Principal thanks Vice Governor Jinkee

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) – Arlene Lagare, principal of Datal Tampal Elementary School, expressed her gratitude to the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao for conducting Gal E’ Libun Project: Gender Sensitivity Training for Homes that aims to empower families thru parents and children workshop. She said “we are so thankful that we are partners in shaping the future of the students.” The training was attended by 15 children and parents at Datal Tampal on June 24. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Paraiso ZOD verified

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) – Morsalin Diga, Provincial Health Office sanitary inspector, interviews Marcelita Palawan regarding the access to sanitary toilet in Barangay Paraiso. This is to verify the declaration of the barangay as a Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) area by the municipal government of Alabel. This initiative is part of the Sulong Kalusugan-JINKEENATION, a province-wide sanitation campaign in support to the provincial goal of Sarangani as a ZOD province in 2016. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Kids participate in GST for homes

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) - Grade 5 pupils answer the question "Kinsa ang nagaguhas ug pinggan sa balay, mama o si papa?" during the activity on identifying gender roles at the Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for Homes: Empowering Families through parent and children gender sensitivity workshop at Kibala Elementary School on June 25. 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)

Gov. Solon, medics host Hi-5 Caravan

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, doctors and other health workers host the Hi-5 Caravan of the Department of Health 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. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFOORMATION OFFIICE)

General Cleaning Day at Sarangani Capitol

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) – Employees of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center clean their office and its surroundings during the General Cleaning Day at Capitol compound on June 26. This activity was participated in by all offices and National Government Agencies within the Capitol compound. It was conducted to strengthen the implementation of the Executive Order providing for an Enhanced Solid Waste Management Program in all offices and establishments within the Capitol compound. The clean-up was spearheaded by the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao in partnership with the Office of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. (Jerald S. Rubio/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

ECPC holds biodiversity assessment

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 19, 2015) - The Environmental Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC) conducts a biodiversity assessment at Lamlunay Research and Learning Center in Barangay Upo. The recent research activity aims to promote proper resource management through resource profiling and identification of fauna and flora specie present in the area for management and implementation of programs for their protection as their presence is of utmost importance for sustainability and integrity. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal leaders take leadership seminar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Members of the Provincial Tribal Council and tribal leaders from barangays attend the Transformation Leadership seminar workshop conducted by Sulong Tribu Program on July 13-14. The aim of the seminar was to identify the qualities, skills, attitudes, values, and practices of a transformational leader and determine ways to lead their themes using the transformational leadership model and discuss barriers to successful leadership using the concept on habits of highly effective people. Josephine Alog from the Human Resources Management Office was the lecturer. (Ener T. Toguin for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Senator Marcos attends Grand Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his keynote speech during the celebration of 7th Grand Iftar with the theme “Morals as Basis for Leadership” held at the Capitol gymnasium on July 10. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani celebrates Grand Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are welcomed at the 7th Grand Iftar hosted by the provincial government at the Capitol gym on July 10. Senator Marcos was the guest speaker. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon marks 46th founding anniversary

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) – Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao celebrates with the people of Malungon their 46th Foundation Anniversary on July 15. The vice governor commended the people and officials for all the developments and successes of the municipality especially in making Malungon the first 100% Zero Open Defecation Municipality in Sarangani Province. Vice Gov. Jinkee also encouraged the people to continue supporting the plans and programs of their local government unit. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Maitum declares first ZOD barangay

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 18, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang, Vice Mayor Jeanne Ablog, Municipal Councilor Jess Bascuña and local government unit officials hand over the certificate of recognition to the Barangay Sanitation Task Force of Barangay Pangi headed by Barangay Captain Ramil Tugade for being the first barangay of Maitum to achieve the 100% coverage of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD). Barangay Pangi also received a total of P60,000 worth of gift certificates from Mayor Catimbang and Vice Mayor Ablog as incentive in achieving a ZOD certified barangay. ZOD is a program of the Department of Health as one strategy of achieving the Millennium Development Goal of sustainable sanitation. The program aims to encourage and empower the community to have sanitary toilet in each household to improve sanitary conditions in the community. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM 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)

ALS provides access to basic education

By CHERRY MARIE IRISH D. CRUZ

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – The Alternative Learning System (ALS) has been providing out-of-school children, youth and adult population with basic education: 221 passers in Sarangani recently received their diplomas.

The passers also received their certification of ratings on June 30 at the Capitol gym. The theme of the first province-wide ALS graduation rites was “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday.”

Out of 601 examination takers, 200 from high school and 21 from the elementary level passed the examination conducted on February 1, 2014.

John Mark Ganuan, a 21 year-old Tboli from Maitum who recently earned his degree on Elementary Education, shared his experiences to the graduates as he was chosen as the keynote speaker.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng ALS sa akin. Ang makapasa rito ay isang makabuluhang hakbang para maabot ko ang aking pinapangarap.” he said.

The graduation rites in the previous years were conducted by municipalities.

“This marks big significant gains for ALS. The provincial government of Sarangani headed by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon has extended full support relative to the conduct of this activity,” said Education Program Supervisor Norma Obogon who is in-charge of ALS Sarangani.

“I am thankful to all levels of the local government unit of Sarangani and to all the teachers and implementors for extending help in the success of this affair,” she added.

Meanwhile, Governor Solon, in his speech, never hid his delight to the passers.

