Photographer in Action

Leonardo Sexcion checks his camera after taking pictures in one of his coverages. Sexcion is one of the 13 finalists in the Professional Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award of The 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest. (Photo by Tetep Marasigan)

Sarangani fotog finalist in The 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 31, 2007) – Leonardo "Cocoy" A. Sexcion (2nd from right), chief photographer of Sarangani Information Office, is one of the 13 finalists in the Professional Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award of The 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest.

Sexcion's entry is titled "Festival", a picture of dancers in colorful coconut-based garbs during the Lubi-Lubi Festival of Glan.

Aside from The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award, other awards in the professional division are The Beauty of the Philippine People/Portrait Award, and The Beauty of the Philippine Culture Award.

Over a million pesos in total prizes will be awarded to winners in the Professional, Enthusiast and Junior divisions.

Judges will reveal the winners and finalists of this year's most prestigious nationwide photography competition during the awarding ceremony on November 10, 2007, 3 to 6 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Activity Center.

The First Philippine Airlines Photo Contest is for the benefit of Philippine Airlines Foundation's ecotourism projects, and is presented in partnership with EPSON and SM Supermalls.

The contest is presented in partnership with EPSON and SM Supermalls. Sponsors include I-MAG Photography, Mabuhay Magazine, philphotography.net, El Nido, Marithe Francois Girbaud, The Tides Boracay, The EMBASSY, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, Action & Fitness, Graphic Expo and OWG Creative Centre.

Travel photographs of Sexcion, photo editor of Sarangani Newsmagazine, have appeared in various airline, motoring and travel magazines, including Mabuhay magazine of Philippine Airlines.

In 2006, Sexcion was 1st Prize winner of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest (Maitum At Large Category) with his photo of a fruit bat titled "Solo Flight". He was 2nd and 3rd Prize winner in the Festival Category.

Maitum Safari Photo Contest is the most prestigious photo contest in Region 12. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vote for me

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 31, 2007) – As if a candidate wooing voters or promising a better future, 11-year old Justin Ian Doctor of Malalag Central Elementary School delivers his winning piece "The Little Lizard" at the Children's Month celebration. Justin was winner in the provincial interpretative storytelling contest recently. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Notebook for pupils

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 31, 2007) – Pupils in the far-flung barangay Kinam wait for the distribution of notebooks provided by Unicef. Their village was a former rebel sanctuary but Governor Migs Dominguez initiated to bring government closer to the people, giving rise to infrastructure projects, schools and water system there. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Grade I at 24 years old

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 31, 2007) - Tom Balatac, a 24-year T'boli, is presented by Mayor Elsie Perrett during the Children's Month celebration. Balatac enrolled in Grade I despite his late age to pursue his dream of higher education. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Children's day

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 31, 2007) – Children of Maitum, awarded as Most Child-Friendly Municipality throughout the Philippines in 2003, celebrate Children's Month which ends today. Maitum also won in the nationwide search for the Gawad Galing Pook Top Ten Outstanding Program for Promoting Child Rights and Special Citation on Child Rights and Responsive Local Governance in 2005. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical Mission

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2007) - Midwife Raymunda Velita injects anti-measles to a child during the "Kalusugan Para sa Kabataan" medical mission in Arcal Primary School October 26 where the provincial and municipal government with Dole Philippines' Mahintana Foundation, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Kiwanis Club and other civic groups gave free check up and distributed hygiene kits for the children for the third time this month. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Kalusugan para sa Kabataan

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2007) – Graders at Arcal Primary School enjoy a break with fresh fruits in cups from Dole Philippines. A "Kalusugan Para sa Kabataan" medical mission was conducted in Arcal Primary School October 26 where the provincial and municipal government with Dole Philippines' Mahintana Foundation, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Kiwanis Club and other civic groups gave free check up and distributed hygiene kits for the children for the third time this month. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Fresh catch from Sarangani Bay

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2007) – Fisherfolk in Tinoto display their early-day catch by the highway for motorists to buy. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

SOCSARGEN leaders

KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO (October 23, 2007) - Gov. Migs Dominguez of Sarangani Province discusses a point with Gen. Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. during the 2nd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Chief Ministers, Governors and Heads of Local Government Forum in Koronadal City Tuesday, October 23. The two officials are leaders of the frontdoor of the Philippines to the BIMP-EAGA which is the SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sarangani-Gen. Santos) growth area. The two-day Forum will discuss trade and tourism relations among member countries of the BIMP-EAGA. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

