Teachers attend Values Enhancement Conference

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 8, 2013) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks before teachers during the Values Enhancement Conference and medical mission held at Capitol gymnasium Saturday, December 7. The conference was sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, Department of Education Sarangani Division and Provincial Governor’s Office. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cong. Pacquiao thanks participants of his 1st SarGen Sportsfest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 8, 2013) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao expresses his gratitude to the participating teams for the success of his 1^st SarGen Sportsfest 2013 during the awarding program at Veranza Mall Saturday, December 7. The provincial government team of Sarangani won the top prize of P0.5 million as over-all champion. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dental operation at district hospital held

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 8, 2013) – The office of Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao sponsored doctors from Manila in conducting triple cleft lip and palate surgery at Gensan District Hospital on December 7-8. It was a joint project with Rotary Club Manila 101 D3810, Rotary Club of Gensan Tuna Port D3860 and Rotary Club of Baran South Korea in coordination with PDA Gensan/Sarangani and RC Manila South in partnership with PAFJO-TMJ, Inc., Pangasinan Coast Lions Club and 7 Lakes Lions Club.(Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PLGU Sarangani over-all champ at Cong. Pacquiao 1st SarGen Sportsfest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 8, 2013) – The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Sarangani is over-all champion with a P0.5 million cash prize at the 1st SarGen Sportsfest 2013 of Congressman Manny Pacquiao during the culmination and awarding program held at Veranza Mall Saturday, December 7. The sportsfest which ran from December 3 to 7 was held at Pacman Beach Resort in Tinoto, Maasim. Other teams that received a P100,000 consolation prize each were the municipal local government units of Glan, Malapatan, Alabel, Malungon, Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum, and local government unit of General Santos City and General Santos City Liga ng Barangay.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani dental mission caravan held

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (December 8, 2013) – The office of Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao in joint effort with Rotary Club Manila 101 D3810, Rotary Club of Gensan Tuna Port D3860 and Rotary Club of Baran South Korea, in coordination with PAFJO-TMJ Inc., PDA Gensan/Sarangani, RC Manila South, LGU of Malapatan and General Santos City conduct a dental mission at Malapatan on December 7-8. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon in medical mission

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 7, 2013) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon takes a cholesterol test assisted by the medical representative of Zydus Philippines, partner of Mahintana Foundation, during the Sarangani Values Festival and Medical Mission sponsored by the provincial government, Department of Education and Children Evangelical Foundation held at Kasfala Hall Saturday, December 7. The medical mission served over 1,000 teachers in Sarangani. It was in partnership with R.O Diagan Cooperative Hospital headed by Dr. Renato Diagan, Bio Femme, Mahintana Foundation, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Eye Crafter Clinic, Fong's Laboratory, Breast Cancer Association of SOCSARGEN, Philhealth and New MarketLink Pharmaceutical Corporation. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani holds tourism strategic planning

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 7, 2013) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks at the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) Workshop and Strategic Planning facilitated by Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC) at Kasfala Hall Friday, December 6. This event was attended by Nelly Nita Dillera, regional director of Department of Tourism; John Paul Balayon, representative of ABS-CBN Foundation; Nanette Barroso of Department of Trade and Industry; Ed Cejar, incoming president of Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Charlemagne Delfino, president of Sarangani Tourism Industry Association (SARTIA); Michelle Lopez Solon, Region 12 tourism council chairperson; former Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrette of Maitum; and tourism officers of the seven municipalities of Sarangani. The workshop aims to have a practical vision and strategic plan for the development of the province in terms of tourism. Gov. Solon also urged tourism stakeholders to help develop the tourism industry of Sarangani. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Jinkee gives sportsmanship message

MAASIM, Sarangani (December 7, 2013) – Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao gives a message during the 1st SarGen Sportsfest at Pacman Beach Resort in Tinoto on December 3. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Sarangani now Malaria free

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 7, 2013) - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported Sarangani is now free from Malaria, a feat the provincial government claimed after inclusive initiatives had been launched to contain the mosquito-borne disease.

PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Arvin Alejandro said cases gradually went down from 1,700 in 2006, 37 in 2010, 28 in 2011, four in 2012 until a zero case in this year's record.

Alejandro credited the drop to the provincial government's efforts in institutionalizing anti-Malaria initiatives from 2007 to 2011 at the barangay level which Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. thru Global Fund, financed with around P25 million.

To support this, he said, the PHO "strengthened local system supporting Malaria, trained a lot of sprayers, identified houses and we always connect that with Dengue para comprehensive yung ating ginawa. We do not do it for Malaria alone but we do it also for mosquito borne-disease."

In order to sustain the zero case record, Alejandro said his office has expanded the containment of the disease to adjacent barangays of other municipalities like parts of Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat and areas near Glan with identified transmission of cases.

Dengue, however, is not as prevalent as in other provinces. Alejandro said "nako-contain naman yung cases."

Also, he said, the PHO wanted "to strengthen the event-based monitoring with regards to all diseases under surveillance. We don’t talk only about Malaria. We don’t talk only about Dengue, but we talk also of other diseases like measles, tetanus, and others."

"Ang mga community na mismo ang ini-strengthen na natin. Starting next year, sila na 'yung i-strengthen natin. Sila mismo ang mga i-identity ng mga particular problems na ito at yan ay makarating kaagad kung hindi man sa municipal level to the provincial level para ma-actionan,” Alejandro said. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

OCD equips Sarangani on Incident Command System

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 7, 2013) - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) recently completed the structure for provinces in SOCSKSARGEN region on the set up of on-scene disaster response and management in consonance with President Aquino's call to establish national and local crisis management organizations throughout the country.

Here in Region 12, Sarangani was the last to have the three-day Incident Command System (ICS) basic course which concluded Thursday (December 5) and intends to cascade the implementation to its component municipalities early next year.

In the whole Philippines, OCD accounted only some two to three percent of the provinces to have been trained and around 30 percent in Mindanao.

The reason OCD cited on the delay of training to other provinces was the absence of a Provincial Disaster Risk and Response Management Office there.

ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that can be used by all disaster risk reduction and management councils or emergency management and response agencies which can also be used for routine incidents as well as major disasters such as floods, typhoons, disease outbreaks, hostage-taking, and even planned events such as fiestas and concerts.

Amity Public Safety Academy deputy administrator Radny Pabon said the goal of establishing the ICS is to harmonize the cooperability among agencies. He pointed out if ICS was fully implemented in the Philippines, coordination would be easier for government's response team "because regardless of how many people are working on the ground, everybody knows how to work with the system."

Pabon, however, lamented the Philippines has not yet organized its own ICS-trained national response team, a call which OCD should spearhead. This, he cited, is why the country is not in the list of the international search and rescue advisory group yet.

ICS started in the Philippines in 2010 upon the mandate of the national government. Two batches of instructors were trained by the United States Forest Service that time.

Region 12 OCD regional director officer-in-charge Jerome Barranco disclosed OCD is coming up with a regional system of incident management from regional level down to provincial level and will be doing orientation in the communities in 2014. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Win or lose: 1st SARGEN Sports Fest teams to get total of P4.2M cash prizes from Rep. Pacquiao

By JOY R. SEVILLA  

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 5, 2013) – No one goes home a loser at the 1st SARGEN Sports Fest 2013 as Rep. Manny Pacquiao, the games’ promoter, has prepared P4.2 million for major and consolation prizes.

In an interview, Sarangani Board Member Elmer de Peralta, chair of the sports fest, said the objective is to unite the local government employees of General Santos City and Sarangani Province (SARGEN) not only in terms of development, but also in sports and camaraderie.

“There are ten teams participating in the activity including the seven municipalities of the province, the local government units of Sarangani and General Santos, and the Liga ng Barangay General Santos,” said De Peralta.

