Sarangani marks 20th year milestone, honors first leaders

By JENNY ROSE DE GUZMAN

and BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – Governor Migs Dominguez on Wednesday (November 28) paid tribute to the first leaders of the province as he led provincial officials in celebrating the 20^th founding anniversary of Sarangani.

“We owe today the celebration of 20 years to our forefathers” who have not only “served” but gave “totoong kalinga at pagmamahal” to all the Sarangans, said Dominguez.

“Kalinga”,according to the governor, would hail the province as “not one province out of 79” but “the best province among the 78 provinces”.

Dominguez officially declared the opening of the 20th foundation anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival at 4pm anniversary program called PANAGTIGUM 2012 at the Capitol grounds.

Sarangani is marking the milestone as a separate province from South Cotabato as declared on March 16, 1992 through Republic Act 7228 or An Act Creating the Province of Sarangani (formerly House Bill No. 46 filed on July 27, 1987) which was sponsored by then Congressman James L. Chiongbian.

“Hindi madali ang pagbuo ng isang probinsiya, but we all were willing to face all the challenges, we all knew the vision, we all knew the road that we would take,” the governor said.

He recalled 20 years ago when Sarangani was formed and was one of the poorest and left behind areas of southern Philippines, but is now “kinakakatakutan na ng mga probinsiya” because of its “community with shared values of commitment, hard work, honesty and perseverance.”

The unveiling of Alcantara donation marker was one of the highlights during the evening program. This, according to Vice Governor Steve Solon, is a “gesture of gratitude” in recognition of the noble contribution of Don Conrado Alcantara and his family for the generous donation of the of 26-hectare Capitol site.

Thru integrity of service, Solon said “ang ating probinsiya ay maraming narating at mas marami pang pwedeng magawa at maibigay na serbisyo sa mga tao sa Sarangani Province.”

As the province celebrates its history, culture and resources, Gov. Dominguez left the crowd with the encouragement of making the province “not only proud but prouder of who we are not only today but be better tomorrow.”

The anniversary program coincided with the formal opening of the three-day MunaTo Festival and recognition of exemplary performing barangays and local legislatives in the province that contributed in realizing the so-called“Excellence in Local Governance.”

The project was initiated in partnership with the provincial government and the Department of Interior and Local Government dubbed as “Barangay sa Sarangani”. It was aimed at improving the system of governance and the quality of performance of the barangays in delivering social and economic services to its populace.

An award system was also conferred to best performing Sanggunians (municipal councils) for legislating measures that helped build the foundation of meaningful local administration and development.

In the message read for Rep. Manny Pacquiao, he attributed the “gained confidence (of Sarangani) in terms of our competence and character” to the past experiences of the province that molded its capacity to deliver the best for its people.

“We have grown in our dealings as we linked with leaders representing all sectors in our community. We learn from each other as we worked together in unity.”

Recognizing the best performing LGUs, Pacquiao said their “efforts are never in vain. Your exemplary performance is a challenge for everyone to raise a standard of service. Given your accomplishment, is an encouragement that it can be done.” For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Jenny Rose de Guzman and Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Paragliders Club in Capitol flyby

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – A member of Sarangani Paragliders Club makes a flyby over the Capitol as the 20^th founding anniversary celebration of the province formally opens Wednesday, November 28. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani< /a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Paragliders arrive for MunaTo Festival opening

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – Sarangani Paragliders Club members arrive at the Capitol grounds Wednesday, November 28, for the opening program of the province’s 20^th founding anniversary and MunaTo Festival. For more news and updates, please visit the< a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Paraglider’s ceremonial flight over Capitol

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – A paraglider hovers over the Capitol grounds as the 20^th anniversary opening program of the province was taking place on Wednesday, November 28. Sarangani province is also celebrating MunaTo Festival which culminates on November 30, Friday. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Officials lead Sarangani’s 20thfounding anniversary celebration

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2012) – Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, provincial board members and mayors lead the community in celebrating the 20^thfounding anniversary of the province Wednesday, November 28, as a member of Sarangani Paragliders Club makes a ceremonial flight. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival opens with tri-people exhibits

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) – Today marks the 20th foundation anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival of Sarangani Province. It is a celebration of the history, culture and resources of the Sarangans.

