Award-winning research by Sarangani students

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2012) – Fourth year high school student Angelica Francesca Tumbocon (center) with teacher and coach Shiela Butil (left), both from Alabel National Science High School, show their internationally-acclaimed research to Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon Tuesday, June 26. Their research, “Wild Yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst) Starch: An Effective Additive in the Production of Biodegradable Plastic”, won a silver medal in the 2012 ISWEEP (International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, Environment Project Olympiad) held in George Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas last May 2–7 with 68 participating countries and 44 states in America. Together with Tumbocon and coach Butil in this research are Jewelle Mae Solijon and Sergia Virginia Gepitulan. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Francis Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PAGASA officials brief acting governor

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2012) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with officials from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) during the “Seminar-Workshop on the use of Automatic Weather Station Data for Disaster Preparedness” at Capitol gym Tuesday June 26. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Francis Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Release of marine turtle hatchlings

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 29, 2012) - Tree planters pose with Sangguniang Bayan Member Genaro Thomas Strong (4th from left) and forester Jessica Guilao (in white shirt, center), chief of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Section, before releasing 70 pawikan hatchlings during the mangrove planting in barangay Kiambing in line with the celebration of the Philippine Earth Month. Presidential Proclamation No. 237 declares the month of June as the Philippine Environment Month which aims to foster public awareness on the urgent need to preserve our environment. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Transport re-orientation about traffic rules and regulations

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2012) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) and provincial transport federation officers give a token of appreciation to resource persons Glenn Gonzalez (2nd left), assistant city administrator and chief traffic enforcer of General Santos City, and De Guzman Samal (extreme left), transportation regulation officer of Land Transportation Office (LTO), during the conduct of transport re-orientation about traffic rules and regulations to the transport sector in the province on June 26 Tuesday. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Francis Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Media fun shoot bigwigs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 28, 2012) - SOCSKSARGEN Media Shooting Club officers pose with top ranking police and navy officers along with the head of the advance party of arriving US Navy troops Capt. Brandon Glaser, Special Forces of US Army, who will conduct a joint exercise with Naval Force Eastern Mindanao at its area of responsibility which includes Sarangani Bay on July 2-10. The club participated in the fun shoot for media practitioners Thursday, June 28, organized by the city government. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

All systems go for power plant in Maasim

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 28, 2012) - Mayor Arturo Lawa (4th from left) with officials of Sarangani Energy Corporation and engineers from Daelim Industrial Corporation Limited flash the thumbs up sign to signal the start of design and engineering work of the 200 megawatt coal-fired power plant at the constructions site in barangay Kamanga in this photo taken June 14. This power plant aims to provide power to Sarangani province, General Santos City and some areas of south and south central Mindanao. Just recently, according to SEC, it just raised its authorized capital stock to P4.25 billion to cover the equity for the construction and operation of the power plant. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PAGASA equips Sarangani on weather forecasting

By BEVERLY PAOYON ALABEL, Sarangani (June 27, 2012) – The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), in line with its Advanced Science and Technology Institute project, conducted a seminar-workshop on Tuesday (June 26) on the use of the Automated Weather Station (AWS) installed in Sarangani last December. The one-day seminar, attended by representatives from various government and non-government organizations, was facilitated by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in support of its disaster preparedness program. The AWS installed at the Capitol compound is among those 152 networks deployed across the Philippines to monitor real time weather changes taking place in specific localities. The AWS is a monitoring systems equipped with different sensors capable of monitoring wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and pressure wherein the data observed is transmitted to the central server through a cellular network. These will complement PAGASA’s weather forecasting facilities. With the recent flash floods in the municipality of Glan, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said PAGASA’s intervention in making some line agencies in Sarangani equipped with the basic knowledge in monitoring its weather conditions is necessary. “We are becoming conscious of the possible disasters that can occur na ‘yun ang pinaka-importante to protect ourselves,” he said. With the AWS, he said, “we can alert the communities when possible rain is about to come and the possible causes of damages, so we can react.” Solon, however, stressed that the “simplest we (the people) can do” is to protect and preserve the environment. “Kailangan talaga alagaan natin ang environment natin kasi bahagi ito ng buhay natin. Kung na-destroy na ang environment, tayo ang apektado - ang komunidad,” he said. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Brigada Eskwela regional entry