RP delegation to BIMP-EAGA forum

KORONADAL, South Cotabato (October 23, 2007) - The Philippine delegation poses for a posterity shot Tuesday, October 23, during the 2nd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Chief Ministers, Governors and Heads of Local Government Forum in Koronadal City. The Philippine delegation in photo are (seated from left) Gov. Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao Del Norte, Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. of Gen. Santos City, Gov. Migs Dominguez of Sarangani, Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon, Gov. Rolando Yebes of Zamboanga Del Norte, and Mayor Aniano Antalan of the Island Garden City of Samal. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

BIMP-EAGA forum

KORONADAL, South Cotabato (October 23, 2007) - Gov. Migs Dominguez of Sarangani introduces Vice Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano (right) of Brookes Point Palawan to Gov. Rolando Yebes of Zamboanga Del Norte during the 2nd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Chief Ministers, Governors and Heads of Local Government Forum in Koronadal City Tuesday, October 23. Also in photo are DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero (left) and Gov. Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao Del Norte. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Governor returns to remote Barangay

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez returns to barangay Kinam Friday, October 19, a year after he initiated to bring government closer to the remote barangay once neglected and rebel-influenced. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Convoy to Kinam

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – The road to barangay Kinam before was only fit for horses but government improved it and government workers and civilian volunteers ride a convoy Friday, October 19, to open a school building, deliver a water project, school supplies, seeds and seedlings, and medical and dental services. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Balik Kinam

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – Civilian and military authorities return a year after Friday, October 19, to barangay Kinam, a far-flung village once neglected and rebel-influenced, where government officials started delivering infrastructure, social and medical services in October 2006. From right are Gov. Migs Dominguez (in light shirt), Major General Ernesto Boac, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and Vice Governor Steve Solon. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Water Project

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez leads the ground breaking of a spring development project in barangay Kinam, a far-flung village once neglected and rebel-influenced, on Friday, October 19, a year after the governor initiated to bring government projects there on October 2006. At extreme right is Vice Governor Steve Solon. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

UNICEF bags

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – Kids get Unicef school bags from (from left) Vice Governor Steve Solon, Mayor Aida Singoy, Governor Migs Dominguez and Major General Ernesto Boac in barangay Kinam Friday, October 19, a barangay once neglected and rebel-influenced. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

School turn over

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives the symbolic key of a P1.2M high school building to a community Friday, October 19, in barangay Kinam, a village once neglected and rebel-influenced. Kinam now has a high school building for the first time, built by the community through the KALAHI-CIDSS program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Kids vote for education

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) – School children raise their hands as Governor Migs Dominguez asks them who want school bags Friday, October 19, in far-flung barangay Kinam where the governor turned over the barangay's first high school building. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Senior Citizens

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 19, 2007) - Vice Governor Steve Solon talks with the elderly during the Provincial Senior Citizens' Celebration Day Monday, October 16, at the Maitum Municipal Gym. Senior citizens from the seven municipalities of Sarangani showcased their talents in various socio-cultural contests. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/ACdL)

PGMA in Sarangani news at GMA TV

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PGMA in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is greeted warmly by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian-Solon (left) as she arrives for the opening of the 7th Regional Cooperative Summit of Region XII Thursday, October 18, with Gov. Migs Dominguez. President Macapagal-Arroyo also met with officials of the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle, a local initiative for trade, tourism and investments. ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

PGMA's Food -for-School Program

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Gov. Migs Dominguez hand a pack of rice to a pupil of Baluntay Elementary School for the Food-for-School Program of the Department of Education and the National Food Authority. The President visited Sarangani for the opening of the 7 th Regional Cooperative Summit of Region XII in Alabel Thursday, October 18. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

PGMA's Botika ng Barangay

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) - Gov. Migs Dominguez assists President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in giving a box of medicines to Cristina Balanca of barangay Lumatil, Maasim for the Botika ng Barangay Program of the Department of Health. The President visited Sarangani for the opening of the 7 th Regional Cooperative Summit of Region XII in Alabel Thursday, October 18. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

PGMA awards outstanding coop

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Gov. Migs Dominguez award a plaque to Raul Gerada of Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative which was adjudged the outstanding multi-purpose cooperative for agriculture category during the opening of 7 th Regional Cooperative Summit of Region XII in Alabel, Sarangani Thursday, October 18. President Arroyo also distributed land titles for farmers, medicines for the Botika ng Barangay, rice for the Food-for-School Program and turned-over several projects of her administration in the province. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tree Planting

