DepEd Sarangani celebrates anniversary

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 18, 2015) - Despite a heavy downpour, public school teachers of Sarangani revel in their presentation of songs and yells during the first day of the 22nd DepEd Sarangani Foundation Anniversary at the Capitol grounds on August 6. The celebration culminated the next day at Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City, with the theme “Sa K- 12 Kayang Kaya Basta Sama- sama, Tayo na, Karunungan Isulong na.” The song and yell competition was among the activities prepared for the educators. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farnazo: Unity key to quality education

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 18, 2015) - Department of Education (DepEd) regional director Allan Farnazo speaks about the significance of unity among students and teachers in the pursuit of quality education during the 22nd Foundation Anniversary of DepEd Sarangani on August 7. Farnazo, a former schools division superintendent of Sarangani, was keynote speaker of the two-day celebration held at Lagao Gym with the theme “Sa K to 12 Kayang-kaya basta Sama-sama, Tayo na Karunungan Isulong na.” (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon inducts officers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 18, 2015) - Governor Steve Solon inducts the new officers of Division of Sarangani Personnel Association, Public Schools District Supervisors Association, National Greening Program and Youth Environment in School Organization on July 7. The officers took their oath before the governor and some 4,400 public school teachers from the seven municipalities of Sarangani at Lagao gym. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon, Dominguez join teachers’ celebration

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 18, 2015) – Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) greets former Governor Migs Dominguez (right) who now represents the Synergia Foundation Inc. during the State of the Division Address f Schools Division Superintendent Isagani dela Cruz in celebration of the 22nd Foundation Anniversary of DepEd Sarangani at Lagao Gym on August 7. The provincial government of Sarangani through Sulong Karunungan, Synergia Foundation and other partners and stakeholders are closely working together with DepED Sarangani to give quality education for Sarangani children. (Mark Christopher Quiño/DepEd SARANGANI)

 

SDS highlights 6Rs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 18, 2015) - Isagani dela Cruz, schools division superintendent (SDS) of Sarangani, delivers his State of the Division Address 2015 on July 7 at Lagao gym. Citing the K to 12 program, an overhaul of the Philippine education system, Dela Cruz emphasized the 6Rs - Reach, Responsiveness, Rating, Returns, Revenue and Recognition of the division. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gensan & Sarangani hosting national palm oil congress

By BEVERLY PAOYON

 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 17, 2015) – Philippine palm oil industry top executives have recognized the potential of expanding oil palm plantations to Mindanao as crucial in building inclusive growth for a stronger industry in the country.

 

On Wednesday (August 19), the Philippine Palmoil Development Council, Inc. (PPDCI) will open the two-day 9th National Palm Oil Congress in General Santos City. Expected to attend are some 600 farmers and industry players mostly coming from Mindanao and other invitees interested to go into the oil palm business.

 

PPDCI president Alfredo Montecillo said speakers from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia were invited to share recent techniques in managing oil palm farms.

 

With Malaysia, being the world’s biggest exporter, and Indonesia and Thailand ranking next, Montecillo anticipated this congress would be a great venue for Filipinos to learn from the experiences of these countries.

 

Meanwhile, Montecillo also disclosed the promotion for oil palm farming expansion to Mindanao is also geared towards addressing the shortage of palm oil produce in the country.

 

The Philippines, he said, “is still a net importer of palm oil.”

 

The total production in the country, he said, can only cope up 30% of its total demand while 70% is still being imported either from Malaysia or Indonesia.

 

“We need about 100,000 metric tons of palm oil annually,” Montecillo said, but “only 30% of that or even lesser” is supplied domestically.

 

Montecillo is eyeing areas in Mindanao like Sarangani, South Cotabato and General Santos City to complement the shortage and reduce importation.

 

Particularly for Sarangani, Montecillo reported some areas to be potentially viable for oil palm farming that could also create a lucrative livelihood for the local farmers here.

 

“The potential is very big for Sarangani. We have conducted a lot of surveys already and there are many areas that can be developed,” he said.

 

Although the “topography is a challenge because majority of the areas are really mountainous,” still Montecillo reported there are areas in Sarangani suitable for the crop.

