Governor Solon initiates Cacao farming

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 27, 2015) - In line with the vision of the provincial government to alleviate poverty through promoting economic stability and sustainability, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon initiates Cacao planting on August 17 at Figueroa Farm in Barangay Malandag where more than 50 farmers participated. This livelihood program will be implemented throughout the different municipalities of Sarangani in partnership with Kennemer Foods International, Inc. and Landbank. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Sarangani welcomes IGP investments

 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 27, 2015) – Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks at the 9th Palm Oil Congress at KCC Convention Center on August 19. Hundreds of businessmen, farmers and investors throughout the country participated in the congress, thus opening bigger possibilities for the province of Sarangani to encourage more investors especially that the congress focused on promoting inclusive growth through investments and Income Generation Projects (IGPs) such as oil palm plantations. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Training on Organic Agriculture Production done

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 27, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) and Isagani dela Cruz (2nd from right), schools division superintendent, hand over a training certificate to Jowie Poncardas (extreme right), teacher of Daan Suyan Integrated School in Malapatan. Poncardas and 28 other teachers completed the Training on Organic Agriculture Production NC II held July 18 to August 8 at Alabel Central Elementary School and Surallah National Agricultural School (SUNAS) in Surallah, South Cotabato. The training was funded by the Villar Foundation, Sulong Karunungan program of Governor Solon and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Also in photo are Engr. Richard Amparo (2nd from left), provincial director of TESDA, Venchito Galera (extreme left), vocational school superintendent of SUNAS. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

9th National Palm Oil Congress

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 23, 2015) – Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd from right) receives a plaque of appreciation and token during the 9th National Palm Oil Congress of the Philippine Palmoil Development Council Inc. (PPDCI) on August 19 at the KCC Mall Convention Center. Also in photo are Sec. Francis Pangilinan (extreme right), Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization; Engr. Alfredo Montecillo (center), president of PPDCI; Erwin Garcia (extreme left), vice president of PPDCI; and City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Sarangani Province has prepared 1,000 hectares for oil palm plantation in Malungon as an expansion area for KENRAM Palm Oil Industries Inc.. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Organic agriculture training for teachers

SURALLAH, South Cotabato (August 23, 2015) – They are part of the 30 teacher-scholars of integrated schools from the Department of Education-Sarangani taking the organic agriculture competency training at Surallah National Agriculture School on August 15. The teachers were trained for one month so that they could teach senior high school students under the subject Technology and Livelihood Education. The training was funded by Villar Foundation and the provincial government of Sarangani under Sulong Karunungan program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pangilinan at 9th National Palm Oil Congress

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 23, 2015) - Sec. Francis Pangilinan, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, delivers his keynote address during the 9th National Palm Oil Congress of Philippine Palmoil Development Council at the KCC Mall Convention Center on August 19. Pangilinan hailed the farmers as the backbone of the nation. (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)

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)

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)

DA gives P1.5M to rubber growers

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 6, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang (5th from right) leads the ceremonial turnover of 12,000 rubber seedlings worth P1.5 million to Maitum Rubber Growers Association (MARUGA) from the Department of Agriculture during the Cultural Showcase and Agri-Trade Fair of the 56th Foundation Anniversary and 16th Binuyugan Festival Tuesday, May 5. Also in photo are Renato Fantone (center) of Municipal Agriculturist’s Office, Ernesto Quirit (4th from left), president of MARUGA and some municipal councilors and barangay captains. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Virgin coconut oil plant to rise in Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 9, 2014) - A Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) processing plant will soon rise in barangay Kling. A ground breaking ceremony already took place at the site led by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, with Gina Lopez, chairman of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., and Tommy Jallos, OIC regional manager of Philippine Coconut Authority. Aside from VCO, the processing plant will also produce by-products such as flour. Providing livelihood program like this aims to alleviate poverty in some areas of the province which is one of the priorities of Sulong Sarangani Program. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani towns to receive farm tractors from DA

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

Foreign firm eyes investment in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 3, 2014) - Van Der Knaap group of companies’ officials visit Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon at Sarangani Capitol on Thursday, October 2. The international company, which is known for its horticulture business, manifested its interest to invest in Sarangani. The provincial leadership told the group that the province has everything the company needs from raw materials to manpower. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Cacao seen as promising crop in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2014) - Simon Bakker (standing), president of Kennemer Foods International (KFI) Inc., presents to Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, PENRO Rolando Tuballes (2^nd from left) and Ely Uy (3^rd from left) of the agriculture office on September 11 the promising benefits of growing cacao in Sarangani. Cacao is one of the perennial crops with a relatively short gestation period that is suitable in the province with sure market, can provide good income and be intercropped with other crops, especially coconut trees. The Philippines, as a whole, is declared an ideal place for cacao due to soil composition and climatic conditions and is already producing 6,000 to 8,000 tons a year. Gov. Solon plans to take Bakker around the province for ocular visit of potential sites. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Biomass gasifier introduced in Bantay Kalikasan-Green Initiative site

