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)

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)

Governor Solon joins Grand Iftar

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

Vice Gov. Jinkee attends 6th Provincial Musabaqah

ALABEL, (May 19, 2015) – Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao delivers her message encouraging the participants to uphold teamwork, the spirit of sportsmanship and real Islamic brotherhood, during the 6th Provincial Musabaqah at Capitol gymnasium Monday, May 18. She also commended the organizers, especially the Sulong Sarangani Program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, for their commitment and dedication of promoting peace and development in the province. The Musabaqah is a three-day event on May 17-19 that gathers approximately 3,500 Madaris pupils and 125 Asatidz (Madaris facilitators), parents and officials. This event is in line with the provincial government’s commitment to promote sustainable peace and development through mainstreaming the Muslim populace of the province, by staging activities that aim to promote and uphold the cultural heritage of our Muslim brothers. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Yesterland presents Moro cottages

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 4, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao share light moments with the ustadzes in one of the Moro cottages inside the Munato Yesterland theme park during the opening of the 22nd Foundation Anniversary and 12th MunaTo Festival of Sarangani Province on November 27. The different cultures of the tri-people in the province - Muslims, Indigenous Peoples and Christians - were all featured in the Yesterland theme park. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon named Datu A-Waris

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 5, 2014) – Sultan Abdulaziz Salem Mastura V (2nd from left) with Rajahmuda Abdulhamid Ingkong bestows the honorary title to Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) as Datu A-Waris (The Successor) during the Honorary Enthronement Ceremony by the Royal House of Sugoda Buayan on October 30 at Phela Grande Convention Center. Gov. Solon treasured the title given and committed to preserve the mutual trust and respect with the Royal House and the Sultanate and to continue to plan and implement programs and projects that will improve the quality of life of his constituents thru the Sulong Sarangani flagship program with the support of Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, board members and municipal and barangay officials. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Public hearing on Bangsamoro Basic Law

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 29, 2014) – Local officials, business and religious sectors, judiciary officers, and civil society from Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and South Cotabato participate in the public hearing and consultation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law or House Bill 9499 at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University auditorium on October 24. The proposed bill is hopeful that it can bring a just and lasting peace to Mindanao to usher a new era of peace and development. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Kids stage Maranao dance

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) - Maranao children perform their indigenous dance in the Lumad Pasundayag Village showcasing Glan’s diverse cultures yet cohesively living in harmony among each other. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kulintang music in Glan’s centennial celebration

GLAN, Sarangani (October 6, 2014) – A Maranao lady plays the kulintang, a variety of musical ensembles characterized by the use of small gongs functioning melodically, in the Lumad Pasundayag Village in Glan as part of the centennial anniversary celebration of the town. These percussion instruments are often used as accompaniment to dances. (Tres B. Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pabuka sa mga munisipyo ng Sarangani, matagumpay

Ni April Jane Cagas Ugsad

ALABEL, Sarangani (Agosto 4, 2014) — Matagumpay ang isinagawang pabuka (iftar) ng Probinsya ng Sarangani sa mga munisipyo nito kasabay ng pagtatapos ng Ramadan.

Unang pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng pabuka sa mga munisipyo sa ilalim ng Sulong Sarangani flagship program ni Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

Ang pabuka o breaking of the fast ay ang pagsalo-salo ng mga kapatid na Muslim sa hapunan sa loob ng buwan ng Ramadan.

Namahagi rin ang probinsya ng mga sakong bigas sa lahat ng mga madrasah o Muslim school para magamit sa katatapos lang na Eid’l Fitr o katapusan ng pag-aayuno.

Inikot ng Sulong Kapayapaan team ang buong lalawigan para masabayan ang mga pabuka sa mga munisipyo at maihatid ang kaunting tulong sa mga madrasah.

Malaki ang pasasalamat ng mga imam, ustadz, religious at community leader sa hakbanging ito ng provincial government.

