Village trading center

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 8, 2009) - The Kiamba Trading Center in barangay Tambilil officially opens Tuesday, July 7, at the heart of barangay Tambilil. The P1.6-M facility was constructed through the support of Growth for Equity in Mindanao (GEM), a USAID-funded organization. Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who lauds Mayor Rom Falgui for the initiative said the facility which is considered as the first food terminal in town is “a clear tangible image of progress.” (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Food terminal

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 8, 2009) - The Kiamba Trading Center in barangay Tambilil officially opens Tuesday, July 7, with municipal and provincial officials and non-government organization partner representative leading the inauguration. Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme right) and his uncle Roy Chiongbian (center) join engineer Neil Cachuela (partly hidden)of the Growth for Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Mayor Rom Falgui and barangay Tambilil chair Rico Amador (extreme left) in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first-ever food terminal in town worth P1.6M. (KIAMBA NEWSCENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Malungon wons allies in "education for all" campaign

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 8, 2009) – The town’s performance and implementation of Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST)project has been gaining more assistance from the private sector.

In his state of education address at the QUEST’s Education Road Show and Summit Tuesday (July 7), Mayor Reynaldo Constantino lauded private sector-partnership by the local government in uplifting their children’s education.“However, looking carefully at the school’s unique and difficultsituations and circumstances, it’s totally a different story,”Constantino said.

But Governor Migs Dominguez and the provincial government committed to provide an additional 50 provincial-paid teachers “to ensure that education reaches the town’s farthest schools”.“Our promise is never to leave a single child behind in our quest for education,” Dominguez said.

Cecile Dominguez, executive director of the Alcantara Foundation (AF) said Union Bank’s learning technology in reading, “As A Filipino”workbooks, will now also be given to Grade II pupils with 1:1pupil-workbook ratio.

Last year, the program distributed the work books to Grade I pupils only.AF initiated and facilitates linkages for the Education for All (EFA) campaign in Malungon and in the province with partners such asSynergeia Foundation, Union Bank, Sagittarius Mines Inc. and the Department of Education.

The QUEST project is a learning technology by Synergeia Foundation implemented in Sarangani.

The day’s summit conducted plenary workshops for teachers and parents.“Education starts at home,” Cecile Dominguez said.

Realizing that home is a very important foundation of education, QUESTgives parent mentoring sessions and values formation workshops aside from teachers’ trainings and workbook distributions.

“Let’s not waste time, let us support the government in their programs and let us also support our children towards their future by checking their progress in school,” Grade I parent Lalaine Decenorio said.(Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Waving for quality education

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 7, 2009) – Officials and partners for Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) pose with Malungon Central Elementary School pupils waving flaglets at the QUEST’s Education Road Show and Summit Tuesday, July 7. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Russtum G. Pelima)

QUEST team

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 7, 2009) – The town’s project management team of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) pose with Malungon Central Elementary School pupils at the QUEST’s Education Road Show and Summit Tuesday, July 7, waving flaglets for the town’s additional schools, teachers and furniture as reported by Mayor Reynaldo Constantino in his state of education address. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Russtum G. Pelima)

QUEST champion

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 7, 2009) – Alcantara Foundation (AF) executive director Cecile Dominguez affirms the local government’simplementation of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST)and challenges teachers and parents on community partnership for theirchildren’s education at the QUEST’s Education Road Show and SummitTuesday, July 7. AF initiated and facilitated linkages for Malungon's allies in education. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Russtum G. Pelima)

No child left behind

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 7, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez gesturesas he challenges local officials, parents and teachers that “no childwill be left behind” in the fight against ignorance and for qualityeducation during the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST)Education Road Show and Summit Tuesday, July 7, at the municipal gym.The provincial government will provide additional 50 provincial boardpaid teachers to ensure education reaches the town’s farthest schools.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Russtum G. Pelima)

Education for all

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 7, 2009) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino giveshis state of education address during the Quality Education forSarangani Today (QUEST) Education Road Show and Summit and the town’s40th Foundation Anniversary and 2nd Slang Festival Tuesday, July 7,thanking the local government partners UnionBank’s “As A Filipino”reading program, Alcantara Foundation, Sagittarius Mines Inc.,Synergeia Foundation and people’s champ Manny Paquiao. The mayorreported an increase in school teachers, additional schools, andenrollees and its Education For All campaign. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Russtum G. Pelima)

Conflict management

DAVAO CITY (July 6, 2009) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez shares to participating media, military personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command and non-government organizations his province’s experience and answers questions during the Building Capacities for Peace and Conflict Management seminar at Brokenshire Convention Center Wednesday, July 1, organized by Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ariel Decena)