 

He also cited the possibility of expanding in Tantangan, South Cotabato and a little area in General Santos City where an initial plantation has already started.

 

Sarangani Investment Officer Milbie Daguro reported “around 150 hectares are already planted to oil palm in Sarangani and some 20,000 hectares have been surveyed all over the province to be suitable for oil palm farming.”

 

Daguro said some of the identified areas have existing crops but disclosed what they are targeting are “idle lands to make them productive, create economic activities and job opportunities in the community.”

 

According to Daguro, there are big companies willing to put up palm oil processing plants in Sarangani “but we need to be able to have at least 5,000 to 10,000 hectares of plantation to sustain a processing plant.”

 

Presently, the nearest mills are about 120 kilometers from General Santos which are in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and Buluan, Maguindanao. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Why do pupils and teachers get vaccinated?

By BEVERLY PAOYON

 

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 13, 2015) - Around 21,000 school children and teachers throughout Sarangani are being immunized this month against Measles Rubella, Tetanus-diptheria and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

 

With the P100 million the Department of Health (DOH) has allocated for the school-based immunization program, millions of school children belonging to the top 20 poorest provinces in the country would obtain the booster vaccines for free. Sarangani belongs to this group.

 

However, the provincial government augmented a P1-million budget to cover the first 100 female teachers belonging to the 22 to 30 years old age bracket for their HPV vaccine as one component in the prevention of cervical cancer.

 

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon explained this as a Sulong Kalusugan scheme of the provincial government to have health safety precaution for kids and teachers.  

 

Solon appreciated the intervention that DOH rolled out in public schools that gives immunity of these children “to diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus that have been noted to be cause of deaths among children.”

 

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro, however, reported no cases of outbreaks in Sarangani on the mentioned diseases.

 

He said HPV was the second leading cause of deaths among the general population in the Philippines.

 

Dr. Alejandro said studies showed HPV was the primary cause of cervical cancer for females aged 14 to 44 years old. He pointed out that this group belongs to the sexually active population.

 

“The moment you are sexually active then the risk of having Human Papillomavirus is also high,” he said. Immunization would be a preventive action to protect this group from the virus.

 

The combined measles rubella and tetanus-diptheria vaccination cover Grade 1 to Grade 7 while Grade 4 pupils with ages 9 to 13 will be given HPV as an integral immunization strategy. This would eliminate measles and tetanus and control mumps, rubella and diphtheria alongside the prevention of cervical cancer.

Several years from now, these children will reach their productivity stage “hence they should be vaccinated with HPV. Dapat healthy sila all throughout,” Dr. Alejandro said.

 

The National School-Based Adolescent Immunization covers school children and adolescents during the whole month of August.

 

In Sarangani, the program kicked-off with a ceremonial provincial launching on August 3 in Barangay Malandag where a number of children and teachers got vaccinated.

 

Some 4,100 Grade 1 pupils, 10,000 Grade 7 pupils and 10,000 Grade 4 pupils in Sarangani are the target beneficiaries of the immunization program. This intervention, Dr. Alejandro said, is steered towards the provincial government’s goal of “achieving 95% coverage among target school children for a better health outcome.” (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

2 Maitum brgys get REACH aid

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 12, 2015) – From left: Deputy chief of police Senior Inspector Ruben Mapangal Lambago, Mindanao Tulong Bakwet, Inc. coordinator Fairudz Ibrahim-Ebus, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Laarni Nagal, Human Resources Officer-designate Eldifonso Bergis, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council representative Arsenio Aragao, Batian Barangay Captain Diokno Kilam, Upo Barangay Captain Mary Jane Kusin, and Batian Elementary School official Christopher Tanedo hold the symbolic key of the REACH Mindanao Project during the turnover ceremony at the municipal auditorium on August 7. The project dubbed as Resilience and Change for Children and Families in Mindanao (REACH Mindanao) has turned over a total of 16 handheld radios, two motor sirens, three megaphones, and an electric bell to the barangay councils of Batian and Upo, and to the officials of Batian Elementary School. The program was attended by over 50 participants from Barangay Upo and Batian, and some employees of the local government unit of Maitum. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