He added there are 11 sports activities being held simultaneously at the PACMAN Beach in Tinoto, Maasim, Mr. Bigshot, National Highway in General Santos, PACMAN Stadium in Tambler, and at the Robinson’s Place.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s passion for sports showed up during the sports fest. The governor remarkably played badminton, one of his favorite sports.

The overall champion in the sports fest will receive P500,000 while nine consolation prizes of P100,000 each will also be given away. Players in various sports also have corresponding prizes for gold, silver, and bronze winners.

The games included in the activity are: basketball open category, basketball LGU category, volleyball men, volleyball women, chess, boxing, darts, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, and shooting competition.

“Last year, Congressman Manny also sponsored a sports activity, but that was only for all PCM candidates both in Sarangani and Gensan. He wants to expand it this year and he wants to involve all officials thus, the 1st SARGEN Sports Fest” De Peralta said.

The December 3-7 1st SARGEN Sports Fest with the theme “Building the torch of Unity, Hope and Prophesy through Sports,” is also part of the 11th Munato Festival and 21st Anniversary of Sarangani Province. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI

Deal for cheap, safe meds for Sarangani govt hospitals signed

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 2, 2013) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right, seated) and Bienvenido Perez (center, seated) president of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. sign Monday, December 2, the Memorandum of Agreement to establish a pharmacy (Health Plus Shop) within the premises of province-run hospitals. The Health Plus drugstores will sell low cost but high quality medicines. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani inks deal with NGO for cheaper meds

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 2, 2013) – An agreement was signed Monday (December 2) between a non-government organization and the provincial government to ensure steady supply of safe and affordable medicines and other pharmaceutical products to all its hospitals.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said the agreement he forged with Mahintana Foundation, Inc. is an answer to the government’s quest “to ease the means of living of the poor and the sick by ensuring low cost but quality medicines come in on time and are available.”

Thru the partnership, Sarangani accredited Mahinta to open a pharmacy within the premises of all its province-run hospitals adopting the Health Plus Program of the National Pharmaceutical Foundation, Inc.

The foundation will implement the retailing of Health Plus products to all in-patients and out-patients while the provincial government is entitled to provide management support and technical assistance.

Provincial Health Office OIC Dr. Arvin Alejandro explained Health Plus Program will be lodged within the existing pharmacies of the hospitals to provide those lacking medicines. This he pointed out would be a better scheme than what he lamented was the always delayed procurement and delivery of medicines for the hospitals.

Health Plus also will be implemented in keeping with the provincial government’s “commitment to public health and welfare and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.”

With the strengthening of Philhealth, Alejandro said all hospitals in the province should be able to provide all the logistics for the patients - the reason also why they tapped Mahintana.

Sarangani has five hospitals in all.

Alejandro said the license for Glan and Kiamba hospitals to operate will be released by February or March next year. Both are level one hospitals with an operative capacity.

Others (Maitum, Maasim and Malungon), he said, will remain to operate as infirmary. They will only admit patients since they have no operating theater.

Constituents could already start availing of the program starting before December 25 during its launching. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangans receive early Christmas gift from Starkey Foundation

By JOY R. SEVILLA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 2, 2013) - Hundreds of people from the seven municipalities of Sarangani Province have availed of free hearing aids during the Starkey Hearing Foundation Mission: Fitting of Free Hearing Aids at the Lagao Gymnasium.

The 551 screened beneficiaries from Sarangani were also taught on how to take care and properly use the hearing aids which cost P15,000 to P20,000 each.

The mission composed of 50 doctors and nurses from the United States was led by Bill Austin, founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation and owner of Starkey Labs.

The mission’s objective is to bring understanding among people through hearing care by focusing on awareness, education, protection, and treatment, so that the world may hear.

It was the first time for Starkey Hearing Foundation to sponsor a mission in this part of the country. The mission is in response to the request of Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao.

the provincial government of Sarangani through Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon has complemented the mission by sending volunteers and sponsoring a fellowship dinner for the mission team.
 

Around 1,500 beneficiaries, including walk-in patients from Sarangani, South Cotabato, General Santos City, and nearby areas like Davao City, came to avail of the free hearing aids.