Exercise at the plaza

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2009) – Kiamba municipal employees, teachers and students from different schools perform the choreographed “Hataw ta!” exercise observing the theme “"Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan" Monday, July 6, at the municipal plaza. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Healthy lifestyle

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2009) – Kiamba Municipal Health Officer Dr. Lemuel Benedict Non explains how to attain a healthy lifestyle during the Nutrition Month celebration Monday, July 6. The activity was participated in by Kiamba employees, teachers and students from different school. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Information drive

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2009) – Pupils from Kiamba Central Elementary school write down notes as they listen to an information drive in attaining healthy lifestyle Monday, July 6. Upcoming activities will be poster-making contest and a quiz show celebrating the Nutrition Month. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Morning jog

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2009) – Kiamba police personnel and Mayor Rom Falgui jog around the town as the opening salvo of the Nutrition Month celebration Monday, July 6. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Photo courtesy of Rudy Embolodi)

Send off

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 5, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez sees off Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy (center) after the pastor's brief visit to the governor's residence in Alabel Saturday, July 4. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm briefing

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 5, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez briefs Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy (left) on the operations of his family’s farm in Alabel during the pastor's visit Saturday, July 4. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

KALAHI-CIDSS continues to build community projects in Sarangani

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) – Government’s Kapit-bisig Labansa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services(KALAHI-CIDSS) continues its program of building collaborativeprojects for the community.

KALAHI-CIDSS representatives and local officials led the turn-overceremony of a P2-million development center at Lun Padidu NationalHigh School Friday, July 3.

With the local government’s effective implementation of theKALAHI-CIDSS’ Phase 1 three-cycle project in partnership with the community, Malapatan qualifies for its Phase 2 project implementation.

“The development center at the school grounds is intended not only for students but for the community for various purposes,” said barangay councilor Jean Delos Santos.

The development center is a covered court that can be used for sports and community gatherings.

KALAHI-CIDSS provided the initial fund of P500,000 for the first span of roofing for the project.

Gemma Rivera, Department of Social Welfare and Development assistant regional director, thanked community leaders for the success of the project and urged the community to use the development center wisely.

The World Vision International committed an additional P500,000 for the project and the remaining expenses will be shared by the provincial government.

“The role of the government is to give hope and inspiration for you so that you can fulfill your dreams,” Governor Migs Dominguez told students.

Students and teachers applauded as they gathered in front of the stage to welcome Governor Dominguez with local officials and KALAHI-CIDSS representatives.

“I want to see you become doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, when I am old,” the 32 year-old governor added.

Visiting the KALAHI-CIDSS projects in Sarangani in 2006, World Bank program manager for KALAHI-CIDSS Andrew Parker said “these are projects that involve the community right from the start, encourage transparency and thus prevent corruption.” (Russtum G.Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

With students

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez chats with students before the turn over ceremony of Lun Padidu Nationalhigh school development center from KALAHI-CIDSS Friday, July 3.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Warm reception

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez gets awarm welcome from students at Lun Padidu National High School Friday,July 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Riso machine

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez with school treasurer Josephine Miral checks the riso machine purchased by the Parents, Teachers, Community Association. The governor earlier lent P30,000 for the association to purchase the machine in cash.Risograph is a high-speed digital printing system designed mainly for high-volume photocopying and printing. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of hope and inspiration

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez gestures as he tells students that “the role of the government is to give hope and inspiration for you to achieve your dreams” at the turn over ceremony of Lun Padidu National High School development center from KALAHI-CIDSS Friday, July 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Development center

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 3, 2009) – Students fix the streamer before the turn over ceremony of the P2-million development centerKapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Deliveryof Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) project at Lun Padidu National HighSchool Friday, July 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal parade

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Blaan elders bang their gongs as they join the parade for the Lamlifew Elementary School as it celebrates its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1. Within the village is the elementary school, a school of living tradition and living museum for the Blaan traditional weaving and beads making. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School head

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Lamlifew Elementary School head Romeo Bogador shows parents and school children some beads for the beads making class launched during the school’s foundation anniversary celebration Wednesday, July 1, to be integrated in their Makabayan subject. The province’s indigenous people development program initiated the integration of the school of living tradition like beads making which includes honorarium for the cultural masters. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

QUEST program manager

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Analie Edday, QUEST’s (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program manager, with teary eyes, explains to parents and pupils how she struggled to finish her studies who, in her days, promised “not be a vegetable seller all my life”. During the day, Lamlifew Elementary School holds its 13th foundation anniversary yet celebrates it for the first time with lunch together with the rest of the Blaan community in the village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Float parade

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Carted carabaos were ornamented as floats during the parade Wednesday, July 1, as Lamlifew Elementary School celebrates its 13th foundation anniversary with the search for Miss Lamlifew Elementary School in the afternoon. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bluan river

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Village pupils from the Lamlifew Elementary School cross the Bluan river believed to have sprung up from a natural spring where a dog named Kay-kay drank and has caused the water to run and made the river. During the day, the school holds its 13th foundation anniversary yet celebrates it for the first time. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

As the tribe learns, the river speaks in Lamlifew

By Russtum G. Pelima, Ma. Ed.