REACH Mindanao helps school

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 12, 2015) - Mindanao Tulong Bakwet, Inc. coordinator Fairudz Ibrahim-Ebus congratulates Batian Elementary School representative Christopher Tanedo as he receives a unit of electric bell and a megaphone during the REACH Mindanao turnover ceremony at the municipal auditorium on August 7. The project dubbed as Resilience and Change for Children and Families in Mindanao (REACH Mindanao) was funded by the Swedish International Development Agency and implemented by Plan Philippines in partnership with the Mindanao Tulong Bakwet and Maguindanaoan Development Foundation Inc. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Villagers attend turnover

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 12, 2015) - Barangay Officials and residents of Barangay Batian and Barangay Upo attend the turnover ceremony of REACH Mindanao Project at the municipal auditorium on August 7. The project dubbed as Resilience and Change for Children and Families in Mindanao (REACH Mindanao) has turned over a total of 16 handheld radios, two motor sirens, three megaphones, and an electric bell to the barangay councils of Batian and Upo, and to the officials of Batian Elementary School. The project aims to assure that boys and girls living in the resilient communities are able to access their health and protection rights through locally delivered and managed services. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bounty of Sarangani appears

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) - Residents of Dingcaling in Barangay Tambilil flock around a heap of Lupoy (young mackerel) ready for selling, drying or fermentation. Fisherfolks are happy with the emergence of this type of fish which signals a greater catch of bigger fish like tuna and sambagon, commonly known as pirit. Lupoy are known to appear during the dry season at the second quarter of the year. This type of fish is popular as complements to local Filipino dishes, made into bagoong (fish paste) and patis (fish sauce) through the process of fermentation. Sarangani province has a coastline of 226.4 kilometers from Pinol Point in Maitum to Tinaca Point in Glan, where a scene like this is commonly seen during this season. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PDRRMO conducts disaster awareness for students

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) - Students of Alabel National Science High School read the “Baha” primer of Sulong Kaligtasan during the symposium on July 28 conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month. The symposium’s aim is to enlighten the students regarding disaster awareness and preparedness. This is just one of the many seminars conducted by PDRRMO for community awareness. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sulong Kaligtasan leads bamboo planting

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) - Sulong Kaligtasan, in collaboration with the Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office represented by forester Emie Alvin Gler (2nd from right), delivers 12,000 bamboo seedlings to the barangay council of Kalaong headed by Barangay Captain Linda Narte (extreme right) on July 29. The distribution of bamboo seedlings is intended for riverbank rehabilitation of the province to prevent flash floods and soil erosion. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

BFP Glan holds fire drill, feeding in school

GLAN, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Glan Office culminated the Disaster Consciousness Month celebration with an earthquake drill and a feeding program in a remote public elementary school in this town.

 

Around 250 school children in Kiogam Elementary School from kindergarten to Grade 6 joined the drill and benefited from the agency’s gift of food sharing on Tuesday (July 28).

 

Incorporating these two activities, according to Municipal Fire Marshal S/Insp. Lielani Bangelis, is their strategy of attracting the interest of the children to participate.

 

She pointed out that these activities were primarily aimed at promoting community welfare and at the same time gaining people’s “trust and confidence” in government especially in BFP.

 

Bangelis said conducting regular drills, feeding programs, house to house campaigns, organizing and strengthening group volunteers, performing inspections to establishments, other visibility activities, and being prompt in responding to emergencies are BFP’s way of drawing people’s trust to the bureau.

 

She encouraged other line agencies to actively promote public safety.

 

The feeding program came in as part of the bureau’s social responsibility. But she said this is also her office’s initiative “to help alleviate short-term hunger during school days which is a primary vehicle for meeting nutritional requirements.”

 

Bangelis hoped their simple way of reaching out to communities to educate and perform feeding program would generate positive impact on poverty and hunger related problems and will empower communities.

 

During the drill, F03 Ronillo Barsumo taught the children the basic dos and don’ts in earthquake and fire situations.

 

“Lacking basic knowledge and preparedness,” he said, “could put one’s life at risk.”

