Tribal leaders take leadership seminar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Members of the Provincial Tribal Council and tribal leaders from barangays attend the Transformation Leadership seminar workshop conducted by Sulong Tribu Program on July 13-14. The aim of the seminar was to identify the qualities, skills, attitudes, values, and practices of a transformational leader and determine ways to lead their themes using the transformational leadership model and discuss barriers to successful leadership using the concept on habits of highly effective people. Josephine Alog from the Human Resources Management Office was the lecturer. (Ener T. Toguin for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Senator Marcos attends Grand Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his keynote speech during the celebration of 7th Grand Iftar with the theme “Morals as Basis for Leadership” held at the Capitol gymnasium on July 10. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani celebrates Grand Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are welcomed at the 7th Grand Iftar hosted by the provincial government at the Capitol gym on July 10. Senator Marcos was the guest speaker. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon marks 46th founding anniversary

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) – Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao celebrates with the people of Malungon their 46th Foundation Anniversary on July 15. The vice governor commended the people and officials for all the developments and successes of the municipality especially in making Malungon the first 100% Zero Open Defecation Municipality in Sarangani Province. Vice Gov. Jinkee also encouraged the people to continue supporting the plans and programs of their local government unit. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Maitum declares first ZOD barangay

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang, Vice Mayor Jeanne Ablog, Municipal Councilor Jess Bascuña and local government unit officials hand over the certificate of recognition to the Barangay Sanitation Task Force of Barangay Pangi headed by Barangay Captain Ramil Tugade for being the first barangay of Maitum to achieve the 100% coverage of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD). Barangay Pangi also received a total of P60,000 worth of gift certificates from Mayor Catimbang and Vice Mayor Ablog as incentive in achieving a ZOD certified barangay. ZOD is a program of the Department of Health as one strategy of achieving the Millennium Development Goal of sustainable sanitation. The program aims to encourage and empower the community to have sanitary toilet in each household to improve sanitary conditions in the community. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon joins Grand Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks at the 7th Grand Iftar with the theme “Morals as Basis for Leadership” on July 10. The Grand Iftar is celebrated annually by the provincial government where religious and community leaders, local government unit officials and employees, Azatids and Imams, peace partners and advocates and other Muslim and non-Muslim stakeholders come together for a solidarity dinner and to celebrate the breaking of the fast. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALS provides access to basic education

By CHERRY MARIE IRISH D. CRUZ

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – The Alternative Learning System (ALS) has been providing out-of-school children, youth and adult population with basic education: 221 passers in Sarangani recently received their diplomas.

The passers also received their certification of ratings on June 30 at the Capitol gym. The theme of the first province-wide ALS graduation rites was “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday.”

Out of 601 examination takers, 200 from high school and 21 from the elementary level passed the examination conducted on February 1, 2014.

John Mark Ganuan, a 21 year-old Tboli from Maitum who recently earned his degree on Elementary Education, shared his experiences to the graduates as he was chosen as the keynote speaker.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng ALS sa akin. Ang makapasa rito ay isang makabuluhang hakbang para maabot ko ang aking pinapangarap.” he said.

The graduation rites in the previous years were conducted by municipalities.

“This marks big significant gains for ALS. The provincial government of Sarangani headed by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon has extended full support relative to the conduct of this activity,” said Education Program Supervisor Norma Obogon who is in-charge of ALS Sarangani.

“I am thankful to all levels of the local government unit of Sarangani and to all the teachers and implementors for extending help in the success of this affair,” she added.

Meanwhile, Governor Solon, in his speech, never hid his delight to the passers.

“Proud na proud po ang provincial government of Sarangani sa inyo. We are all special in our own special ways. Saludo ako sa inyo,” he said.

Gov. Solon encouraged the graduates to do well in the examination to avail the 100 scholarship grants of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. He promised to get more scholarships for the passers in collaboration with non-government organizations and other private organizations.

ALS is a parallel learning system implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) that offers a practical option to the current formal instruction.