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 9, 2014) – Dr. Bernardo Tadeo (right) and Engr. Antonio Co (left) of Bantay Kalikasan-Green Initiative of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation(ALKFI) present how the biomass gasifier works in bringing a less expensive and pro-environment energy alternative on September 5 at the water tubing eco-tourism site in Barangay New La Union with participants from New La Union White Water Tubing Adventure and Farmer’s Association and personnel from Maitum tourism and agriculture offices. The participants witnessed how their agricultural waste can be used as fuel alternative for cooking using the gasifier, and the residue/charcoal become an organic fertilizer and river water pollutant-remover. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Sulong Kasaganaan eyes oil palm for Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 2, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the Oil Palm Investment and Financing Forum for Sarangani Province on Thursday, August 28, at Phela Grande Hotel, with Development Bank of the Philippines senior manager Elaine Pagkalungan (extreme left), Palm Oil grower and Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc. director Erwin Garcia (2nd from left), and Land Bank of the Philippines Lending Center head Dante Abad (extreme right). Gov. Solon with Board Member Arman Guili pledged that the provincial government can help farmers in giving, among others, technical support like soil sampling to determine crop suitability under Sulong Kasaganaan, while DBP and LBP offer loans. Kenram Industrial and Development Inc., a palm oil company, already committed to provide a palm oil mill to Sarangani if the province can produce 3000 to 5000 hectares of productive land for oil palm. Oil palm is a perennial crop that has a sure market. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

P33M for farm-to-market road thru Sulong Imprastraktura

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 1, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon joins the people and barangay officials of Barangay Kihan in their foundation anniversary on Friday, August 29. Kihan is a far-flung barangay of Malapatan town and can be accessed by crossing a river in Barangay Pag-asa in Alabel municipality. Gov. Solon presented the upcoming project to the barangay that is a P33 million farm-to-market road opening and concreting that will originate from its eastern side, which is Barangay Daan Suyan, so that going to Kihan can also be traversed within Malapatan. Gov. Solon also announced the P2 million worth of project for the production of upland rice in Kihan as the barangay has been able to preserve hectares of productive and potential land for indigenous rice, which is organic. The projects are under the Sulong Imprastraktura and Sulong Tribu components of the Sulong Sarangani convergence program of Gov. Solon, in partnership with Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, board members, and Malapatan Municipal Government. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

OPV corn seed growers organized

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 20, 2014) - Board Member Elmer de Peralta administers the oath to the officers and members of the newly-organized Sarangani OPV Corn Seed Growers Association during the turn-over and graduation ceremony of the 3-day training course on OPV (open-pollinated variety) corn seed production at Capitol on August 15. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) turned-over sacks of OPV corn seeds, backpack sprayers and packs of Bio-N organic fertilizers to the farmer participants from the disparity barangays; OPAG also certified them as seed-growers. OPV is designed for sustainable yield and cheaper cost until the successive generations of the variety. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Organic farming school offers TESDA-accredited courses

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 20, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon joins the harvesting of naturally-grown lettuce in one of the green houses within the first ever organic farming institute in the region, ACES Polytechnic College, at Rio Vista Farm and Forest in Barangay Nagpan on Monday, August 18, during the inauguration of the school. The institute offers TESDA-accredited organic farming courses, like high value vegetable culture, free range poultry and ruminant husbandry, upland farming, organic fertilizer and pesticide formulation, and inland fish culture. “Sarangani is the first province to push for organic farming and halal production and Fred Dumasis of Maitum is the first to produce organic rice in Sarangani,” said Ed Cejar of Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry which is instrumental in bringing organic farming school to the province and region. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani receives piglets from DA

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 30, 2014) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) turns over 160 piglets to Sarangani on June 25 with the presence of Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Board Member Elmer de Peralta as the acting vice governor and Provincial Agriculturist Jonathan Duhaylungsod. The livestock group of the DA had committed to provide piglets to Sarangani so that recipients in the seven towns can raise them for livelihood. The project is in line with Sulong Kasaganaan of Sulong Sarangani Program. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)