Sarangani towns to receive farm tractors from DA

TUPI, South Cotabato (October 23, 2014) – Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (4th from right) and Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Amalia Datukan (extreme right) deliver farm tractors and other farm machineries and post-harvest facilities to recipient local government units and farming associations in the region at Tupi Seed Farm Wednesday, October 22. Sarangani Province with Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (3rd from right) will officially receive farm tractor/s after the necessary documents are complied with. Sarangani is an agricultural province, thus tractors are very helpful to the farmers. Also present in the ceremony were Sarangani town mayors Corazon Grafilo (3rd from left) of Alabel, Alfonso Singcoy (4th from left) of Malapatan and Pepito Catimbang (2nd from right) of Maitum. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

DSWD funds Sarangani AICS

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 23, 2014) – DSWD Regional Director Bai Zorahayda Taha (center) hands over to provincial officials a cheque worth P3 Million from DSWD to augment the fund of the provincial government of Sarangani for its Aid in Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS) program at the Office of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon on Tuesday, October 21. The fund will be used to help qualified Sarangani residents (indigents and individuals in crisis situation) in their medical/hospitalization and burial expenses, among others, subject to the guidelines set by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, with the support of Cong. Manny Pacquiao, had earlier authorized the governor to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with DSWD. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon thanks SarBay people

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 23, 2014) – A thanksgiving dinner was held on October 17 for the success of the Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival. SarBay 2013 was declared champion as Best Tourism Event-Sports/Adventure/Wellness Province Category in the whole Philippines given by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines. Organizers received certificates of appreciation. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

SP accredits NGOs

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 23, 2014) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) headed by Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao unanimously approves the renewal of accreditation of Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association and Plan International Inc. on its regular session Tuesday, October 21. The two non-government organizations (NGOs) are major partners of the provincial government. The Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association preserves the Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” that was recently displayed at SM Mall of Gensan. The Plan International, on the other hand, has a thrust of building a society that truly cares for and protects the Sarangani children. (Jerald S. Rubio/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Sulong Sarangani goes to remote village

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 23, 2014) - Edith Mahilum of the social welfare and development office leads in the evaluation of the well-being of every family and in the advocacy on parents effectiveness and other family issues in Barangay Kinam, Malapatan on Tuesday, October 21. The PSWDO also led in the drive of introducing the Sulong Sarangani flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon with the support of the Provincial Veterinary Office, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. Seedlings were given to residents as livelihood assistance. (Jake T. Narte/PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan weavers to co-star in Munato Festival Yesterland theme park

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 17, 2014) – This four-day “Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit at SM Mall ended Thursday, October 16, but will be on display again during the Munato Festival on November 27-29 at the Yesterland theme park of the Capitol grounds. The Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” is from Lamlifew Village Museum based in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani. This heritage material has only two living keepers of the tradition, Fu Yabing Dulo and Fu Gusiye Buan. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Important note: The Tabih shown above is a modern/contemporary design.

Gov. Solon supports Blaan cultural masters

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 17, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon joins Blaan cultural masters from the Lamlifew Village Museum based in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon during the opening of a four-day “Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit at SM Mall on October 13 where the Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” are showcased until October 16. They are organized as Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association manifesting the role of Blaan women in upholding the identity of the tribe thru crafts. Sarangani Province thru its Sulong Tribu program with the support of the Department of Tourism Region XII aspires that the province will be named as Tabih Capital in Southern Mindanao. The activity is a support to the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month this October. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 17, 2014) – Emi Englis, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Leonardo "Bing" Cariño pose during the opening of a four-day “Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit at SM Mall on October 13 where the Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” from Lamlifew Village Museum based in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon are showcased until October 16. Bing Cariño as team leader and Englis with Arjho Cariño-Turner, Helen Lumbos and Toto Tirando served as curators of this heritage material with the only two living keepers of the tradition, Fu Yabing Dulo and Fu Gusiye Buan. Sarangani Province thru its Sulong Tribu program with the support of the Department of Tourism Region XII aspires that the province will be named as Tabih Capital in Southern Mindanao. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Jinkee supports coop

