Groundbreaking of Sarangani Medical Center

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2011) - (L-R) Governor Migs Dominguez, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Steve Solon, Health Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego and Sarangani League of Municipalities president Mayor Reynaldo Constantino lay the capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony of Sarangani Medical Center (SMC) Monday, August 1, at the Provincial Capitol grounds. SMC, a state of the art hospital, will be the first tertiary level hospital in SOCCSKSARGEN region. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rep. Manny Pacquiao

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2011) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao expresses his thanks to Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon for their support in the realization of the establishment of the first-ever tertiary state-of-the-art hospital in the SOCCSKSARGEN region as he delivers his inspirational message during the groundbreaking ceremony of Sarangani Medical Center Monday, August 1, at the Provincial Capitol grounds. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Go Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2011) - Provincial officials headed by Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Health Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego, municipal officials, visitors and guests do a thumbs up sign in a photo call before the Sarangani Medical Center billboard during its groundbreaking ceremony Monday, August 1, at the Provincial Capitol grounds. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of the guest speaker

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2011) - “With that facility now available in the region and in Mindanao, we can serve those people who die because they don’t have other place to go or they can’t afford private institutions,” Department of Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Romulo Busuego tells guests and provincial, municipal and barangay officials. Busuego was the guest speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony of Sarangani Medical Center (SMC) Monday, August 1, at the Provincial Capitol grounds. SMC, a state of the art hospital, will be the first tertiary level hospital in SOCCSKSARGEN region. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rationale and welcome remarks

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2011) - “As we discussed the project with all stakeholders with other health partners, we were able to come up with the first PPP (Public Private Partnership) arrangement where the province together with Congressman will fund the development of the Sarangani Medical Center. It will be initially a 100-bed facility complete with beds, equipment and all necessary requirements to run a facility,” Governor Migs Dominguez says as he gives the rationale and welcome remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of Sarangani Medical Center Monday, August 1, at the Provincial Capitol grounds. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Medical Center

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Sarangani Medical Center on Monday (August 1) will be led by Governor Migs Dominguez and Congressman Manny Pacquiao at the Capitol grounds, with Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego of the Department of Health. The establishment and running of the 200-bed tertiary facility will be made possible through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and is being undertaken under the auspices of the DBP’s Credit for Better Health Care Program. The design of the medical center is the assistance of the United Architects of the Philippines in support of the PPP program.

Sarangani Medical Center groundbreaking on August 1

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 31, 2011) – Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez will lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sarangani Medical Center on Monday (August 1) at the Capitol grounds, with Department of Health Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego as guest of honor.

The hospital project is being undertaken under the auspices of the DBP’s Credit for Better Health Care Program, according to a project brief.

The establishment and running of the hospital will be made possible through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements – well in-keeping with a policy cornerstone of President Aquino.

The conception of and eventual construction and operation of the new hospital is the result of unparalleled initiative and cooperation at all levels of government. Thus, the hospital project is fully endorsed and supported both by Governor Dominguez, as well as Congressman Pacquiao.

The new 200-bed tertiary facility is slated not only to be the first such hospital in the province, but also be the premier medical center for the entire SOCCSKSARGEN region.

Envisioned as a turn-key project, the state-of-the-art hospital is expected to remain highly accessible and, by relying on private sector management acumen, also provide appropriate care efficiently to all patients-in-need.

In particular, better medical management can be provided for sick children, complicated obstetric cases, and other patients with dire illnesses – thereby contributing to the DOH‘s and the country’s commitment to addressing key U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The bringing together of the concerned government and private parties, in particular, is the culmination of a series of extensive consultations made possible by the program. It is hoped that the Sarangani Medical Center will be the first of many PPP engagements that will effectively address the urgent deficiencies of the country’s health sector. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Philippine Flag

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 30, 2011) – Sarangani school heads and members of the Philippine National Police in a boy scout uniform pay respect to the Philippine Flag during the worn out flag disposal ceremony and boy scout refresher course training for school heads and Philippine National Police Friday, July 29. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Panunumpa sa Katapatan ng Watawat