“Many Filipinos do not have a chance to attend and finish formal basic education (Grades 1-6 and Year 1-4) due to many reasons. Some drop out from schools while some do not have schools in their communities,” according to DepEd. “Since every Filipino has a right to free basic education, the Government establishes ALS to provide all Filipinos the chance to have access to and complete basic education in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.”  (Cherry Marie Irish D. Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Jinkee gives reading glasses

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – Dr. Ma. Emily A. dela Pena of Eye Crafter Clinic conducts an Eye Grade Test to a patient during the free eye check-up and giving of reading glasses on June 27. The Emmanuel & Jinkee’s Heart Foundation spearheaded the event dubbed as “Patuloy na Pag-angat ng Kabuhayan at Pamayanan, Libreng Check-up at Salamin Pambasa”, in partnership with the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao. A total of 182 reading glasses were given to the residents. (Carl Clemence Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Police heightens community relations

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) - Police Senior Inspector Jaime Dy Chavez educates high school students of Maitum about the best practices of the Maitum Police Station towards the community during the 20th celebration of Police Community Relations (PCR) month at the Maitum municipal auditorium Thursday, July 9. He added that their best practices such as feeding programs, community workshops and seminars promote and strengthen police-community partnership and contributed to the over-all peace and development initiatives in their area of responsibility. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

PENRO, police seize illegal charcoal

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and Philippine National Police confiscate 837 sacks of Ipil-ipil charcoal while being transported without any certificate of verification. The illegal charcoal which originated from the municipalities of Malapatan and Alabel are now stored at the Capitol grounds. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

July is PCR month

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) - A student from Malalag National High School writes his essay evolving around the theme "Matibay na Ugnayan ng Mamayan at Pulisya, Simbolo ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan" during the essay writing competition in relation to the 20th celebration of Police Community Relations (PCR) month at the Maitum municipal auditorium Thursday, July 9. The activity which was participated in by students and teachers coming from different high schools of Maitum was conducted by the Philippine National Police. The activity aims to educate students about the relationship being built between the community and the police force. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Starkey coming back for hearing mission

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – Starkey Hearing Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to building better lives for hearing-impaired people across the world, will visit Sarangani the third time for a hearing mission.

This time, the provincial government of Sarangani targets around 1,230 people to benefit from Starkey’s hearing aid gift-giving that costs roughly P15,000 to P20,000 each set.

The visit is slated in November.

Starkey is the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive hearing solutions and donates thousands of hearing aids in many countries every year.

At least 385 persons were already screened but only 256 qualified and underwent ear impression while 39 others were referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist volunteer physician for a possible ear infection treatment.

Starkey is the partner foundation of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s office in its Serbisyong Sarangan Outreach Program that is anchored on addressing the needs of the less fortunate and people with disability (PWD) who have hearing defects.

The program also serves to create a friendly environment for PWDs in the province.

Program manager Asma Akmad said the partnership with Starkey was an offshoot of their effort of exploring possible partners that could help them “provide the needs of PWDs like hearing aids, and mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches.”

In 2013, Starkey distributed P9.3 million worth of hearing aids to some 1,200 patients in the province.

Last year, a total of 1,570 patients from all over SOCSARGEN area and Cagayan de Oro got their early Christmas gift from the foundation.

Akmad said, Starkey spent around P34.5 million for all types of hearing instruments that were distributed in their 2015 mission in the province. This included the seven specialized hearing aids costing P120,000 a set for those patients with no outer ear.

The provincial government “is very thankful for the assistance of Starkey because we could not cater all concerns of our PWDs here,” Akmad said. “At least, with our partnership with them, the needs of our PWDs could now be answered thru a gift giving from the foundation.”