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Not too many of us, lowlanders,known to have been bearers of education for the lumads of Mindanao a few decades ago, have as much love for education as severally an indigenous people’s community here find their place of freedom.

In a village some five kilometers from the highway, the road toLamlifew wants wear. Yet somehow, the Lamlifew Elementary School had shown what it takes to win education and break the bondage of poverty.

Patience bore the village 14 professionals which numbers most of the young professionals in the whole of barangay Datal Tampal.

Celebrating for the first time the school’s foundation anniversary Wednesday (July 1), now on its 13th as an elementary school (but 27th,to include its first 14 years as a primary school), teachers and thecommunity reminisce their forbearing past with joy.

By lunch, they, together with the pupils, have a buffet of two litson baboy, chicken dishes, and other native delicacies.

Yesterday, community volunteers fixed the road to the school including putting planks against river Bluan for familiar guests like us.

For the first time, the village has a float parade: 13 beautiful lasses will compete for Little Miss Lamlifew in the afternoon.

The floats are ornamented with wild, familiar flowers that grew by the riverbanks and the school grounds, with three most handsome carabaos because they, too, were ornamented.

The floats are actually the karo (carts) used by the villagers for many purposes.

Today, they are going to cross the river to finish the parade and reach the school.

The school program includes telling the school’s history. Evelyn Caya,recalling how the school started, said it’s the villagers’ search for freedom from want and thirst for education that made the school exist.

For one, the native-grown Florencia Bago, now teaching Grades V and VIas combined classes (because of lack of teachers) was once a school volunteer teacher. From 1987-1989, Ma’am Flor received P10 from each parent. That made up her salary for the whole school year.Flor tells dreams of her late father made her come back to the village and help the community by teaching at the school again.

In 2007, school head Marilyn Falsario led parents and pupils to a food-for-school program by raising poultry and backyard vegetables.Parents cook for the children’s lunch while the provincial government afforded them rice.I believe, scores of these teachers were then “called” to give thecommunity what they need.

Evelyn Caya herself, now a dentist, grew here, finished her elementary at the school like her husband, Ireneo,who is now a school cluster head.

Sarangani last year launched the Quality Education for Sarangani Today(QUEST) project, a brainchild of Synergeia Foundation. LamlifewElementary School is a recipient of its free-workbook distribution for primary pupils all over the province.“When I was a child like you, I used to gather kangkong leaves fromthe ponds and sell them from house to house for my baon, just to getback home with the same number of bunches because it would always rain,” Analie Edday, with teary eyes, recounted in front of childrenand parents.“That day, I made a promise to myself: I shall never be a vegetable seller all my life!”Edday, a pure-blooded Blaan, is now QUEST’s program manager.

There must be more to the need for education among the villagers of Lamlifew, having seen the place myself.Obviously, it’s one reason why new school head Romeo Bogador doubted the school’s child-friendly slogan after having realized the danger among kids crossing the river just a few steps away from the classrooms especially during heavy rains.Bogador humbly asks local officials for the construction of a footbridge to put away their fear.

The school event also launches a beads making class.Beads making is one of Blaan’s traditional practices. They use them as body ornaments. Manager Beth Farnazo of the province’s indigenous people development program initiated the integration of the school of living tradition to the school’s Makabayan regular curriculum. Theprogram includes honorarium for the cultural masters in beads making.

Truth is many of them are masters of their own old craft. HerminiaLacna, a Blaan grand, has preserved the folktales of her tribe by word of mouth.