 

School principal Ritacio Tumulak said the earthquake drill was very important in equipping his pupils with the knowledge that would help them save not only their lives but the lives of others as well whenever disasters strike. (Osias Paoyon/BFP GLAN)

Bikes for Blaan village

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) – The Lamlifew Tribal Women's Association receives 10 mountain bikes from ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI) through Bantay Kalikasan-Green Initiative Project. Green Initiative is a joint project of ALKFI and the provincial government in developing community-based sustainable tourism, community-based enterprise, environmental conservation and people's participation. The partnership was forged under the administration of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Ener Toguin/SULONG TRIBU)

Cultural cooks learn food handling

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 5, 2014) – School of Living Tradition museum cooks learn the basics during a demo food cliniquing such as food presentation, table setup and food handling in Sitio Lamlifew, Datal Tampal. Other topics are good manufacturing practices for traditional food delicacies and cuisine. The training was facilitated by Gretchen Foster through the Sulong Tribu Program of the Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Ener Toguin/SULONG TRIBU)

Cultural learner at SLT

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) – Blaan eight-year-old Shandy Lacna is one of the 34 cultural learners of the School of Living Tradition (SLT) on traditional music and playing of musical instruments. Lacna can do chanting and play fuglong, skills she learned from her grandmother Heminia Lacna (background). The SLT is based in Sitio Lamlifew, Barangay Datal Tampal. (Ener Toguin/SULONG TRIBU)

Road to Lamlifew gets major upgrade

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 5, 2015) - Road concreting is ongoing in Sitio Lamlifew, Datal Tampal where one of the well-known tourist destinations of Sarangani is located, the School of Living Tradition and Community Village Museum of the Blaan tribe. This major upgrade to the once difficult road leading to the tribal village of Lamlifew was spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways and Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Ener Toguin/SULONG TRIBU)

DTI sponsors SME Roving Academy

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Engr. Nenita Barroso, trade and industry provincial director, orients some 300 participants about the Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) during the SME Roving Academy (SMERA) at the JLC Hall on July 30. ProGED Project is a joint undertaking of the Department of Trade and Industry-Regional Operations Group and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises by helping them adopt climate-smart and environment-friendly strategies by using the value chain approach. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Quality control pushed for SMEs

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Nilda Cordero of Sultan Kudarat shows to aspiring young entrepreneurs the method on how to assure tablea (cocoa beans) have good quality during the techno-training on cacao processing in line with the SME Roving Academy program at the JLC Hall on July 30. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Roving academy attracts hundreds

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) – Bayong-making instructor Anunciacion Alang (extreme right) teaches banig weaver Miriam Karim and Sister Pelenatita Petelo of the Business Resource Center during the SME Roving Academy program at the JLC Hall on July 30. The event was attended by over 300 participants from different public and private schools and local entrepreneurs of Maitum. The program aims to enhance and nurture the growth of the small, medium enterprises in the community. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tinagak-making skill shared

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - United Maligang Farmers of Kiamba representative Ricardo Anora teaches Perlita Ampodia, Municipal Council of Women chairperson, how to weave tinagak (abaca fibers) during the tinagak making and business matching at the JLC Hall on July 30 in line with the SME Roving Academy program. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum hosts roving academy

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Municipal Accountant Elizabeth Ramos welcomes over 300 participants on behalf of Mayor Pepito Catimbang during the SME Roving Academy program at the JLC Hall on July 30. The event was attended by participants from different public and private schools and local entrepreneurs. The program aims to enhance and nurture the growth of the small and medium enterprises in the community. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Roving academy rolls out in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Local designer and artist Romeo Young teaches local entrepreneurs some techniques for improving their products during the SME Roving Academy at the JLC Hall on July 30. This activity called product development consultancy for crafts was one of the main activities done during the program. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Student joins SMERA

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - A student of Edenton Mission College registers for the SME Roving Academy (SMERA) at the JLC Hall on July 30. SMERA is a continuous learning program for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in the domestic and international markets. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tablea-making at SMERA

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Nilda Cordero of Sultan Kudarat explains the factors to consider in making tablea (cocoa) during the techno-training on tablea-making in line with the SME Roving Academy at the JLC Hall on July 30. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

