Thursday, November 29, 2007

6-7 MunaTo Festival Champion



ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Dancers of Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Wednesday, November 28, at the Sarangani capitol grounds to emerge as the 5th MunaTo Festival's champion in the street-dancing competition with a cash prize of P75,000. The winning group from Glan town used multihued coco-inspired gears to showcase the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

1-5 MunaTo Festival Champion






ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Dancers of Glan School of Arts & Trades perform Wednesday, November 28, at the Sarangani capitol grounds to emerge as the 5th MunaTo Festival's champion in the street-dancing competition with a cash prize of P75,000. The winning group from Glan town used multihued coco-inspired gears to showcase the abundance of coconut in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

6 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) - An entire family of five crowds a small motorcycle so they could watch the street dancing competition at the Sarangani capitol grounds. The province is celebrating the 5th MunaTo Festival which coincides with the 15th Foundation Anniversary Wednesday, November 28, of Sarangani Province. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

5 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Mothers do last minute touchup before the street dancing competition during the province's 5th MunaTo Festival which coincides with the 15th Foundation Anniversary Wednesday, November 28, of Sarangani province. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

4 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Street dancers compete for the annual street dancing competition during the province's 5th MunaTo Festival which coincides with the 15th Foundation Anniversary Wednesday, November 28, of Sarangani province. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

3 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Street dancers compete for the annual street dancing competition during the province's 5th MunaTo Festival which coincides with the 15th Foundation Anniversary Wednesday, November 28, of Sarangani province. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

2 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – A street dancing participant acting the role of a pest escapes the wrath of farmers as Sarangani province celebrates Wednesday, November 28, the 5th MunaTo Festival dance competition which coincides with its 15th Foundation Anniversary. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

1 MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 29, 2007) – Street dancers compete for the annual street dancing competition during the province's 5th MunaTo Festival which coincides with the 15th Foundation Anniversary Wednesday, November 28, of Sarangani province. (Photo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Bobby Timonera of MindaNews)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Sarangani Mediation Center


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez confers with Judge Jaime Infante (left) and Executive Judge Delilah Vidallon Magtolis as Judge Oscar Noel looks on during the inauguration of Sarangani Provincial Mediation Center Tuesday, November 27. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Mediation center opening


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – (Front row from left) Executive Judge Delilah Vidallon Magtolis, Justice Teresita Flores, and Governor Migs Dominguez lead the ceremonial cutting of ribbon during the inauguration of Sarangani Provincial Mediation Center Tuesday, November 27, at the national government agency building, Capitol grounds, while Judges Jaime Infante and Oscar Noel look on. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Coco fun


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez teases a coco fun day participant at the Capitol grounds Tuesday, November 27, as the province celebrates its 5th MunaTo Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary from November 23-28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Coco contest


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez checks a participant in a coco fun game during the coco fun day Tuesday, November 27, at the Capitol grounds. The event was organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority and participated in by the Small Coconut Farmers Organization of Sarangani. The province celebrates its 5th MunaTo Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary from November 23-28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tuba


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – The flowing red liquid says so it's "red wine" from coconut sap called bahalina during the coco fun day at the Capitol grounds Tuesday, November 27, organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority in partnership with the Small Coconut Farmers Organization of Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Students at MunaTo Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – Students of Alabel National High School enjoy taking a break after watching games and events at the Capitol grounds. The province celebrates its 5th MunaTo Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary from November 23-28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Coco fight


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – The hardest shell wins in this coconut derby at the Capitol grounds Tuesday, November 27, as Sarangani province celebrates its 5th MunaTo Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary from November 23-28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Coco derby


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2007) – Participants clash their carefully chosen coconut during the coco fun day at the Capitol grounds Tuesday, November 27, organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority in partnership with the Small Coconut Farmers Organization of Sarangani. The province is celebrating its 5th MunaTo Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary from November 23-28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

MunaTo MotoCross




ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2007) – The annual MunaTo MotoCross competition organized by Jopet Tenorio flies high Sunday, November 25, at the Sarangani Sports Complex with participants from across Mindanao riding in the expert division. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Sarangani marks Mindanao Week of Peace


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2007) – Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and Governor Migs Dominguez lead the release of doves and balloons at the flag raising ceremony Monday, November 26, at the Capitol marking the Mindanao Week of Peace in Sarangani. The week-long celebration of the province's 15 th Foundation Anniversary and 5th MunaTo Festival highlights the peace forum during the day. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sec. Dureza in Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez (left) and Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process join capitol employees at the flag raising ceremony Monday, November 26. The week-long celebration of the province's 15 th Foundation Anniversary and 5th MunaTo Festival highlights the peace forum during the day. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tribal kids


