SP asks for weighing machines from DPWH

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 7, 2014) - Engr. Jonathan Bantug, assistant district engineer of DPWH Sarangani Office, appears at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session on August 5 to discuss the need to request DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, thru Congressman Manny Pacquiao, the establishment of weighbridge stations/portable axle weighing machines within the territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Malungon. The SP led by sponsoring Board Member Arman Guili of the Infra and Engineering Committee approved the resolution addressed to DPWH as certified urgent by Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon because of the inconvenience and losses suffered by the riding public, especially the business sector delivering their products/services, other than the loss of lives and damage of property during accidents at the killer curves along national highway in Barangay Nagpan, Malungon, primarily because of overloading involving mostly trucks, trailers and public utility vehicles in the absence of a tool checking the vehicles within the allowable loading capacity. The SP resolution supports and endorses a similar resolution of Malungon Sangguniang Bayan. (PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani top officials in SOCA of Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 7, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao show their support for the first State of the City Address (SOCA) of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Tuesday, August 5, at Lagao gym. Gensan and Sarangani have been partners in development as part of the original SOCSARGEN economic growth area. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Red Cross thanks Gov. Solon

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 7, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (3rd from left) receives a plaque of appreciation and token for the partnership, sterling contribution, commitment and support selflessly extended to the success of implementation of the 2013 Dugtong Buhay Project Blood Service Program during the flag raising ceremony at Capitol on August 4. Federico Yadao, medical technologist, also received a plaque of appreciation from Philippine Red Cross represented by member of the board Engr. Nenita Barroso (center). Also in photo are Board Member Cesar Nallos Jr. (extreme left), Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias (2nd from left), Dr. Arvin Alejandro, OIC-Provincial Health Officer (3rd from right) and Nemrad Butil of Provincial Environment Natural Resources office. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Convergence workshop done for Malapatan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 7, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon supports and thanks the different national government agencies for organizing the two-day Inter-agency Convergence Planning Workshop for Sarangani Province, especially for the Municipality of Malapatan as the beneficiary municipality of the convergence program of DSWD, DTI, DOLE, DILG, TESDA, DOH, and DENR, where all of the salient programs of these agencies will be synergized to be implemented for the betterment of the living condition of the residents. The same concept of convergence program that is adopted by Sulong Sarangani by converging all government resources for efficient use to achieve prosperity. DSWD Assistant Regional Director Gemma Rivera led the workshop. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Computers to public schools thru Sulong Karunungan

GLAN, Sarangani (August 7, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon turns over two sets of desktop computers to Calabanit Elementary School and Enrique D. Yap Sr. Elementary School on August 5 at Calabanit Barangay Hall with the presence of barangay officials, teachers and PTA officers. Last July 25, Barangay Calabanit celebrated its 6th Foundation Anniversary and 1st Kawayan Festival where Gov. Solon attended and committed to give computers to the schools as part of the province’s advocacy to ensure quality education through the Sulong Karunungan component of his Sulong Sarangani flagship program. 

(Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Accountant gets “pabaon” from employees union

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 7, 2014)- Sarangani Province Employees Union (SPEU) president Anacleto Saya-ang (3rd from  right) and Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd from left) turn over a dummy check to Leovigildo Librando (3rd from left) amounting to P98,400 that serves as “pabaon” and P1,000 birthday gift check during the flag raising ceremony at Capitol on August 4. Provincial accountant Librando, who is retiring effective August 10, is the first Capitol department head to receive a “pabaon” from SPEU. Also in photo are Board Members Cesar Nallos Jr. (extreme right), Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias (2nd from right), SPEU secretary Amelia Catolico (3rd from right) and Mercedita Flores (extreme left) of provincial accounting office. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Coast Guard honors Gov. Solon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 4, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon graces the occasion of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-General Santos City as the guest of honor on its 43rd Activation Anniversary Celebration Friday, August 1, with the theme "Kaisa sa Pagbabago at Pangangalaga para sa Mapayapang Baybayin at Karagatan ng Lalawigan ng Sarangani." Gov. Solon and the rest of the local officials are glad of the projects and activities conducted by PCG in the protection of the coastal areas of the province, and hope to maintain the stronger collaboration between Sarangani Province and PCG. The Sarangani Provincial Government received a certificate of appreciation together with the municipal and city officials of Sarangani and Gensan and private stakeholders during the anniversary program as partners of PCG in all its programs. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Gov. Solon funds PWD provincial federation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 4, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon hands over to Sarangani PWD provincial federation treasurer Marcelo Mungkil (2nd from left) P20,000 cash as initial fund to operate the newly-created PWD provincial federation in the province during the Strategic Planning Workshop for PWDs Friday, August 1. Gov. Solon has been very supportive to the PWDs by conducting medical missions, provisions on hearing aid, wheel chairs/prosthetics/crutches, and similar assistance with the help of Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, board members, and partner NGOs and the private sector. Now, Gov. Solon wants the federation to have a holistic approach to their future development plans and activities. This is the first time that the provincial federation of PWDs is created in Sarangani Province thru Sulong Sarangani with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE) 