“Proud na proud po ang provincial government of Sarangani sa inyo. We are all special in our own special ways. Saludo ako sa inyo,” he said.

Gov. Solon encouraged the graduates to do well in the examination to avail the 100 scholarship grants of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. He promised to get more scholarships for the passers in collaboration with non-government organizations and other private organizations.

ALS is a parallel learning system implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) that offers a practical option to the current formal instruction.

“Many Filipinos do not have a chance to attend and finish formal basic education (Grades 1-6 and Year 1-4) due to many reasons. Some drop out from schools while some do not have schools in their communities,” according to DepEd. “Since every Filipino has a right to free basic education, the Government establishes ALS to provide all Filipinos the chance to have access to and complete basic education in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.”  (Cherry Marie Irish D. Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Jinkee gives reading glasses

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – Dr. Ma. Emily A. dela Pena of Eye Crafter Clinic conducts an Eye Grade Test to a patient during the free eye check-up and giving of reading glasses on June 27. The Emmanuel & Jinkee’s Heart Foundation spearheaded the event dubbed as “Patuloy na Pag-angat ng Kabuhayan at Pamayanan, Libreng Check-up at Salamin Pambasa”, in partnership with the Office of Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao. A total of 182 reading glasses were given to the residents. (Carl Clemence Tolog/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Police heightens community relations

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) - Police Senior Inspector Jaime Dy Chavez educates high school students of Maitum about the best practices of the Maitum Police Station towards the community during the 20th celebration of Police Community Relations (PCR) month at the Maitum municipal auditorium Thursday, July 9. He added that their best practices such as feeding programs, community workshops and seminars promote and strengthen police-community partnership and contributed to the over-all peace and development initiatives in their area of responsibility. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

PENRO, police seize illegal charcoal

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and Philippine National Police confiscate 837 sacks of Ipil-ipil charcoal while being transported without any certificate of verification. The illegal charcoal which originated from the municipalities of Malapatan and Alabel are now stored at the Capitol grounds. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

July is PCR month

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) - A student from Malalag National High School writes his essay evolving around the theme "Matibay na Ugnayan ng Mamayan at Pulisya, Simbolo ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan" during the essay writing competition in relation to the 20th celebration of Police Community Relations (PCR) month at the Maitum municipal auditorium Thursday, July 9. The activity which was participated in by students and teachers coming from different high schools of Maitum was conducted by the Philippine National Police. The activity aims to educate students about the relationship being built between the community and the police force. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Starkey coming back for hearing mission

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – Starkey Hearing Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to building better lives for hearing-impaired people across the world, will visit Sarangani the third time for a hearing mission.

This time, the provincial government of Sarangani targets around 1,230 people to benefit from Starkey’s hearing aid gift-giving that costs roughly P15,000 to P20,000 each set.

The visit is slated in November.

Starkey is the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive hearing solutions and donates thousands of hearing aids in many countries every year.

At least 385 persons were already screened but only 256 qualified and underwent ear impression while 39 others were referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist volunteer physician for a possible ear infection treatment.

Starkey is the partner foundation of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s office in its Serbisyong Sarangan Outreach Program that is anchored on addressing the needs of the less fortunate and people with disability (PWD) who have hearing defects.

The program also serves to create a friendly environment for PWDs in the province.

Program manager Asma Akmad said the partnership with Starkey was an offshoot of their effort of exploring possible partners that could help them “provide the needs of PWDs like hearing aids, and mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches.”

In 2013, Starkey distributed P9.3 million worth of hearing aids to some 1,200 patients in the province.

Last year, a total of 1,570 patients from all over SOCSARGEN area and Cagayan de Oro got their early Christmas gift from the foundation.

Akmad said, Starkey spent around P34.5 million for all types of hearing instruments that were distributed in their 2015 mission in the province. This included the seven specialized hearing aids costing P120,000 a set for those patients with no outer ear.

The provincial government “is very thankful for the assistance of Starkey because we could not cater all concerns of our PWDs here,” Akmad said. “At least, with our partnership with them, the needs of our PWDs could now be answered thru a gift giving from the foundation.”

On July 14 to 17, Akmad and her team will visit Kiamba, Maasim, Glan and Malungon for a phase one hearing screening. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor thanks Governor Solon for infra projects

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Mayor Pepito Catimbang thanks Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon for his untiring support to the people of Maitum during the inauguration ceremony of a road concreting project in Barangay Sison Wednesday, July 8. Catimbang said more than P100 million worth of projects have already been poured in by the provincial government to his town. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon, officials open new concrete road

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 9, 2015) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (5th from right) and Mayor Pepito Catimbang (5th from left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for 1,334 meters of concrete road in Barangay Sison. The Kabisig farm-to-market road amounting to P11,012,350 was inaugurated Wednesday, July 8. The road concreting funded by Department of Agriculture-Food Security Projects (DA-FSP) was counter parted by Sarangani provincial government with P2 million. Also in   photo are Board Member Elmer de Peralta (3rd from left), Board Member George Falgui (3rd from right), provincial engineer Jerry Belbider (extreme right), Engr. Robert Lumayag (2nd from right), and contractor Arlyn Congson (4th from right) of N. Congson Construction, Barangay Captain Ramil Tugade (4th from left) and council and staff of Barangay Sison. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)