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 26, 2012) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) poses with teachers, students and parents of Barrio Site Primary School in barangay Colon during his school visit Monday, June 25. The school is a regional finalist for this year’s Brigada Eskwela under the primary school category. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Automated Weather Station in Sarangani Capitol compound

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2012) - An Automated Weather Station (AWS) installed in Capitol compound by the Department of Science and Technology on December 2011 is capable of gathering and transmitting observation data to the central server through the cellular network. AWS monitors the weather system including temperature, pressure, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and rainfall. It is also equipped with a GSM/GPRS modem to transmit data to the central server. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Sarangani hosted a one-day seminar-workshop on the use of Automated Weather Station (AWS) data for disaster preparedness Tuesday, June 26, at the Capitol gymnasium. The event was attended by various government agencies and non-government organizations. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Understanding the weather system affecting the Philippines

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2012) - Esperanza Cayanan, assistant weather specialist chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), explains the weather system affecting the country Tuesday, June 26, during the one-day seminar-workshop on the use of Automated Weather Station (AWS) data for disaster preparedness. The event at the Capitol gym was attended by various government agencies and non-government organizations. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani marks National Arbor Day by simultaneous tree planting

By COCOY SEXCION ALABEL, Sarangani (June 26, 2012) - Around 2,600 assorted trees were planted simultaneously in some parts of the province as Sarangani marked Philippine Arbor Day yesterday. By Presidential Proclamation 396, June 25 was declared Philippine Arbor Day. Arbor (meaning tree in Latin) Day is celebrated by planting of trees nationwide led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and supported by local governments and public and private organizations. In Alabel, according to Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Allan Rivera, they planted 500 coffee seedlings, 750 mahogany and 80 fruit bearing trees at the Sewage Treatment Facility ecopark area in sitio Mahayahay, barangay Bagacay. It was participated in by municipal employees headed by Mayor Corazon Grafilo, Sangguniang Bayan officials headed by Vice Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, PNP-Alabel, provincial employees, Department of Education, Bureau of Fire Protection, Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alabel charcoal traders and Bagacay Barangay Council. In Maasim, 300 assorted fruit bearing seedlings were planted around barangay Poblacion as municipal employees and stakeholders headed by Mayor Arturo Lawa took part in the tree planting activity. On the coastal barangay of Tinoto, around 20 members of Tinoto Fishermen Association planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings provided by World Vision and Alcantara Foundation (AF). Jean delos Santos, AF's project officer, said the fishermen were paid P3 for every mangrove seedling they planted and funded by Sarangani Energy Corporation as part of its "Seed the Bay, Save the Bay" environmental conservation and protection project. Delos Santos said fishermen associations from Sapu Masla and Lasang in Malapatan propagated the mangrove saplings from where World Vision purchased 10,000 mangrove seedlings to be planted at Tinoto. At the same time, 3,000 seedlings were provided by Alcantara Foundation as part of its commitment to plant 50,000 mangroves around Sarangani Bay. She added it was better to get the locals involved and given incentives for planting and protecting the mangroves to ensure the success of the project. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Arbor Day celebration in Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 25, 2012) - Volunteers plant mangrove saplings at the shore of the municipal mangrove nursery in barangay Tinoto Monday, June 25, in celebration of National Arbor Day. June 25 was declared Philippine Arbor Day by Presidential Proclamation 396. The event is celebrated today with nationwide tree and ornamental plants planting activities led by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, supported by local government units, civil society groups, schools, and other public and private organizations. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Local fishermen plant mangroves on National Arbor Day

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 25, 2012) - World Vision and Alcantara Foundation provided mangrove seedlings during the mangrove planting activity participated in by members of Tinoto Fishermen Association Monday, June 25, in celebration of National Arbor Day at the mangrove forest near the barangay proper. The fisherfolk will be paid P3 each mangrove they planted. According to the organizer, it is better to get the locals involved and give them incentives for planting and protecting the mangroves. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

