Briefing by Mahintana Foundation

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) - Monette Parado (2nd from right) of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Philbert Yee (extreme right) and Martiniano Magdolot of Mahintana Foundation Incorporated (3rd from right) give Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (3rd from left) a project briefing for possible partnership of the provincial government  and Mahintana. Also in photo during the briefing Tuesday, February 20, are Federico Yadao and Cornelia Baldelovar of the Provincial Health Office. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Carabaos turnover to farmers for livelihood

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) - Reynante del Rosario (extreme right), Livestock Inspector II of the Provincial Veterinarian Office, turn over carabaos to the recipients of 17 heads female carabao as part of the provincial government’s livelihood support to farmers Friday, February 21.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiamba offers new adventure destination

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) – A local tourist appears to fly over the lagoon of Kawil Falls in barangay Tambilil Thursday, February 20, after the clean-up and inspection of the new adventure destination by municipal officials and employees led by Mayor Raul Martinez who took pleasure in swimming in the cold water. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Law and defense training in barangay

MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) - A police officer demonstrates how to arrest a suspected criminal during the training on law and defense organized by the Integrated Barangay Defense Force (IBDF) on February 19-21. The training involved the 73rd Infantry Battalion. IBDF is also into volunteer service for community development. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who conceptualized the partnership among community volunteers, PNP and Army while he was still the vice governor has worked for PhilHealth benefits for members. He also organized livelihood trainings for IBDF members. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Planting rice is never fun?

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) – “Planting rice is never fun” goes the folk song but for these Tboli farmers it is a decent way of earning a living even if they are “Bent from morn till the set of sun,
Cannot stand and cannot sit, Cannot rest for a little bit.”  This scene was shot Thursday, February 20, at barangay Suli. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Dairy officials, Gov. Solon discuss investments

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 19, 2014) - National Dairy Authority (NDA) chairman Sonny Lozano pays a courtesy call to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon Tuesday, February 18, at the Capitol. The NDA offers partnership and possible investment in Sarangani. The NDA will hold the 17th Dairy Congress and Expo on May 7-9 in General Santos City. This event will showcase the newest technology in the dairy industry. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village high dancers are Timpuyog Street Dance champs

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 18, 2014) – Dancers from JBT Caing Integrated High School, a coastal and farming village, takes the champion’s title at the 10th Timpuyog Festival on February 14 before thousands of spectators at the municipal grounds. The next big thing this summer in Sarangani is SarBay Festival on May 16-17 at the white sands of Gumasa, Glan. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

WSF, Sarangani team up in surgical mission

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 18, 2014) - World Surgical Foundation (WSF), a US-based charitable group providing surgical health care in many third-world countries, has partnered with Sarangani for a grand surgical mission from February 17 to 22.

The mission targets 250 operations to be performed.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, officer-in-charge of Provincial Health Office, said the surgical mission is also done jointly with General Santos City.

This mission by WSF was made possible by Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, in partnership with LGU GenSan.

The screening of patients and surgical operations are performed in the city’s district hospital.

Hernia, bowel issues, anorectal repair, penile malformations, cleft lip and palate, goiter (non-toxic), thyroid, bladder repair, TURPS (prostate/ kidney), hydroceles (prostate), tumor, cysts and hysterectomies are the cases catered to in the mission.

Alejandro said indigents suffering from these cases should take advantage of the services as they are given free of charge.

Patients are assured of quality standards from a 45-man team composed of local and foreign volunteer nurses, physicians and surgeons from multiple specialties.

From the 250 patients projected to be served, Alejandro calculated around P6,000 cost per operation and some P2.2 million Philhealth claims.

WSF is also donating supplies, medicines and some medical equipment which Alejandro pointed out could be used later in the provincial government hospital in Glan, Kiamba and Malungon.

The completion of upgrading into a level 1 hospital for Glan and Kiamba is expected during the first semester this year while the hospital in Malungon will probably be finished by the second semester.

Another surgical operation by a Canadian Mission, according to Alejandro, will be staged on February 24 until the first week of March which will cater to almost the same cases.