Events that opened today include Fabli Gu Ni, a Blaan term which means where “buyers and sellers meet”. It is where the different municipalities and entrepreneurs of the province display and sell their prime products. For five years now, Fabli Gu Ni has been part of the MunaTo Festival celebration.

“Moro Pagingadan: Moro Cottages” also opened and noted as “the best for the past two years”according to Governor Migs Dominguez. The competition is joined by the municipalities. Their respective cottages showcase the rich Muslim culture, including the dress, ornaments, and way of life.

The significance of this event is to “preserve the tradition and culture of the Moro people and maintain camaraderie,” said Zolcarain Palar, Kalinaw coordinator. Kalinaw Sarangani Unit, one of the pilot programs of the governor, organized the event.

The pre judging is set today until November 29 (Thursday) while the final judging will be on the culmination of the festival on November 30.

Other activities such as “Kulintangan”, a competition in playing the “kulintang” (a traditional musical instrument of the Muslims), and Moro cooking contest or“Kagtigi sa Pangiluto” wherein exhibitors will present their delicacies are also part of the Moro Pagingadan. It will be judged on November 29.

For the Moro cottages, winners will receive respectively, P25,000 for the first prize, P20,000 second prize, P15,000 third prize, and P10,000 consolation prizes for each entry. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Jenny Rose de Guzman/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani investments post 118% growth

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) – Investments for new businesses in Sarangani has surged by 118 percent last year compared to 2010, a manifestation officials here surmised as a stimulus for the province to become a viable investment destination.

Areas in tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and manufacturing contributed to the dramatic growth in investments. Total capital input in 2010 was recorded at P276,492,980 and went up to P603,788,610 in 2011.

With vast opportunities for investments and major industries engaging in international markets, Sarangani has been able to draw on its competitive advantage in various fields locally and internationally.

On Monday (November 26), a business conference was held for the convention of businessmen, investors, micro small and medium enterprises, stakeholders and other key players geared towards familiarizing significant and incoming investment opportunities in the area.

Ryan Patrick Evangelista, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy secretary-general, said it is vital to address altogether “national concerns”. These, he pointed out, have been manifested in the current peace agreement and using the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a leverage in looking at opportunities in the region to finally promote Mindanao economy and improve the confidence of its investors here.

Evangelista likewise stressed it is best to benchmark starting with ASEAN “because that’s where our products are, that’s where we can capitalize on the growth for intra-ASEAN and that’s where opportunities are mastered.”

The integration framework, he said, facilitates in coming up with certain“standards or policy framework” to enable a more competitive regional integration.

In a message of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Secretary Luwalhati Antonino delivered by National Economic and Development Authority Xll regional director Arturo Valero, she said the breakthrough in the peace process with the signing of the Bangsamoro framework agreement would afford opportunities for Mindanao in both domestic and national markets with Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area as the integration platform.

“Over the past several months, MinDA has pursued several discussions with private sectors and business leaders and key national line agencies in a network to foster greater understanding of the challenges and prospects as well as finding the common ground for policy directions that underpin business growth and economic development here in Mindanao,” Antonino said.

Along the course of interregional and Mindanao wide coordination, she said that many of these initiatives can have “significant impact on Sarangani peculiar economic and development challenges.”

Antonino also said that “Mindanao’s comparative advantage in agriculture and in allied industries is well acknowledged.”

With favorable climatic conditions being a dominant element of its natural capital, Antonino said agricultural and agri-business will remain the primary driver of the Mindanao economy for many years to come.