World Vision and Alcantara Foundation organize mangrove planting activity

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 25, 2012) - World Vision and Alcantara Foundation organize a mangrove planting and growing activity at the shore of barangay Tinoto Monday, June 25, to celebrate National Arbor Day. Fishermen associations from Sapu Masla and Lasang in Malapatan propagated the mangroves from where World Vision purchased 10,000 mangrove seedlings to be planted at Tinoto and 3,000 seedlings by Alcantara Foundation as part of their commitment to plant 50,000 mangroves around Sarangani Bay. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Operation Blessing Foundation relief operation

GLAN, Sarangani (June 24, 2012) – Food items and hygiene kits from Operation Blessing Foundation are prepared for distribution to flash flood victims in Glan Thursday, June 21. The mission of Operation Blessing Foundation worldwide is to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating the plight of those in great need by feeding the hungry and caring for the weak. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Carl Jerick Sol/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Villagers bring home relief goods

GLAN, Sarangani (June 24, 2012) – Villagers of barangay Cross bring home their relief packs from Operation Blessing Foundation Thursday, June 21. Operation Blessing Foundation partnered with the provincial government, 700 Club Asia, 73rd Infantry Battalion, and municipality of Glan to distribute relief packs in barangays of Glan affected by flash flood on June 12. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay chairmen welcome YACAP Partylist Representative

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Rep. Carol Jane Lopez (2nd from left) of YACAP Partylist (You Against Corruption and Poverty), escorted by Mayor Alfonso Singcoy (extreme left), is welcomed by barangay chairmen (R-L) Heminigildo Olog of Daan Suyan, ABC president Abdul Montasher Singcoy, Cristino Yatoy of Upper Suyan and Danilo Abdulradzak of Kihan during the culmination program of 7th Pakaradyan Festival and foundation anniversary of the municipality. YACAP gave medicines to the municipality and pledged to give a solar panel to each barangay. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Manny Pacquiao

Congressman Manny Pacquiao is shown with his Bell 206 five-seater helicopter. The Sarangani Lone District Representative bought the Canadian-made chopper last month for US$430,000 (PHP18,000,000) according to the Congressman's office. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bren Evangelio/SARANGANI CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE)

Deputy Governor calls for unity and peace

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Deputy Governor Jojo Lopez, representing Governor Migs Dominguez, highlights unity as among the goals constituents must hold on to realize true peace and development as he shares his message during the culmination day of the 40th Foundation Anniversary and 5th Kestebeng Festival Thursday, June 21. Lopez is a former mayor of the town. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Kestebeng Festival culminates with 3G

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, fondly called as 3G in Sarangani, tells the crowd she feels at home considering that the pioneering people of Maasim migrated from Cebu. Gov. Garcia was guest of honor during the culmination day of Maasim’s 40th Foundation Anniversary and 5th Kestebeng Festival Thursday, June 21, and delivered a calamity aid of P500,000. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Mayor Lawa shows calamity aid from Cebu

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Mayor Arturo Lawa shows the P500,000 check for calamity victims in his municipality from the Provincial Government of Cebu delivered Thursday, June 21, by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia (center) as provincial and municipal officials look on at the culmination program of 5th Kestebeng Festival and 40th foundation anniversary of Maasim. Deputy Governor Jojo Lopez (4th from left) represented Gov. Migs Dominguez. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli kids get new classrooms from World Bank

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – With construction materials as backdrop, kids patiently wait for the program to start during the ground breaking ceremony of the three-classroom high school building at Wali Integrated School Wednesday, June 20. The project which costs P1,825,000 is funded by KALAHI-CIDDS: KKB with a P0.5 million counterpart fund from the provincial and municipal government units. Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay widely known as KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB is the Philippine government's flagship poverty-alleviation project implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the financial support of the World Bank. The DSWD is now working to expand its KALAHI-CIDSS project to cover 8,000 barangays in 334 municipalities nationwide to extend the benefits of the program to more people. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turn-over of P1 Million calamity assistance to Glan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon hands over the P1 Million cheque of calamity assistance from Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia (4th right) to Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. (3rd left) and his municipal officials at the Capitol Thursday, June 21. Cebu Governor Garcia also gave 500 sacks of rice for the affected families of the recent flash flood and storm surge in Glan and Maasim towns. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