What the provincial government also anticipated, he said, is a meeting that WSF has been arranging with Bill Gates Foundation for a certain health assistance program. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Beverly C. Paoyon)

Boy gets free surgery from World Surgical Foundation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 17, 2014)- Four year-old Antonio Estrera Jr. of barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani benefits from the free surgical mission of World Surgical Foundation (WSF). Antonio suffers from hernia and without the free surgical operation, the family would have had to raise more or less P15,000. The surgical mission started Monday, February 17, and will end on February 22 at General Santos City District Hospital. Beneficiaries come from various parts of Sarangani and General Santos City.  This mission by WSF was made possible by Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, in partnership with LGU GenSan. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangans laud Team BUNDOL for winning TAYO 11's Coke Barkada Award

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 17, 2014) - They are a pool of young people of different personalities.  They are mountaineers, but what made them different from the others is having the right heart.

About three or four years ago, they started their trek in the mountains of Sarangani.  Team BUNDOL (Backpackers United for the Defense of Life) as they call themselves could have just climbed and be fulfilled.  However, as they hike, they saw and felt that there’s more into what they are just doing.  According to the leader of the team, Ariel Lalisan, who teaches high school, one thing they are advocating is to promote the eco-tourism of the province.  Then, it goes with teaching others on protecting the resources. 

This is why team BUNDOL has organized activities related with preserving the environment and its natural resources, such as tree growing and clean up drives.  These led the communities to think not just for themselves but for the whole of Sarangani and for the country.  Sarangani is well-known for its beauty.

“Noong minsang umakyat kami, nakita naming ang kalagayan ng mga eskwelahan, naglalakad ang mga bata ng kilu-kilometro pero pagdating sa paaralan, wala silang halos magamit na libro at iba pang kagamitan,” Lalisan said.

This has brought them to scout for partners in various organizations in private and in government to provide them with books and other materials for their organized community events.

Just last year, team members decided to join in TAYO or Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines.  Sure enough, they have attracted the attention of the judges, including its partner, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI). Team BUNDOL was the Coke Barkada Awardee.

Sarangans, officials and the employees of the provincial Capitol recognized their efforts as they were presented by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during a regular assembly.

“These are young people who proved that they can do something more that is expected and be good models to other youth.  We should be really proud of them,” Solon said.

The award did not mean the end of their trek, but this has motivated the team to reach higher peaks, help communities and to teach every Sarangan the value of what God has given us.

Gov. Solon and Lalisan agreed to continue with the partnership, because the present programs and priorities of the provincial government and Team BUNDOL’s goals go well together.

“We have been supporting the endeavors of the team, and we continue to support them now and in the future,” Solon added.

This coming March, CCFPI will visit the team in Sarangani and will go to different communities with BUNDOL.

TAYO, CCFPI and the National Youth Commission continue to seek for inspiring stories all around the country.  This is held every year to encourage other youth to be involved and be active partners in nation-building.  This is what they recognized in the hearts of these young people in Sarangani. (Charito Ansagay/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Fishermen associations receive boats

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 17, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives an inspirational message during the turnover ceremony of two fishing boats project of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao to Lumasal Tribal Farmers and Fishermen Association and Daliao Fishermen Association at Maasim Public Market on February 12. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Grand Surgical Mission renders free medical services

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 17, 2014)- The medical team of World Surgical Foundation are having light moments with local government unit (LGU) partners Saturday, February 15, two days before the surgical mission. Serbisyong Sarangan of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon has been partnering with the foundation and inviting other private organizations to provide free medical services for the people, especially those who are in great need. Ensuring the health of Sarangans is one of the priorities under the Sulong Sarangani Program. This Grand Surgical Mission is also in partnership with LGU Gensan.  The surgical operations started Monday, February 17, at General Santos City Hospital. (Charito Ansagay/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani’s Team Bundol wins TAYO 11’s Coke Barkada Award

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 17, 2014) - Members of the Team BUNDOL (Backpackers United For the Defense of Life) get the title as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in the country.  They were given recognition recently by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. (Jake T.  Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Collective Negotiation Agreement between PLGU and SPEU signed

ALABEL,  Sarangani (February 11, 2014) – Provincial employees and officers of the union witness as Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) and Sarangani Provincial  Employees Union (SPEU) president Anacleto  “Bobby” Saya-ang (right) sign the Collective Negotiation  Agreement (CNA) Monday February 10. The CNA is an arrangement between the provincial government and the union that stipulates the responsibilities and benefits of union members and the provincial management. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