August is Bakuna Month

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon comforts Justine dela Cruz, a Grade 1 pupil of Malandag Central Elementary School, after receiving his immunization on Measles Rubella and Tetanus Diptheria Monday, August 3. Sulong Kalusugan component of the Sulong Sarangani program gave vaccines for Measles Rubella, Tetanus Diptheria and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during the province-wide launching of School-Based Immunization Program held in Malandag Gymnasium. The event was also attended by Schools Division Superintendent Isagani dela Cruz, local officials, school teachers, parents and 780 pupils from Malandag Central Elementary School and Malandag National High School. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Province-wide school-based immunization begins

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Dr. Arvin Alejandro (2^nd from right), provincial health officer, and Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon lead the ceremonial administration of vaccine during the province-wide launching of School-Based Immunization Program Monday, August 3. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

 

Sarangani launches school-based immunization

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 4, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon attends the province-wide launching of School-Based Immunization Program in Malandag Gymnasium Monday, August 3. The event is part of the Sulong Kalusugan component of the Sulong Sarangani program where vaccines for Measles Rubella, Tetanus Diptheria and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) were given. The event was also graced by local officials, school teachers, parents and 780 pupils from Malandag Central Elementary School and Malandag National High School. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Eid-Al-Fitr binds families

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - Kids join as their families converge to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr at the road in front of the  municipal gym on July 17. Eid-Al-Fitr is one of the major holidays of Islam which comes at the end of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrates the end of fasting. The Eid-Al-Fitr which was headed by Mayor Pepito Catimbang was participated in by over 500 members of Muslim families and clans. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Eid-Al-Fitr celebration in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - Muslim families and clans gather together as they celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr at the road in front of the municipal gym on July 17. The Eid-Al-Fitr celebration which was headed by Mayor Pepito Catimbang was participated in by over 500 members of Muslim families. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Families celebrate Eid-al-Fitr

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - A toddler waits as her family offers Eid prayers during Eid-al-Fitr celebration in front of the Maitum municipal gym on July 17. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

11 schools receive learning tools from World Vision

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - Sulong Karunungan project manager Marife Gomez gives a pep talk to pupils of Pangoleel Integrated School in Barangay Alegria during the distribution of books, chairs and other learning materials Tuesday, July 21. Pangoleel Integrated School is one of the 11 school-grantees in Sarangani to receive free learning materials from World Vision. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kids happy to get books

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) – Pupils at Pangoleel Integrated School express their delight as books, chairs and other learning materials are handed to them Tuesday, July 21, from the World Vision in partnership with Sulong Karunungan of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and the Department of Education. World Vision is the biggest international children’s charity partnership program of the provincial government of Sarangani. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School materials from World Vision, Sulong Karunungan

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - Sulong Karunungan project manager Marife Gomez (2nd from left) and Annaliza Somosot (center) of World Vision turnover learning materials to Sheilamarie Lendio (2nd from right), school principal of Pangoleel Integrated School in Barangay Alegria Tuesday, July 21. This is in line with World Visions’ Save the Children’s Literacy Boost, a pioneering program to support the growth of reading skills among children. The school was among the 11 school-grantees in Sarangani which were given mono block chairs, books, DVDs and other educational interactive materials. Also there were Annaliza Domingo (extreme left) of the Department of Education and Ronald Bok (extreme right), president of Parent-Teachers Association. Sulong Karunungan is under the umbrella of Sulong Sarangani, the flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Students pledge: Absolute purity until marriage

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) – During the True Love Waits: Parent-Child Workshop On Journey to Absolute Purity on July 21, Pastor Junius Ramirez, speaker, leads high school students of James L. Chiongbian National Trade School in Barangay Kling in a pledge of commitment to God, self, family, friends, future mate and future children to remain sexually pure until they enter into a biblical marriage relationship. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Governor Solon welcomes International Monitoring Team

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - The International Monitoring Team (IMT) headed by Col. Elphis Rudy (2nd from left) pays a courtesy call to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon at the Governor’s Office Wednesday, July 22. Also in the photo are Maj. Cokorda Gede Parta (2nd from right) who handles logistics and Maj. Sulistiyo Utumo (extreme right), deputy team leader. The IMT monitors the ceasefire, civilian protection component, rehabilitation and development, and socio-economic agreements between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Indonesia leads IMT