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez assists Environment Secretary Jose Atienza as they lead the community in the ceremonial tree planting Wednesday, October 17, for the "Green Philippines Program" at the 4,700-hectare Calminda Watershed area. Also in photo is boxing icon Manny Pacquaio. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

STF inspection

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez (2nd from left) briefs Environment Secretary Jose Atienza as they inspect the 63.7 million Septage Treatment Facility (STF) in barangay Bagacay Wednesday, October 17. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Septage Treatment Facility

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Environment Secretary Jose Atienza leads the ceremonial cutting of ribbon for the Septage Treatment Facility (STF) in Alabel Wednesday, October 17. Six STFs were built in the province's six coastal towns and one in Malalag, Davao del Sur province funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. From left are DENR-XII Regional Director Jim Sampulna, Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Secretary Atienza, Governor Migs Dominguez, Mayor Corazon Grafilo, and General Santos City Vice Mayor Flor Congson. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Memorandum of Agreement

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez with, from right, Malapatan Mayor Aida Singcoy, Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo, Secretary Jose Atienza, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Davao del Sur environment regional director Ricardo Calderon, and Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. (partly hidden) sign the Memorandum of Agreement between the six coastal municipalities of Sarangani and one in Malalag, Davao del Sur province, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the Septage Treatment Facilities (STFs) of the seven towns in the inauguration ceremony Wednesday, October 17. The STFs were funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation through the DENR. Sarangani is the only recipient of septage treatment facilities in the country. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Gov. Migs and Manny Paquiao

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez briefs boxing icon Manny Pacquiao before the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement Wednesday, October 17, between seven municipalities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the Septage Treatment Facilities of the six coastal municipalities in Sarangani and one in Malalag, Davao del Sur province. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Gov. Migs & DENR Sec. Atienza

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez confers with Environment Secretary Jose Atienza in a luncheon meeting Wednesday, October 17. Atienza inaugurated the Septage Treatment Facility (STF) in town during the day. Six STFs were built in the province's six coastal towns and one in Malalag, Davao del Sur province funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Sarangani is the only recipient of septage treatment facilities in the country. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Regional Coop Summit resolutions bared

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 16, 2007) - South Central Mindanao cooperatives open their 7th summit Thursday (October 18) with the theme, "Developing Opportunities for Cooperatives in SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos) and JAGS-CT (Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle)."

The cooperatives, in a profile, have prepared seven resolutions for presentation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

These are:

1) To issue an executive order mandating all local government units to support the cooperative councils and create a cooperative development office with regular plantilla and providing funds thereof.

2) To fund the National Cooperative Development Councils (NCDCs)and Regional Cooperative Development Councils (RCDCs) thru the CDA to fast-track the mandate as provided for in EO 95 dated June 8, 1993.

3) To certify as urgent bill the proposed amendment of CDA charter particularly on the provision granting quasi-judicial functions and more funds allocated to CDA for additional manpower for effective monitoring and supervision of cooperatives.

4) To review and issue an executive order lifting/recalling or nullifying the EO No. 623 and instead directing the NEA to amend the self-serving guidelines on conversion which manipulatively and unreasonably rendered it difficult or impossible for the members to push through with its plan on conversion of electric cooperatives from non-stock cooperative under NEA (PD269) to a genuine cooperative under the CDA (RA6938 and 6939)

5) To provide funds for the realization of the regional cooperative training center.

6) To issue an order supporting the COOP-OTOP and directing the line government agencies such as the LGUs, DTI, DA, NFA, DOLE, TLRC, TESDA, LBP, DBP, QUEDANCOR and others to provide technical and financial assistance to viable projects identified by the coop sector.

7) To issue an order encouraging the MERGER and CONSOLIDATION of various coop sector in order to achieve a strong, viable and globally competitive cooperative agency. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Region 12 coops to take the lead in summit

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 16, 2007) – The Regional Cooperative Summit on October 18-19 seeks to strengthen cooperatives in Region 12 with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as keynote speaker.

Arthur Aller, chair of the Regional Cooperative Development Council XII (RCDC-XII), told a news conference Tuesday (October 16) this summit aims to set a momentum and lead cooperatives in the country with its renewed unifying purpose.

"Cooperative means development through self-reliance," Aller said.