360 Sarangani athletes compete in SRAA

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) – Three hundred sixty thoroughly selected athletes from the seven municipalities of Sarangani are sent off Friday, February 7, to compete in the five-day Region 12 or Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet in Koronadal City on February 10 to 14. The province has given P1.7 million support from Special Educational Fund for the activity. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Investors offer help to small farmers and fisher folk

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) – The Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) with Allen Macababayao, economic consultant, conducts a special meeting February 6, Thursday, participated in by Board Member Virgilio Tobias and Board Member Hermie Galzote, provincial agriculturist Jonathan Duhaylungsod, representatives from the Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC), and partners from Manila -- the Planters Production Inc. which offers business opportunity for small farmers and fisher folk. (Marvin N. Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiamba opens agri-fair booth

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) – From left, Carlito Panugot of Philippine Coconut Authority, provincial agriculturist Jonathan Duhaylungsod, Vice Mayor Danny “Bogi” Martinez and municipal Councilor Jose Huliganga open the agri-fair booth showcasing the town’s  agricultural  bounty. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Sumifru Corporation eyes Sarangani investment

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) - A team from Sumifru Corporation visits Sarangani Thursday, February 6, for possible multi-million investment. Sumifru is on sourcing, production, shipment and marketing of various fresh fruits, primarily the export of quality cavendish bananas, pineapple and papaya. Main purpose of the inspection is to see the suitability of the soil for the plantation. Each hectare would amount to a P1.2 million investment. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog Festival opens with Zumba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) – Zumba instructress Wea De Lara Quiamco of General Santos City leads the Zumba dance in front of Municipal Kiosk Thursday, February 6, as the town celebrates its 66th Foundation Anniversary and Town Fiesta and 10th Timpuyog Festival. It was a one-hour, non-stop fitness program mainly sponsored by the municipal government of Kiamba under Mayor Raul Martinez and supported also by the office of Vice Mayor Danny Martinez. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Tindahan Para sa Kalinaw gets P50,000

GLAN, Sarangani (February 9, 2014) - Executive staff Cesar Cagas from the office of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon extends his gratefulness to the members of Parents Teachers Association during their assembly at Domingo R. Cania Memorial Elementary School in barangay Tapon Friday, February 7. The provincial government has given P50,000 support for the Tindahan Para sa Kalinaw of the community. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ambulance each for Maasim, Kiamba and Glan hospitals

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 3, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives the keys of ambulances to Kiamba Hospital represented by Dr. Aileen Brion (3^rd from right) and Glan Hospital represented by Dr. Eden Rose Malanao (2^nd from right) during the flag raising ceremony at Capitol Monday, February 3. Dr. Arvin Alejandro (extreme left), provincial health officer, said the ambulances, including another one for Maasim Hospital, cost P2.89 million and were purchased by the province through the Provincial Health Office. The ambulances were delivered last month after all documents were settled from a series of negotiations and biddings. Also in photo are Board Members Cesar Nallos (2^nd from left), Virgilio Clark Tobias (3^rd from left), and Federation of Association of Barangay Captains (FABC) president Eduardo Paras Sr. (4^th from right). (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon in Bangsi Festival

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 2, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his festival messages during the 7th Bangsi Festival Friday, January 31, at the municipal gym. The festival’s theme is “Kaunlaran at Kaayusan Daan Tungo sa Matatag at Matiwasay na Pamayanan”. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bangsi Festival presents Sugba-sugba sa Kadalanan

MAITUM, Sarangani ((February 2, 2014)- Maitum constituents and visitors enjoy the free Sugba-sugba sa Kadalanan with long lines of grills at the national highway in-front of the municipal hall Friday, January 31.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bangsiyawan competition

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 2, 2014)- The Bangsiyawan street dancing competition ends with a showdown at the municipal gym during the celebration of 7th Bangsi Festival Friday, January 31.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PNP 12 commits to align with Sulong Sarangani program

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 12 has bared its plans for the year particularly on how to align with the programs and activities of the provincial government.

Police Chief Inspector Joefel Remudaro, chief of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of PNP 12 headquarters, said during the Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center Meeting Thursday (January 30) that the PNP ensures activities for Sarangani will be congruent to the LGU’s Sulong Sarangani advocacy.