World Bank-funded school breaks ground

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 23, 2012) – Pangi Barangay Captain Jacinto Galang Jr. (extreme right), barangay officials and Pangi Elementary School teachers hold the blueprint of the three-classroom elementary school building during its groundbreaking ceremony at Pangi Elementary School Thursday, June 21. The project which costs P1,820,000 is funded by KALAHI-CIDDS:KKB with a counterpart fund of P355,021.36 from the provincial and municipal government units. Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay widely known as KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB is the Philippine government's flagship poverty-alleviation project implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the financial support of the World Bank. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

3G graces Sarangani towns’ festivals, brings aid for calamity victims

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 21, 2012) – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who is amiably referred to as “3G” in Sarangani, talks before Malapatan officials and constituents who are celebrating their festival and founding day Thursday, June 21. With Governor Garcia at the stage are (from extreme right) Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Board Member Hermie Galzote, Glan Councilor Dr. Dodong Ruiz, Board Member Nene Saguiguit and Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias. Governor Garcia also delivered financial aid for the flash flood and storm surge victims of Glan and Maasim and graced the Kestebeng Festival of Maasim as well. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Miss Maasim 2012 winners

MAASIM, Sarangani Province(June 21, 2012) – The newly crowned winners (L-R) 2nd Runner-Up Elsa Mae Ligas, Miss Maasim 2012 Zarra Kaye Bonifacio and 1st Runner Up Angelique Verezraiz wind up the pageant night Wednesday, June 20. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEW CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Mayor Art at Miss Maasim 2012 pageant

MAASIM, Sarangani Province(June 21, 2012) – Maasim Mayor Arturo Lawa shares his joy to his constituents during the Search for Miss Maasim 2012 Wednesday, June 20. The municipality of Maasim is celebrating its 40th Foundation Anniversary and 5th Kestebeng Festival. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Maasim tagged as world-class tourism zone

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 21, 2012) – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nene Saguiguit, who chairs the SP tourism committee, congratulates the Local Government Unit of Maasim for having a world-class tourism zone during the Miss Maasim 2012 pageant night Wednesday, June 20. Maasim, where Lemlunay Resort – the home of South Point Divers – and IML Eco Park are located, is celebrating its 40th Foundation Anniversary and 5th Kestebeng Festival. The 73rd Infantry Battalion headquarters, which has been receiving a number of tourists due to its scenic location, is also based in Maasim. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Candidates for Miss Maasim 2012

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 21, 2012) – The candidates perform their production number during the search for Miss Maasim 2012 Wednesday, June 20. The municipality of Maasim is celebrating its 40th Foundation Anniversary and 5th Kestebeng Festival. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner Arzaga)

Sea floats on parade at Sarangani Bay

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) – Fishermen parade their sea floats from barangays Tuyan and Lun Padidu for this year’s Guinakit sa Sugoda Malapatan fluvial competition Wednesday, June 20, at Tuyan beach in celebration of the town’s 43rd foundation anniversary and 7th Pakaradyan Festival. Guinakit is a Maguindanao term referring to a convoy of bancas used by early Muslim leaders when they traveled to other places. Pakaradyan Festival, which culminates June 21, intends not merely to reminisce and to bask in the founding of the municipality but also to share the beauty of culture and arts of each group belonging to the tri-people namely Christians, Blaans and Maguindanaons under the leadership of Mayor Alfonso Singcoy Sr.. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao in Maasim’s Kestebeng Festival

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao greets the people of Maasim Tuesday, June 19, as they celebrate their 5th Kestebeng Festival and 40th foundation anniversary of the municipality. Congressman Pacquiao also distributed rice and food packs to families of fishermen affected by a recent weather disturbance. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao distributes relief goods in Maasim

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao, assisted by Mayor Arturo Lawa (right), distributes rice and relief packs to the families affected by a weather disturbance which hit several fishermen of Maasim on June 12. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maasim ATM machine inauguration