Aller also chairs the National Cooperative Development Council.

A cooperative should prove that it can "stand on its own first before external funds could come in."

Aller said there are 65,000 cooperatives in the country from which a conservative estimate of 28 percent are successfully operational.

Mismanagement and corruption are most factors causing cooperatives' operations to fail, according to Aller.

"That's why we are reactivating the basic principles and legal foundation of cooperativism in the country," Aller said. "If cooperative development should start from the Far South, so be it."

"Here, the advent of JAGS-CT is seen to establish linkages with our neighboring countries and thus help our cooperatives," Aller noted.

JAGS-CT stands for Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle. It was initiated by mayors in 2004 which aims to establish international trading linkages with other ASEAN countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Mayor Enrique Yap of Glan said new infrastructure projects had been on going in Glan, Sarangani province, and in Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani municipality in the province of Davao del Sur.

This includes the completion of the P43-million port in Sarangani municipality recently while Glan's old trading port, now a limited international port, was coming up with a P16-million renovation. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Coop Summit Presscon

Alabel, Sarangani (October 16, 2007) - Arthur Aller (with microphone), chair of the Regional Cooperative Development Council, tells the media Tuesday (October 16) that the Regional Cooperative Summit in Region 12 aims to set a momentum and lead cooperatives nationwide for development. Aller also chairs the National Cooperative Development Council. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Italian Ambassador with Gov. Migs

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez escorts Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele at the Capitol lobby Monday, October 15, on their way to visit Agrarian Reform Community development projects around Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Italian Ambassador in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2007) – Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele confers with Governor Migs Dominguez at the Governor's Office Monday, October 15, on development projects of Italy in the province. The Ambassador also visited Agrarian Reform Community development projects around Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Election supplies

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2007) – Delivery of election supplies goes full-swing at Sarangani Capitol with the arrival of 572 ballot boxes Monday, October 15, from the Comelec regional office. Preparations for the October 29 barangay and SK elections have been going on at the Provincial Treasurer's Office during the past weeks. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

First 100 Days Legislative Report

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 15, 2007) – Vice Governor Steve Solon delivers his First 100 Days Legislative Report before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Monday, October 15, where he reported the passing of 34 resolutions and two ordinances within his first 100 days in office. Among other milestones, the Vice Governor's Office has also created a team to "research and assist the province in building a stronger and more efficient micro-enterprise and microfinance industry." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/FFG)

JAGS-CT infrastructure to lure investments

GLAN, Sarangani (October 14, 2007) – Vital road networks, ports and an economic zone are taking shape within a growth area in southern Philippines close to Indonesia.

Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. said that new infrastructure projects in the Davao del Sur towns of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani, and Glan in Sarangani province would lure more investments to the growth area.

Yap said the approval of a 25-hectare economic zone in Glan would speed up development in the cluster, officially known as Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT).

The P43-million port in the island municipality of Sarangani (Balut island) has been completed, according to the JAGS-CT secretariat.

Glan was also set to renovate its old trading port following its declaration as limited international port.

Mayor Yap, who chairs JAGS-CT, said construction of the national highway connecting Glan to Jose Abad Santos was halfway through where only a trail under coconut trees was used before.

The mayor said a JAGS-CT resolution has been passed requesting for the immediate release of the P20-million fund to finish the road from Glan to Jose Abad Santos.

In a recent forum here, Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, chair of Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), said he had personally followed up the release of the road fund with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

Leyretana commended the JAGS officials for their efforts in helping "accelerate the attainment of economic development" of the depressed areas not only in the Philippines but in nearby northern Indonesia as well.

He added that better relations between the two countries should be maintained to facilitate "trade and commerce."

JAGS-CT and Indonesia had forged trade agreements for goods and local products, and traders expect regular shipments when the Glan port is completed.

JAGS-CT is a cluster of southern Philippines towns formed in 2003 in support to the Brunie-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

It aims to increase trade, tourism and investments by enhancing cross-border linkages with the northern provinces of Indonesia .

Mayor Yap said JAGS-CT can prove to other municipalities and countries that smaller growth areas can develop if they just only "cooperate with each other."

