agreement on the damage that will be submitted before the SBMI,” Zapatos said.

Bacud Reef, rammed on May 8 by the cargo ship twice the length of a football field, is one of the few sites in the Philippines where the endangered Mameng lives. There were only few sites in the Philippines that Mameng can be found including Tubbataha and fringing reefs in Palawan, making Bacud Reef a very important place for Mameng conservation.

Mameng or Napoleon wrasse is one of the most valuable fish in the international live reef food fish trade because of its taste and rarity that lead to its high demand and retail prices. In 2010, it was declared as an Endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened species.

Bacud is an offshore reef situated 7 km. from the shore and covers an area of approximately 141,466 m2. The area falls under NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System) through Presidential Proclamation Number 756 promulgated in 1996 encompassing the municipal waters of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum with a total area of 2,150 km2. In 2006, Bacud Reef was declared by the local government unit of Kiamba as restricted multiple-use area wherein only marginalized hook and line fishing is allowed. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Signing of Deed of Donation

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez along with the seven mayors sign the deed of donation during the turn over ceremony of ambulance vehicles to the seven municipalities of province Wednesday, June 15, at the Capitol lobby. Congressman Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photo ops

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 15, 2011) - Sarangani officials headed by Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez pose for a photo opportunity Wednesday, June 15, during the turn over ceremony of ambulances for the seven municipalities of the province. Congressman Pacquiao recently received seven brand new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office in exchange for his endorsement of the agency's charity programs. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Public market

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 14, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez buys vegetables at the Alabel mega market after its opening Monday, June 13. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dominguez, Pacquiao open Alabel mega market

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 14, 2011) – (L-R) Governor Migs Dominguez, Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Corazon Grafilo check vegetables at the wet section of Alabel mega market after its formal opening Monday, June 13. The P30-million building has 68 stalls with a food court and sits at the heart of Alabel’s sprawling public market complex. Alabel is the capital town of Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SARPTAS Alabel deployment

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 14, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez (center), Mayor Corazon Grafilo (2nd from left), and Vice Mayor Vic Paul Salarda (2nd from right) sign the memorandum of agreement on the deployment of SARPTAS (Sarangani Real Property Tax System) for Alabel Monday, June 13, infront of the municipal building after the flag raising ceremony as they are joined by municipal officials. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pacman teams up with the Alcantara Group to help revive Luzon Bangus stocks

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 13, 2011) – Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Alex Alcantara, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation executive vice president, look over Sarangani Prime Bangus products Monday, June 13, as Sarangani prepares to ship five million Bangus (Milkfish) fry to replenish Bangus stocks to Pangasinan and other areas in Luzon that were severely depleted by the recent fish kill phenomenon. Governor Migs Dominguez and Congressman Pacquiao are sending Bangus fry provided by Finfish Hatcheries based in Malapatan, Sarangani. Finfish Hatcheries along with Alsons Aquaculture Corporation form part of the aquaculture business unit of the Alcantara Group- the single biggest producer and processor of milkfish in the Philippines today- providing half of the country's bangus fry requirement. The Sarangani Bangus fry are expected to reach their intended beneficiaries within the next few days. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao, Sarangani Governor join hands with the Alcantara Group to help replenish Luzon Bangus stocks

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 13, 2011) – Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation executive vice president Alex Alcantara (left) and Governor Migs Dominguez inspect Monday, June 13, part of the five million Bangus (Milkfish) fry to replenish Bangus stocks in Pangasinan and other areas in Luzon that were severely depleted by the recent fish kill. Governor Dominguez and Congressman Pacquiao are sending Bangus fry provided by Finfish Hatcheries based in Malapatan, Sarangani. Finfish Hatcheries along with Alsons Aquaculture Corporation form part of the aquaculture business unit of the Alcantara Group- the single biggest producer and processor of milkfish in the Philippines today- providing half of the country's bangus fry requirement. The two officials and the Alcantara Group will make sure that the packed fry are promptly transported to Luzon where they can arrive just in time to restock the Bangus population and help revive the milkfish industry in Pangasinan and other affected areas. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

NFA rice sold at Diskwento Caravan.