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 30, 2011) – General Santos City PNP Director P/Senior Supt. Cedric Train (left) recites the Panunumpa sa Katapatan ng Watawat together with Bro. Marlon Loi Antonio (right), a member of the National Training Team of Boys Scouts of the Philippines, and Department of Education staff as part of the program in giving honor to the Philippine Flag during the six-day refresher course in scouting for school heads and members of the Philippine National Police for the upcoming jamboree in the province. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

National Science High School

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 30, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon greets students and members of girl scouts and boys scouts of the Philippines from Alabel National Science High School to witness the ceremonial disposal of worn out flags Friday, July 29. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Ashes of the Flag

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 30, 2011) – General Santos City PNP Director P/Senior Supt. Cedric Train (right) and Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Allan Farnazo (left), together with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd right) and Rebecca Gregorio (2nd left), Education Supervisor in Filipino, lead the securing of ashes to be placed in a jar and buried after the burning of the damaged flags during the worn out flag disposal ceremony Friday, July 29, at Department of Education compound. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Values formation seminar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks to the residents and participants of Haggai for Peace Project in a values formation and culture of peace seminar at barangay Spring Friday, July 29. Vice Governor Solon called for peace and unity in the community for the progress and development of the barangay and its people. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farmers field school

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his message to the corn farmers from the disparity barangays of Domolok, Datal Anggas, Paraiso, Alegria and Pag-asa during the graduation ceremony of Farmer Field School at barangay Poblacion Friday, July 29. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao distributes cash to SEA-K members

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao assists DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman in the distribution of cash to SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran ) program beneficiaries at the launching of “Kaya ng Pinoy Tumawid sa Kaunlaran” - Congressman Manny Pacquiao Endorser of DSWD’s Convergence Program Thursday, July 28, at the municipal ground stage. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Singcoy with Congresswoman Carol Lopez

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) - Mayor Alfonso Singcoy with YACAP partylist Rep. Carol Lopez at the launching of “Kaya ng Pinoy Tumawid sa Kaunlaran” - Congressman Manny Pacquiao Endorser of DSWD’s Convergence Program Thursday, July 28, at the municipal ground stage. (MALAPATAN INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOA signing

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) - DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and Congressman Manny Pacquiao sign the Memorandum of Agreement as the latter becomes the official endorser of DSWD’s Convergence Program. Governor Migs Dominguez and his mayors stand as witnesses Thursday, July 28, at the municipal ground stage. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Opening program

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 29, 2011) – (L-R) Alabel town Mayor Corazon Grafilo, Governor Migs Dominguez, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, host Mayor Alfonso Singcoy, DSWD Region 12 director Bai Zorahayda Taha, Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett and Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro sing the Philippine National Anthem to open the “Kaya ng Pinoy Tumawid sa Kaunlaran” - Congressman Manny Pacquiao Endorser of DSWD’s Convergence Program Thursday, July 28, at the municipal ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Migs Dominguez

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2011) - “The role of government is to ensure that we have built the right environment where business and your investments will prosper,” Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez tells participants of the 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Business Summit Thursday, July 28, at Phela Grande Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gensan City Mayor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2011) - Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio delivers her message of support during the 1st SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato-Cotabato City-Cotabato Province-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos City) Business Summit Thursday, July 28, at Phela Grande Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Business Summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2011) - Cherrylin Marie Espinosa (2nd left), Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president; is assisted by Ross Wherry (2nd from right), chief of party of USAID GEM program; and Dan Zambrano (7th left), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry regional governor, in cutting the ribbon to formally open the region’s trade exhibit Thursday, July 28, in celebration of the 1st SOCCSKSARGEN Business Summit at Gaisano Mall atrium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Region 12 SMEs hold caravan with DTI Secretary

By BEVERLY PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) - Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo lauded Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for their significant contribution to the economy as hundreds of SMEs, micro finance institutions, and businessmen from all over SOCCSKSARGEN area joined him Wednesday (July 27) at the country’s 13th SME caravan held at the Capitol gymnasium.