On July 14 to 17, Akmad and her team will visit Kiamba, Maasim, Glan and Malungon for a phase one hearing screening. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor thanks Governor Solon for infra projects

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang thanks Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon for his untiring support to the people of Maitum during the inauguration ceremony of a road concreting project in Barangay Sison Wednesday, July 8. Catimbang said more than P100 million worth of projects have already been poured in by the provincial government to his town. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon, officials open new concrete road

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (5th from right) and Mayor Pepito Catimbang (5th from left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for 1,334 meters of concrete road in Barangay Sison. The Kabisig farm-to-market road amounting to P11,012,350 was inaugurated Wednesday, July 8. The road concreting funded by Department of Agriculture-Food Security Projects (DA-FSP) was counter parted by Sarangani provincial government with P2 million. Also in   photo are Board Member Elmer de Peralta (3rd from left), Board Member George Falgui (3rd from right), provincial engineer Jerry Belbider (extreme right), Engr. Robert Lumayag (2nd from right), and contractor Arlyn Congson (4th from right) of N. Congson Construction, Barangay Captain Ramil Tugade (4th from left) and council and staff of Barangay Sison. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon, local officials inaugurate FMR

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks at the inauguration ceremony of a paved farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay Sison Wednesday, July 8. Governor Solon said infrastructure projects like establishment of road network are among his priorities for economic growth. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ylang-ylang project launched in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Women of the community and residents of Maitum troop to a nursery for Ylang-ylang seedlings to be planted in nearby hills during the Ylang-ylang project launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. There were 10,000 seedlings distributed to some 400 participants for the tree planting activity. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ylang-ylang project for women’s livelihood

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang thanks Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon for making the Ylang-ylang project possible during its launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. The Ylang-ylang project was initiated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in partnership with the Maitum Municipal Council of Women and in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Maitum. This project hopes to develop the capability to produce the finest Ylang-ylang oil for women's livelihood. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Women’s council chair takes Ylang-ylang challenge

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) -  Maitum Municipal Council of Women chairperson Perlita Ampodia accepts the challenge of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon in making not just the women of the community but also its local residents to engage and be active participants in the Ylang-ylang project. The project was launched at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center Wednesday, July 8. The fragrant extract of the Ylang-ylang is a top choice and one of valuable ingredients among manufacturers of aromatic soaps, shampoos, lotions, mouthwash, and even novelty items like scented and mosquito repellant candles. Ampodia has hopes in developing the capability to produce the finest Ylang-ylang oil in later part and surely help to provide a sustainable community in the long run. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Women planting Ylang-ylang in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) -  Maitum Municipal Council of Women members break the ice as they wait for the program to start during the Ylang-ylang project launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. Ylang-ylang extract produces perfumes and high-grade essential oils and is rising into the global trade since. This project hopes to develop the capability to produce the finest Ylang-ylang oil for women's livelihood. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Romancing the scent of Ylang-ylang

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Tboli chieftain Basilio Kusin renders a Tboli song as an intermission number before proceeding to the tree planting activity during the Ylang-ylang project launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. His song stated that if a Tboli man keeps an Ylang-ylang flower in his pocket, the scent of the flower will surely attract women. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Residents plant 10,000 Ylang-ylang seedlings

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Rolando Tuballes, provincial environment and natural resources officer, demonstrates to participants how to plant the Ylang-ylang seedlings properly during the Ylang-ylang project launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. The launching was participated in by over 400 people coming from the different barangays of Maitum and its neighboring municipalities who planted 10,000 Ylang-ylang seedlings. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon launches Ylang-ylang project

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon encourages the Maitum Municipal Council of Women to be consistent in being active in Ylang-ylang project during its launching at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo Wednesday, July 8. The Ylang-ylang project was initiated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in partnership with the Maitum Municipal Council of Women and in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Maitum. The launching was participated in by over 400 people coming from the different barangays of Maitum and its neighboring municipalities who planted 10,000 Ylang-ylang seedlings as part of the program launching. Ylang-ylang extract produces perfumes and high-grade essential oils and is rising into the global trade since. This project hopes to develop the capability to produce the finest Ylang-ylang oil for women's livelihood. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pregnant women take Nutrition Month lessons