Ayon kay Imam Nasser Ukom ng Barangay Domolok, Alabel, “libu-libo po ang pasasalamat naming mga Muslim dito sa Domolok kina Gov. Solon sa kanilang ibinigay na bigas.”

“OK itong ginawa ni Gov. Solon kahit noong siya ay vice governor pa. Malaki ang aming pasasalamat dahil ipinagpatuloy niya ito bilang pagmamahal niya sa aming mga Muslim,” ang sinabi ng mga ustadz ng Barangay Calabanit, Glan.

Una nang binati si Governor Solon ni Secretary Yasmin Busrao-Lao ng National Commission on Muslim Filipinos na pangunahing pandangal ng Grand Iftar ng Sarangani noong Hulyo 18 sa Capitol Gym na “kahit hindi siya Muslim, para na rin siyang Muslim.”

Ipinagmalaki ni Secretary Lao ang naririnig niyang kahanga-hangang pamumuno ni Governor Solon na kumikilala at tumutulong sa lahat ng relihiyon, pangkat at kultura na naninirahan sa probinsya.

“Sa narinig ko, ang pakiramdam ng mga Muslim dito sa Sarangani ay mayroon silang Muslim na lider,” sabi ni Secretary Lao. “And that’s the best of what leadership can do,” dagdag niya.

Ayon kay Jasmin Casim na taga-Barangay Pangyan, Glan, “kahit umuulan, dumalo pa rin si Gov. Solon dito sa aming lugar. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa programa ng Sulong Sarangani.”

Ang mga pabuka ay naging matagumpay dahil sa malaking tulong nina Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Jinkee Paquiao at mga Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. (April Jane Cagas Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Women celebrate Eid al-Fitr

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 31, 2014) – Women prepare to offer prayers outside the municipal hall Monday, July 28, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Eid al-Fitr prayers in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 31, 2014) – Muslims offer prayers in front of the municipal hall Monday, July 28, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE

Sarangani hosts Pabuka in Muslim communities

GLAN, Sarangani (July 25, 2014)) - The provincial government of Sarangani, through the leadership of Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, organizes an Iftar (Pabuka) around Muslim communities of Sarangani in observance of the celebration of Ramadan, through the Sulong Sarangani program of Gov. Solon in partnership with Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao and the board members. The 6^th Grand Iftar was celebrated last week in Sarangani gymnasium in the presence of Sec. Yasmin Busran-Lao of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Pabuka sa matag munisipyo

GLAN, Sarangani (Hulyo 25, 2014)- Sa pagsaulog sa bulan sa Ramadan sa mga kaigsoonang Muslim sa Probinsya sa Sarangani, gimugna sa provincial government nga gipanguluhan ni Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon ang Iftar o pabuka sa matag munisipyo.  Ang pabuka o breaking of the fast matag alas 6 sa gabii ang malipayon kining ginaselebrar sa mga kaigsoonang Muslim diin salu-salo sila nga ginasaw-an ang panihapon.  Nakapahigayon nag pabuka sa munisipyo sa Maitum, Alabel, Malapatan og Glan, ang ubang munisipyo sa sunod nga mga adlaw.  Nalipay og dako ang pasasalamat sa katawhan kay gihatagan sila og importansya og pagtagad sa gobernador, pinaagi sa Sulong Sarangani program ni Governor Solon, kauban sila Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, ug mga board members.(Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon takes part in Pabuka

GLAN, Sarangani (July 25, 2014) - Despite the bad weather, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon reached out to the Muslim community in the far-flung barangay of Pangyan to take part with their Pabuka in observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Pabuka (Iftar) or breaking of the fast is celebrated every 6 o’clock in the evening where dinner is shared together. The provincial government of Sarangani gave out Pabuka to Muslim communities around Sarangani, through the Sulong Sarangani program of Gov. Solon in partnership with Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao and the board members. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Kalihim ng National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, pinuri si Gov. Solon

ALABEL, Sarangani (Hulyo 22, 2014) - Matagumpay muli ang pagsasagawa ng Sarangani Province ng ika-anim na taon ng Grand Iftar dinner nitong ika-18 ng Hulyo sa Provincial Capitol Gym.