Domingo said the SME caravan was designed to “encourage the growth of SMEs.”

Domingo credited SMEs for significantly contributing to the economy of the Philippines as he reported that 99.6 percent of the total business sector nationwide were SMEs. SMEs, he said, also generated employment to more than 60 percent of the manpower resources.

The Secretary said that free-trade agreement would challenge Philippine products to “compete with imported” goods and this is an opportunity for SMEs to improve their products to be at a “right quality at a right price.”

The caravan, he said, was DTI’s first level intervention to help interested individuals to engage in business. While another specialized intervention was for those who already have improved their business capacity like packaging and financing.

“Every economy should not be dominated by only one product. There should be diversified resources,” Domingo stressed. He cited the current situation of the tuna industry which has slowed down.

The caravan was aimed at “improving 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,” said Engr. Nenita Barroso, DTI provincial director.



This caravan, conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry XII, is part of the month-long celebration of the business month here dubbed as “Pinoy SME, Business Tayo!” (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Advance training for boy scouts

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives his inspirational message to the teachers who attended the wood badge advance training for boys and girls scouts at the Department of Education office. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Barangay anniversary

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon calls for peace and unity among residents of barangay Tuyan in his message during the 62nd foundation anniversary of the barangay Wednesday, July 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

With Vice Mayor Nograles

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) – Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles of General Santos City (left) is assisted by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon as she arrives at Capitol gym for the Regional SME (Small-Medium Enterprise) and Diskwento Caravan Wednesday, July 27, with this year’s theme “Pinoy SME, Business Tayo” with guest of honor DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

DTI Seceretary Domingo

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) - Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) and Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit (left) welcome Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo (center) to the Regional SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) and Diskwento Caravan at the Capitol gym Wednesday, July 27. The activity was attended by entrepreneurs from nearby cities and provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN area. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Diskwento Caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) - Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon checks the products display at the Diskwento Caravan booth during the Region 12 Small and Medium Enterprise showcase and negosyo caravan at Capitol gym Wednesday, July 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Caravan for a cause

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) – Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo expresses optimism that small business enterprises be raised up to 60% in growth before the end of 2011, as he points out the importance of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) amid DTI’s Negosyo Caravan promo in Alabel Wednesday, July 27. (Isagani Palma/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Negosyo caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2011) – Secretary Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges locals Wednesday, July 27, to invest more in various small-scale business enterprises in a bid to uplift the economy specifically along the countryside during DTI's small and medium enterprise ‘negosyo’ caravan in Alabel. Also in photo are Vice Gov. Steve Solon and Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo. (Isagani Palma/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial Health Summit seeks bigger health budget

By COCOY SEXCION

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2011) - In a bid to improve and expand its health services, the Provincial Government of Sarangani called all municipal mayors and municipal health and planning officers to a workshop Wednesday (July 27) to set health as priority in delivery of basic services.

The provincial health office, in partnership with Department of Health and the United States Agency for International Development, organized the 1st Provincial Health Summit at Sarangani Highlands Resort.

The two-day workshop was also participated in by provincial officials and non-government organization (NGO) partners.

Day-one sessions focused on the creation of vision on health and identifying the hindrances and the challenges in the realization of the vision. Second day sessions are action planning and the consolidation of commitments among participants.

In his opening statement, Governor Migs Dominguez told participants about how municipalities should set bigger counterpart funds for health next year up to 2013.

“It was agreed with the Honorable Congressman Manny Pacquiao that his PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) will be counterparted just like in KALAHI. 70 percent, 20 percent from the province and 10 percent from the municipality,” he said.

“And the guidelines of this will really be based on the MDG (Millennium Development Goals) and I think after this session, you will realize among yourselves that the projects that need to be funded may actually be in health care,” the governor said.