“One of our plans this year is to align with the programs of the LGU of Sarangani. We will ensure that we can join in the activities of the province in promoting the Sulong Sarangani program,” Remudaro said.

He said the PNP can be part of Sulong Sarangani program by partnering with the local government in its efforts to promote its battlecry in which they can take part.

“We can join the LGU in its Sulong Kapayapaan or Sulong Karunungan programs by conducting lectures to different police stations in the province,” he said.

Sulong Kapayapaan is one of Sulong Sarangani pillars focusing on peace and development, while the Sulong Talino pillar focuses on education.

Aside from the Sulong Sarangani program, Remudaro added that the PNP has also started in helping the province’s tourism industry.

“Nag-conduct na kami ng mga lectures sa iba’t ibang police stations. Ang gusto namin, every PNP personnel in the province must be familiar with the background, location, direction and other details of the different tourist spots dito para kahit sino mang pulis ang lalapitan at tatanungin mo, makakapagbigay agad ng impormasyon,” he explained.

Aside from aligning with the programs of the LGU of Sarangani, the PNP 12 also plans to strengthen its coordination with its partner agencies to ensure that they provide the needed services to the constituents.

Meanwhile, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said that the Police Community Relations (PCR) program plays a big role in securing government projects. He commended the PNP and AFP for organizing the joint peace security coordinating center meeting which intends to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the maintenance of peace security towards the development of Sarangani.

“You should have a regular interface, you need to increase fellowship through fusion, because you play a big role in securing government projects,” Solon told the personnel of the PNP and AFP, who also participated in the meeting.

Police Senior Superintendent Edwin Minion, PNP provincial director, on the other hand, said that the highlight of the meeting was the signing of Joint Implementing Plan between the Sarangani Province Police Office (SPPO) and the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

An agreement on how PNP and AFP can intensify its programs in the maintenance of peace and development in the province is included in the implementing plan.

Police Superintendent Ricky Rebua, PNP deputy provincial director for operations (DPDO), said that part of the implementing plan is the specific division of labor of PNP and the AFP.

“We came up with the implementing plan para rin mapag-usapan ang division of labor kasi may mga palitan ng assignment na nangyari sa 73rd IB,” he said. The plan also includes implementation of pro-active measures against threat groups. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SB conducts public hearing for traffic scheme

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Miguelito Balicaco explains Municipal Draft Ordinace on Traffic Scheme during the public hearing at Kiamba Public Market on January 29. The draft ordinance proposes to establish a one way traffic scheme to be followed within the vicinity of the public market. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Pastors, chaplains in Sarangani congregate

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks before pastors, chaplains and church leaders from the seven municipalities of Sarangani in a one day activity of cascading the “Philippines Return to God” (PRG) Thursday January 30. The activity was spearheaded by National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines (NACPHIL) Sarangani. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon supports livelihood program for women

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon supervises the training of Provincial Livelihood Program Bead Crafts Thursday, January 30. The January 28–31 training was attended by women leaders from Alabel and Malapatan and Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) composed of teachers from Maasim and Alabel. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani women learn beadwork

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – The Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) has sponsored a beadwork skills training for some women leaders from Alabel, Malapatan and Maasim that intends to create livelihood in villages.

The January 28-31 training was held at the Department of Education (DepEd) Sarangani Division Office. It was an initiative of the PGO under its Strengthening Technological Advancement for Reforms (STAR) project.

“After this training, these 20 women leaders will already know how to make bags made of beads. Our speakers will be going to teach them how to package it, price it, and market it,” said Michelle Solon, wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, who represented the latter during the event’s opening program.

“Kayong lahat na nandito ngayon, you are encouraged to also teach other women in the barangay. Natututo kayo hindi lang para sa sarili ninyo, but you will also be a blessing to others,” she added.

Rue Ramas, one of the speakers, said that one of the values that should be developed among Filipinos who want to start a business of their own is being helpful to others.

“Kahit kaunti pa lang ang natutunan mo, huwag kang magdamot na ibahagi ito sa iba kasi sa oras na ikaw naman ang mangailangan ng tulong, mayroon ding tutulong sayo. Dapat ganoon ang pananaw natin,” she said.

The other trainer was Gigi Blanco, an overseas worker from Hongkong, who also trains OFWs in beadwork.