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - NFA rice is among the basic goods sold at DTI’s Diskwento Caravan for P27 per kilo. Other products sold at the caravan installed inside the municipal gymnasium Friday, June 10, are school supplies, school uniforms, bread, medicines, processed food products and other basic commodities at discounted prices. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Diskwento Caravan in Alabel

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Customers queue up to pay for their items purchased at Diskwento Caravan set up by the Department of Trade and Industry provincial office in coordination with the municipal government of Alabel Friday, June 10, at the municipal gym. Diskwento Caravan intends to bring to consumers basic and prime commodities at reduced prices. Participating suppliers are Gaisano Mall Of Gensan, Starbright, San Miguel Corporation-food division, JP Medicine Inc., National Food Authority, Salinas Food Inc., Julie’s Bakeshop and Association of Sarangani Quality Producers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Capitol employees celebrate Independence Day

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Capitol employees gather infront of the Capitol building Friday, June 10, for the advance celebration of the 113th year of Philippine Independence which will be on June 12 with this year’s theme “Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan”. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Flag raising for Independence Day

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Provincial security personnel stand guard before the raising of the Philippine flag Friday, June 10, as Capitol employees and officials celebrate the 113th year of Philippine Independence which will be on the 12th of June. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Independence Day floral offering

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Sanggunian Panlalawigan secretary Jose Villanueva with the rest of department heads offer flowers Friday, June 10, as Capitol employees and officials celebrate the 113th year of Philippine Independence which will be on the 12th of June. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Independence Day inspirational message

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Board Member Eugene Alzate delivers an inspirational message before Capitol employees during the 113th Independence Day advance celebration Friday, June 10, at the Capitol. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Independence day message

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) - Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias delivers his Independence Day message as Capitol employees and officials celebrate the 113th year of Philippine Independence in advance Friday, June 10, at the Capitol. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

DTI Provincial Director

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) – Engr. Nenita Barroso (right), provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shows the school supplies displayed in DTI’s Diskwento Caravan at Alabel Gym Friday, June 10. The DTI’s Diskwento Caravan is in partnership with establishments from General Santos City which offer price discounts of at least 10 percent. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Diskwento Caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) – A shopper gets tips from a sales clerk of Gaisano Mall of Gensan as she takes advantage of buying discounted school supplies Friday, June 10, at Alabel Gym during the Department of Trade and Industry’s Diskwento Caravan dubbed as “Presyong Panalo Para Sa Mamayang Pilipino”. The caravan offers at least 10 percent discount for all items sold in partnerships with establishments from General Santos City. The DTI’s Diskwento Caravan is scheduled next in Malapatan on June 21 in line with their 6th Pakaradyan Festival and 42nd foundation anniversary. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Coffee farmers

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 10, 2011) – Staff members of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon under the Strengthening Technological Advancement for Reforms (STAR) project turn over coffee seedlings and coffee planting materials to farmers of Maitum during a meeting at barangay Zion. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MV Double Prosperity perils endangered species

By SERAFIN N. RAMOS JR.

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 9, 2011) - Bacud Reef, rammed by overseas bulk carrier MV Double Prosperity that has since been stuck there since May 8, is one of the few sites in the Philippines where the endangered Mameng lives.

Also, the present status of the density and fish biomass of reef fishes in Bacud Reef is comparable with Tubbataha Reefs.

“The initial assessment data conducted in May 2011 for Bacud Reef showed an estimated fish biomass of 81mt/km2,” according to a research paper by Cleto L. Nañola Jr. of the University of the Philippines and Rina Maria P. Rosales of the Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc.