According to Antonino, among the initiatives MinDA has done was to secure budget allocation for Mindanao which she cited “was the first time and only in the Aquino administration that Mindanao has been given the highest allocation” for infra development with 40 percent coursed thru the Department of Public Works and Highways and another 40 percent by the Department of Agriculture. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Senior citizens celebrate at Capitol

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) ­– Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon joins senior citizen from Kiamba in performing Tai-Chi exercise during the Provincial Senior Citizens’ Day with the theme “Sa Bisa ng R.A 9994, May Dangal, Nagkakaisa, Buhay ay Guminhawa” at the Capitol gymnasium Wednesday, November 28, in celebration of the 20th founding anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani< /a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival opens with tri-people exhibits

By JENNY ROSE DE GUZMAN

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) – Today marks the 20th foundation anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival of Sarangani Province. It is a celebration of the history, culture and resources of the Sarangans.

Events that opened today include Fabli Gu Ni, a Blaan term which means where “buyers and sellers meet”. It is where the different municipalities and entrepreneurs of the province display and sell their prime products. For five years now, Fabli Gu Ni has been part of the MunaTo Festival celebration.

“Moro Pagingadan: Moro Cottages” also opened and noted as “the best for the past two years”according to Governor Migs Dominguez. The competition is joined by the municipalities. Their respective cottages showcase the rich Muslim culture, including the dress, ornaments, and way of life.

The significance of this event is to “preserve the tradition and culture of the Moro people and maintain camaraderie,” said Zolcarain Palar, Kalinaw coordinator. Kalinaw Sarangani Unit, one of the pilot programs of the governor, organized the event.

The pre judging is set today until November 29 (Thursday) while the final judging will be on the culmination of the festival on November 30.

Other activities such as “Kulintangan”, a competition in playing the “kulintang” (a traditional musical instrument of the Muslims), and Moro cooking contest or “Kagtigi sa Pangiluto” wherein exhibitors will present their delicacies are also part of the Moro Pagingadan. It will be judged on November 29.

For the Moro cottages, winners will receive respectively, P25,000 for the first prize, P20,000 second prize, P15,000 third prize, and P10,000 consolation prizes for each entry. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Jenny Rose de Guzman/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Top 5 MunaTo fun run finishers

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) - MunaTo Festival fun run first to fifth placers, from right, Rosalito dela Torre from Koronadal City, Jefhte June Banguis and Jesser Falsario from Alabel, Arcie Candig from Malapatan and Ryan Godinez of Alabel strike a pose Wednesday, November 28, before proceeding to the nearby Molo riverbank to plant trees as part of the opening celebration of MunaTo Festival and 20th founding anniversary of Sarangani province. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tree planting at Molo River bank

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2012) - Participants of this year's MunaTo Festival fun run dubbed as "Takbo para sa Kalikasan" plant bamboo seedlings at the bank of Molo River in barangay Ladol after the 4.4-kilometer run from Capitol compound Wednesday, November 28. The fun run and tree planting activity are part of the opening events of Sarangani's MunaTo Festival celebration. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani’s RevisedInvestment Code of 2012 offers perks to investors

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - Sarangani launched its Revised Investment Code on Monday (November 26) to enhance the local government’s competitiveness in addressing the needs and concerns in its investors and in creating a business-friendly environment in the province.

Since 2007, this is the second amendment of the code which specifically polished the granting of incentives and the provision of technical assistance to those who apply for tax exemption for new businesses in Sarangani.

Compared to the 2007 Investment Code, the newly-amended version offers full exemption from payment of a hundred percent provincial government share on tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources during the construction period of business facilities but not exceeding two years. Same exemption is being offered in basic real property tax for businessmen to enjoy a maximum of five years.

Also offered is the full exemption from the annual payment of governor’s permit fees for maximum of five years and 50 percent discount on amusement tax, rental rates on provincial government, controlled and/or operated light and heavy equipment during construction of business structure.

These are among the initiatives and programs the provincial government has been doing to improve its business climate which, as Governor Migs Dominguez said, should guarantee safety of the investments that businessmen have put up.

“Our motto is you should be able to sleep well at night even if you’re from Manila or the States knowing that your one million dollars is extremely safe in the Philippines especially in Sarangani,” Dominguez told an audience of local investors and those coming from the SOCSARGEN area.