He said JAGS-CT is solely run and financed by the local government units of Jose Abad Santos, Glan and Sarangani municipality. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

1.9 M for Kiamba Barangays

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Mayor Rom Falgui (C) and Governor Migs Dominguez (2nd, right) deliver the provincial government subsidy of P100,000 each to the 19 barangays of Kiamba Monday, October 8. All of Sarangani's 140 barangays were receiving the same amount for development projects. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

First 100 Days Report of Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) - Mayor Rom Falgui delivers his First 100 Days Report to the public Monday, October 8, during a special session of the Sangguniang Bayan where he challenged his constituents to have a "showdown of excellence" and to always be the "champion" in the fields of health, education, tourism, environment protection, agriculture and fishery. Falgui, who is serving his first term as mayor, was a former member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Hope in the highlands

By Russtum G. Pelima

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 11, 2007) – "Camping here would be very good, too."

From an altitude more than 3,000 feet above sea level, Governor Migs Dominguez made the impression to the T'boli residents and friends who came along with him and Vice Governor Steve Solon to sitio Datal Basak on October 5.

The group was inspecting the rehabilitated eight-kilometer road now passable to four-wheel vehicles.

At high noon, the road to Datal Basak was foggy, seemingly living up to its former image as bandits' lair.

This village of 166 people is part of barangay Kablacan, a forested area in the 50s; logged in the 70s; and suffered flooding in its lowlands years later.

The barangay experienced a nine-month drought in the 90s followed by grasshopper and rat infestation.

In 1987-1988, the communist movement gained ground in Kablacan "tungod sa bulok nga sistema nga gipatuman sa gobyerno ug sa pagpangdaug-daug sa mga katawhan" ( because of the inefficient system of the government and oppression by some government officials), according to a barangay documentation.

By 1990, "nakita sa mga katawhan nga mi-abuso ang mga CPP-NPA sa ilang mga ginahimo ngadto sa mga katawhan ug wala na nakasabot ang mga tawo sa direksiyon nga ilang gipatuman. Tungod niini, mitukod sila ug usa ka organisasyon nga mosupak sa kalihokan sa mga NPA, mao ang Alsa Masa. " (The CPP-NPA showed abuses among the communities and misled them. So, they organized the Alsa Masa to counter the NPA.)

The story of Nolding Lanon, 32, has also helped in changing the image of the once barren and war-torn highlands.

"Years ago I was with some scores of bandits making trouble in villages here," he recalled. Today Nolding is best performing technician of the Polo Samahang Nayon Cooperative who attends to pineapple growers' needs.

"Finally, we have hope for our highland communities," Gov. Dominguez remarked.

Earlier in the day, Dominguez led local officials in the joint medical mission in Kyumad Elementary School with Dole Philippine's Mahintana Foundation, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Kiwanis Club, and other civic groups.

The school has only five classrooms for the 252 Grade I to Grade VI pupils, with only three teachers.

"We are very happy helping the children here, and we are not here only for the pineapple but we also want to help," said Kevin Davis, general manager of Dole Philippines.

Pupils in Grades I and II received from the mission 147 hygiene kits. A medical check up indicated a lowered rate of soil-transmitted helminths (lukewarm-caused diseases) among the children by 8% compared to last year.

Most of the kids walk three hours daily from home to school.

Teacher Helen Nerpiol said of the place: "It's very difficult." It was her first experience as a teacher to be assigned in one of Sarangani's remotest schools.

From the highway, it takes some 10 kilometers of a rocky, uphill climb to reach the school.

With classroom shortage and inadequate school supplies of pupils, Nerpiol has to split her classes to morning and afternoon sessions to maximize their learning process.

But she said the pupils' number almost doubled with Dole's assistance. Dole has given in chairs and some reading books.

Mayor Jojo Lopez said the municipal school feeding program has started with the distribution of one kilo of rice per pupil daily from the National Food Authority.


With government and corporate people hanging around in these highlands, things are looking up.

"By now, there are nearly 2,000 hectares in Kyumad and Tahakayo planted with pineapple through Dole's growership program," Lopez said.

The national and local government had already poured in up to P38 million for farm-to-market roads, the mayor said.

Lopez said due to his town's economic turnaround, it has earned P160 million worth of investments, livelihood, roads, jobs and money in circulation.