“If you think health is expensive, what more of a child that has been left behind. And as I always tell you, as long as a single child is left behind, we should not all stop in looking for solutions,” Dominguez concluded.

Session topics and their speakers were: Universal health care towards attainment of Millennium Development Goals by Dr. Abdullah Dumama, regional health director; Updates on MNCHN by Prof. Alejandro Nerrin, chief of party of HealthGov USAID; Sustainable mechanisms in TB Prevention and Control Program by Dr. Dolores Castillo, chief of party of TBLINC USAID;

Best practices in achieving Millennium Development Goals for health through municipal government initiatives by Dr. Junie Basmillo, Maitum health officer on the operationalization of a birthing home facility; Dr. Rafaida Hernandez, Malungon health officer on mobilizing communities through Lingap sa Barangay;

Getting commitments to move forward by Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Solon, Mayor Reynaldo Constantino for the league of municipalities, Dr. Vivien Yap for the league of vice mayors, Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz of Glan Sangguniang Bayan, George Perrett for the Association of Barangay Captains and representative from NGO partners like RD Foundation and Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Health Summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2011) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez presents the objectives of the Provincial Health Summit and gives a report on the state of health and scorecards of each municipality Wednesday, July 27, at Sarangani Highlands Resort. The two-day workshop is attended by municipal mayors and their planning and health officers to set the direction and budgeting priority of each municipality in terms of health services. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm animals

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2011) - Mayor Elsie Perrett (right) inspects farm animals intended for the B'lete Farmers Association and Gawan Farmers Association from barangay Bati-an. The two people’s organizations were recipients of the Community Fund Agricultural Development (CFAD) from Mindanao Rural Development Program. The horses will be used as hauling animals to deliver crops from the mountain village to the town proper while the carabaos will be used in tilling the farmlands. Bati-an is 10 km. away from the poblacion and is considered the poorest barangay of the municipality. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turnover of animals

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2011) - Mayor Elsie Perret, Association of Barangay Captains president and Board Member George Perrett, farmer-recipients from Bati-an, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and members of the Multi-Sectoral Committee pose after the turnover ceremony of farm animals from the Mindanao Rural Development Program. Recipients of the animals are required to have at least one hectare of land to till and farmers should apply the sloping agricultural land technology or SALT. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Singing kids

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - Pupils of Tuanadatu Elementary School sing their Tuanadatu Hymn as a gesture of gratitude to the visitors who conducted a feeding program to schoolchildren Wednesday, July 20. Tuanadatu is the most remote mountain village of Maitum at 17 km. from the town proper. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Parlor games

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - Kabalikat Maitum members lead parlor games for schoolchildren during the feeding program at Tuanadatu Elementary School Wednesday, July 20. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food for kids

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - Pupils line up as they eat their share during the feeding program Wednesday, July 20, at Tuanadatu Elementary School. Tuanadatu is the most remote mountain village of Maitum at 17 km. from the town proper. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE).

Feeding program

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - Maitum chief of police PInsp. Jeofrey Ega Sanchez (2nd from right) and Kabalikat Maitum president Perfecto Narvaez (right) give food to school children during the feeding program of PNP Maitum and Kabalikat Maitum in coordination with the local government unit at Tuanadatu Elementary School Wednesday, July 20. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Civic action program

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - Kabalikat Maitum, a civic organization, together with personnel of the Philippine National Police and 73rd Infantry Battalion, pose with local government representatives during a civic action program Wednesday, July 20, at Tuanadatu Elementary School. Tuanadatu is the most remote mountain village of Maitum at 17 km. from the town proper. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

SME Negosyo Caravan on July 27

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2011) - A Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Negosyo Caravan will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry XII on Wednesday, July 27, at the Provincial Gymnasium, Capitol Complex in Alabel.

“It aims 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,” said Engr. Nenita Barroso, DTI provincial director.

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.

Barroso said topics will include: Mastering Self through Positive and Entrepreneurial Mindset, Spotting Business Opportunities, Choosing the Right Market, Basic Franchising (with One-on-One Consultant), Packaging and Labeling and Business Matching.

