Seminar on waste management

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 24, 2015) – Capitol employees attend a waste management training on February 18. The training was spearheaded by the office of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao in coordination with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial General Services Office, Provincial Security Guard and HRMO. (Tres Besana/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Retiree gets plaque

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 24, 2015)- Board Member Virgilio Clark  Tobias (2nd from left) gives a plaque of recognition to Tedoro Ferolino (extreme left) who served for 22 years as Heavy Equipment Operator 2 in the provincial local government unit of Sarangani during the Capitol flag raising ceremony Monday, February 23. Also in photo are provincial engineer Jerry Bilbider (3rd from right), provincial administrator Mariter Sayson (2nd from right) and Sittiehawa Marohomsalic (extreme right), HRMO. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Retiree gets pabaon from SPEU

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 24, 2015) - Sarangani Province Employees Union(SPEU) president Anacleto Saya-ang (extreme left) and SPEU treasurer Baby Mae Butohan (extreme right) turn-over a dummy check to Tedoro Ferolino (2nd from right)and his wife Nimfa Ferolino (2nd from right) at the Capitol flag raising ceremony Monday, February 23. Ferolino, who retired as Heavy Equipment Operator 2 of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, received P97,350 as “pabaon” and P1,000 birthday gift coming from contributions of union members. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Athletes present medals from SRAA Meet

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 24, 2015)- Sarangani athletes who competed at the SRAA Meet present their 13 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 30 bronze medals during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Monday, February 23. Sarangani athletes was 3rd runner up during the South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City and Tacurong City (SOCCSKSARGEN) Regional Athletic Association Meet 2015 on February 16-20 in General Santos City. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Street dance winners

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 18, 2015) – Street dancers from JBT Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated School perform during the culmination of the 11th Timpuyog Festival and 67th Foundation Anniversary of Kiamba to win 2nd place in the street dance competition. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

SRAA meet opens in Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 18, 2015) - Sarangani athletes parade at the opening day of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (SOCSKSARGEN) Regional Athletic Association Meet at the Antonio Acharon Sports and Recreation Center in Barangay Calumpang Monday, February 16. The meet ends on February 20. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PRDP funds P29.5M Pangi-Kiambing FMR

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 18, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang congratulates the people of barangays Pangi and Kiambing as their farm-to-market road (FMR) project will soon be implemented during a groundbreaking ceremony in Barangay Pangi Tuesday, February 17. The P29.5M project covers 2.68 kms. from Kiambing to Pangi. The project is funded by the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) with the Provincial Local Government Unit and Municipal Local Government Unit as counterpart. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pangi-Kiambing FMR breaks ground

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 18, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang, Barangay Captain Manuel Nonat, Barangay Captain Luisa Doctor, and Vice Mayor Jeanne Ablog lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during the Pangi-Kiambing Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) groundbreaking ceremony  in barangay Pangi Tuesday, February 17. The P29.5M project covers 2.68 kms. road length from Barangay Kiambing to Barangay Pangi. The project is funded by the Philippine Rural Development Program with the Provincial Local Government Unit and Municipal Local Government Unit as counterpart. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor calls for unity

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 18, 2015) – Mayor Raul Martinez calls for unity in Kiamba in order to have a sustainable development in the municipality during the culmination program of the 67th Foundation Anniversary and 11th Timpuyog Festival on February 13. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

James L. Chiongbian NTS dancers win 1st prize

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 18, 2015) – Street dancers from James L. Chiongbian National Trade School celebrate after having been declared champion in the street dance competition during the culmination of the 11th Timpuyog Festival and 67th Foundation Anniversary of Kiamba. The James L. Chiongbian NTS group received a trophy and P200,000 cash prize. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

DepEd begins SRAA athletic meet

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 18, 2015) - Dr. Allan Farnazo, regional director of Department of Education, declares the opening of SOCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic Association Meet at Lagao gymnasium Monday, February 16. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Miss Kiamba 2015 winners

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – 2nd Runner up Jackelyn Ko (right), 1st Runner Up Richel Gay Gregorio (left), Miss Kiamba Youth Leah Francia Francisco (2nd from right), Miss Kiamba Tourism Earl Leano and Miss Kiamba Timpuyog Bryndell Mae Gallego are presented after the coronation rites of Miss Kiamba 2015 Friday, February 13. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

The 2015 Miss Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – Bryndell Mae Gallego (right) reacts as she is declared Miss Kiamba Timpuyog 2015 with Miss Kiamba Tourism 2015 during the pageant night Friday, February 13, at the Kiamba Civic Center. Kiambans are celebrating their 67nd Foundation Anniversary and 11th Timpuyog Festival. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Timpuyog Festival

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – Municipal Administrator Rosemarie Martinez-Sayo (right) leads the symbolic offering  with  municipal employees during the ecumenical service February 9 at Municipal Plaza Compound in line with the celebration of the 67th Foundation Anniversary and Town Fiesta and 11th  Timpuyog Festival. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Tourists from Capitol