Sarangani PWDs form federation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 4, 2014) – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon swears in the officers of Sarangani Province Persons With Disability(PWD) provincial federation Friday, August 1. This is the first time that the provincial federation of PWDs is created in Sarangani Province thru the Sulong Sarangani flagship program with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). The provincial government conducted a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop for PWDs in the whole province that aimed to formulate the PWD Strategic Plan for years 2015-2017, assess the sustainability and functionality of PWD sector/program, and above all, to organize a provincial PWD federation. Many interventions have been provided by the provincial government with Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Solon, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, and board members for the PWDs in the province thru the conduct of medical missions and similar assistance with the help of partner NGOs and the private sector. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S 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)

VGO, SP in Pananggi Festival

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) – The Vice Governor’s Office and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, DTI-Sarangani provincial director Nenita Barroso (3rd from left), Nyline Plecerda (2nd from left) representing Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao and other local officials grace the culmination program of the 65th Foundation Anniversary and 1st Pananggi Festival of Barangay Lun Padidu on July 31. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

PWDs hold workshop thru Sulong Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 31, 2014) – The Provincial Government of Sarangani thru the Sulong Sarangani flagship program conducts Strategic Planning Workshop for Persons With Disability (PWDs) in the whole province on July 31. The workshop aims to formulate the PWD Strategic Plan for years 2015-2017, asses the sustainability and functionality of PWD sector/program; and above all, to organize a provincial PWD federation. It is also participated in by MSWDO officers and staff, focal persons, program managers and volunteers of Community-Based Rehabilitation, an NGO serving PWDs. Many interventions have been provided by the provincial government with Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, and board members for the PWDs in the province thru medical missions, hearing aid provisions and similar assistance. (Aiza E. Cruz/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

PNoy’s sister turns over classrooms in 3 Sarangani towns

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 31, 2014) – President Aquino’s sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, leads the turn-over ceremony of two classrooms in San Felipe Central Elementary School in Barangay Colon on July 31. The two classrooms (inset) are funded by Aklat, Gabay, Aruga, tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation under its Silid Pangarap project in partnership with the JVR Foundation Inc. The President’s sister also led similar turn-over ceremonies in Malungon and Glan. The provincial government is glad to see projects from partners and entities as it is the commitment of the Sulong Karunungan component of the Sulong Sarangani flagship program to bring and ensure good classrooms and quality education in the province. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’s OFFICE)

Mayor leads BHWs, BNS oath-taking

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) – Mayor Raul Martinez (2nd from right) leads the mass oath-taking of Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars to commence their duties and responsibilities in their respective barangays. The oath-taking was done during the Nutrition Month culmination program on July 30 at Kiamba Civic Center and witnessed by Governor Steve Chiongbian-Solon (right). (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Kiamba celebrates Nutrition Month

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian-Solon points out that the remedies in mitigating if not eliminating hunger and malnutrition include awareness focusing on health and nutrition, raising awareness that hunger is a deprivation and ensuring food security to all people during the Nutrition Month culmination program on July 30 at Kiamba Civic Center. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

BMI eyes feeding program in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon listens to Rev. Donald Soriano (left), director of Bethesda Ministries International (BMI), as he finds interesting to hear their feeding program on July 30. BMI started the Integrated Nutrition Program in 2007 using the vitameal food packs provided by the Assisi Development Foundation - Hapag-Asa Program. Now, BMI wants to venture into Sarangani Province to support and feed the less fortunate families and communities with the Sulong Sarangani flagship program. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’s OFFICE)