For the elderly woman, as the tribe learns, the river speaks in Lamlifew:“Long time ago,” Herminia narrates, “there was no river here. But adog named Kay-kay got thirsty and tried to dig a water spring at theplace called Datal Barak where a mysterious jackfruit seed grew andhas died. Kay-kay drank from the spring and as the dog dug deeper,more water flowed from the spring that keeps the river running untilnow.” (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Young Blaan beauties

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – In a unique float parade by crossing the Bluan river, young girls competing for the search for Miss Lamlifew Elementary School smile as they approach the rive bank where the school is just a few steps away. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School lunch

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Community volunteers roast two pigs for lunch as the Lamlifew Elementary School celebrates its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Lamlifew pupils

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – School children of the Lamlifew Elementary School show their smile with their tribal dress at the school’s 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1 with the theme,“Let’s join hands together to uplift the better future of our school children”. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Field demonstration

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Lamlifew Elementary School pupils in tribal dress perform a field demonstration during the school’s 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1, at the school ground. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan lasses

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Young Blaan girls get by the flowers at the school ground of Lamlifew Elementary School during its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1, at the center of the village. The school was founded in 1982 and became a primary school during the first 14 years as the villagers thirst for education.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School supplies

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) - Mayor Elsie Perrett distributes school supplies to Grades 1 and 2 pupils of James Alfred StrongPrimary School at sitio Labodog in barangay Upo. This project of the mayor dubbed as "ANGAT BATANG MAITUM" has been going on since 2007 and has benefited more than 3,000 school graders including pre-schoolers.(MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Financial assistance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 2, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon turns over a check amounting to P5,000 as financial assistance to Faning Lari, a relative of one of the victims of the Maasim grenade blast on June 20. The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided funds for the victims. With the vice governor are Vilma Cabrera (right), assistant secretary of DSWD; Bai Zorahayda Taha (left), DSWD 12 regional director; and Hermelo Latoja, provincial social welfare and development officer. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiňo)

Fiber technology

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) - Romeo de Vera of Fiber Technology &Utilization Division demonstrates the easy and productive operation of the improved hand stripping device. The portable machine is one of the many innovative ways to strip abaca. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/ Abner P.Arzaga)

Emergency tents

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) - National Nutrition Coordinator Celso Lumaad turns over to Board Member Nicanor Ballan and provincial disaster and coordinating council chair Hermelo Latoja 50 sets oftents from their partner agency Feed the Children. Each tent, which can accommodate one family of six to eight members, will be used during disasters. Freight cost was shouldered by the provincial government as its counterpart. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/JhoannaJavier)

Abaca products

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui views a showcase of unique hand-crafted abaca products honoring the International Year of Natural Fiber. The mayor continues to source out funds to maximizethe yield of abaca in the municipality. Last November, three abacastripping machines were turned over to Tboli families in the uplands of Kiamba. On Farmers Field Day, forums and hands-on activities were prepared to educate farmers on the importance of natural fibers highlighting abaca as Kiamba's One Town One Product (OTOP). The local government of Kiamba partners with Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) in commemorating the International Year of Natural Fiber. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

New Canaan Elementary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Pupils show their reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday, June 25, who crossed a river 23 times and followed mountain trails for two days to reach the school. QUEST aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I and 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Jomar Jalos)

QUEST program director

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Anne Eday, QUEST program director, leads staff and volunteers in the distribution of reading workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour at New Canaan Elementary School Thursday, June 25, after a four-hour walk and several river crossings. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

QUEST volunteers

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Crossing a river for 23 times and trekking mountain trails for two days, these QUEST volunteers and staff enjoy their time before reaching the town’s remotest schools for the distribution of QUEST’s (Quality Education for Sarangani Today)reading workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

Quest workbooks

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) - Pupils show their reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday June 25. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

Banlibato Primary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) - Pupils of Banlibato Primary School pose outside their classroom with their QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) reading workbooks from Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office of Sarangani and the Children’s Hour. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

By horse

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) volunteers, with their guides from the community, transport the books by horse in the mountains. The activity aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I pupils donated by the Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour to the town’s remotest barangays. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Early morning reading

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Grade III pupil John Mark Blel reads his new reading workbook before going to Banlibato Primary School. Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) volunteers brought 841 workbooks to village schools of Alabel with 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in the province, with the aim of providing 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Sarangani Grade I pupils. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Flag raising

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Banlibato Primary School pupils and teachers attend their flag raising ceremony Thursday, June 25, before the distribution of workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office of Sarangani and the Children’s Hour as part of the activities of Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST). The school has two main structures with three classrooms where teachers hold combined classes. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Kiangkos Primary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Pupils show their grateful smile after receiving the reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday, June 25, who crossed rivers and followed mountain trails for two days to reach the school. QUEST aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I and 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

March for peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - As part of the continuing people’s struggle on achieving lasting peace, residents from different barangays march for peace Sunday, June 28, in a three-kilometer walk and converged at the town plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of unity

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his message of unity during a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace rally

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Residents from different barangays gather at the municipal park to attend a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Unity leads to peace and progress

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) – A peace rallyist holds a placard during a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)