“A Diskwento Caravan and Trade Fair and Product Exhibit will also be alongside the event,” Barroso said. “Micro Small and Medium Enterprise information materials will also be provided to the participants.”

The activity will be attended by Micro Finance Institutions, MSMEs, private stakeholders, businessmen and other interested participants from all over SOCCSKSARGEN area.

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)

USWAG Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 23, 2011) – Mayor Jose Atienza Zamorro (center) and barangay councilor of Poblacion Lito Aro share ideas on how the Local Government Unit could help the small business groups in Maasim during the USWAG Sarangani (United Towards Strong, Wealthy and Globally competitive Sarangani) visit Friday, July 22 (Abner Arzaga/MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL)

Trade and industry

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 23, 2011) – Engr. Nenita Barroso, trade and industry provincial director, cites how wealthy Maasim is while she explains the main objectives of USWAG Sarangani (United Towards Strong, Wealthy and Globally competitive Sarangani) Friday, July 22. (Abner Arzaga/MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL)

Municipal employees

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 23, 2011) – Municipal employees enjoy the presence of the Department of Trade and Industry mobile store as they buy from the product display during the visit of USWAG Sarangani (United Towards Strong, Wealthy and Globally competitive Sarangani) Friday, July 22. (Abner Arzaga/MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL)

Beads making

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 23, 2011) – Students from Colon National High School participate in beads making, one of the activities introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry during the USWAG Sarangani (United Towards Strong, Wealthy and Globally competitive Sarangani) visit Friday, July 22. (Abner Arzaga/MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL)

ELSA courtesy call

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 21, 2011)- Education Livelihood Skills Alliance (ELSA) headed by Jack Boyson, program director of International Youth Foundation, pays courtesy to Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit (center) at the office of Governor Migs Dominguez Wednesday morning, July 20. ELSA, composed of Philippine Business for Social Progress, International Youth Foundation, Petron Foundation, Consuelo Foundation and the Notre Dame of Marbel University, is the implementing partner of Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQUALLS) projects in Sarangani. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blood letting

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 21, 2011) – An employee of the Provincial Capitol donates blood for the 2011 Blood Donation Drive, “Young blood, new blood for the world”, at the Provincial Health Office Wednesday, July 20. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Asia Foundation donates 7,500 books to Sarangani schools

By BEVERLY PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 20, 2011) – Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia launched in Sarangani on Tuesday (July 19) its series of books distribution to selected provinces and cities in Southern Philippines. In Sarangani, 7,500 brand new books were given to 149 public schools.

Books for Asia is a program of Asia Foundation which regularly distributes books and other reading materials to all educational levels to 18 countries in Asia since 1954.

With 13 million books and journals already distributed to public and private institutions in the Philippines, country representative Steven Rood said Books for Asia is optimistic this would facilitate “quality education as a foundation for economic progress.”

Specifically he hoped this to bring positive results towards improving education in Sarangani as “a driving force for ethics and progress.”

Governor Migs Dominguez said he is “grateful for the books as gifts of Asia Foundation to Sarangani children. We value this investment for it gives more knowledge to our students as well as to our teachers.”

He said after five years of promoting intervention and collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd), parents and school heads, a study showed that there is already improvement in education participation and completion rates in Sarangani.

The governor said hindrance in education is mainly caused by “poverty” but local government units (LGU) should instead “continuously strive to look for new ideas and innovations in trying to provide assistance to upland dwellers to be able to send their children to school and keep them in school.”

The biggest challenge that LGUs should address into, he said, is that “as long as there is a single child who is not going to school, public servants should not stop in the quest to provide quality education for Sarangani.”

Schools division superintendent Allan Farnazo said society must take extra effort to educate a child as the only way to have good leadership. “We have to begin building the future today,” Farnazo said.



Quest program manager Ann Edday said the donation of new educational materials to public elementary and secondary schools and colleges “serves as a continuing commitment to promote education and literacy in Mindanao.”

