ZOD knowledge exchange held

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 24, 2015) – The Provincial Verification Team of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) conducts a meeting on consolidation and knowledge exchange to eliminate open defecation in the seven municipalities of Sarangani down to the barangay level using Department of Health guidelines for verification & certification of ZOD barangays. The activity is in partnership with Provincial Health Office, Municipal Health Office of Malungon and Alabel, Vice Governor’s Office, DILG, DOH, UNICEF and Water& Sanitation Program of World Bank. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sulong Sarangani holds BDP

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 24, 2015) – The Barangay Development Program (BDP) under Sulong Sarangani program holds a meeting at Barangay Datu Dani and Barangay Tamadang on March 17-20. Sulong Sarangani is the flagship program of the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon which aims to uplift and improve the lives of residents in poorest barangays (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE).

Sports advocate gives pep talk to Palaro athletes

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 24, 2015) – Board Member Cornelio Martinez Jr., chairman of the Committee on Education, Science, Technology Arts and Culture, emphasizes the importance of character-building to players for the Palarong Pambansa 2015, a team to represent South Cotabato, Cotabato Province Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City, Kidapawan, Koronadal and Tacurong (SOCCSKSARGEN) on May 3 at Tagum City sports complex. “You are champions because you are disciplined, you have to maintain it,” Martinez said. (Romina R. Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani receives sports equipment from PSC

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 24, 2015) – The provincial government of Sarangani represented by Acting Governor Elmer de Peralta and Board Member Cornelio Martinez Jr. gives more than 300 balls (soccer and volleyball) from the Philippine Sports Commission thru Commissioner Richie Garcia to student-players and coaches at Department of Education building on March 20. The new sports equipment will be used for the “1st Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao 2015 Sports Summit” in the municipality of Kiamba on April 8-16. This event will be participated in by almost 400 players from ages 11-year old and below. (Romina R. Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani day care workers recognized

KORONADAL CITY (March 24, 2015) – Corazon Unahan (extreme left, federation president of Sarangani Day Care Workers, receives a certificate of appreciation and token during the awarding and culmination activity of Women’s Month Celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 12 Monday, March 23. Also in photo are Gemma Rivera (second from left), assistant regional director of DSWD and her staff. Others who received an award were Angelina Reoja, Person with Disability (PWD) secretary of Alabel; Eden Pepito, Pantawid Parent Leader from Maasim; and Noralie Tin, Pantawid Parent Leader of Malapatan. The Women’s Month is being celebrated with the theme “Juana, Desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw Na!”. (JAKE T. NARTE/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani athletes gear up for Palaro

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 24, 2015) – “Everyone can be a hero in his own way,” says Acting Governor Elmer de Peralta to the Palarong Pambansa team SOCCSARGEN during their briefing together with their coaches at Department of Education building on March 20. He cited Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao as an example of sports champion and now recognized a sports hero. “You should be vision-oriented giving all your dedication, commitment and courage to what you are doing,” he added. Sarangani will give P200,000 financial assistance from the Special Education Fund for the Palarong Pambansa to be held in Tagum City on May 3. (Romina R. Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

“Goodbye Kuto, Hello Haircut and Shampoo”

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) – Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao and Board Member Elmer De Peralta give haircut to students of Lagunsay Elementary School during the “Goodbye Kuto, Hello Haircut and Shampoo” personal hygiene and proper grooming campaign at Barangay Kling on March 13. This activity, which aims to provide awareness on maintaining personal cleanliness and good grooming among students, is initiated by Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Vice Governor’s Office. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

VG Jinkee gives hygiene kits

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) –Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao hands out hygiene kits containing things used for grooming such as, among others, anti-lice shampoo, comb, soap, and powder to the students of Lagunsay Elementary School during the “Goodbye Kuto, Hello Haircut and Shampoo” personal cleanliness and good grooming campaign at Barangay Kling on Friday, March 13. This initiative is a special project of Emmanuel & Jinkee’s Heart Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Provincial Vice Governor’s Office of Sarangani. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

VG Jinkee helps out during dental mission

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) - Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao inspects the take home medicines before giving them to recipients of the dental mission at Kiamba Gymnasium on March 15 after patients received free  dental services which include tooth  extraction, dental fillings and fluoride  treatment. The dental mission dubbed as “Smile Your Way to My Heart” has benefitted over 300 residents of Poblacion, Kiamba. The event is a special project of the Emmanuel and Jinkee's Heart Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Vice Governor’s Office, Provincial Health Office and Local Government of Kiamba. (Jerald S. Rubio/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Training for coop

GLAN, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) - Larry Que, speaker of Financial Management Training, explains to members of Margus Producers Association the importance of maintaining and giving official receipts for budgeting proper recoding for transparency purposes in an organization. During the training the participants were also informed on the significance of proper financial management for the development and sustainability of the cooperative. The training was conducted by the Vice Governor’s Office under its Gal E’ Libun Project (Strength of Women) on March 11-12 at Small Margus. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