Dumalo rito ang daan daang Muslim employees ng kapitolyo, religious at community leaders, Azatids, Imams, mga ka-partner sa pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan, mga lider ng mga munisipyo, barangay, at maging ng mga panauhin mula sa iba’t ibang lugar kagaya ng kalapit na Syudad ng Heneral Santos.

Bago nagsimula ang Iftar o “breaking of fast,” sabay sabay munang nagdasal ang mananampalatayang Islam para ipagpasalamat ang mahalagang okasyon.

Napakinggan din ang mga mensahe mula sa mga taga tagapagsalita.  Naging makabuluhan ang mensahe ng keynote speaker na si National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao.  Ayon sa kalihim, hindi kailangang magarbo ang paggunita ng Ramadhan.  Hindi ito panahon kung kailangan dapat maging enggrande ang ihahain sa hapag-kainan.  Sa halip, aniya, isaisip at isapuso ang tunay na diwa ng pag-aayuno.  Maliban sa pagdarasaI, dapat umanong maging tapat sa sarili sa mga nais baguhin sa sarili para sa kabutihan.  Pero ayon kay Lao, hindi lang tuwing panahon ng Ramadhan ito ginagawa kung hindi araw-araw.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng kanyang mensahe, binigyang diin ni Secretary Lao ang mga mabubuting ginagawa ngayon ng probinsya sa pamumuno ni Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. Hinahangaan niya ang direksyong nais tahakin ng gobernador na maging isang “God-centered” ang pag-unlad ng probinsya. 

Sabi pa ni Lao, hindi raw siya nagdalawang isip na tumugon sa imbitasyong maging tagapagsalita sa Grand Iftar ng probinsya dahil sa magaganda umano ang kanyang naririnig tungkol sa mga ginagawa ng gobernador.

“Bihira para sa isang lider na maging sensitibo sa mga pangangailangan ng magkakaibang pangkat ng tao sa isang lugar.  Ang inyo pong gobernador, ay nakikinig sa inyong mga pangangailangan at gumagawa ng mga hakbang sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong tiyak na makatutulong sa mga komunidad,” ayon kay Lao.

Ang Sarangani ay may iba ibang lahi at tribung nakatira.  Sa mga naririnig umano ni Lao, mapa-Muslim man, Lumad o Kristiyano, ramdam umano ng mga tao na kaisa nila ang gobernador at kabilang sa kanilang pangkat.

Dahil napapanahon, inihalimbawa ang pagsuporta ni Gov. Solon sa Madaris Program ng buong probinsya.  Sa kasalukuyan, nasa tatlong libo at limang daang piso ang honorarium ng bawat madaris facilitator.  Nasa isang daan at dalawampu’t lima ang kanilang bilang.  Ang Madaris facilitators ang siya ring tawag sa Madrasah teachers.  Pero may hakbang na muli para madagdagan pa ang pondo para sa programa, na suportado nina Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, kabilang na ang lahat ng board members ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Matatandaang sa unang pagkakataon din, nabuo ang Province of Sarangani Muslim Employees Association o PROGSARMEA para sa kapakanan ng mga empleyadong Muslim sa probinsya.  Nanumpa ang mga ito noong 2013.

Ngayon, nais ni Gov. Solon na maituloy naang pagbuo ng Azatids federation para mas maging matibay pa ang programa ng Madaris ang masustena ito. (Charito Ansagay/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Officers of Sarangani Madaris Federation and PTA installed

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 21, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon facilitates the oathtaking of the officers of Sarangani Madaris Federation and Parents-Teachers Association from each municipality during the 6th Grand Iftar on July 18. They pledged to be part of the development of the Muslim community in Sarangani as well as the Madaris program. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)