The mission is conducted in partnership with the Congressional Office of Sarangani Province, the local government units of Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and South Cotabato, and with the General Santos City Doctors Hospital.

Raphael Nuña, 63, and resident of Malapatan, Sarangani said in an interview that he is very grateful to have availed of free hearing aids.

“Mga walo na ko ka tuig medyo dili kadungog. Pasalamat ko nga naay hearing mission kay dili na ko mogasto kay libre na man,” Nuña said.

Noe Labrador, 43, and resident of Kiamba, Sarangani, on the other hand, suffered from hearing problems since he was young. He only uses sign language to communicate with other people.

Labrador also expressed his thanks to Starkey Foundation Mission and to its partners for bringing aid to people like him. Availing of free hearing aids is an advance Christmas gift for him, he said. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Jessica Sanchez, Gov. Solon in medical mission

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2013) – Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center, seated) attends a briefing of the Starkey Hearing Foundation with Jessica Sanchez during the first day of three days of medical hearing mission at Lagao gymnasium Sunday, December 1. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

LGUs hold hearing medical mission

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2013) - Starkey Hearing Foundation begins three days of hearing medical mission at Lagao gymnasium Sunday, December 1. The medical mission is initiated by the local government units (LGUs) of Sarangani, South Cotabato and General Santos City with General Santos City Doctors Hospital. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Munato Festival soars at midnight

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2013) – Munato Festival 2013 makes a happy ending of fireworks display at midnight as the heritage and resources leg of the festival ends Saturday, November 30. The second leg of the festival, the sports events, will be held next week at Pacman Beach in Maasim. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Successful Munato Festival takes to the sky

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2013) – A family revels as Munato Festival lights the sky Saturday, November 30. The second leg of the festival, the sports events, will be held next week at Pacman Beach in Maasim. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)  

Street dancers from Malandag dominate Munato Festival contest

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2013) – The Malandag National High School contingent of Malungon emerges as over-all champion at the street dancing competition Saturday, November 30, of Munato Festival with the prize of P100,000. Second was Malapatan National High School with P70,000.00 and third was Glan School of Arts and Trades with P50,000. Other participants received a consolation prize of P20,000 each. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Alabel bet is new Pearl of Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2013) – The Pearl of Sarangani 2013 title goes to Janekka Escudero of Alabel. The 1st runner up is Sharene Joy Chatto of Glan and 2nd runner up is Quennie Lyn Arellano of Alabel. The Pearl of Sarangani pageant was held Friday, November 30, in celebration of the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival of Sarangani held at Capitol complex. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dyan Castillejo hosts Pearl of Sarangani pageant

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2013) - TV host Dyan Castillejo  and DJ Mario Valentino Baladjay host the 2013 Pearl of Sarangani pageant Friday, November 29. (Abner P. Arzaga for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan showcases white sand beaches, cocunut, banana and people

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) - Glan, the beach capital of Central Mindanao, showcases in its booth entry its major agriculture products (coconut and banana). It also gives emphasis on people and sites that contribute in the celebration of its centennial year in October 2014. This and six other municipal booths are part of competitions in this year’s Fabli Gu Ni, one of the highlights of Munato Festival. Fabli Gu Ni is the indigenous people’s traditional practice of fadyan or trade fair. Fabli Gu Ni, running from November 28-30 at the Capitol grounds, includes competitions in Best Dressed Booth, Munato Icon Competition, Best Product Competition (Food and Crafts), Most Innovative Product Competition, Top Seller Municipality Competition and Munato’s Best Traditional Dish Competition. (Abner Arzaga for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiamba takes pride in abaca products

KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) - Abaca, the main product of Kiamba, is highlighted in this booth. Various abaca materials, both raw and finished products, are seen inside and outside its booth. Products that include hats, bags, ropes, Christmas decors, clothing and others just speak of what Kiamba takes pride into. This and six other municipal booths are part of competitions in this year’s Fabli Gu Ni, one of the highlights of Munato Festival. Fabli Gu Ni is the indigenous people’s traditional practice of fadyan or trade fair. Fabli Gu Ni, running from November 28-30 at the Capitol grounds, includes competitions in Best Dressed Booth, Munato Icon Competition, Best Product Competition (Food and Crafts), Most Innovative Product Competition, Top Seller Municipality Competition and Munato’s Best Traditional Dish Competition. (Abner Arzaga for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum’s ancient jars, nature, adventure on display

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) - Maitum municipality showcases its anthropomorphic jars and crafts. Its booth displays the wonders of its coastal area (pawikan sanctuary and abundant bangsi), as well as its tourism highlighting its breath-taking water tubing adventure. This and six other municipal booths are part of competitions in this year’s Fabli Gu Ni, one of the highlights of Munato Festival. Fabli Gu Ni is the indigenous people’s traditional practice of fadyan or trade fair. Fabli Gu Ni, running from November 28-30 at the Capitol grounds, includes competitions in Best Dressed Booth, Munato Icon Competition, Best Product Competition (Food and Crafts), Most Innovative Product Competition, Top Seller Municipality Competition and Munato’s Best Traditional Dish Competition. (Abner Arzaga for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani lauds people’s champ for bringing pride and honor

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) – Following the overwhelming victory of boxing star and Rep. Manny Pacquiao over American boxer Brandon Rios in Macau on November 24, the provincial government commended him for bringing “pride and honor” to his province and country.

The commendation came in time with the opening of Sarangani’s 11th Munato Festival Thursday (November 28) where Pacquiao is serving his second-term.

The commendation, thru Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2013-8-087, states that Pacquiao has “proved he is still a boxing figure in the world, registering a unanimous decision victory” in Sunday’s fight claiming the WBO International Welterweight belt.

The fight was a total domination of the congressman where he showed enormous hand speed and landed blistering combinations against Rios.

Indeed, it said that Pacquiao’s feat is “a testament of what Filipinos are capable of attaining and regaining as they put their heart and soul into their goals.”

With the recent strong earthquake in the Visayas and typhoon Yolanda, Pacquiao has declared that his victory is a “symbol of the people’s comeback from disasters and tragedies.” (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pacman Run of Munato Festival for Yolanda victims

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013)- Hundreds of runners and enthusiasts all over the region join the Pacman Run at the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival. The fun run, which kicked off at 5:00 a.m. Friday, November 29, has four categories: 3K run, 5K run, 10K run, and 21K run. The participants all received certificates while the proceeds of the activity will be donated to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Eastern Visayas Region. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao inducts new barangay officials

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013)- Congressman Manny Pacquiao inducts into office new barangay officials during the opening program of the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival at Capitol complex Thursday, November 28.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Sarangani Open Film Competition Best Film award

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) – Kiamba Mayor Raul Martinez (center) poses with actor Ronald Tampalan (left) and director Genory Vanz Alfasain (right) who won the Best Film award at the Sarangani Open Film Competition out of six entries. The competition was part of the Munato Festival celebration. (Ruel Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Solons renew wedding vows in Islamic tradition

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and wife Michelle in a ceremonial Islamic wedding during the opening of Moro Pagingadan (Moro Cottages) at Capitol compound Thursday, November 28. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon awards tribal sports winners

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks during the tribal sports, one of the activities of the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival Thursday, November 28. He also added a cash prize for the winner of S’bono or tribal wrestling. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal sports spice up Munato Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2013) - Sbuno (wrestling), a tribal sports competition, is one of the highlights in celebration of the 21st Foundation Anniversary  and 11th Munato Festival held at Capitol complex Thursday, November 28.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon bares secrets to a prosperous Sarangani

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivered a strong and sound message during the opening of the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival Thursday (November 28) disclosing the ingredients and secrets to prosperity which is very applicable to a thriving province like Sarangani.

Solon said that for the past years, Sarangani has been making great strides in fostering development, however, he added that “we still need to develop a lot more.”