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 17, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao expresses her gratitude to the members of San Jose Multi-purpose Cooperative (SAJOMULCO) for their cooperation and support to the Gal E’ Libun Project of the Office of the Vice Governor during the Gender Sensitivity Training, the fifth and final phase of the series of trainings conducted for the coop, on October 15 at Barangay Suli. Inset is Vice Governor Jinkee gladly conveying to provide assistance to the bakery livelihood program of the cooperative and encouraged the coop members to continue to enrich themselves with other skills and capability trainings that would help improve their lives. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Jinkee gives solar panel to shelter

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 17, 2014) - Orlando Alvarez, coordinator, Special Project of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao, delivers to Barangay Captain Ramil Tugade one unit of 30 Watt solar panel on October 13. This facility was installed in a community shelter that accommodates students who temporarily stay during school days and residents of far flung barangays that need a momentary place to lodge while in the poblacion. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Governor Jinkee talks on Gal e’ Libun with mayor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 16, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao visits Mayor Raul Martinez and talks about her project the Gal e’ Libun of the Office of the Vice Governor Wednesday, October 15, at Kiamba Municipal Mayor’s Office. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Vice Governor Jinkee supports women’s livelihood program

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 16, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao ensures assistance for the bakeshop livelihood program of the women of Barangay Suli Wednesday, October 15, during the training on Women Health & Livelihood, Gender Sensitivity Program under the Gal e’ Libun Project of the Office of the Vice Governor. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Kiamba vice mayor thanks Vice Governor Jinkee

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 16, 2014) – Vice Mayor Danny A. Martinez (foreground) expresses his gratitude to Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao for the assistance given to the women of Barangay Suli Wednesday, October 15, during the training on Women Health & Livelihood, Gender Sensitivity Program under the Gal e’ Libun project of the Office of the Vice Governor. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Sarangani marks CMW with energy conservation drive

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 16, 2014) – The Consumer Welfare Month (CMW) kicked off in Sarangani with a series of activities geared towards energy conservation and safety measures with the Department of Energy (DOE) hosting this year’s month-long celebration.

With the theme “Sapat na Impormasyon: Susi sa Wastong Paggamit ng Enerhiya,” Delia Sy of DOE Mindanao Field Office said the department has been conducting a chain of activities aimed at assisting, educating and empowering consumers to instill vigilance against unsafe petroleum products practices.

DOE’s hosting of the Consumer Welfare Month, she said,  would highlight their aggressive campaign on the use of “alternative fuels’ safe and correct practices in the downstream oil industry and energy efficiency and conservation as a way of life” thru holding of symposia which are among the lined-up activities consumers could expect from this month’s celebration.

Sy said the energy sector should continue to work hard to support and sustain this unprecedented economic growth and development “to avoid recurrence of brownouts” that have been happening in Mindanao.

Lamenting on this, she then appealed for consumers to apply energy conservation not only in homes but in work places as well.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, on the other hand, said using the renewable power potential of the Philippines would likely address issues on power shortage. In the Capitol, street lights are already solar powered as he also revealed a forthcoming plan of installing solar panels in the Capitol which Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao is currently scrutinizing at the level of the legislative branch.

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry Sarangani provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso reported that usual monitoring of prices would still be conducted in support to the consumers’ right to choose over quality products.