Blanco said bags made of beads have a good market in Hongkong.

After the training, the women would form into small groups who are expected to apply what they have learned. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani receives P3.5M from PhilHealth

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 30, 2014) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Region 12 headed by Miriam Grace Pamonag, M.D., officer-in-charge, regional vice president(6th from left), and Lorelie Bonilla, officer-in-charge, field operation division, turn over a P3,499.800 check to the provincial government thru Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (4th from right) and provincial health officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro (3rd from right). The amount serves as capitation fund for the 11,666 indigent households in Sarangani. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Family planning officers visit Gov. Solon

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 30, 2014) – Officers of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Inc. pay a courtesy  call to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon Tuesday, January 28, at the Governor’s Office. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Japan to provide weather and flood early warning facilities

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 29, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) discusses the implementation of Japan’s Non-project Grant Aid with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Monday, January 27. The Non-project Grant Aid (NPGA) of the Government of Japan will provide weather and flood early warning facilities in three major river basins in Mindanao namely: Davao, Buayan-Malungon and Tagoloan. The PAGASA team will conduct the site survey and discuss the installation of the equipment. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon hospital opens pharmacy

MALUNGON, Sarangani (January 29, 2014) – On behalf of Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao, technical officer Roselle King gives a message during the Health Plus Shop in a Shop (HPSiS) launching in partnership with MAHINTANA Foundation at Malungon Municipal Hospital Tuesday, January 28. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli Tribal Learning Center in Kiamba opens

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 1, 2014)– Lyn Lambago (extreme left), founder and coordinator of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc., shares the historical background of the group during the opening of the Tboli Tribal Learning Center in barangay Badtasan on January 28. The tribal learning center is expected to be one of the renowned schools of living tradition in the province according to Michelle Solon (extreme right), wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, who represented the governor during the opening program. Also in photo is chieftain Gideon Lambago (5^th from right) who led the Sembali Onuk, a Tboli practice of shedding chicken blood which symbolizes blessing. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal Learning Center is also home of cultural dance troupe

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – Michelle Solon, wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, assisted by former Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, leads the cutting of ribbon during the opening of the Tboli Tribal Learning Center in barangay Badtasan on January 28. Also in photo is Lyn Lambago (extreme right), founder and coordinator of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc.. Perrett, who is one of the supporters of Lambago’s group since 2007, expects to see more dancers formed through the tribal learning center. The group started with only five young dancers in 2007. At present, the group has already 12 active and dedicated dancers and musicians. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli Tribal Learning Center opens in Kiamba

By JOY R. SEVILLA

KIAMBA, Sarangani (January 29, 2014)- A hub for culture, arts and music, which is expected to be one of the schools of living traditions of the Tboli tribe in the whole province, officially opened in Kiamba Tuesday (January 28).

Michelle Solon, wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, represented the latter in the opening of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc. Tribal Learning Center in barangay Badtasan.

Solon expects that the center would be an inspiration not only in Badtasan, but also in Kiamba and eventually in the whole province as well.

“The opening of this house will help cultivate the culture and arts of our province. In the past, maraming artists ang kinukuha natin na hindi taga-Sarangani para mag-perform. Let us be proud of this because this is where our Tboli talents will originate,” Solon said.

The Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc. is founded by Lyn Lambago, a Tboli who has a strong passion and determination to train young kids to dance as well as play indigenous instruments.

Lambago recalls the group’s humble beginning in 2007 when she was asked to perform during former Mayor Rommel Falgui’s 100 days as a mayor in Kiamba.

“Nangita ko og mga bata na pwede mag-perform, ako silang gitudloan. Unang performance namo, bata pa kaayo akong mga dancers, five, six years old ang ilang edad. Karon, 12, 13 years old na sila ug nagapadayon gihapon sila,” Lambago said. She added that at present, Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe has 12 active members, five boys and seven girls.

Solon, on the other hand, said the governor has expressed his all out support to the group.

“We want to see more and more Tboli be proud of their tribe, huwag ninyo maliitin ang sarili ninyo because you are a different generation. Ipagpatuloy niyo ang ginagawa niyo because you will be part of the province’s tourism circuit,” she told the Lemuhen dancers and musicians.