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Pregnant women listen closely as municipal health office workers give them a lecture on how to be mindful of their health and that of their baby during the Nutrition Month celebration at the municipal gymnasium Monday, July 6. The celebration was participated in by over 300 residents, some 200 of them pregnant women. The rest were from the municipal government, barangay officials and some interested individuals. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Nutrition + exercise = correct weight

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - A healthy pregnant woman introduces herself before the crowd during the search for healthy preggies and kiddies in line with the celebration of Nutrition Month 2015 at the municipal gymnasium Monday, July 6. Nutrition Month aims to make people aware about how they can prevent obesity. It celebrates with the theme "Timbang iwasto sa tamang nutrisyon at ehersisyo” (Correct weight through right nutrition and exercise). (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum launches Nutrition Month

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Doctor Marielyn Silauso performs free oral examination to a pregnant client during the launching of Nutrition Month 2015 at the municipal gymnasium Monday, July 6. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

“10 Kumainments” for proper nutrition

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Municipal health office workers show the “10 Kumainments" to Municipal Hall officials and employees during the flag raising ceremony Monday, July 6. The list is a reminder in line with the launching of the Nutrition Month celebration with the theme "Timbang iwasto sa tamang nutrisyon at ehersisyo” (Correct weight through right nutrition and exercise). (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Septuagenarian finishes high school thru ALS

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 1, 2015) - Erlinda Canonigo (2nd left), 70, of Barangay Kihan, Malapatan is among the 200 students who graduated from high school thru the Alternative Learning System (ALS) together with 21 others who finished elementary under ALS. Their graduation ceremony was held at the Capitol gym Tuesday, June 30. Canonigo was the oldest ALS graduate. ALS is a parallel learning system that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal education in schools, ALS is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALS produces 221 graduates

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 1, 2015) – Candidates for graduation thru the Alternative Learning System prepare to march during their graduation ceremony Tuesday, June 30, at the Capitol gym with the theme “Saktong Buhay: Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday”. Among the 600 examination takers, 21 passed from the elementary and 200 from high school. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALS confers special award

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 1, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) congratulates the special awardee of Alternative Learning System (ALS) Andres Dialane, 20, from Malungon during the graduation rites at the Capitol gym Tuesday, June 30. Dialane narrated his hardships as he strives to learn despite being physically challenged. ALS is a parallel learning system that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal education in schools, ALS is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

U4U Teen Trail held

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) - Dave Sapalo, a U4U youth facilitator, discusses the rights of teens to protection against human trafficking, child abuse and child prostitution during the U4U Teen Trail Tuesday, June 23. The activity is a component of the province wide health caravan dubbed as Universal Health Care High Impact Five of the Department of Health which involves provision of various health services such as medical, dental, laboratory, HIV/AIDS screening and counseling and lectures for the youth. The teen trail is part of the U4U Program (You-for-You), a Youth Hub Initiative of the Philippine Commission on Population (POPCOM) supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). The program aims to deliver critical information to Filipino teens aged 10-19 to prevent teen pregnancy and reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections through online and mobile platforms. The event was conducted in partnership with the Gal E’ Libun: True Love Waits project of the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao. (Carl Clemence F. Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Two computers for RTC Branch 38

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) – Court officers receive from Congressman Manny Pacquiao two computer units for Regional Trial Court Branch 38 Monday, June 22. The turnover coincided with the switching on rites of LED streetlights at the national highway in front of the Capitol compound. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Philhealth services at health caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) – Philhealth cards are given free to indigents as part of the Hi-5 Caravan Tuesday, June 23, at the Capitol gym. Some 2,818 persons availed of the services like pediatric, dental, minor surgery, bloodletting, youth intervention activities and HIV testing, family planning, nutrition, sanitation, fire and earthquake drills, and other laboratory services. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lights on at Capitol highway