CWM is held every month of October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 and spearheaded by the National Consumer Affairs Council as backed by Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the “Consumer Act of the Philippines,” to improve the management, coordination and effectiveness of the nation’s consumer programs.(Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Students briefed on Sulong Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon inspires Sarangani student-participants in the quiz bowl organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Sarangani during the opening of the Consumer Welfare Month at the Capitol Monday, October 13. Gov. Solon emphasized that the thrust of Sulong Sarangani is to promote free market competition for the benefit of the people-consumers because they can choose the best alternative. His flagship program, with Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, board members, and the municipal and barangay affairs, is a convergence of both public and private resources and investments to achieve prosperity with equality. (Kim Wendell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

LFC submits P868.2M budget to SP

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – The Local Finance Committee of the Provincial Government of Sarangani officially turns over to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) the P868.2 Million-Executive Budget CY 2015 of the provincial government, in compliance with the mandate of RA 7160 or the Local Code, during its regular session Tuesday, October 14.  The proposed annual budget is expected to be approved before the end of the year so that the implementation of the programs, projects and activities can commence at the start of the ensuing year. The Annual Investment Plan (AIP) has been submitted earlier to SP, the earliest time the AIP was submitted to the legislative body for the past number of years. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Zero Open Defecation in Sarangani by 2016

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao share light moments during the launching of the Zero Open Defecation and pre-launching of JINKEENATION (Joint Initiative in Keeping Effective Ecology Noble Action Towards Improving Our National Sanitation) at Malandag People’s Center on October 10 with Mayor Reynaldo Constantino who has intensified the campaign for the program in his town. Sarangani Province committed and accepted to achieve a zero open defecation by year 2106 where all households in the province will have their own toilets. Gov. Solon believed that clean habits make healthy people and that healthy people are the backbone of a progressive economy. Organized by the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) of the World Bank with the Provincial Health Office, Vice Gov. Pacquiao, a known celebrity, was chosen to be the ambassadress of the sanitation program. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Starkey Hearing Foundation donates hearing aids to Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Richard Brown (center), president of Starkey Hearing Foundation, a USA-based international charity organization, poses with Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members headed by Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao during the regular session Tuesday, October 14. SP did not hesitate to pass a resolution authorizing Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon to sign the deed of donation and accept the donation of millions-worth of hearing aids from Starkey for Sarangani Province for the hearing mission to be conducted in November of this year. The organization has been a partner of the Provincial Government of Sarangani with Cong. Manny Pacquiao and is already providing hearing aids of P10,000-P20,000 for each patient in the province since early part of the year costing millions of pesos but were given free from the said organization. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

ZOD leaders get award

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao and Mayor Reynaldo Constantino award a check worth P20,000 to the officials of Barangay Datal Bila for being one of the three barangays in Malungon who have achieved 100% zero open defecation, which means all households in the barangay have their own sanitary toilets. The check was given during the launching of zero open defecation (ZOD) campaign in barangay Malandag on October 10. Receiving the same amount of check are Barangay Talus and Barangay Upper Biangan. (Marvin Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Governor Jinkee opens learning center

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao commends various stakeholders who have worked together and expresses her support during the inauguration of the Sarangani Learning and Resource Center (SLRC) on October 9 at Barangay Datu Dani. Inset, Vice Governor Pacquiao is assisted by Mansueto Cuaton, SLRC director, and Board Member Elmer de Peralta during the cutting of ceremonial ribbon. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Governor Jinkee leads breast cancer awareness drive

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) - Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao (5th right, standing) supports the Breast Cancer Society of SOCKSARGEN in celebration of the 1st year anniversary of the society in line with the International Breast Cancer Month Awareness. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon launches ZOD campaign

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, Board Members Elmer de Peralta, Virgilio Clark Tobias, Cesar Nallos Jr. and Arman Guili and municipal officials headed by Mayor Reynaldo Constantino lead the crowd in a ZOD campaign chant and hand movement - “Unli Asenso pag may Inidoro” - during the launching of zero open defecation (ZOD) campaign on October 10. (Marvin Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

JINKEENATION rolls out for Sulong Kalusugan

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 15, 2014) – Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao introduces JINKEENATION, an acronym for Joint Initiative in Keeping Effective Ecology Noble Action Towards Improving our National Sanitation, during the launching of zero open defecation (ZOD) campaign of the Municipality of Malungon dubbed as “Unli ASENSO pag may Inidoro” on October 10. JINKEENATION is a province-wide sanitation campaign initiated by the vice governor to totally eradicate the practice of open defecation, leading to improved health and wellness of the people in the province. This is in support to the provincial goal under the Sulong Kalusugan component of the Sulong Sarangani program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon that Sarangani province will be 100% zero open defecation area by 2016. The sanitation drive, JINKEENATION, is in partnership with the World Bank – Water and Sanitation Program and the Provincial Health Office. (Marvin Soler/VICE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Blaan master weavers present work at SM City