VG Jinkee calls for enhanced solid waste management

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) - In her inspirational message during the commitment-signing on Enhanced Solid Waste Management Program Monday, March 16, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao encourages Capitol employees to practice and advocate proper solid waste management. She emphasized that this advocacy is important and relevant to the implementation of the Capitol Beautification and Landscaping Program. Further, this is in compliance to Executive Order No. 10, s. 2008 of the provincial government providing an Enhanced Solid Waste Management Program in all offices and establishment within the Capitol compound and the Enhanced Solid Waste Management Ordinance of the Municipality of Alabel. Inset, Vice Gov. Jinkee signs the commitment board.  (Quenny D. Dandan/Vice Govenor’s Office)

SPEU supports SWM program

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) – Sarangani Province Employees Union (SPEU) president Anacleto “Bobby” Saya-ang signs the commitment board to practice and advocate Solid Waste Management together with Capitol employees Monday, March 16. Saya-ang has been championing the rights of union members and employees, built covered pathways at Capitol, and led SPEU to a harmonious relationship with management through many years. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani officials back solid waste management

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2015)- Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao (center) leads the signing of commitment to practice and advocate enhanced solid waste management program in all offices and establishments within the province during the flag raising ceremony Monday, March 16. Also in photo are Board Members Virgilio Clark Tobias, Abdulracman Pangolima, Hermie Galzote, George Falgui, Cesar Nallos and Elmer De Peralta. (JAKE T. NARTE/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Officials, employees support SWM program

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2015) – Capitol officials and employees commit to practice and advocate Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) Monday, March 16. In support to the beautification program of the Vice Governor’s Office, the provincial government is implementing Executive Order No. 10, 2008 which provides for an enhanced SWMP in all offices and establishment within the Capitol compound. (Romina R. Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

BFP calls for zero fire incident

GLAN, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Glan is forging partnership with the academe, civic and business sectors in its year-round advocacy of zero-fire incident in time with the observance of fire prevention month.

S/INSP Leilani Bangelis said the campaign to contain fire incidences should not only limit within this March.

Glan, where Bangelis is municipal fire marshal, is composed of 31 barangays majority of which are in remote and upland areas.

With the bureau’s manpower ratio of one firefighter is to 7,000 population, she lamented that her office lags behind with a 1:9,000 actual ratio.

However “getting the involvement of the community” and empowering them in saving life and property is more important, she said.

In her management starting in 2014, a number of trained barangay fire brigades have already been organized. Bangelis targets to complete the organization in each of the barangays this year.

“More focused ako ngayon in organizing barangay fire brigades kasi sa area natin hirap maka-penetrate ang firetrucks,” Bangelis said. With these groups emergency responses would be easier.

Glan firefighters are regularly conducting “pre-fire planning with the barangay officials… in case may sunog na mangyayari, alam nila kung ano ang dapat gawin,” she said.

They also conduct “house-to house information campaign during the regular municipyo sa barangay kung saan inilalapit namin ‘yung serbisyo namin doon sa barangay.” This aptly addresses this year’s theme “Kaligtasan Sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin,” which focuses on residential fires as according to her statistics show that most fires happen at residences.

“I would like to professionalize the services of BFP at ipakita sa kanila na ang firefighters are not only for fire suppression but more on fire prevention,” Bangiles added.

Meanwhile, BFP Glan will also hold activities like art contest, information campaign, open house, and firefighters’ visibility as among the activities this March. The month-long celebration here kicked-off with a “unity walk” at 5:00am on March 1 followed by a zumba, motorcade and feeding program for children. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Beverly C. Paoyon)

Bloodletting in Maitum for dengue patients

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) - Senior Police Officer 3 Reginal Delfin of PNP Maitum relaxes while donating blood during the bloodletting program at Maitum Municipal Auditorium Wednesday, March 4. The program was spearheaded by the Municipal Risk Reduction Management Council in partnership with the Kabalikat Civicom, Municipal Health Office and Philippine National Police (PNP). This is in response to the recurring cases of dengue fever in the municipality. The program aims to help dengue patients and others who would need blood. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP builds school

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) – Pupils of Pinol Elementary School join the prayer during the groundbreaking of a new school building project on March 2. The project which is composed of three classrooms has a total amount of P1.9 million granted by the Australian government through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP). (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

New school building to rise in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang encourages parents, especially the students and teachers of Pinol Elementary School, to take part in improving and maintaining the school during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new school building project in Barangay Pinol on March 2. The project which is composed of three classrooms has a total cost of P1.9 million granted by the Australian government through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP). (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani marks National Arts Month