“I think many locators can probably say that we have walked hand-in-hand with them in ensuring that their business would not only be prosperous but business will be snag-free of any external concerns especially concerns coming from the political sector,” Dominguez said. He also made it a point to them the assurance of the viability and success of the enterprise that they would locate in Sarangani.

Sarangani has opened various business opportunities to investors over the last eight years which already generated more than 90 major investments in the various priority investment areas mostly in tourism, plantation agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing and support services.

In the last three years (2009-2011), capital infused on new investments has increased by an average growth rate of 39.34 percent based on the total P1.34 billion capital invested in Sarangani.

This, according to Dominguez, indicated that Sarangani “exceeded many for growth targets for the past few years.”

“Structurally, several agro economic facilities in the towns of Maasim and Alabel have been set up that ensured competitive advantages for the province vis-à-vis our neighbors and different local government units may bring around the province,”he added.

Sarangani Energy Corporation project assurance manager Joel Aton, who is a member of Sarangani Provincial Board of Investment, said the “prospect for the investment in Sarangani is great considering that we have revised the investment code” which opened doors for any kind of investments to the province.

Aton also cited that “infrastructures are already present except some facilities that I know there are already lots of investors who are interested to put them up like electricity, water, road investment, and structures.” For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Words of challenge and inspiration

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez stresses a point during the signing of Technical and Marketing Agreement between Sarangani Seaweeds Producers Cooperative (SASEPCO), Kawas Mariculture Producers Cooperative (KAMPCO) as the "Growers" and ALSON Aquaculture Corporation Tuesday, November 27, at A-Montana Resort. Both parties have agreed to enter into a mutually beneficial agreement where “Grower” will grow XL Bangus and that ALSONS will buy all the harvested milkfish from the “Grower” (the “Project”) at a price to be determined by a Pricing Committee created for this project. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Organic vegetables on sale at MunaTo municipal village

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - A farmer prepares for display freshly harvested organic vegetable and other related produce at Fabli Gu Ni municipal showcase for the soft opening of MunaTo Festival celebration. The festival will officially open on November 28 which marks the 20th foundation anniversary of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Launching of Sarangani’s Revised Investment Code

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez explains to investors and stakeholders why it is way better to invest in Sarangani than some of its counterparts in Mindanao during the Investment Conference Monday, November 26. Dominguez also discussed new business incentives in the province's Revised Investment Code. The activity also highlighted Sarangani's 20th Foundation Anniversary celebration and 10th Munato Festival. It was hosted by Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the provincial government. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mindanao power outlook presented to investors

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - "Unless we do something now, Mindanao power situation becomes highly critical in 2015," says Nicandro Fucoy, project management head of Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) before investors and stakeholders during the Investment Conference Monday, November 26. The activity which also highlighted Sarangani's 20th Foundation Anniversary celebration and 10th Munato Festival was hosted by Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the provincial government. SEC's 200 MW power plant which will be built in a 56-hectare economic zone in the eastern part of Sarangani is eyed to become a magnet for investments. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial meet opens

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) – Provincial athletic meet athletes from the municipality of Alabel greet Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon at the opening ceremony of Sarangani Provincial Athletic Association (SPAA) 2012 Meet with the theme “Enshrining School Sports for Peace, Unity and Prosperity” at Capitol Grandstand Monday, November 26. The seven municipalities will compete for the SPAA 2012 in celebration of 20th Foundation Anniversary and 10th MunaTo Festival of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani< /a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Aiza Cruz/
SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Solon with Task Force KASAMA Alabel

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2012) - Members of Task Force KASAMA of Alabel welcome Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) during their fellowship activity held at barangay Poblacion Sunday, November 25. Task Force KASAMA of Alabel is one of the partners of PNP Alabel in maintaining peace and order in the municipality. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Francis Malones/SARANGNI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo 2012 gears to draw more investments in Sarangani

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2012) – MunaTo Festival will kick off with a series of business events under “Invest Sarangani,” a combined investment tour, business conference and matching to lure in more tourists and investors in time with the province’s weeklong festivity.

“Invest Sarangani”, set on November 25-27, will be conducted in partnership with Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., the provincial government and Department of Trade and Industry.