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 24, 2015) - The International Monitoring Team (IMT) headed by Col. Elphis Rudy (3rd from right) presents tokens of friendship from Indonesia to Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) at the Governor’s Office Wednesday, July 22. The IMT monitors the ceasefire, civilian protection component, rehabilitation and development, and socio-economic agreements between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Best LGU partner for CSF

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao present during the flag raising ceremony on July 20 Sarangani’s latest award that demonstrates another testimony of God-centered prosperity and governance. Sarangani reaped the Best LGU practice for Credit Surety Fund by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during its 22nd anniversary celebration July 14 at the BSP Complex, Manila. The award was conferred in recognition of the institutions that have extended exemplary support to the BSP’s statistical undertakings, information needs and advocacy programs. Also in photo are Board Members Virgilio Clark Tobias (4th from right), Cornelio Martinez (3rd from right), Cesar Nallos Jr. (2nd from right), Hermie Galzote (behind Vice Gov. Pacquiao), Arman Guili (behind BM Tobias), Eduardo Paras Sr. (next to BM Martinez), Federation of Association of Barangay Captains and the governor’s Chief of Staff Atty. Emma Nebran (extreme right). (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor conducts Parent-Child True Love Waits Seminar

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - Parents at JBT Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated High School slip on the commitment rings to their children as a sign of support and encouragement to them to keep their promise on sexual purity until marriage during the “True Love Waits: Parent-Child Workshop on Journey to Absolute Purity” on July 14. Unlike the previous years, the training now includes parents in order to strengthen the learning and provide guidance and support to the commitments made by the students. The True Love Waits Seminar is initiated by the office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao under the Gal E’ Libun (Strength of Women) Project. (Carl Clemence Fontanilla Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Parents join GST workshop

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - Parents participate in the psychological test during the Gender Sensitivity Training for Homes: Empowering Families thru Parents and Children Workshop at Lomutan Elementary School on July 15. The activity aims to determine behavioral background and personal experiences of the participants which is important in understanding gender identity. (Carl Clemence Fontanilla Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Maasim women get P0.5M project from DTI

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - The Department of Trade and Industry-Sarangani Provincial Office releases on July 13 P500,000 to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasim for the implementation of projects under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB). The objective of BuB is to develop the overall capacity of LGUs. Aside from delivering basic social services, they will also become income-generating hubs for growth that develop industries to provide jobs and livelihood for their people. Municipal Planning and Development Officer Alberto Arquillano received the check together with municipal officials and members of the Maasim Council of Women, the program target beneficiary. (DTI SARANGANI)

 

Kid shares learning on GST workshop

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - Rullen Jade Teri, 9, shares her thoughts during the Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for Homes: Empowering Families thru Parents and Children Workshop at Virgina Tañedo Garcia Elementary School in Barangay Zion on July 16. She also shared that she has learned the difference between male and female learning capacity and stages of development. The GST for Homes is under the Gal E’ Libun Project of the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao. (Carl Clemence Fontanilla Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

DTI releases P1.4M for Kiamba project

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - The Department of Trade and Industry-Sarangani Provincial Office releases Monday, July 20, P1,383,500 to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kiamba to finance the implementation of projects under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB). DTI Sarangani provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso said “these funds will finance locally-identified projects by the LGU and will focus on supporting local industries and will help support small entrepreneurs become competitive.” Municipal Administrator Rose Katimbang, who received the check in behalf of Mayor Raul Martinez, expressed her gratitude to DTI. She said this fund will be used in the establishment of coconut water processing project to serve as an alternative livelihood program for women of Barangay Lomuyon which is aimed at reducing poverty in the area. (DTI SARANGANI)

PNTC mobile team goes to Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2015) - The Phil-Nippon Technical College (PNTC), which offers training programs complementary to Japanese language and technical skills, has conducted orientation, qualifying examination and initial interview for  students who are willing to learn technical courses and the Japanese language.

 

Rex Pantaleon, head of the mobile team, shared in an interview how PNTC drastically changed his life as he was a former scholar. He also commended the Sarangan scholars for their persistence.