BHWs, BNS mark Nutrition Month culmination

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon shares light moments with teachers, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and guests at Kiamba gym during the culmination program of the Municipal Nutrition Month on July 30. Gov. Solon led the oath-taking of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and BHWs of Kiamba. He announced the P500 monthly incentive from the province to each qualified BHW following the Barangay Health Resilience Program duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. This is the first time that the Provincial Government of Sarangani thru the Sulong Sarangani flagship program provides stipend to BHWs in the whole province. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’s OFFICE)

BHWs get stipend thru Sulong Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) - “You are the front-liners of health and we are here to support you,” says Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon after administering the oath of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Barangay Health Workers(BHWs) of Maasim on July 30 during the culmination program of the Municipal Nutrition Month. Gov. Solon has been vocal that BHWs could never be neglected because of their contribution in their respective communities. He announced the P500 monthly incentive from the province to each qualified BHW following the Barangay Health Resilience Program duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. This is the first time that the Provincial Government of Sarangani thru the Sulong Sarangani flagship program provides stipend to BHWs in the whole province. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’s OFFICE)

AGAPP gives classrooms

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 4, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon poses with parents, teachers and students of San Felipe Central Elementary School in Barangay Colon on July 31 during the turn-over ceremony of two classrooms funded by Aklat, Gabay, Aruga, tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation under its Silid Pangarap project in partnership with the JVR Foundation Inc. No less than President Aquino’s sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, led the turn-over ceremonies in Maasim, Glan and Malungon. The provincial government is glad to see projects from partners and entities as it is the commitment of the Sulong Karunungan component of the Sulong Sarangani flagship program to bring and ensure good classrooms and quality education in the province. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’s OFFICE)

Haggai, IBDF working for peace and development

By April Jane Cagas Ugsad

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2014) - The Integrated Barangay Defense Force (IBDF) and Haggai for Peace project under Sulong Sarangani flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon are continuously visiting barangays in the province for peace and development convergence, along with the Madaris/Kalinaw program.

Haggai is providing culture of peace and values formation seminar giving emphasis on relationship, communication and conflict management within family and community members.

Haggai project manager, Pastor Jonathan Sinfuego, said “kailangan maayos ang pamatasan sa usa ka tao. Kay nagatuo kami nga ang pamatasan ang sinugdanan para may kausaban ang kinabuhi sa usa ka tao ug sa pagdumala niya sa iyang pamilya og sa iyang pakiglambigit sa iyang katilingban."

Haggai seminars last for three days in each community, usually in the indigenous communities in the hinterlands, and to be revisited/evaluated after three months.

Haggai team has already reached a number of remote barangays, and favorably receiving positive feedbacks from the residents as Haggai serves as channel of their concerns to the provincial government. Haggai seminar participants believe they can be good peace advocators.

In a testimony, Barangay Kagawad Edie Fiel of Brgy. Amsipit Maasim appreciated the province’s leadership. "Proud mi kay Gov. Solon sa ani na programa. Hinaot mapadayon kini para makab-ot gyud ang tinuod nga kalinaw sa Sarangani."

On the other hand, many barangays have already been organized by IBDF. IBDF gathers and composes volunteers to receive training and seminars on capacity skill development that they can surely use during natural and man-made disasters, in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and law enforcement agencies. They perform as auxiliaries helping the responders in the barangay and even in the municipality during calamities.

IBDF project in-charge Brandon Maybuena shared an instance where IBDF members were the ones who responded to an accident.

"Ang mga members sa IBDF ang nag-respond pagkakita nila sa nagkalayo nga barko nagbangga-anay sa dagat. Naka-respond dayon sila kay naka-impart ta og skills sa ilaha," Maybuena said.

IBDF was created in 2008 after rogue forces invaded parts of MAKIMA (Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum) towns. 

To be real partners of development, livelihood training and assistance are given to IBDF members, like animal dispersal, dressmaking, and fishing livelihood. Haggai communities receive projects/assistance from the provincial government.

Haggai and IBDF will not reach their stretch without the help of Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, private sector donors, and national officials and other agencies.  

Both programs will continue to roam around the province to achieve a peaceful and God-centered prosperous community as envisioned by Governor Solon and the rest of the officials. (April Jane Cagas Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)