While the November 28-30 MunaTo Festival features Sarangani history, culture and resources, investment officer Milbie Guiang-Daguro said “Invest Sarangani” will be “a showcase of the abundance in (our) resources, both natural and human, that opens various opportunities for the Sarangans as well as for investors, tourists and stakeholders.”

“With this activity, we hope to enhance the business environment in the province with the establishment of globally-competitive, culture-sensitive and environmentally sound industries that will bring our local economy into greater heights,”Daguro said.

Daguro also hoped “to see (our) local entrepreneurs grow from micro to small, small to medium, and medium to large.”

“Invest tour”,dubbed as i-tour, is an experiential investment trade exposition for businessmen who are interested to know more about the process and steps required to invest and expand business in Sarangani specifically on tourism industry.

In terms of tourism, organizers of this event noted that “Sarangani is now gradually carving a name as the ultimate destination in Southern Philippines.”

A business conference or i-con will also be conducted to inform and update businessmen and investors on important and incoming investment opportunities in Sarangani.

To be discussed too are the status and the opportunities of corporate farming in the province, the upcoming 2015 ASEAN Integration, market opportunities that big industries in the neighboring cities and provinces may provide; incentives that Sarangani Provincial Board of Investment and the Board of Investment can provide; incoming operation of the power plant in Maasim; to invite locators for Philippine Export Zone Authority accredited areas in the province, and to establish possible partnership with other foreign chambers and financing institutions.

Also, an i-match forum for Bangus, as among the priority industries in the province, will be held to present its industry road map, contract growership scheme, and financing program. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm facilities for higher yield

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 25, 2012) - Pre-post harvest facilities are received in barangay Kalaong Wednesday, November 21. The facilities worth P220,500 are composed of a power tiller with engine, rice thresher, hauler trailer, and kuliglig. From left, Board Member George Perrett, Barangay Captain Erlinda Narte, municipal agriculturist Renato Fantone, Lanao-Tarucao Communal Irrigators Association president Valentine Baguindoc, and Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP) regional representative Victor Baylon lead the ribbon cutting activity during the turn over ceremony. The facilities were part of the P2.5M livelihood assistance given to the people's organization of Maitum from the Department of Agriculture regional office thru the MRDP–Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD). The MRDP-CFAD project aims to improve the living conditions of the marginalized sectors especially farmers, women, and fisher folk. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Doctors report progress of health centers’ construction

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 20, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez and Mayor Elsie Perrett listen to provincial health officer Dr. Antonio Yasaña and municipal health officer Dr. Junie Basmillo as they report the needs of the health center of barangay Upo during the governor’s visit to the health centers around Maitum Tuesday, November 20. The governor’s visit aims to check on the needs of health centers in villages and the progress of the construction of the health center buildings of barangays Upo, Kalaong, Maguling, Pinol, Sison and Mindupok. The construction of the buildings was funded by the Department of health (DOH) and the provincial government. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs delivers obstetrics and newborn care equipment

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 21, 2012) – Village committee on health chair and barangay kagawad Normina Sapal (center) expresses her gratitude to Governor Migs Dominguez for providing all the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) equipment they have requested for their health center at barangay Pinol Tuesday, November 20. The BEMONC equipment which has an approximate cost of P400,000 is funded by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and distributed by the provincial government. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

NDDU nurses pay courtesy call to Vice Governor Solon

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with the Group 7 nursing students of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) together with their clinical instructor Lodar Dagoy-Escobillo (left) as they pay a visit at the Vice Governor’s Office Tuesday, November 20. The group is presently conducting community health nursing exposure as part of the curriculum in Intensive Nursing Practicum (Related Learning Experience) at sitios Consolacion and Pagang in barangay Banahaw, Malungon. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani< /a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs receives military plaque for Sarangani leadership