Datal Basak was also being eyed by Dole for strawberry plantation due to its cold climate and elevation. Davis disclosed there would be a demo farm of about 20 hectares to be planted first before the tilling of 150 hectares for strawberry. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Test Driving

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 11, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez test drives a four-wheel drive on the way to sitio Datal Basak. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Officials visit mountain village

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 11, 2007) – From left, front row, Vice Governor Steve Solon and Governor Migs Dominguez pause for a souvenir shot with friends on their way to sitio Datal Basak. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

High noon in the highlands

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 11, 2007) – A vehicle takes a mountain pass 3,000 feet above sea level at high noon towards sitio Datal Basak, a former bandits' lair now being eyed for strawberry production. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Mountain visit

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 6, 2007) – Mountain village kids in far-flung Kyumad Elementary School listen to Vice Governor Steve Solon during a visit by government officials Friday, October 5. Solon and Gov. Migs Dominguez brought slippers, toothpaste, toothbrush, and bath soaps for the children. Due to its difficult terrain and distance, the village rarely gets a visit of public officials in the past. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Glan Foundation Day

GLAN, Sarangani (October 10, 2007) – Vice Governor Steve Solon keynotes the 93rd foundation anniversary of Glan Monday, October 8. Glan is Sarangani's oldest municipality where Cebuano agricultural colonies settled in 1914, eventually planting vast tracks of land to coconut and corn. Glan also stages the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival for the abundance of coconut. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 6

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 5

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 4

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 3

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 2

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

2007 Lubi-Lubi Festival Photo 1

GLAN, Sarangani (October 9, 2007) – Dancers from Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Monday, October 8, on the way to winning 1st Place in the annual Lubi-Lubi Festival street-dancing competition. The same group also swept all minor awards in choreography, performance and costume at Glan's major showcase on its 93 rd foundation anniversary. The dancers have multihued coco-inspired costumes due to the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani public schools turnout rise with free rice

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 8, 2007) – Attendance in public elementary schools improved when the daily ration of one kilo iron-fortified rice per pupil started in September, education officials reported.

Emilia Regua, Food-for-School Program (FSP) provincial coordinator, said majority of the 211 schools province-wide have posted an increase.

The rice allocation was winning the interest of pupils as it "minimizes absences," according to Romeo Saya-ang, Glan district supervisor.

Saya-ang disclosed the food program has pulled up attendance records in his district to a hundred percent since its launching.

"They are not only attending classes regularly but they also come to school early," he added.

Erlinda Andujar, mother of a Grade IV pupil, said her son now has become "much eager" to go to school, especially that he comes home with a rice pack.

Parents in Andujar's neighborhood were encouraging their kids not to be absent from classes because one kilo of rice can already feed the whole family.

Milagrina Caballero expressed her delight that her Grade V daughter is a beneficiary of FSP.

Every packed-rice her daughter brought home in the afternoon was enough for their family of five the next day.

FSP is part of the Arroyo administration's flagship Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program aimed at improving school attendance of children while mitigating hunger among young learners and families thru food subsidy provided that the child goes to school everyday.

In Sarangani province, some 88,855 children benefit from this food intervention undertaking.

Deborah Adrales, Sarangani schools division superintendent, pointed out the implementation of FSP covers all public elementary schools from Grade I to Grade VI.

DepEd-supervised pre-schools within the seven municipalities were included since the province belongs to the "priority one" provinces.

The implementation originally covered 120 school days but what was approved presently was good for 19 days feeding period only, Adrales stressed.

Based on the approved feeding allocation, National Food Authority provincial manager Geronimo Palomo said only 27,563 bags are provided.

This, he said, would cost around P27.5 million at P20 per kilo of iron-fortified rice.

Palomo explained NFA's role was "only to supply" what has been approved. However, he was anticipating for the central office to notify him of the next approved allocation based on the planned 120 school days feeding period.

Education officials said the daily ration of rice was not only anchored on addressing poverty but would improve health and nutrition of school children as well.

DepEd records show that from 65,588 grade school children weighed in this school year, 25 percent were malnourished.

Public schools were now implementing the "gulayan sa paaralan" in partnership with the Department of Agriculture to help improve the health condition of these children. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

Boat ride at marine park

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 8, 2007) – A man paddles as his guests watch over the coral garden of Tuka Marine Park in poblacion Kiamba. The park has four white-sand coves with thick forest cover, and diverse marine life. Old folk used to describe the place as resembling a kalaw's beak (tuka in Tagalog), where coastal management efforts have sustained fish abundance and coral cover. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Swimming gear

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2007) – Colorful beach gear for kids abound in the streets of Glan days before its 93rd foundation anniversary and Lubi-Lubi Festival on October 8. Aside from the bounty coconut and fishery brings, Glan also has a shoreline suitable for resorts. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)