Edday said according to Books for Asia director Efren Balajadia, “the foundation’s activities will continue throughout the Philippines, especially in Mindanao to reach all communities in the country to bring the books – even to the remotest schools.”

The provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and the cities of General Santos and Tacurong will be next in the series for distribution. The donations made by Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia’s program were distributed thru the foundation’s Transparent Accountable Governance project, with support from the United States Agency for International Development.

Four of the seven municipalities of Sarangani received the books where each elementary school got a minimum of 50 reference book materials and 40 for each secondary school. Host provinces, municipalities and cities; and partner non-government organizations of Asia Foundation were also given boxes of reference materials. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Program launched to make Sarangani school kids “well fed, healthy and smart”

By COCOY SEXCION

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - The number one food chain in the country has partnered with a local foundation in feeding 200 undernourished pupils in Sarangani as BUSOG LAKAS TALINO (Well Fed, Healthy and Smart) in-school feeding program is launched Monday, July 18.

“We are very lucky to be the recipient of this BUSOG LUSOG TALINO feeding program. That’s why I am extending my heartfelt thanks to Jollibee Foundation and Alcantara Foundation for sponsoring this feeding program,” said Linda Narte, barangay captain of Kalaong, in her welcome address.

Jollibee Foods Corporation, through its foundation in partnership with Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI), Department of Education Sarangani division, Maitum municipal government, Sarangani provincial government through its QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program and Sarangani Energy Corporation opened the BUSOG LUSOG TALINO (BLT) feeding program at Perrett Elementary School in barangay Kalaong.

Two hundred or 40 pupils per school from Grades 1 and 2 who fall below the normal weight-for-age from Upo, Lumotan, Mindupok, Reganit and Perrett elementary schools were the beneficiaries. The five schools belong to Maitum west district.

“The reality is for every 100 students who entered Grade 1, only 40 will end up finishing high school. Twenty of the 60 dropped out before reaching 3rd grade due to hunger and undernourishment. Jollibee Foods Corporation responds to the above reality through our in-school feeding program. BLT (BUSOG LUSOG TALINO) provides lunch for undernourished Grades 1 and 2 pupils to address their hunger and help them to stay in school by keeping them fit and healthy,” Jollibee area manager Othello Real said.

BLT provides daily lunch to Grades 1 and 2 pupils with below weight-for-age for 136 days during the school year (July-March). The budget is P11 per meal per child or P1,500 per child for the entire feeding program.

BLT started four years ago and about 13,000 pupils have benefited from the program. “We have seen encouraging result at eight out of 10 undernourished pupils improved stamina and attained their normal status after the eight-month feeding cycle,” Real added.

“Our municipality is the farthest place in Sarangani. That is why we are very lucky today because Jollibee visited us and brought food for you,” Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett told the pupils. She also addressed parents to be united to give a good future to their children.

The meals are prepared by the parents following low-cost but nutritious menus developed by Jollibee Foundation. The parents also attended seminars on food safety, health and nutrition organized by local implementor partners including local government units.

Meanwhile, CLAFI executive director Richlie Lyndon Magtulis appealed to the barangay captains of recipient barangays to give also their counterparts for the program.

On the other hand, Perrett Elementary School principal Marlen Napila along with the officers and members of Parents Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) initiated the construction of a feeding center as their counterpart for the program.

“The materials for construction of the feeding center are from our SBRMS (School-based repair and maintenance scheme). The PTCA’s counterpart are the labor and contributed paints,” Napila said. “Hopefully the construction will be completed within this week.” (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Asia Philippines 21 top ten leaders awardee

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - Sarangani schools division superintendent Dr. Allan Farnazo congratulates QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program manager Annalie Edday for being an awardee of the Asia Philippines 21 ten outstanding young leaders. The announcement was made during the turnover of Books for Asia from Asia Foundation Tuesday, July 19, at the Capitol gym. Edday along with the top ten awardees will be the official delegation of the Philippines to the international young leaders summit in New Delhi, India in November this year. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor’s commitment