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao together with Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left), Mayor Arturo Lawa (center) and Landbank officials open for business Tuesday, June 19, the automated teller machine (ATM) in the municipality in line with the celebration of 5th Kestebeng Festival and 40th foundation anniversary of Maasim. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Survivor reports to Acting Governor Solon

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) talks with Charlito Lloveras, a fisherman from barangay Kabatiol who survived big waves but lost his fishing boat at sea during a storm surge last June 12. Acting Governor Solon delivered on Tuesday, June 19, relief packs from Vice President Jejomar Binay for over 300 families affected in Maasim. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Davao donors give cash assistance for flash flood victims

DAVAO City (June 20, 2012)- In this photo taken Tuesday, June 19, at SRSO basic commodities office at Monteverde street, Yolly Ildefonso of Sarangani provincial treasurer’s office receives the checks from Juanito Loyola as Don Magtulis of Alcantara Foundation looks on. The checks with a total amount of P140,000 are donation funds for flash flood victims in Glan and Maasim contributed by members of Davao Filipino-Chinese Charitable Association Inc. represented by Loyola. Ildefonso and Magtulis also collected on the same day a check from former Vice Mayor Luis Bonguyan amounting to P3,000 as assistance for the victims. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

KALAHI-CIDSS breaks ground for new school building

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) - West District acting principal Argilio Arago, KALAHI CIDSS deputy area coordinator Ederlyn Samulda, and Barangay Captain Fredemin Wanan lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the three-classroom elementary school building at Ticulab Elementary School Tuesday, June 19. The project which has a total cost of P1,830,000 is one of the projects under the DSWD through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KALAHI-CIDSS:KKB). The DSWD is now working to expand its KALAHI-CIDSS projects to cover 8,000 barangays in 334 municipalities nationwide to extend the benefits of the program to more people. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

National Day Care Workers Week celebration

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 20, 2012) - Headed by their provincial president Julie Fe Rosete (3rd left), members of the Day Care Workers Federation of Maitum pose with (4th, left to right) MSWDO Nelia Quimsing, Mayor Elsie Perrett, Board Member George Perrett and, Sangguniang Bayan Member Ruben Balanag as they finish celebrating the National Day Care Workers Week Monday, June 18. With this year's theme "Day Care Workers Kaagapay ng Pamilya at Pamahalaan sa Programang Early Childhood Care and Development", the program with 43 service providers caters to 1,555 three- to four-year old day care enrolled kids enjoying free supplemental feeding daily since November 2011, with complete eating materials. The program also caters to children in need of protection, and children with disability under the supervision of the municipal social welfare and development officer and the Local Government Unit of Maitum. The National Day Care Workers Week is a government program mandated in Proclamation No. 404 series of 2003, declaring June 7 to 11 and every year thereafter as day care workers’ week. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mutya ng Malapatan bets join Environment Month celebration

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 19, 2012) - Mutya ng Malapatan candidates (from left) Jeziel Care Poncardas, Ojie Jamili Mangas, Jollie Ann Bantes, Claire Delcoro, Gerlin Gay Esconde, Alina Santos and Jessie Leah Gonzales join the mangrove planting and fish restocking as part of their pre-pageant activities Tuesday, June 19, at a beach near poblacion Malapatan. Malapatan is celebrating its 43rd foundation anniversary and 7th Pakaradyan Festival on June 17-21 and part of it is the Environment Month celebration. Mutya ng Malapatan coronation night will be on Wednesday, June 20, at the municipal gymnasium. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PNP joins Sarangani Environment Month celebration

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 19, 2012) - PSI Razid Alabno Lincob leads Malapatan policemen in planting mangrove seedlings at the beach in Poblacion as they join the Environment Month celebration Tuesday, June 19. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Restocking of bangus fry in Sarangani Bay

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 19, 2012) - Army men from 73rd Infantry Battalion join the fish restocking activity Tuesday, June 19, at the beach in poblacion Malapatan as the town holds a weeklong celebration of 7th Pakaradyan Festival and 43rd foundation anniversary. Along with releasing of 80,000 bangus fry is the mangrove planting activity also participated in by LGU-Malapatan and Sarangani Capitol employees, Malapatan PNP and Alcantara Foundation. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Bay fish restocking