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao switched on the LED streetlights at the national highway in front of the Capitol Monday, June 22. The P21.6-million streetlight project is within the Sarangani-Davao Del Sur Road connecting the eastern municipalities of Sarangani to General Santos City. Two kilometers of the highway were installed with 142 streetlights. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

JINKEENATION joins health caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) - Dr. Arvin Alejandro (2nd from right), provincial health officer, presents to Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Vice Gov. Jinkee Jamora Pacquiao the various toilet bowl models used in different areas in Sarangani during the health caravan Tuesday, June 23. This is part of the showcasing of sanitation products of the JINKEENATION project of the Provincial Vice Governor’s Office in partnership with World Bank - Water and Sanitation Program. JINKEENATION is the sanitation program in support to the provincial goal of Sarangani as a 100% zero open defecation area by 2016. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon leads Hi-5 Caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 25, 2015) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks before thousands of patients and health workers who trooped to the Hi-5 Caravan at the Capitol gym Tuesday, June 23. The health caravan focused on the promotion of health information and services on maternal and child health, men’s health, adolescent health, health for the elderly, and nutrition. (Queeny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Hi-5 Caravan fast-tracks health targets

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 24, 2015) – The Department of Health (DOH) has refocused priorities on key universal health care interventions to ensure high impact health outcomes are obtained through a nationwide Hi-5 Caravan.

According to provincial health officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro, Hi-5 Caravan, which stands for High Impact Five universal health care interventions, is DOH’s strategy to fast track accomplishments on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, 5 and 6.

MDG 4 is anchored on reducing child mortality, MDG 5 is for improving maternal health and MDG 6 is for combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases.

Alejandro cited the sluggish progress towards realizing the goals on time which the country has agreed with the United Nations to be 2015.

Hence initiatives from the national government to focus on these goals were made and ensuring “all constituents nationwide should be aware of the services” and ultimately reach the targets.

In his keynote speech, DOH Region 12 director Teogenes Baluma said the caravan was part of the Aquino administration’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan or Universal Health Care agenda to improve health outcomes like maternal and child care, the most vulnerable population.

But the caravan also offered a range of health service packages including those for adolescents, men, persons with disability and the elderly.

In Sarangani, a total of 2,818 persons availed of the services like pediatric, dental, minor surgery, Philhealth related concerns, bloodletting, youth intervention activities and HIV testing, family planning, nutrition, sanitation, fire and earthquake drills, and other laboratory services during the Hi-5 Caravan held Tuesday (June 23).

These services, however, are regularly provided by the provincial health office and in the municipal health offices especially for the indigents as “health is one of the top priorities” of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

Governor Solon said “it is very important to us that the population of Sarangani remains healthy” as he lamented that the indication of poverty is either falling into bad health or remaining into poor health.

Lorenzo Tan, 45 years old and residing in a far-flung barangay in Alabel, was one of those who availed of the free minor surgery. A marble-size cyst in his foot that has been bothering him since 2000 was finally extracted during the caravan.

He said he was very lucky to have undergone the surgery for free as it would cost him thousands of pesos in a private hospital.

Tan, who has 13 children, cultivates his small parcel of land that produces around two sacks of copra quarterly and plants banana for additional income.

Meanwhile, director Baluma reported that Sarangani is improving its performance in terms of health and credited it also to the leadership governance program that changed the perspective of local chief executives on health. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Abot Alam Program pushed in Sarangani

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 19, 2015) – Education Secretary Armin Luistro has pushed for the roll out in Sarangani of Abot Alam Program, describing it as the “last mile” intervention of his department.

Over the years, Luistro said, the Department of Education (DepEd) primarily focused its concern on the development of students who are in school. Yet there were many who have finished elementary a decade ago but were never given a chance to be in high school.

Abot Alam is an interagency convergence effort to reach out around a million out-of-school youth (OSY) in the country in 2014 and another million in 2015 to provide them appropriate intervention in education, entrepreneurship or employment.