“Moreover, the reef areas in Kiamba are one of the few sites in the Philippines where Mameng (Napoleon wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus) was sighted. This species was also seen in Bacud Reef during the rapid assessment conducted in May 2011. Napoleon wrasse is one of the most valuable fish in the international live reef food fish trade because of its taste and rarity that lead to its high demand and retail prices. In 2010, it was declared as an Endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened species,” the researchers said.

Furthermore, there were only few sites in the Philippines that Mameng can be found including Tubbataha and fringing reefs in Palawan, Nañola bared in another paper. This makes the area a very important place for Mameng conservation. At present Sarangani including Kiamba had been identified as one of the priority area for Mameng conservation.

Nañola said the estimated fish biomass of 81.66 mt/km2 in Bacud Reef falls under “very high category” (fish biomass greater than 41 mt/km2) based from the current classification of reef fish biomass for the country.

“Compared to other offshore reefs, this estimate is already very high and comparable with the 2009 fish data in Tubbataha. However, the recent average fish biomass data for Tubbataha in 2010 had jumped to 109 mt/km2,” Nañola said. “Tubbataha is by far had the greatest fish biomass estimates in the country topped by the piscivores.”

According to www.tubbatahareef.org, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life. Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.

Bacud is an offshore reef situated 7 km. from the shore and covers an area of approximately 141,466 m2. The area falls under NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System) through Presidential Proclamation Number 756 promulgated in 1996 encompassing the municipal waters of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum with a total area of 2,150 km2. In 2006, Bacud Reef was declared by the local government unit of Kiamba as restricted multiple-use area wherein only marginalized hook and line fishing is allowed.

MV Double Prosperity, which is twice the length of a football field, is precariously aground in Bacud Reef right now.

A total of 145 species belonging to 29 families of reef fishes were observed in Bacud Reef. Sixty one species were commercially important or target species dominated by the surgeonfishes (13 species), wrasses (10), triggerfishes (7 species), goatfishes (4 species), parrotfishes (4 species), snappers (3 species) and others. Nine indicators species were recorded represented mostly by the corallivores. Interestingly, a total of 22 species of butterflyfishes was observed considering the reef area is relatively small and offshore, according to Nañola.

At present, Sarangani falls in one of the biogeographic regions (Celebes Sea) in the country where reef fish diversity is high, according to Nañola and Rosales.

A damaged reef takes time to recover and is highly dependent on various factors that are detrimental to its recovery such as siltation, nutrient input, crown of thorn infestation, physical state of conditions, and its current state as either overfished or not.

Nañola and Rosales said reefs with some coral fragments surviving after the damage may take 10 years to recover. But for severely damaged reefs, it may take more than 20 years to recover. In some models, effects of coral damage on fish abundance may take 3 to 10 years to be noticed. In some of the long term monitoring reports of reefs in the Philippines, it was observed that reef recovery may take 9 to 18 years before reef fish biomass will attain a “pristine state”. (Serafin N. Ramos Jr./SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani asks Coast Guard to hold cargo ship

By SERAFIN N. RAMOS JR.

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 9, 2011) - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has a duty to hold MV Double Prosperity, the foreign bulk carrier stuck at Bacud Reef in Kiamba since May 8, until an acceptable settlement is paid or reached, Sarangani’s provincial legal officer said today.

Atty. Arnel Zapatos has submitted the “Complaint in Intervention” of Governor Migs Dominguez, vice chairperson of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape-Protected Area Management Board (SBPS-PAMB), to the Special Board of Marine Inquiry (SBMI) which heard the case in Davao City on June 6-7.

The Board of Marine Inquiry is the investigating body of the PCG.

“SBMI should impose sanctions to the vessel and to continue to hold custody of the vessel withholding certifications of her seaworthiness pending the non-settlement of SBPS-PAMB’s claim for the damaged reef,” said the governor as complainant-intervenor.

Zapatos disclosed that during the SBMI inquiry, the crew of MV Double Prosperity admitted that the captain permitted the ship to go near the shore despite knowledge that Bacud Reef exists in their navigational map, in order to get cell phone signals.