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 19, 2012) – Some 80,000 bangus fingerlings are released at the beach in Malapatan during the mangrove planting and fish restocking activities in line with the Environment Month celebration and Malapatan’s 7th Pakaradyan Festival and 43rd foundation anniversary Tuesday, June 19. The fingerlings are part of the 50 million fry to be released into Sarangani Bay by the Alcantara Foundation. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani celebrates Environment Month

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 19, 2012) - Udtog Tumbaga, president of Lower Lasang Fishermen Association, leads his members as they join the mangrove planting and fish restocking activities in line with the Environment Month celebration and the town`s Pakaradyan Festival and foundation anniversary Tuesday, June 19, at the beach in Malapatan poblacion. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food packs for Glan flashflood victims

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon prepares relief packs from Vice President Jejomar Binay for flood victims of barangay Pangyan during the relief operation and distribution Saturday, June 16. Food packs were also distributed to barangays Small Margus, Big Margus, Cross and Laguimit. Also in photo is Pangyan barangay captain Feliciano delos Santos (2nd left). For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food packs from VP Jejomar Binay

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – Food packs from Vice President Jejomar Binay through the Office of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon are prepared by the Alpha Phi Omega volunteers for distribution to barangays Big Margus, Small Margus, Cross, Laguimit and Pangyan Saturday, June 16. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

GMA Kapuso Foundation gives relief goods

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – Board Member Eugene Alzate (2nd right) and Philippine Air Force personnel assist GMA Kapuso Foundation in giving relief goods and used clothing for flood victims at barangays Cross, Small Margus, Big Margus and Laguimit, Saturday June 16. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Men in uniform and pastors helping together

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – 1st Lt. Nestor Valenzuela (2nd left), commanding officer of Alpha Company of 73rd Infantry Battalion, and Haggai for Peace Project pastors help together in distributing relief goods for flood victims of barangay Cross Saturday, June 16. Relief goods were also given to barangays Pangyan, Small Margus, Big Margus, and Laguimit from Vice President Jejomar Binay, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipality of Glan, 73rd Infantry Battalion, 1002nd Brigade, Philippine Air Force, Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Glan Chapter, Youth for Peace of Gensan and other government and private organizations. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Relief operation volunteers

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – Volunteers from government and private organizations join together Saturday, June 16, to distribute relief packs from Vice President Jejomar Binay for the barangays of Pangyan, Small Margus, Big Margus, Cross and Laguimit. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sailing in Sarangani Bay

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 17, 2012)- A fisherman sails again to catch fish for his family after a shallow Low Pressure Area sent hundreds of fishermen washed ashore last week. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Unhusking of coconut from flashflood

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) - A fisherman-turned-copra farmer unhusks the coconuts he collected from the beach that were carried down by flashfloods from the coconut farms uphill in barangay Small Margus. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Solon listens to evacuees’ story

GLAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon listens to the stories of evacuees of barangay Big Margus on how they safely escaped from the flashfloods in their community last June 12. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Glan flashflood and storm surge aftermath

GLAN, Sarangani (June 13, 2012) – Driftwood that washed ashore due to storm surge and debris carried down to the beach from the highlands by flashfloods triggered by the non-stop heavy rain on early morning of Tuesday (June 12) make these kids ponder while looking at the mud-colored waves of Sarangani Bay Seascape that used to be clear and calm water where they used to play. This photo taken Wednesday, June 13, is the aftermath of nature’s wrath at the shore of barangay Big Margus. Big Margus is one of the four barangays greatly affected by the flashfloods that prompted the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) to declare the entire municipality of Glan under a state of calamity. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Proud kids celebrate Philippine Independence

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 12, 2012) – School children proudly celebrate the 114th Philippine Independence Day in their hometown of Maitum, which is known as sanctuary of the endangered marine turtles and offers the white-water river tubing adventure. Maitum is also home of the 2000-year old anthropomorphic burials jars which is unparalleled in Southeast Asia. A diorama of the ancient jars is on display at the Municipal Hall atrium. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Beth Ramos/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)