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon pays attention to Blaan master weavers Yabing Caturan Masalon Dulo, 94, and Gusiye Buan, 84, from Lamlifew Village in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani during the opening of exhibit of "Mabal Blaan:Weaving the Threads of Heritage" at SM City starting Monday, October 13. The Department of Tourism Region 12 supported the Lamlifew Village Museum under the Sulong Tribu component of Sulong Sarangani program. The exhibit runs until October 16. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Officials open "Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme left) leads the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the exhibit "Mabal Blaan;Weaving the Threads of Heritage" and showcasing the Lamlifew Village Museum Monday, October 13, at SM City Events Center. The governor is assisted by her wife Michelle Solon (2nd from left), chair of the Regional Tourism Council. Also in photo are Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao (2nd from right), City Councilor Shandee Llido (extreme right), Dir. Yahya Senti (3rd from left) of the Department of Labor and Employment Region 12 and Dir. Arturo Valero (3rd from right) of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 12. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon presents ATOP awards

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (4^th from left) proudly presents the award garnered by Sarbay 2013 which is the Grand Winner in The Pearl Awards of Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines – Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines under the category of Best Tourism Event – Festival Sports, Adventure and Wellness (Provincial Level) during the flag raising ceremony Monday, October 13.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

DTI opens Consumer Welfare Month celebration

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 14, 2014) - Trade and industry provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso opens the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Sarangani and Department of Energy Monday, October 13. The theme is “Sapat na Impormasyon: Susi sa Wastong Paggamit ng Enerhiya.” (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

VP Binay attends Glan centennial program

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) - Vice President Jejomar Binay speaks before thousands of spectators at the Grand Centennial Celebration of Glan on October 8 with the theme “GLAN: A Century of Sharing, Caring among One People, One Culture.” (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarbay 2013 is Grand Winner in ATOP awards

Alabel, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) - Sarbay 2013 is the Grand Winner in The Pearl Awards of Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines - Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines under the category of Best Tourism Event - Festival Sports, Adventure and wellness (Provincial Level). Larry Asparin (3^rd from left), coordinator of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center, presents the trophy during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with presiding officer Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad, Jr./SARANGANI TOURISM & INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

Mayor Yap delivers his centennial message

GLAN, Sarangani(October 12, 2014)- Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. delivers his centennial message and thanks Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Jejomar Binay and Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon for their support and for witnessing the Grand Centennial Celebration of the town on October 8 at Glan Central Elementary School grounds. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mati wins Lubi-lubi Festival competition

GLAN, Sarangani(October 12, 2014) - Sangdaan Street Dancing Competition champion Mati, Davao Oriental bagged the trophy and cash prize of P400,000 during the Lubi-lubi Festival on October 8. First runner up was Polomolok, Cannery, South Cotabato with a trophy and cash prize of P300,000, 2nd  runner up was Tboli, South Cotabato with trophy and cash prize of P200,000 and 3rd runner up was Allah Green Valley, Surallah, South Cotabato with trophy and cash prize of P100,000. The street dancing competition was participated in by 20 contingents through-out Mindanao. The prizes were sponsored by Congressman Manny Pacquiao who donated P1,000,000. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan and Carcar, Cebu sign sisterhood agreement

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) - Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. (right, seated) leads the Signing of Sisterhood Agreement with the City Government of Carcar, Cebu with Mayor Nicepuro Lauron Apura (left, seated) witnessed by local officials from Carcar and Glan during the Gabi ng Parangal and Mayor’s Ball held at Atty. Enrique D. Yap, Sr. Cultural Center on October 7.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION)