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) - Capitol employees experience the white water tubing in Barangay New La Union during a tourism exposure trip Thursday, February 12. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Trade Fair in Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – Amalia Jayag-Datukan (right), Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture 12, expresses her sincerest thanks to Mayor Raul Matinez (left) for the efforts in improving the community and to his endeavor to uplift the lives of farmers during the opening of Agri-Trade Fair at Municipal Plaza Compound in line with the celebration of the 67th Foundation Anniversary and Town Fiesta and 11^th Timpuyog Festival. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Villagers compete

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – One of the 19 barangay delegations of Kiamba performs during the Barangay Day in celebration of 11th Timpuyog Festival and 67th Foundation Anniversary with the theme: “Kiamba: Pagtahak sa tuwid na daan ating pagsikapan, hiling sa Poong Maykapal tayo ay patnubayan. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MLGOO Balanag takes post

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – Melencio Balanag Jr., newly-installed municipal local government operations officer of Maitum, poses with DILG officials, municipal officials and department heads led by Mayor Pepito Catimbang after the turnover ceremonies on February 9. (by Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum has new MLGOO

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) - Melencio Balanag Jr. expresses his gratitude for the warm welcome given by the Local Government Unit of Maitum during the turnover ceremonies on February 9 at the municipal hall. Balanag is the newly-installed municipal local government operations officer (MLGOO). He replaced Rodolfo Jerez who will be assigned at the DILG provincial office. The turnover was witnessed by DILG provincial officer Flor Limpin, and local government officials and employees led by Mayor Pepito Catimbang. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay store boosts Sulong Kapayapaan

GLAN, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) - Tindahan Para Sa Kalinaw in Barangay Tapon is a successful program under Sulong Kapayapaan which continuously gives projects, waiting sheds, community feeding program and has donated a school gate at Tapon. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TPSK members pose with Gov. Solon

GLAN, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) – Tindahan Para Sa Kalinaw (TPSK) members and barangay officials pose with Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during the induction of officers and turn-over of community project of TPSK at Barangay Tapon on February 9.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TPSK funds waiting shed

GLAN, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the ribbon cutting ceremony during the turnover on February 9 of a new concrete waiting shed funded by the Tindahan Para Sa Kalinaw (TPSK) under Sulong Kapayapaan of the provincial government at Barangay Tapon. Also in the photo are Marlyn Callao (extreme right), president of TPSK; Erlinda Manlangit (second from right), past president year 2014; and Barangay Captain Ronald Canoy (second from left). (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay peace advocates take oath

GLAN, Sarangani (February 14, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon administers the oath of office to the new officers of Tindahan Para sa Kalinaw (TPSK) at Barangay Tapon on February 9. TPKSK is a program under the Sulong Kapayapaan providing business opportunity and assistance to women associations in the community. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani athletes all set for regional meet

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 6, 2015) - Sarangani athletes prepare to compete in the South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City Regional Athletic Association meet on 16-21 in General Santos City.(Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sulong Kasaganaan for food sufficiency and security

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 6, 2015) – The provincial veterinary office distributes 280 native chickens at disparity barangays of Maasim on February 3 and 4. The native chicken backyard enterprise development is the part of the program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon under Sulong Kasaganaan which aims to ensure food sufficiency and food security in the villages. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FR associations form alliance

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 4, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon hands in Tuesday, February 3, to the federation president of former rebels (FR) in Sarangani Province a P30,000 cash assistance out of his personal pocket as a starter fund for the newly-formed alliance of the three FR associations namely Malapatan Returnees for Peace Development Association, Malungon Returnees Association, and Alegria Returnees for Peace Association. Standing next to Gov. Solon is Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FRs get livelihood funds

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 4, 2015) – Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias leads the awarding of P5,000 starter fund for the livelihood activities of each of the 77 former rebels coming from Malungon, Alabel and Malapatan Tuesday, February 3. The release of livelihood assistance is an activity of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program for Former Rebels (CLIP-FR) which is lodged under the Sulong Kapayapaan component of the provincial government’s Sulong Sarangani flagship program. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SP member graces 8th Bangsi Festival

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 4, 2015) – On behalf of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao, Board Member Elmer De Peralta delivers a message during the culmination of 8th Bangsi Festival at Maitum Municipal gym on January 30. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

SP holds hearing on health, environment

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan with Board Member George Falgui and Board Member Cornelio Martinez Jr. of the Committee on Health, Environment and Local Enactment conducts a public hearing on breastfeeding, zero open defecation and green ordinance at Maasim on January 28. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Villagers square-off in Aloha Dance

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) - Representatives from each barangay here in Maitum vie in the Aloha Dance Competition at Mabay beach during the first day of the 8th Bangsi Festival on January 29. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Zumba by the sea

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) – At the opening of 8th Bangsi Festival on January 29, town employees led by Vice Mayor Jane Ablog (2nd from right) join the mass Zumba to warm up and get fit to celebrate. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor leads Zumba