“Kailangan nating iangat at isulong ang Sarangani dahil ang katotohanan ay kabilang pa tayo sa pinakamahihirap na probinsiya sa ating bansa at hindi natin ito dapat itago,” said Solon.

Thus, Solon bared the secrets and ingredients to prosperity, which, he said, should be embraced and understood by heart by every leader even in the grassroots level which is the barangays.

He said to attain prosperity, three things should be applied and these are God-centered governance, synergy of all leaders, and sustainable development.

“We have a lot of plans and sometimes nakakalimutan natin na dapat natin i-sentro ang lahat sa Diyos, yun ang dapat unang-unang maintindihan,” he said.

“Everyone must also take part in development, dapat may interaction and cooperation ang lahat ng leaders,” he added.

Solon further asserted that barangay captains should be ready to the idea of opening up their respective areas to potential investors.

“Dapat maging agresibo tayo kasi itong mga investments na papasok sa probinsiya ay may malaking epekto. It will not only bring economic development, but job generation at marami ang matutulungan,” he explained.

Lastly, Solon stressed that while welcoming new opportunities from potential investors, everyone should be conscious on how to protect the environment.

“We should have sustainable development, protektahan natin ang likas na yaman. That is why we are strengthening our Environment Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC),” he said.

Meanwhile, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, who also gave a message during the opening program, said that every Sarangan should value excellence to acquire and maintain growth and development.

“We boldly declare that Sarangans are history makers and I believe that to be a history maker, we should be wise in making decisions, we should value excellence aron padayon ta sa pag-asenso,” he said.

Pacquiao, who won in his recent fight, also extended his thanks to those who supported him. He also administered the oath of office of the newly-elected local barangay officials during the opening program.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, who was invited to be the guest speaker, was not able to grace the occasion due to some urgencies. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gifts given in Sarangani by Pacquiao, Solon

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao give gifts packed in shoeboxes to beneficiaries of Samaritan’s Purse  Christmas Child Ministry operation at the Capitol Gymnasium Thursday, November 28. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribes honor Pacquiao

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao delivers a message to the Indigenous People during the tribal sports event at the Capitol grounds Thursday, November 28. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cong. Pacquiao, Gov. Solon& Vice Gov Jinkee open Munato markets

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013)- Congressman Manny Pacquiao leads the cutting of ribbon to open Fabli Gu Ni (trade fair) municipal showcase and Moro Pangingadan (Moro Cottages) during the opening of 11th Munato Festival and  21st Foundation Anniversary of the province held at Capitol compound Thursday, November 28. The congressman is assisted by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd from right), Regional tourism Council chair Michelle L. Solon (extreme right) and Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

1st Sarangani Adventure Festival preludes Munato Festival

By JOY R. SEVILLA

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 26, 2013) – The recently concluded 1st Sarangani Adventure Festival has reaped positive feedback not only from local but also from foreign participants.

This was bared by Taqna Sumajit of the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC), adding that the expected number of participants more than doubled.

“We prepared a tarpaulin, where the participants have written their comments and messages and almost all of them wish to have the same event next year. We only expected 200 participants to come, pero umabot ng 578,” she said.

Sumajit said 165 of the 578 joined in paragliding, archery, motor trail, rock climbing, rappelling, downhill bike, and run trekking.

The adventure festival, organized by Sarangani Paragliding Club chaired by Ian Mar Tan, in coordination with STIPC, was held November 16 and 17 at SAFI Ranch 1 in Seguil, barangay Tinoto in Maasim.

Sumajit said Koreans, Taiwanese, Germans, French, British, Americans, and Indonesians witnessed and even participated in the event. Some of them were tourists who stayed in Lemlunay, Maasim.

“One of the objectives of the activity is to promote paragliding to both local and foreign enthusiasts. For the past three years, konti lang ang pumupuntang mga turista, hindi rin masyadong na-educate ang community,” Sumajit said.

She added that Randell Raymundo, a licensed paraglide pilot of the Philippine Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association (PPHGA) was there.

Raymundo has won several awards in paragliding in international competitions representing the Philippines.