Glan frees 100 doves to mark centennial anniversary

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) – One hundred white doves are released during the anniversary program of Glan’s centennial founding day on October 8 as a symbol with prayers of a continuous peace and progress for another hundred years of more daring journey of becoming the country’s top eco-tourism destination. No less than Vice President Jejomar Binay attended the culmination program with Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, board members, and the municipal and barangay officials headed by Mayor Tata Yap and Vice Mayor Vivien Yap. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

James L. Chiongbian NTS is top tech-voc school in Region 12

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon lauds James L. Chiongbian National Trade School (NTS), formerly Kling National High School, for being the number one technical vocational high school in Region 12. The celebration on October 9 doubled as JLC NTS also celebrated its 1st foundation anniversary as a tech-voc school and 47th year when the school was originally founded. Gov. Solon gave a cheque worth P100,000 to fund the purchase of additional tech-voc equipment of the school duly authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Dr. Alfafara honored at GMCH

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) - The Alfafara Family, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Glan officials led by Mayor Tata Yap (7th from right) pose after unveiling the bust representing the late Dr. Jesus Poncardas Alfafara on October 7 within the compound of Glan Medicare Community Hospital (GMCH) in recognition of his honest effort and sincere dedication to public health service. Dr. Alfafara, a native of Carcar, Cebu who came to Glan after the war of liberation was the first head of GMCH previously called Community Hospital and Health Center, hence the hospital building was named after him by virtue of a provincial special ordinance. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Lubi-lubi street dance champ

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) – The triumphant Notre Dame of Glan Lubi-Lubi street dancers grooving to the beat of the mixed drum-and-bamboo ensemble rhythmic instruments during Glan’s 15th Lubi-Lubi Festival staged as a prelude to the Sangdaan sa Glan Street Dance Competition, a region-wide bring your festival concept, in time with the Grand Centennial Celebration of Glan on October 8. Notre Dame of Glan performers shine as the centennial Lubi-lubi street dance champion with contingents from Glan Padidu National High school and Leonard Young National High School ranking 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Leonard Young National High School dancers

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) – Leonard Young National High School street dancers perform before spectators and ranked 2nd runner-up in the 2014 Lubi-lubi street dance competition on October 7. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Glan Padidu National High School dancers

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) – With century-old Acacia trees as backdrop, the contingent of Glan Padidu National High School to the 2014 Lubi-lubi Street Dance Competition do their jovial presentation and bagged the first runner up prize in this year’s competition. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Century old house as backdrop of Lubi-lubi dancers

GLAN, Sarangani (October 12, 2014) – Lubi-lubi street dancers of Leonard Young National High School, 2nd runner up of this year’s competition, execute their focal point presentation fronting an old Spanish-inspired wooden house, one of the heritage houses of the town. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Slapshock performs in Glan

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2014) – Rap-metal band Slapshock performs Sunday, October 5, in Glan in one of the nightly gigs at Plaza Rizal where people come in groups of families and circle of friends to be entertained. (Tres B. Besana/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Jim Paredes is in the house

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2014) – Jim Paredes serenades a music lovers’ social group in Glan called GLAM as they reconnect themselves in a vintage party on Sunday, October 5. (Tres B. Besana/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fun-filled night in Glan

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2014) – It is surely an eventful centennial anniversary in Glan where people jam-pack all corners of the plaza to where their interest brings them to - whether it be action, gigs or simply food tripping. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fun and laughter in Glan

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2014) – Seasoned performers K Brosas and Pooh successfully generates laughter and fun on Sunday, October 5, as part of an eight-day all-star music festival where residents and visitors alike get to watch some live performances of Manila artists as Glan celebrates its centennial anniversary on October 8. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cultural horse fight one of Glan’s attractions