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2007) – Kids in colorful B'laan dress welcome Governor Migs Dominguez at the tribal village set up at the Capitol Park for the duration of MunaTo Festival from November 23 to 28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tinagtag


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2007) – Tinagtag, the crisp rice rolls enjoyed for generations, is cooked the traditional way at the Capitol Park's tribal village by Moro women with a little help from Governor Migs Dominguez. The village is a showcase of the MunaTo Festival. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Pearls of Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – The capital town of Alabel wins again the Pearl of Sarangani title with Jessa Timon (center, in red gown) during the pageant night Saturday, November 24, at the Capitol gym. Beside Timon is Abigail Labaniego (in yellow gown), the 2006 Ms. Alabel and Pearl of Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Ms. Alabel is Pearl of Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Alabel's Jessa Timon (center) wins the title Pearl of Sarangani during the Saturday night pageant at the Capitol gym. The 16-year old Timon, who received a P15,000 cash prize, is a 1 st year accountancy student of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. At left is 2nd runner up Sahara Jho Cabreros, 16, of Maitum who received P8,000 cash. Cabreros is a 1st year political science student of Mindanao State University. Febie Grace Pilar (right) of Malungon is 1st runner-up and Ms. Photogenic. Pilar, who received a P10,000 cash prize, is a mass communications student at University of the Philippines-Mindanao. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani's Pearl


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Jessa Timon, 16, emerges for the pageant opening in an all-white parade of costumes depicting the color of pearls and sea foam of the shores of Sarangani. Timon won the Pearl of Sarangani title during the pageant night Saturday, November 24. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Pearls of Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – The capital town of Alabel wins again the Pearl of Sarangani title with Jessa Timon (center, in red gown) during the pageant night Saturday, November 24, at the Capitol gym. Beside Timon is Abigail Labaniego (in yellow gown), the 2006 Ms. Alabel and Pearl of Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Ms. Alabel is Pearl of Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Alabel's Jessa Timon (center) wins the title Pearl of Sarangani during the Saturday night pageant at the Capitol gym. The 16-year old Timon, who received a P15,000 cash prize, is a 1 st year accountancy student of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. At left is 2nd runner up Sahara Jho Cabreros, 16, of Maitum who received P8,000 cash. Cabreros is a 1st year political science student of Mindanao State University. Febie Grace Pilar (right) of Malungon is 1st runner-up and Ms. Photogenic. Pilar, who received a P10,000 cash prize, is a mass communications student at University of the Philippines-Mindanao. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tribal village guests


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Children give special attention to Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon as they visit the tribal village at Capitol Park Friday, November 23, where Sarangani's six major tribal groups -- B'laan, T'boli, Tagakaolo, Kalagan, Manobo, Ubo and Moro – are staging a tribal village and museum during the MunaTo Festival. Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Museum pieces


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Vice Governor Steve Solon (holding a kris) and Governor Migs Dominguez visit the Capitol Park's tribal museum Friday, November 23, where Sarangani's major tribal groups display their products and indigenous handicraft. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Kulintang


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez tries to play the kulintang musical instrument at the Capitol Park's tribal village Friday, November 23, as Vice Governor Steve Solon (2nd from right) and performers look on. Cultural performances which portray traditional dances, songs, chants, musical instruments and other Indigenous People and Moro literature are showcased until November 28. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Pusaka-Kalyak MunaTo Museum


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez signals the opening of the Pusaka-Kalyak MunaTo Museum at the Capitol Park Friday, November 23. The museum showcases the distinct and culture and traditions of Sarangani's six major tribal groups: B'laan, T'boli, Tagakaolo, Kalagan, Manobo, Ubo and Moro. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MunaTo Arcade opens


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2007) – The MunaTo Arcade at the Capitol Park is formally opened by, from right, Board Member Eunice Santos, Vice Governor Steve Solon, Michelle Solon, and Board Member Art Lawa on Friday, November 23. The MunaTo Arcade has a flea market, food alley and nightly entertainment shows. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Pearl of Sarangani


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 24, 2007) – Municipal candidates for the title Pearl of Sarangani are presented to the public Friday, November 23, at the KCC Mall of Gensan. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MunaTo opening at the mall