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang (2nd from right) and his wife Bhai join the early morning mass Zumba before the formal opening of the 8th Bangsi Festival on January 29. (Sarangani Information Office/ Jake T. Narte)

Maitum’s bangsi grill

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) – This is one of the 19 grills and more than 5,000 pieces of bangsi (flying fish) grilled for thousands of people Friday, January 30, during the Bangsi Festival. (Cocoy Sexcion for MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

 

Bangsi promotes tourism

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2015) - Claimed as having the “longest bangsi grill in the Philippines”, the Bangsi Festival serves as a strong magnet for tourism here in Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion for MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bangsi Festival offers free flying fish

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2013) – In a public grilling, the 8th Bangsi Festival gives free, grilled fish Friday, January 30, at the municipal park of Maitum. (Cocoy Sexcion for MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum: A photographer's haven

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 31, 2015) - In the eyes of photographers, the beauty of Maitum is something they cannot ignore.

For the locals of Maitum, being shot at by a host of photographers from neighboring cities and provinces was a sight they have gotten used to for a decade.

The Maitum Safari Photo Contest is Mindanao’s longest-running photo contest hosted by some residents of Maitum, headed by municipal accountant/information officer-designate Beth Ramos. It is a contest that promotes the town’s faces and facets.

In its 10th year, the Maitum Safari Photo Contest gathered some 80 photographers from Davao, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Gensan.

It started in 2005 and was first held during the Binuyugan Festival of Maitum.

By 2007, the photo contest was moved to the Bangsi Festival.

Since then, it is gradually becoming a contest for many photographers. It had to stop in 2014 because of the lack of time for preparations.

This 8th Bangsi Festival is the comeback of Maitum Safari.

Fifty (50) photographers registered in the regular category while there are around 30 in the kids category.

They receive a full accommodation — free hotel, wi-fi connection, and food — all sponsored by Cresing’s Food Products and donors and Maitumians around the country and abroad.

It was certainly a showdown for photographers as they have to submit their entries without processing it through editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop).

These photographers were required to submit a minimum of 3 or a maximum of 5 pictures in both the Festival and Shoot-out categories.

There will be separate winners for each category. The winner will receive P10,000 in each category. But some participants said that coming here for Maitum Safari makes them a winner already for meeting new friends, tasting local delicacies, and enjoying the town’s tourist destinations. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum showcases longest bangsi grill

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 30, 2015) – Nineteen long grills, or one from each barangay, and more than 5,000 pieces of bangsi (flying fish) were grilled for thousands of people Friday (January 30).

The Bangsi Festival of Maitum is the only fete here in Sarangani Province that showcases the wealth of its waters through a public grilling.

And in the 8th Bangsi Festival, these flying fishes were set free, already grilled.  

The public grill was held at the center of the municipal park of Maitum.

Claimed as the “longest bangsi grill in the Philippines”, this festivity can serve as a strong magnet for tourism here in Sarangani.

This festival is still young compared to the more established fish-themed celebrations such as the Tuna Festival of General Santos City. But it seems that Bangsi Festival is gaining some piece of the tourism pie.

In fact, in her speech during the culmination activity of Bangsi Festival, tourism regional director Nelly Nita Dillera said that Maitum is the contributor to the total tourist arrival in Sarangani for the year 2014.

Tourists can also try white water tubing and visit the pawikan sanctuary here.

Dillera said Sarangani Province had 643,729 visitors in 2014. The biggest contributor here is Glan, perhaps for its stunning white sand beaches in Gumasa. Gumasa hosts Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach party in Mindanao, each May.

And for the entire Region 12, the total number of tourists in 2014 was 2,389,000.

Sarangani contributes roughly 27% of the tourist arrivals in the region last year. Statistically, that is a significant figure.

The Bangsi Festival can play a major part in the tourism drive not only of Maitum, but of the entire Sarangani and SOCSKSARGEN (Region 12) as well.

As for Maitum locals, they believe that Bangsi Festival will stay.

There are 600 tons of bangsi that land in Maitum annually.

Novie Razul, a resident of Barangay Old Poblacion, said bangsi fishing has supported her family for many years already.

“Fishing is our only livelihood and without bangsi, our income will not suffice to support my family. My husband and his brothers are fishermen while I process their catch to marinated bangsi,” Razul said.

“The peak season of bangsi is from January to March and then October to December. During the lean months, we catch tuna,” she added. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum Safari fotogs groupie

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 29, 2015) – These are the contestants and sponsors (Cresing’s Foods) of the Bangsi Festival Safari Photo Contest of Maitum. The “bangsi”, a local term for the flying fish (Family Exocoetidae), is the prized catch (aside from tuna) of Maitum fisher folk and the very reason for the celebration of Bangsi Festival. These photographers are from General Santos City, Davao City, Koronadal City, Polomolok, Sarangani and Australia, Germany and Italy. This photo contest is the longest-running one in Mindanao. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)