ALABEL Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - “As long as there is a single child who’s not going to school because of extreme poverty, all of us public servants should not stop in our quest in providing quality education for our province,” says Governor Migs Dominguez as he challenged his mayors present during the turnover of Books for Asia Tuesday, July 19, at the Capitol gym. One hundred forty nine public schools from Alabel, Glan, Maasim and Maitum will benefit from 7,500 new books from Asia Foundation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Sarangani educators and leaders with Asia Foundation representatives

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - Sarangani educators pose with (from left to right seated) Dr. Allan Farnazo, schools division superintendent; Efren Balajadia, Books for Asia program director; Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett; Governor Migs Dominguez; Dr. Steven Rood, Asia Foundation country representative; Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo and Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro in a photo call after the turnover of Books for Asia from Asia Foundation Tuesday, July 19, at the Capitol gym. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Asia Foundation country representative

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - Dr. Steven Rood, Asia Foundation country representative, speaks during the turnover of Books for Asia Tuesday, July 19, at the Capitol gym. One hundred forty nine public schools from Alabel, Glan, Maasim and Maitum will benefit from 7,500 new books from Asia Foundation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Presentation of BLT recipients

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2011) - CLAFI executive director Richlie Lyndon Magtulis presents the 200 Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils from Reganit, Upo, Lumotan, Mindupok and Perrett elementary schools who are beneficiaries of Busog, Lusog, Talino feeding program of Jollibee Foods Corporation as Jollibee mascot readies to entertain the kids during its launching Monday, July 18, at Perrett Elementary School. The Department of Education facilitated the selection of top 40 undernourished pupils per recipient school while Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. implemented the program. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Prayer before meal

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2011) - Recipients of feeding program of Jollibee Foods Corporation pray before taking their meals during lunch Monday, July 18, at Perrett Elementary School after the launching of BLT (Busog, Lusog, Talino), a feeding program for 200 undernourished Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils from Reganit, Upo, Lumotan, Mindupok and Perrett elementary schools. The project was implemented by CLAFI (Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc.) in cooperation with Department of Education, municipal government, provincial government through its QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program and Sarangani Energy Corporation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of commitment

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2011) - Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett gives her message of commitment in support of the Busog, Lusog, Talino feeding program of Jollibee Foods Corporation during its launching Monday, July 18, at Perrett Elementary School. The program is in partnership with CLAFI (Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc.), Department of Education, municipal government, provincial government through its QUEST program and Sarangani Energy Corporation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hotmeals for BLT (Busog, Lusog, Talino) recipients

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2011) - Kids enjoy a hotmeal as their snacks from Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI) as they observe the launching of Busog, Lusog, Talino feeding program of Jollibee Foods Corporation Monday, July 18, at Perrett Elementary School. The objectives of the feeding program implemented by CLAFI, in partnership with Department of Education, are to alleviate hunger among underweight Grades 1 and 2 pupils and improve their nutritional status and class attendance. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

1st day of BLT feeding program implementation

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2011) - (L-R) Nutrition coordinator Mary Grace Rivac, Barangay Captain Linda Narte and Principal Marlen Napila observe the 1st day of implementation of Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) feeding program of Jollibee Foods Corporation after its launching Monday, July 18, at the Perrett Elementary School. BLT feeding program, implemented by CLAFI (Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc.) in partnership with Department of Education, municipal government, provincial government through its QUEST program and Sarangani Energy Corporation, will provide lunch to its beneficiaries for 136 days during the school year. The budget is P11 per meal or about P1,500 will be spent per child for the duration of the feeding program. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Guest of Honor

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 16, 2011) – Governor Migs Dominguez speaks well of the 73rd Infantry Battalion as the “number 1 battalion” as he gives his message thanking the battalion for keeping the peace in Sarangani. The governor was Guest of Honor during the 23rd Founding Anniversary of the 73rd Infantry Battalion Sunday, July 16, in barangay Kamanga. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)