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 24, 2007) – General Santos City Vice Mayor Flor Congson (center) shares a toast with Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Solon (right) and Governor Migs Dominguez to officially start MunaTo Festival 2007 during its soft opening Friday, November 23, at the KCC Mall of Gensan where a motorcade kicked off towards the Capitol Park. MunaTo Festival runs until November 28, the 15 th Foundation Day Anniversary of Sarangani. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Lamlifew Village Museum launching


The National Museum of the Philippines
The Provincial Government of Sarangani
TAOINC
and
The Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association

Cordially invite you to an evening gathering on the occasion of the launch of

The Lamlifew Village Museum

The first Philippine museum being initiated by our kin
The indigenous B’laan of Sarangani

The Lamlifew Village Museum takes for its topic the numerous varieties of upland rice, which the many villages in the upper reaches of Sarangani continue to propagate. Sample the ten varieties of upland rice of various colors, which will also be available for sale by B’laan women from Lamlifew, Malungon, Sarangani, during this occasion. They will likewise present traditional B’laan songs and instrumental music.

6 in the evening
Monday, 3 December 2007
Cocktails will be served.

Ground level, Museum of the Filipino People
National Museum of the Philippines
(Former) Finance Building, Agrifina Circle, Manila

RSVP (0917) 970-0052 Marlene Po

PGMA declares Nov. 28 holiday in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 22, 2007) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Wednesday, November 28, 2007, as special (non-working) day in the province of Sarangani which marks its 15th Foundation Day Anniversary and culmination of 5 th MunaTo Festival.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Sarangani be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," according to Proclamation No. 1416 issued by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, by authority of the President.

On November 28, the provincial government will hold a 4p.m. culmination program at the provincial gym with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as guest speaker.

The same day is also dubbed as "Araw ng Sarangan" with the Employees Day as the leading activity, street-dancing competition, and Sarangan'To Concert by Parokya ni Edgar at 6p.m., with front act by Migs Band.

The MunaTo Festival kicks off Friday, November 23, with the 2p.m. launch of "Visit Sarangani!" campaign and mall showcasing at KCC Mall of Gensan. At 4p.m., organizers will open the MunaTo Arcade at the Capitol grounds.

Events at Capitol and other Sarangani venues are: November 24 – Sarangani Adventure Tour (7a.m.–5p.m.); mobile passporting ( 8a.m.–5p.m.); and Pearl of Sarangani pageant (6p.m.).

November 25 – MotoCross competition (8a.m.-5p.m.); Mano-a-mano (2-5p.m.); mountain bike adventure (8a.m.-5p.m .); Battle of the Bands (6-9p.m.); and variety show (5-7p.m.)

November 26 – Peace Forum (9a.m.); medical mission & jobs fair (9a.m.); and cheer dance competition (2-6p.m.). November 27 – bike cross, bike trials and dirt jump competition (8a.m.); micro financing forum (9a.m.); coco fun day ( 8a.m.-5p.m.); and Sarangani Mediation Center inauguration (11a.m.). (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Taekwondo


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 22, 2007) - Robert Lapuz (blue) of "Malapatan Waves" delivers a kick to Felix delos Santos (red) of "Maitum Caves" during the provincial athletic meet taekwondo event Thursday, November 22, at Capitol gym. Lapuz won the bout. ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Baseball


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 22, 2007) – Provincial Meet action continues at the Sarangani Sports Complex inside the Capitol grounds Thursday, November 22, with a baseball match between Alabel National High School and Kiamba National High School.
The meet's theme is: "The Power of Sports for Peace and Development". ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Sarangani hosts Philippines' first village museum

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 22, 2007) - The first village museum in the Philippines is being established in the hamlet of Lamlifew, in an interior highland part of the municipality of Malungon, Sarangani.

Initiated by the indigenous B'laan inhabitants of Lamlifew, this museum will provide information and growing specimens of the dozens of varieties of upland rice that the B'laan have managed to nurture — notwithstanding the ascendancy of mono-cropping over the last century.

This rice museum will be taken care of entirely by Lamlifew villagers, including the cyclical planting of the seedlings that they find in their continuing search among the other highland B'laans for even rarer varieties.

This village museum will be launched at 6 p.m. on Monday, 3 December 2007, at the Museum of the Filipino People (Finance Bldg.), National Museum of the Philippines, Manila.

Attending the evening event is one of the project's principal sponsors, Governor Migs Domiguez. He joins the B'laan women who are coming to Manila from December 1–10, to introduce the Manila public to their museum and to the wealth of rice culture preserved by the B'laan.