“The Third Mate admitted that he was the one maneuvering the ship when it went aground and he miscalculated her turn, causing (MV Double Prosperity) to hit the reef. They were running at 13 knots when it hit the reef in a complete stop. He was aware that they were allowed to go nearer the shore at five miles,” Zapatos said. “The watchman admitted that he saw fishermen, and fishes indicating that they were near the shore and near the reef because there were fish sightings.”

With all the admissions, the PAMB of Sarangani submitted its “Complaint in Intervention” on the grounds of negligence, damage to the reef in a protected area, and anchored on the PCG’s duty to hold the ship until an acceptable settlement is paid or reached.

“Our PAMB did not only claim the negligence of the ship and its owners for being solidary in nature, also, it prayed that the PCG has a duty to protect the environment,” Zapatos pointed out. “This duty is explained in the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) case of December 2008 where the SC (Supreme Court) said that the statutory mandates of PCG, among other government entities, to protect the environment is a ministerial duty demandable by mandamus, for them to perform.”

“It is our submission,” Zapatos said, “that PCG should hold the ship for as long as it does not settle or pay their obligations because the ship caused damage to our environment; the PCG’s authority to hold it is ministerial duty because the ship is the instrument of the violation of law.”

The PCG is likewise mandated to suspend the travel documents and the certificates of the crew and ship, according to the legal officer. The PCG can even fine and rule on the physical damage that was caused by the ship to the detriment of the environment.

“On June 6, we have already demanded a security bond from the owners of the ship in order to ensure that there is that corresponding amount ready to pay us or settle our claims – no response as to this,” Zapatos said.

The demand was made as Zapatos deplored the salvor’s “slow operations”.

“Their next date of attempt to refloat the ship is on June 15. The deadline for the issuance of the security bond will also be on June 15,” Zapatos said.

At Bacud Reef, MV Double Prosperity continues to unload her cargo of coal to a barge, according to Carmelo Velasco, municipal planning officer.

“Many old fisherfolk are trying to extend help to cast away bad spirits thru prayers and material offerings,” Velasco said. “That’s according to their beliefs. You can’t pull the vessel unless you offer.”

A situation report dated June 3 by CDR. Roy Echeverria, acting station commander of Coast Guard Station Gensan, stated that the salvor attempted to refloat MV Double Prosperity that day “with negative result.”

Echeverria also said in a June 7 report that “no oil leaks and no security threat (were) observed.” An officer and five PCG personnel on board the cargo ship were all accounted for. (Serafin N. Ramos Jr./SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice chairman of committee on peace and order

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 8, 2011) - Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias, vice chairman of committee on peace and order and public safety at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, stresses that each and everyone should work as one in attaining sustainable peace during the joint meeting of Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Local and International Monitoring Teams, Armed Forces of Philippines, Philippine National Police and Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities Wednesday, June 8, at Kasfala Hall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

International Monitoring Team

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 8, 2011) - Col. Ab Asiz bin Abdullah stresses a point during the joint meeting of Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Local and International Monitoring Teams, Armed Forces of Philippines, Philippine National Police and Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities Wednesday, June 8, at Kasfala Hall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Armed Forces representative

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 8, 2011) - LTC. Adolfo Espuelas, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, briefs participants on the current peace and order situation in his battalion’s area of responsibility during the joint meeting of Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Local and International Monitoring Teams, Armed Forces of Philippines, Philippine National Police and Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities Wednesday, June 8, at Kasfala Hall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turn over of symbolic key

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 6, 2011) - Leo Sasam, chairperson of barangay sub-project management committee, turns over the symbolic key to Barangay Captain Elizar Sapocado Sr. as Deputy Governor Aniceto Lopez Jr. and Municipal Councilor Geofray Carnalna look on during the turn over ceremony of a three-classroom school building for Malbang Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)