Lemuhen is a term that means “bird”. Lambago said she named the troupe after it saying, like a bird, they will soar high and will be recognized in the future as a renowned group which preserves Tboli traditions through their songs and dances. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PROGSARMEA participates in World Peace Walk Project

By JOY R. SEVILLA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (January 28, 2014) – Hundreds of students from the Mindanao State University (MSU) and some members of the Province of Sarangani Muslim Employees Association (PROGSARMEA) took part in the International Interfaith Peace Walk on Friday (January 24).

The Peace Walk was organized by the MSU College of Education in collaboration with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an international youth coalition of over 128 organizations in 53 countries that works for the establishment of a platform for the development of world peace in the conduct of World Peace Walk Project.

The PROGSARMEA served as the secretariat of the event.

It was learned that it is MSU’s strong commitment to endeavor the realization of sustainable and lasting peace in Mindanao through its various peace-building initiatives.

In an interview, Professor Jovar Pantao of the Mindanao State University said this was the first time in Mindanao that IPYG conducted such activity.

“Our students, together with some government employees will walk from here (Oval Plaza Gym) to the Greenleaf Hotel where the activity will culminate,” he said. Some political and religious leaders of the city were also invited to have an interfaith dialogue which is the highlight of the event’s culmination.

Pantao said the political and religious leaders will forge a solidarity agreement to show to the world the desire of Muslims and non-Muslims for peace in Mindanao.

“Hopefully, this activity will serve as transcendence of the people’s differences in cultures, beliefs and religions,” he said. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PCL top brass visits Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 27, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme left) and Board Member Arman Guili (2nd from left) welcome Philippine Councilors League officials headed by chairman Alma Moreno during their visit at Capitol Monday, January 27.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gift-giving in public school

KIAMBA, Sarangani (January 21, 2014) – On behalf of Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, the Vice Governor’s Office in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, extend her birthday blessings by giving gifts and feeding kids at Lagunsay Elementary School on January 16. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon inducts PICE officers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (January 21, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon inducts the new officers of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) - Sarangani Province Chapter at the Venue 88 Resort on January 17. Solon encouraged the engineers and challenged them to enhance their competency and effectiveness. The new members of PICE were also presented during the event. PICE-Sarangani Chapter is one of the 97 chapter members of the PICE in the country. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Atty. Velasco retires as Sarangani prosecutor

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 21, 2014) – Atty. Felipe Vicente Velasco, outgoing head of the Sarangani Province Prosecutor’s Office (SPPO), gives his farewell message before Capitol officials and employees Monday, January 20. Velasco, 65, who served as provincial prosecutor from 2006 to 2014, was given a plaque of recognition by the provincial government for being instrumental in the successful implementation of Sarangani Justice on Wheels (JOWs) Program from its inception up to the present. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Prosecutor Velasco retires

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (January 20, 2014) – The provincial government of Sarangani gave a warm tribute to Atty. Felipe Vicente Velasco, outgoing chief of the Sarangani Province Prosecutor’s Office (SPPO), during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Grounds Monday (January 20).

Velasco, who was appointed as provincial prosecutor in 2006, was succeeded by Atty. Elmer Lastimosa as OIC-provincial prosecutor.

“I believe that the office will be in a better shape. For the past years, a lot of pending cases have been reduced. I will be leaving the remaining 160 pending cases to able hands,” Velasco said, referring to Atty. Lastimosa.

Velasco expressed his thanks to the provincial government of Sarangani for instituting the Justice on Wheels (JOWs) Program during his stint which hastened the disposition of cases involving indigent litigants whose family member remained a detainee in jail because of the slow pace of litigation.

Board Member Cesar Nallos, who represented Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, congratulated Velasco for his unwavering service rendered to the province.

It was also during Velasco’s stint as provincial prosecutor when Sarangani Province acquired the highest rate conviction in the whole Region XII at 96 percent.

This, Velasco said, could be attributed to the implementation of JOWs under the Justice Enhancement and Empowerment Program (JEEP) in 2006.

JOWs is a bus that has been reconstructed into a court room. It is the only mobile court with a permanently assigned judge authorized by the Supreme Court to assist the Regional Trial Court.

Meanwhile, Judge Oscar Noel, who was the assigned judge to the JOWs, welcomed Velasco to a new stage of his life and hoped that he will enjoy his retirement. (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)