The launch of the Lamlifew Village Museum at the National Museum is a symbolic demonstration of the support by a national cultural agency of a village-based cultural initiative.

According to Marian Pastor Roces, the independent curator who introduced the Lamlifew B'laan effort to the National Museum, the launch signals a new kind of trusteeship.

Instead of centralizing the idea of caring for and interpreting cultural materials exclusively at the national level, the Lamlifew Village Museum moves towards decentralization.

This direction will mean that eventually, it will be understood that the most effective custodians of local cultural and indeed even scientific heritage, are to be found at the village level.

Roces finds it impressive that the Lamlifew Village Museum will have its own institutional identity separate from any national or even regional agency; and equally impressive that the National Museum's Director, Corazon Alvina, recognizes the vitality of such an initiative.

Lamlifew is an unusual village in that, in its quiet, unhurried ways, it has been a catalyst for tradition-sensitive change.

A few years ago, Lamlifew women formed themselves into a association, and set about establishing an enterprise based on traditional beadwork and weaving.

They eventually registered themselves with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, likely becoming the first such formal entity instituted by a Philippine indigenous group.

They were assisted by yet another rare agency: the Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP), created by the Provincial Government of Sarangani as acknowledgement of the provincial profile: more than half its population consists of indigenous peoples.

The IPDP staff, many of whom are B'laan themselves, have made it a point to provide assistance that encourages and allows for independent action on the part of villagers.

Such independent action is embodied in the Lamlifew Women's Association, now strong enough to undertake a museum project.

It was the IPDP that first introduced the Lamlifew women's association to Roces, president of TAO INC - a museum planning agency.

By conceptualizing the village museum project, she is thus bringing together the wishes of the Lamlifew women's association; and the advice, oversight, and technical support of the IPDP.

Assisting Roces with the launch, fund-raising, project implementation and promotion/sales of Sarangani B'laan upland rice is Marlene Po, indigenous peoples (IP) advocate and cultural worker

For information on this project, please contact TAO INC, at 8163726, Room 206, LaO' Centre, 1000 Makati Avenue corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. For invitations to the December 3 museum launch or details about B'laan upland rice, please contact Marlene Po at (0917) 9700052. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Volunteers bring education, health services to isolated village

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 22, 2007) – For the first time, residents of a hinterland village have received education and health services from an 80-person team of local, national and international agency partners.

"This is the most we could do for the people here," said Harrieta Naungayan, community organizer of International Aid after her group gave shots of vaccine against measles to 32 kids in sitio Tulad and Banate.

Naungayan, along with barangay officials of New La Union and representatives of the municipality of Maitum and the Department of Education (DepEd), braved river-crossings and rains in a four-hour trek just to reach the villages.

"Mahirap makarating dito, but we are trying to give them the services they need," said Naungayan.

In the November 12 visit, the Altenative Learning System (ALS) of DepEd also graduated 45 T'bolis from the program.

Aura Mirayo, teacher-in-charge of Kipalkuda Elementary School in New La Union handed over the certificates of graduation to ALS beneficiaries.

"We want to give education to everyone," said Mirayo, who addressed the students and the community in T'boli language.

ALS is a program of the national government which aims to give basic education to people who don't have ready access to schools.

"Nalipay mi na naa ang ALS. Ang uban sa amoa, kabalo na musulat ug mubasa," said Miga Sulan, a 40 year-old housewife who graduated from the Level Two of ALS.

Level One students are taught preparatory lessons while Level Two students learn writing, reading and mathematics.

"Unta magpadayon ang programa sa gobyerno sa paghatag ug edukasyon sa mga layo ug gipuy-an, " said Diosdado Dagang, program instructor of ALS in Tulad and Banate.

"I let them choose the schedule of our classes since most of them have to work in the fields," said Dagang who is being paid by the program P3,000 for 200 class hours.

Those who graduated from Level Two are now eligible to take a placement test to determine what grade they can enroll in the formal school.

"I would really like to see the day that all our people in the hinterlands can read and write," added Mirayo who is a T'boli herself.

Several of those who graduated brought their children to a chapel converted by MATCH personnel into a makeshift clinic where kids and adults were given vaccines and medicines.

MATCH - Maximizing Access To Child Health - is a project of the International Aid and the United States Agency for International Development. It aims to improve health services for children less than five years in the first district of Sarangani.

Its objective is to reduce diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, and malnutrition, the formation of care groups and strengthen barangay health stations through community organizers who will deal directly with the households of the three municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum.