In Sarangani, from the 14,000 OSY ageing 15 to 30 years old that the schools division office mapped out as the balik-aral population, around 11,000 of them registered to the Abot Alam Program whose implementation started last March.

Abot Alam is DepEd’s national strategy in line with its goal of achieving education for all and of the Millennium Development Goal targets to locate OSY nationwide who have not completed basic or higher education or who are unemployed.

The program was primarily aimed at creating a database of all OSY in the country, unify efforts of various agencies towards addressing OSY problems and ensure that they have the access to these stakeholders’ programs and services.

Luistro said the program would bring education closer to those who have missed the chance to once again develop their stock abilities which they could eventually share to others.

As he lamented the OSYs’ plight, Luistro said “hindi po sila bobo. Hindi po sila mang-mang. Nawalan lang sila ng pagkakataon na ibigay ng gobyerno o ng mga eskwelahan natin para makatapos ng kanilang high school.”

Abot Alam, he said, hopes to address this. After all, he added, it is the responsibility of DepEd to provide them avenues to fulfill their dreams.

“Responsibilidad po natin bilang kagawaran na siguraduhin na hindi lamang ang nangangarap, pati yung nahihirapan ng mangarap at pati na rin yung ayaw nang mangarap, na buksan muli ang ating pintuan para muli silang makapagpangarap ng kinabukasan.”

On his onsite visit to the municipality of Glan, Luistro tapped barangay captains to help in doing house to house census of OSY below 30 years old for the Abot Alam facilitators to handle under modular learning program.

There are a total of 148 facilitators deployed in Sarangani with at least 75 learners each to handle.

With the implementation of Abot Alam, the DepEd division office reported an increase of enrollees to informal education to 14,000 this year compared to 6,000 in 2014.

Last year, around 1,442 completed the Basic Literacy Program; some 899 learners completed the Accreditation and Equivalency in both elementary and secondary programs; and around 1,161 learners completed the program handled by District Alternative Learning System coordinators.

These are all informal education programs of DepEd for dropouts in elementary and secondary schools, out-of-school youth and non-readers. It is part of the education system of the Philippines but an alternative to the regular classroom studies where facilitators still have to go thru tiring trips in accessing far-off barangays just to conduct sessions.

Luistro complimented the facilitators’ sacrifices as he also lauded them for representing as the “face of DepEd” to the remotest areas in the Philippines where, according to him, “ang mga pangarap ay pilit nang kinalimutan.”

To ensure that interactive learning takes place in communities, Luistro donated a total of 76 laptops for DepEd Region 12 where the schools divisions of South Cotabato, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani received 19 units each.

According to Luistro, the laptops were smuggled items seized by the Bureau of Customs which he lobbied to be donated to DepEd for the use of teachers instead of having them auctioned off.

Meanwhile, DepEd Region 12 director Allan Farnazo enjoined the support of all teaching and non-teaching personnel in the region to the Abot Alam Program. “This is our program and everyone is encouraged to conduct advocacy campaign to give equal opportunities to those learners who have not finished their basic education in the formal schools.”(Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Women Health and Livelihood Trainings completed

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 18, 2015) - Theofany Cabanda, resource person, assists members and officers of the Women In Nation Development of Sarangani (WINDS) of Lomuyon Association in formulating their budget and financial management plan during the Strategic Planning Training at Barangay Poblacion on June 10-11. This training is the last leg of the series of Women Health and Livelihood trainings under the Gal E’ Libun (Strength of Women) Project of the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao. Inset: Some of the members who have completed the training show their certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony. Some 30 members successfully finished all Gal E’ Libun: Women Health & Livelihood Trainings. Overall, the training has benefited over 200 association members coming from seven selected associations all over the province, namely: Margus Producers Asso., Purok Jolohano Women’s Asso., Purok Eleven Kawas Women’s Asso., Kiblat Women’s Asso., Retired AFP/PNP Dependents & Widows Asso., WINDS of Lomuyon Asso., and Ticulab Women Association. (Carl Clemence Fontanilla Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Sec. Luistro visits Sarangani