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 17, 2012) – Governor Migs Dominguez receives the plaque of leadership from Lt. Gen. Jorge Segovia, commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, during the handover of Internal Security Efforts (ISE) – Lead Role of Sarangani Province and Change of
Command Ceremony at 73rd Infantry Battalion camp Thursday November 15. Governor Dominguez proudly pronounced that “Sarangani has reached its maturity. We had almost completely solved the root causes of rebellion. I know I have seen former rebels here.” The plaque was given to the Sarangani leadership for being a strong partner in peace and development efforts. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>.
Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Francis Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOU Signing for Sarangani Internal Security Efforts

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 17, 2012) – Sarangani officials headed by Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and officers of 10th Infantry Division Philippine Army sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Internal Security Efforts (ISE) at the 73rd Infantry Battalion camp during the handover of Internal Security Efforts (ISE) – Lead Role of Sarangani Province and Change of Command Ceremony Thursday, November 15. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in the process of reviewing the requisite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the ISE-lead role of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Francis
Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Solon welcomes new Sarangani battalion commander

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 17, 2012) – “People have given a lot of positive remarks regarding your work ethics and your experience Sir, so I think you will not have problem toward making Sarangani your second home.” These were the words of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon as he welcomed incoming battalion commander Lt. Col. Patricio Ruben Amata at the Change of Command Ceremony in the headquarters of 73rd Infantry Battalion Thursday, November 15. The event highlighted,among others, the recognition of outgoing battalion commander Lt. Col.Adolfo Espuelas Jr. who led the 73rd IB for two years and four months.For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Francis Malones/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Arroz caldo for blood donors

 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 10, 2012) - Volunteers prepare arroz caldo from Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez for blood donors from Sarangani and General Santos City who trooped to Robinson’s Place Gensan atrium Saturday, November 10, for DUGONG BOMBO "A little pain, a life to gain" nationwide blood-letting activity held simultaneously in 26 key cities nationwide. The activity is a joint project of Bombo Radyo Philippines and Philippine Red Cross. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kids and mother chase education dreams

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – A mother and her kids listen from a window sill in a small classroom filled with participants holding an education summit at barangay Batian Tuesday, November 6. Barangay Batian is the town’s poorest village with the lowest number of children entering school. The education summit which is dubbed Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan (KKK) is a program implemented by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez. The program aims to unite barangay council, parents, students, teachers, and the local government unit of Maitum to strengthen the ability of the children by providing quality education. The summit was participated in by over 90 pupils, parents, barangay council members, sitio leaders, and LGU staff. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Provinceon November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Parents help kids pursue quality education

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) - Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) members of Victoria Tañedo Garcia Elementary School participate in a workshop on how to develop and help children pursue their dreams through quality education at barangay Zion Monday, November 5. The event was an education summit implemented by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program which is dubbed KKK (Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan). The summit which gathered over 100 participants aims to unite barangay council, parents, teachers, students, and the local government unit to work hand-in-hand in bringing about quality education to Sarangani kids. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pupils join education revolution

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) - Pupils of Victoria Tañedo Garcia (VTG) elementary school listen attentively as their Barangay Captain Bonifacio Garcia commits to provide some of the needs of their school during the education summit at barangay Zion Monday, November 5. The event which focused on the education revolution is dubbed Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan (KKK) or literacy against poverty espoused by Governor Migs Dominguez. KKK aims to unite the barangay council, parents, students and the provincial government to work hand-in-hand to bring out quality education to every Sarangan. The summit gathered over 100 pupils, parents, teachers, the barangay council, local government unit of Maitum staff, and QUEST staff. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village chief commits education support

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) - Barangay Captain Bello Valdez (2nd from the left) of barangay Old Poblacion commits to provide some of the project needs listed by parents, students, and barangay council members during their workshop on how to develop education reform in their barangay in line with the barangay education summit Monday, November 5. The education summit is a program conducted by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST), one of the programs of Governor Migs Dominguez, to help provide quality education for Sarangani children. The event which aims to unite barangay council, parents, students, teachers, and the local government unit help each other to bring about quality education is dubbed KKK (Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan). The event was participated in by over 300 pupils, parents, teachers, barangay officials, LGU staff and QUEST staff. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation for DSWD Assistant Secretary