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2014) – Horses in action displaying true grit and glory are among the scores of leisure and fun in the festivity of Glan’s centennial anniversary celebration. As a tri-people inhabited town, Glan still embraces cultural practices to include its natives’ tradition of horse fighting. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Binay to attend centennial anniversary program of Glan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 7, 2014) – Gensan Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles (3rd from left), Gensan Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Valenzuela Congressman Sherwin Gatchalian, Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Jejomar Binay with some other officials pose at the tarmac of Gensan International Airport on Monday, October 6. Vice President Binay was set to visit housing and senior citizen projects in Region 12. He will also grace the centennial anniversary program of the municipality of Glan, Sarangani on October 8 as the oldest town in the region. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani Capitol goes solar

By April Jane Cagas Ugsad

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 7, 2014)— Phase 1 and 2 of the solar-powered street lighting project was completed recently with the installation of 41 units solar lamps at the Sarangani Capitol compound.

Approved as part of the 2014 Annual Investment Plan, the P2.4 million cost-efficient and pro-environment solar lamps brightened the driveways of the Capitol and the national highway fronting the compound.  The project is the provincial government’s renewable energy initiative in support to the global call on climate change mitigation. 

Street lights supervisor under the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Engr. Franz Von Abriam, said that phase 3 and phase 4 with 37 units of solar lights will be installed at the back of the Capitol compound. Both latter phases are expected to be completed in the ensuing year.

According to Carlito Rosal, head of the power room of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), sodium lights consume 400 watts per lamp post causing the Sarangani Capitol to spend big monthly electricity cost.

“This solar-powered street light only consumes 30 watts. That’s big savings. We will be able to cut back on our total electricity bill expense once all the solar outdoor lamps are put up,” Rosal declared.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon enunciates that the project not only saved the provincial government money but also on power consumption.  Each solar lamp consumes merely 7.5% of the 400 watts per post on a normal 12-hour nightly operation used before the project.  With the lowered consumption rate of about 370 watts per post, there is more power available for commerce and other economic activities. Once the street lighting project is completed, the future savings will allow the Provincial Government of Sarangani to fund development projects under the Sulong Sarangani flagship program, such as infrastructure, social welfare services, education, and investment promotion. 

Residents praised the move of the provincial government headed by Gov. Solon, Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, and the board members. (April Jane Cagas Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Kids stage Maranao dance

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) - Maranao children perform their indigenous dance in the Lumad Pasundayag Village showcasing Glan’s diverse cultures yet cohesively living in harmony among each other. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kulintang music in Glan’s centennial celebration

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – A Maranao lady plays the kulintang, a variety of musical ensembles characterized by the use of small gongs functioning melodically, in the Lumad Pasundayag Village in Glan as part of the centennial anniversary celebration of the town. These percussion instruments are often used as accompaniment to dances. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Reunion of Glanians in Balikbayan night

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – Glanians living abroad who purposely come for vacation as their hometown celebrates its 100^th  anniversary on October 8 enjoy an ethnic hand-painting inspired fashion show during the Balikbayan Night, a tribute for their visit organized into a social gathering on October 2. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

GSAT drum and lyre corps wins

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – Members of the Glan School of Arts and Trades band show their winning performance during the drum and lyre competition Friday, October 3. GSAT won over four other contingents in the high school category. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fun continues in Glan’s centennial anniversary run-up

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – Majorettes of Big Margus Elementary School make a showdown in the drum and lyre competition on Friday, October 3, to drumbeat the town’s centennial anniversary on October 8. A drum and lyre corps is a marching ensemble consisting of strictly percussion instruments. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Solon joins celebration of World Teachers Day

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his keynote speech to thousands of teachers in whole Region 12 during the World Teachers Day (WTD) at Glan gymnasium on Sunday, October 5. Since Friday, October 3, teachers all over Sarangani were gathered in Isla Jardin Resort in Gumasa for thanksgiving in line with the culmination of the National Teacher’s Month and WTD. The provincial leadership thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Regional Director Allan Farnazo and Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Isagani dela Cruz for the strong partnership to improve the state of education in the province. The teachers’ activity is a component of Glan’s October 8 centennial foundation anniversary. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)