In a phone interview, Raymundo said Sarangani is a perfect location and fly site for paragliding. He said the province passed all the requirements needed for the International Paraglide Accuracy Landing Competition which will be held next year.

“The 1st Adventure Festival is in fact a preparation for the International Paraglide Accuracy Landing Competition. Wala pang exact date but it will be held towards the end of next year or in the middle of the year,” he said.

Raymundo said they are expecting seven to 10 countries with a total of 50 participants to join in the international paraglide competition.

The winners in the 1st Sarangani Adventure Festival received a certificate and a medal.

“Hindi competition ang naging dating ng activity, but it’s more of fun, and that what’s important,” Sumajit said.

“The event shall be the show window of what Sarangani could offer to adventure-seeking tourist and tourism investors,” Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said.

One of the priorities under Sulong Sarangani campaign of the governor is on tourism. The Munato Festival will be from November 28 to December 6. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

VP Binay is Sarangani’s anniversary, Munato Festival guest

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2013) – Vice President Jejomar Binay will administer the oath of office to the newly-elected barangay captains on November 28 during the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival of Sarangani, dubbed as one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

“As part of the festival’s opening activities, there will be a Panagtigum 2013 Anniversary Program on November 28, 4:00 pm. at the Capitol grounds,” said OIC provincial administrator Mariter Sayson.

All Capitol employees are encouraged to wear ethnic attire. The anniversary and festival carries the theme “History, Culture and Resources.”

“One of the highlights is the Oath Taking Ceremony of the newly elected Barangay Captains of Sarangani Province, with the Honorable Vice President Jejomar C. Binay as the administering officer,” Sayson added.

Sarangani has 141 barangays and seven municipalities, six of which are in the coastal area.

Other activities lined-up for this day are the Munato Arcade, Fabli Gu Ni: Municipal Showcase, Moro Pagingadan (Moro cottages), Tribal Sports, Fye Kura (Parade of Horses), SalaMindanaw International Film Festival, Himig Munato (Singing competition) and MunaTogtugan sa Arcade.

The first day showcases activities that promote the best cultural practices of Sarangani’s first people and, at the same time, promote Sarangani’s best locations, tourist spots, and arts, and support investment in agriculture, trade, and tourism of component municipalities.

On November 29, the activities on the first day will resume excluding the Tribal Sports, Fye Kura, and Himig Munato. The activities to look forward to during this day are the EcoTrek, where over 200 mountaineers and over 20 mountaineering organizations from SOCCSKSARGEN are invited to explore Sarangani’s hidden natural resources; the PACMAN Run; 1st Zumba Fitness Ultimate Experience; Awarding of Loyalty Plaques to Provincial Employees; Sarangani Got Talent, which will be participated in by all government employees in the province; Sarangani Entries Viewing; and the Pearl of Sarangani in the evening.

On the third day (November 30), the celebration will be highlighted by a Street Dancing Competition at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and MunaTo Concert, Street Party and Fireworks Display at 7p.m.

On December 2-6, different sports activities will be staged at the Pacman Beach Resort in Tinoto, Maasim. The activities are in line with the 1^st Gov. Steve and Vice Gov. Jinkee Inter-Agency Sports Festival to be participated in by employees of the provincial Capitol.

Five local bands will also perform at the Capitol grounds on December 6 namely: Kamikazee, Wolfgang, Rico Blanco, Parokya Ni Edgar, and Sponge Cola. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION
OFFICE)

Munato Festival opens with SalaMindanaw International Film Festival

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2013) – Sarangani’s celebration for its “first people” or Munato Festival begins Wednesday (November 27) with SalaMindanaw International Film Festival, the first to be staged in the province.

To give relevance to Munato Festival, the filmfest this time will showcase eight short films depicting the theme “Sarangani Icons, Visions and Perspectives.”