"We will try to give them the services they need. Nakita man nato ang sakripisyo sa pag-adto pa lang diri ," said Digs Movilla, barangay captain-elect of New La Union brought along with him other newly-elected barangay officials.

"Problema diri tubig ug skwelahan. There are several springs nearby and the river is near but we still have to look for donors of water-pipes so we could build a water system for them," said Movilla.

Movilla emphasized the importance of vigilance among people of Tulad towards the environment.

"Whatever they do here, it will go down to us in the lowlands, especially with the river. Sa kanila nakasalalay ang kalinisan ng Pangi River," said Movilla.

Pangi River is the site of the famous White Water Tubing Adventure of Sarangani. It was cited as the second cleanest river in the country by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran in 2003.

"Tulad", which means picture in T'boli, is part of the town of Kiamba. However, Tulad kids go to school in Maitum since it is more accessible. Their voters are also registered in Maitum where the nearest markets are. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

MunaTo Head


MAITUM, Sarangani (November 21, 2007) – This is one of the complete burial jars found at Pinol Cave in Maitum where MunaTo (unang tao) derived its name for the MunaTo Festival. MunaTo is also a vernacular term for "the first people". In 1992, the archaeological find of burial jars dating back 2,000 years ago unearthed artifacts that are now on exhibit at the National Museum. The MunaTo Festival on November 23-28 is a provincial celebration which culminates at its foundation anniversary on November. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Fabli Gu Ni in Manila


MANILA (November 20, 2007) – A B'laan lady oversees Fabli Gu Ni ("I am selling this" in vernacular) trade bazaar in Manila Sunday, November 18. Fabli Gu Ni in Manila showcased products indigenous to Sarangani made by B'laan, T'boli and Tagakaulo artists. The trade fair also sold Sarangani products like bagoong, alamang, rice and corn coffee, banana chips and the like. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/MLS)

MunaTo trade fair positions to increase investments

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2007) - This year's MunaTo Festival would provide a better venue to support the aggressive promotion for the province's investment and tourism potentials, organizers said.

Engr. Nenita Barroso, director of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center, said although the celebration on November 23-28 will highlight the cultural heritage of the province, "the impact of this would be observed in the increase of demand of local products and of the province's tourism industry."

The yearly trade fair, coined as Fabli Gu Ni, a B'laan term for "I am selling this," would be a come on activity for visitors to buy and patronage Sarangani products, Barroso said.

Fabli Gu Ni promotes products of the province's micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and from other regions in SOCSARGEN like processed food, handicraft and other services.

Among these are the OTOP (One Town One Product) of the province and the seven municipalities which Barroso said would push a promotion campaign to market local products to the region and even outside the country.

Barroso was confident the trade fair would do better this year as she reported this early that 30 booths allotted for exhibitors were already confirmed.

Additional booths were reserved to accommodate more exhibitors.

Fabli Gu Ni opens on the first day of MunaTo Festival on November 23 at the MunaTo Arcade which would host food chains, manufacturers, and service providers from Region 12.

Provincial Meet


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2007) – Vice Governor Steve Solon joins municipal athletes at the Sarangani Sports Complex inside the Capitol grounds Wednesday, November 21, for the opening of the Provincial Athletic Meet. The meet's theme is: "The Power of Sports for Peace and Development". ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/JCT)

No. 1 in development


MAITUM, Sarangani (November 21, 2007) – Mayor Elsie Perrett (4th from left) and Governor Migs Dominguez (center) flash the Number 1 sign together with Maitum's local officials and 19 barangay captains who have taken their oath of office Monday, November 19, and affirmed to lead Maitum as No. 1 in development. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum mass oath-taking

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 21, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez administers to the 19 elected barangay captains of Maitum their oath of office Monday, November 19, at the municipal gym. The mass oath-taking was also held for the Sangguniang Kabataan officials. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Petron school


GLAN, Sarangani (November 20, 2007) – This is the three-classroom, fully furnished school handed over by Petron and USAID executives Monday, November 19, to Hadji Musa Elementary School in barangay Kapatan and the whole community. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MunaTo Festival presscon


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 20, 2007) – Vice Governor Steve Solon presides over a news conference Tuesday, November 20, about the events lined up for the MunaTo Festival on November 23-28 and the province's 15th Foundation Anniversary on November 28. With the vice governor, from left, are festival chair Alfredo Hebrona Jr., president of Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Engr. Nenita Barroso, director of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center; and LandBank branch head Efren Villanueva, member of the festival steering committee. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)