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 6, 2015) – The National Arts Month celebration and Philippine International Arts Festival 2015 with the theme "Highlighting Local Culture Genius to Promote Pride of Place" are hosted by the Project Sulong Tribu of the Provincial Governor's Office and Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center on February 23. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr./SARANGANI TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

VGO staff trains Kawas women’s group

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) – The project staff of the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao shares the Word of God to the members of Purok 11 Kawas Women’s Association, which engages in production of marinated bangus, during the Project Management Training at Barangay Ladol on March 5. This is usually done before the lecture starts in every training to impart to the recipients Godly-principles that are applicable to life especially in business and family matters. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Women’s association receives training by VGO

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 6, 2015) – The project staff of the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao together with the resource person, Theofanny Joy D. Cabanda, conducted a one-day Project Management Training among the members of Kiblat Women’s Association, which produces herbal tea, on March 4. This is already the second training received by the association under the Women Health and Livelihood component of the Gal E’ Libun Project of the Vice Governor’s Office. The first was one was the Gender Sensitivity Training last February 23. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Women’s month speaker

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 9, 2015) – The provincial government represented by Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office with Rachel Panal, OIC-PSWDO, gives a certificate of appreciation to Board Member Cyril John Rustico Yap for his valuable and significant support as resource speaker during the Women’s Month celebration at the Capitol Monday, March 9. (Romina R. Boaqina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Board Member speaks for women

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 9, 2015) – “We at the local level should craft legislative measure to further safeguard our women” and “shall not be limited with our existing national laws” says Board Member Cyril John Rustico Yap as he speaks for the ‘2015 Provincial Women’s Month Celebration’ during the flag raising ceremony at Capitol Monday, March 9. The celebration’s theme is “Juana, desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, ikaw na!”. (Romina R Boaquina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

DTI-Sarangani rolls out i-PMDP

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 1, 2015) - The Department of Trade and Industry – Sarangani provincial office has presented its enhanced business development program called the Integrated Product and Market Development Project (i-PMDP) to local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) engaged in processed food cluster.

The processed food cluster is one of the prioritized subsectors under DTI’s industry clustering strategy.

The goal of i-PMDP, presented by DTI provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso on February 25, is to increase and sustain the supply of exportable-quality processed products of the province by identifying and harmonizing a common product and market development intervention/assistance between diverse sectors of the processed food industry.

This time, the project is one of the provincial initiatives of DTI to help local entrepreneurs prepare for the ASEAN integration. This move to regional economic cooperation will largely benefit the entrepreneurs of Sarangani placed in a strategic area near to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, among others.

As Sarangani processed food products have so much potential in the ASEAN Market, national standards for food preparation, handling and manufacturing are necessary requirements before exportation. Through this concept, DTI aims to prepare the local entrepreneurs position themselves and their businesses to move up to the stages/levels of development (Export-Pathways), Engr. Barroso said as she presented the project to the participants.

One of the strategies of the project is to refer the submitted products of project enrollees to a certified food technologist for business and product diagnosis and capacity training.

Submission for nutrient fact study to Food and Nutrient Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology and preparation to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) New Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) for FDA-LTO (Licensed-to-operate) accreditation are also part of the project activities.

The project has a five-stage phases that will run for six months (February to July) where project enrollees will begin on-boarding until they graduate from the program.

Abigail May Garcia, a certified food technologist, graced the event by encouraging the local food processors to proactively participate in the program. She would provide a one-on-one consultancy session to every association.

The next step after this orientation program is the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on March 9 with the 15 pre-assessed MSME. (DTI for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Jolohano Women’s Association trained by VGO

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 1, 2015) – The Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora Pacquiao with Professor Luz Doce , speaker and trainer, conducts Gal E’ Libun Gender Sensitivity Training with the members of Purok Jolohano Women’s Association at Barangay Sapu Masla on February 17. The training empowers women to know their rights and responsibilities. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

DTI-Sarangani rolls out i-PMDP

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 1, 2015) - Provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso (standing) of the Department of Trade and Industry – Sarangani provincial office presents on February 25 the enhanced business development program called the Integrated Product and Market Development Project (i-PMDP) to local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) engaged in processed food cluster. The goal of i-PMDP is to increase and sustain the supply of exportable-quality processed products of the province by identifying and harmonizing a common product and market development intervention/assistance between diverse sectors of the processed food industry. (DTI/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor pays tribute to retiree

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 1, 2015) – Mayor Raul Martinez cites the services of Peteminy Arzaga (right) on February 26 and set her as an example of an honest and good civil servant. Mayor Martinez also encouraged Kiamba employees to do the same. Arzaga served the local government for 40 years and started her work during the late Mayor Cornelio Martinez Sr. and retired during the term of Mayor Raul Martinez. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)