GLAN, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) – Education Secretary Armin Luistro meets Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. and Vice Mayor Vivien Yap on his brief stopover from an onsite visit to schools in Balut Island and Sarangani town on June 2. Luistro was calling for support for his Abot Alam Zero OSY (Out-of-School Youth) program which aims to bring education closer to those who have not finished their studies. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani grants incentives to provincial employees

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) – Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan approve Friday, June 5, “Special Ordinance Authorizing the Grant of the FY 2015 Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) Equivalent to One Month Basic Salary to Each Qualified Government Employee of the Provincial Government of Sarangani, Subject to the Provisions of Executive Order No. 181 Issued by the President of the Philippines to Other Applicable Laws, Rules and Regulations”. A total amount of P13,812,931 from the Personal Services (PS) lapses fund from months of January to May 2015 will be granted to 675 provincial employees. The provincial government of Sarangani has been certified by the Department of Interior and Local Government as passer of Good Financial Housekeeping (formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping) and a full compliant with the full disclosure policy. (Romina Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Rep. Pacquiao leads Balik Eskwela gift-giving

KIAMBA, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) – Congressman Emmanuel D. Pacquiao gives school supplies and packed meals to pupils during the Balik Eskwelang Handog ng Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation on June 1 at Kiamba Civic Center. This project, which is in partnership with the Provincial Vice Governor’s Office, has benefitted over 1,000 Grade 1 to 6 students coming from selected schools in Kiamba, especially from the Indigenous People’s community. The program was conducted in the seven municipalities of the province with over 7,000 beneficiaries. (Quenny D. Dandan /VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

PRDP team inspects Maitum FMR project

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) -  Engr. Eric Mammag, alternate head of the National Project Coordination Office PRDP I-BUILD, checks the area of the road to be improved in Pangi-Kiambing farm-to-market-road project during an inspection in Barangay Kiambing on June 3. According to the inspection team, the accomplishment is on time and it passed the quality assurance set by PRDP. (Joyltn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Planning for peace

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 6, 2015) - Jennifer Kamid (standing) of Sulong Kapayapaan under Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s Sulong Sarangani program facilitates the strategic planning workshop for Peace and Development Advocates League (PDAL). The PDAL workshop was attended by Muslim elders and peacekeepers of the seven towns of Sarangani. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOA signed for Abot Alam

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) - Education Secretary Armin Luistro signs the Memorandum of Agreement for 76 laptops to Abot Alam program that aims to zero in on Out-of-School Youth at Alabel National High School on June 2. Also in the photo is Dr. Allan Farnazo, regional director of DepEd Region 12. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum implements P29-M FMR project

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) - Engr. Eric Mammag, alternate head of the National Project Coordination Office PRDP I-BUILD, checks the material testing result of the improvement of Pangi-Kiambing farm-to-market-road (FMR) project as municipal engineer Milrose dela Cuadra looks on during the inspection in Barangay Pangi on June 3. The inspection is done to ensure that civil works and other components of the P29-million FMR project are well implemented in accordance with approved plans. According to the inspection team, the accomplishment is on time and it passed the quality assurance set by PRDP. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kids receive school supplies

GLAN, Sarangani (June 6, 2015) – Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s eldest son Michael Pacquiao (3rd from right) gives kids school supplies from the Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation in time for the opening of classes. The foundation targets to give school supplies to some 10,500 pupils from Grade 1 to Grade 6 throughout Sarangani. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gifts from Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 6, 2015 ) – Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao are together in giving school supplies and packed meals to pupils during the Balik Eskwelang Handog ng Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation on June 1 at Maitum Municipal Gymnasium. Almost 1,000 elementary pupils from different schools in the municipality benefitted from the event. This project, which is in partnership with the Provincial Vice Governor’s Office, intended to benefit about 7,000 elementary pupils in the seven municipalities of the province. (Carl Clemence/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)