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) together with Hermelo Latoja (left), provincial social welfare and development officer, awards a plaque of appreciation to Assistant Secretary Florita Villar of Department of Social Welfare and Development as keynote speaker for the year-end evaluation of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) with the theme “Competent Duty Bearers, Key to the Shaping of a Bright Child” Friday, November 9 at Capitol gym. In 2012, Sarangani ECCD has served 38,451 children in preschool, daycare and School Neighborhood Play. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Solon commends Sarangani ECCD workers

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon commends Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) workers in Sarangani for taking a great part in molding and taking care of the young children in the province during the ECCD program year-end evaluation at Capitol gym Friday, November 9. The objectives of ECCD are the improvement of infant and child survival rates through expanded child programs; enhance cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of young children through the establishment of additional child care centers under the Department of Social Welfare and Development and a smooth transition from at-home care to pre or primary schools through a two-month bridging program for entrants to primary school. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Provinceon November 28-30, 2012. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Out-of-school youth becomes electrician

 

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) - Ricky Collado, one of the 75 and 3rd batch graduates of Maasim Tech-Voc Competence Center, shows his certificate of completion for Electrical Installation and Maintenance during the graduation ceremony Friday, November 9, at Mangelen Integrated School campus. The graduates who are mostly the town's out-of school youth are now National Competence II holders after passing TESDA’s national competence assessment and examination and after 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, Alcantara Foundation, Department of Education, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim and TESDA Sarangani and General Santos City. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Provinceon November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani kicks off mass treatment to eradicate filariasis

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – Sarangani administered a province-wide mass drug taking of a combination of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate and Albendazole, a preventive treatment for lymphatic filariasis on Tuesday (November 6) to drum up the Filariasis Awareness Month.

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a debilitating and disfiguring parasitic disease transmitted thru a mosquito bite that mostly affects women, men and children in remote areas.

It is the second leading cause of permanent and long term disability.

In Sarangani, the mass drug administration already started in 2002 but this year’s awareness campaign is hoped to finally free the province from the disease.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, assistant provincial health officer, was confident the province could meet the requirement of an 85 percent coverage mass treatment of its total population, a precondition the Department of Health set in declaring a certain area free from filaria.

According to Alejandro, Sarangani is still at 70 percent coverage.

In Region 12, it was North Cotabato that was first declared as filaria-free. South Cotabato would likely be declared next while Alejandro estimated that it would take a span of two to five years before Sarangani could meet the requirement.

Based on 2011 filarial survey conducted in sentinel sites and spot check areas in Sarangani, 74 were diagnosed positive who underwent Noctornal Blood Examination and 12 from the two to four years old who went thru Immunochromatographic Test.

From the seven municipalities, Maasim has the most that were diagnosed positive of the disease.

Governor Migs Dominguez said most of the affected are from the far-flung and mountainous areas. These patients were said to be hesitant to report to health centers due to financial constraints and social stigma they normally experience.

Dominguez said“there’s really a problem in communicating the problem to those who have filariasis.” He said the effort should not just limit to merely administering the treatment “but creating the awareness that something has to be done.”

Alejandro said the participation of the community is only to take the medicine. “We urge them also to tell their neighbors na mag-inom din, of course with the proper orientation and with the proper medication by our health service providers. With our barangay health workers, mas magiging maganda yung awareness for them to really drink the anti-filarial drug.”

The provincial health office has been conducting pilot testing for the drug administration on sites where there are identified patients and where there are symptomatic evidence noted.

“We also consider incidences of malaria because it goes along together. The incidences of malaria in a particular area could mean that yung mosquitoes as vectors are probably mag-cross vectors din sa filaria,” Alejandro said.

“Paglalaki ng mga paa, panlalaki ng mga itlog o pamamaga ng mga itlog o kaya ng susu” are the chronic disability symptoms of filariasis.

As Alejandro pointed out, “it is very effective na mabigyan ng gamot para mawala yung disease. But the moment na meron na tayong makikita, hindi na natin yan mapigilan, andyan na ‘yan but we can stop the progression into more chronic stage.” For more news and updates, please visit the <a href=http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Provinceon November 28-30, 2012. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)