 

“Students from Sarangani are known to be passionate and persistent to what they are doing. Makikita mo talaga ang kagustuhan nilang umunlad,” Pantaleon said.  

 

In the previous months, 19 scholars from the province have already concluded their contracts; some were able to go back to the country while 34 others are still in Japan. Conversely, 28 students are still in Manila for training.

 

PNTC teamed up with Sulong Karunungan of the provincial government which helps in information dissemination. Also, Sulong Karunungan aids in searching for companies that could help endorse the students in their trainings in Japan.

 

Now, PNTC conducts all its trainings in Laguna and Manila. The school in Digos City is no longer in operation.

 

“The provincial government is exploring ways to extend help in providing food allowance to the trainees in Manila which seems to be their main dilemma, being mostly indigents,” said Marife Gomez, Sulong Karunungan project manager. (Cherry Marie Irish D. Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani supports call to end HIV/AIDS

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has performed voluntary HIV testing and counseling to pave the way for treatment of patients.

 

This would also generate baseline data of HIV in Sarangani Province and help prevent its spread.

 

PHO head Dr. Arvin Alejandro said HIV testing was one of the major activities during the simultaneous nationwide Hi-5 Caravan held at the Capitol gym on 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.

 

Alejandro said an official report from General Santos City health office showed that 16 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were from Sarangani.

 

Alejandro treated the report as “very alarming. Even one case is very alarming.”  

 

Dr. Ali Tumama of the Department of Health (DOH) said these cases were traced back to the first discovery of the disease in 1984 up to the present. Dr. Tumama is the DOH regional program manager for sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

 

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, coordinator of social hygiene clinic of General Santos City Integrated Health Services Office, earlier reported her office has diagnosed 206 cases since 2007 covering SOCSARGEN area and its nearby cities. Fifty of them already died, she said.

 

Dr. Tumama disclosed that from the cases Dr. Lastimoso reported, around 170 were coming from General Santos City.

 

Dr. Tumama said Region 12 has 3% of the total 23,000 PLHIV in the Philippines. As cases increase, he said “chances to be infected with the disease in the country are estimated at 23 persons per day.”

 

Dr. Tumama said a satellite treatment hub in General Santos City is underway and the antiretroviral (ARV) drug would be available starting July in the social hygiene clinic in the city.

 

The government is spending bulk of its funds from sin taxes for the purchase of ARV, a treatment that slows down progression of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life expectancy.

 

Roughly P70,000 is estimated for the annual treatment per PLHIV per year which the government covers.

 

Even if ARV reduces risks of death and complications, Dr. Lastimoso stressed a PLHIV should make it a point to follow a treatment adherence program. This means “strictly no delays in taking medicine. The 100 virus count might multiply into a thousand viruses if not taken religiously.”

 

“ARV is a single dose daily treatment for life.” Dr. Lastimoso said this would react by boosting the immune system level of PLHIV up to 1,800 while normal immune system count ranges only from 600 to 1,200.

 

Contrary to the extent of 10 years that PHLIV could live which the books say, Dr. Lastimoso said “the longest AIDS can stay in the body these days is six years.”

 

HIV/AIDS or human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a virus that weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.

 

It can primarily be transmitted thru sexual contact, blood and blood products like blood transfusion, needle sharing among injecting drug users and thru mother to child transmission during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.

 

Dr. Lastimoso said blood transfusion and sharing of needles, however, are the fastest means to transmit the disease with 90% engaging into these would likely become carriers of the disease. While sexual contact is still the leading common cause, it is accounted for only 0.5% to 1%.

 

Dr. Alejandro said there are plans to create a provincial HIV/AIDS council for Sarangani. A proposal on this, he said, was submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2014.

 

Last May, health providers in Glan Medicare Community Hospital conducted a crusade to support the global call to end the spread of HIV/AIDS.

 

Dr. Eden Rose Malanao, Medical Officer V of the hospital, said raising social awareness on the disease was pursued to bring down the “stigma and discrimination” for people living with HIV.

 

Since the medication is already obtainable, “all it takes is for people from all walks of life to undergo tests to avail of the medicine,” Malanao said. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)