The eight finalists are Ang Bola by Hasnar Pangolima, Ang Superhero ng Sarangani by Eugene Simbajon, Bé by Ronald Tamfalan, Buya by Ariel Lalisan, I Dad Flao Fye We Di Bulen by Arnold Tialang, Masaganang Maitum by Bai Rohanni Adtud, Pakaradyan by John Rocha and Urn Jars by Christine Gay Tolentino.

“For the flow of the the Sarangani premiere on November 27th, please advise your guests to come on time. We start exactly at 4pm,” said Gutierrez Matalam Mangansakan II, festival director.

“The program will be brief and sweet: the Munato chair will give a 5-minute speech acknowledging all important people present, while I will acknowledge the filmmakers. Then lights off and we screen the films.”

Organizers said SalaMindanaw International Film Festival “is the first and only international film festival in Southern Philippines which aims to raise awareness and promote international cinema with emphasis on strengthening the cultural ties between Mindanao and its ASEAN neighbors, support the nascent film movement in the region as well as engage the public in both popular and critical discourse on art and cinema and their transformative power to shape ideas about society, thus encouraging cultural diversity and the plurality of creative expressions.”

Regional Tourism Council president Michelle Solon said the opportunity of holding the filmfest came just in time with Sarangani’s celebration of Munato that is why they add the Sarangani flavor to it by incorporating perspectives of the province’s culture and tradition.

Solon is optimistic that with the filmfest, people may know what does really “first people” mean which is the essence of what the province is celebrating during Munato since the filmfest promotes “different stories and different perspective of Sarangani from the eyes of a Sarangan.”

The screening starts on Tuesday (November 26) at Robinson’s Place in the nearby General Santos City. International short films from Singapore, Poland, Indonesia and Malaysia will also be shown while Sarangani entries will be screened at 4pm on Wednesday (November 27) and Friday (November 29).

Munato Festival will formally open on Thursday (November 28) at 4pm at Sarangani Provincial Capitol grounds. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Beverly C. Paoyon)

Munato means “first people”

By SERAFIN RAMOS JR.

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2013) - Sarangani’s first Munato Festival was celebrated in November 2002 coinciding with the province’s 10th Foundation Anniversary (November 28).

Former Governor Priscilla L. Chiongbian, who served three terms until 2001, was the first governor of Sarangani. Her husband, the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian, is the province’s “founding father.”

In 1992, Sarangani was carved out from South Cotabato where Congressman Chiongbian represented the third district which is now Sarangani.

This year, Sarangani celebrates from November 27 to December 6 with the theme “History, Culture and Resources!”

“These and more highlight the celebration of the 21^st Foundation Anniversary and 11^th Munato Festival,” said Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, a grandson of the former governor and the late congressman.

President Benigno Aquino III has declared November 28 as a special (non-working) day throughout the province.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Sarangani be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” Aquino said in Proclamation No. 683.

In Blaan dialect, Munato means “first people.”  

According to the Provincial Tourism Council in 2002, Munato Festival was dedicated to the undying spirit “of those who drove the first nails” and “those who dared first” to jumpstart Sarangani’s independence from South Cotabato.

The tribal council defined Munato not only to refer to the “first people” but to their tools, musical instruments and other materials they used to defend themselves as well.

The “first people” also refers to people who had lived around Pinol Cave in Maitum where hundreds of anthropomorphic jars were recovered.

Known as the “Maitum Jars”, the artifacts were found by Dr. Eusebio Dizon of the National Museum with the help of Moro National Liberation Front commander Ayub Mindog.

Dizon said the anthropomorphic secondary burial jars now displayed at the National Museum were discovered in 1991 at Pinol Cave.

The anthropomorphic potteries of human figures depicting various facial expressions are associated to the Metal Age in the Philippines.

Dizon described Pinol Cave as “the most significant cave in Mindanao” and its finds as “unparalleled in Southeast Asia.”

Potsherds from various ages likely 3000 years old had also been recovered at Linao Cave, barangay Kiambing, also in Maitum.

Dizon said the Pinol and Linao finds could provide significant information and material evidence to trace not only Philippine prehistory but also that of Southeast Asia. (Serafin Ramos Jr./SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)