Christmas party

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 27, 2007) – Mindful of the true spirit of the season, kids present their dance number at a school Christmas party in Kiamba, Sarangani. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/RDA)

SK Chair oath taking

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 21, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez administers the oath of office to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Anecito Lopez III Friday, December 21, at the capitol gym where Capitol employees are celebrating their Christmas party. Standing as witnesses, from right, are Maasim Mayor Anecito Lopez Jr. and Vice Governor Steve Solon (partly hidden). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

CWL caroling

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 21, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez banters with a caroling group of the Catholic Women's League Friday, December 21, at the provincial gym where Capitol employees are celebrating their Christmas party. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

New patrol boat

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 20, 2007) – Mayor Rom Falgui shatters the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the bow of a new patrol boat for the municipal Bantay Dagat as the boat is launched on December 11 to patrol the water environment of Kiamba. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/RDA)

Gift-giving

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 20, 2007) – "Children with Special Needs" or those with disabilities or complex medical needs fall in line as Mayor Rom Falgui distributes their Christmas presents during Christmas Fun Day Tuesday, December 18, at Kiamba Central Elementary School. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/RDA)

Ligation

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) – The Rural Health Unit of Maitum, in partnership with R.O. Diagan Cooperative Hospital based in General Santos City, performed tubal ligation for 16 high-risk mothers recently. Dr. Renato Diagan and staff performed the ligation for high-risk patients or mothers with multiple pregnancy and history of bleeding, and anemic mothers. Tubal ligation is a form of birth control also. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Girl-Mayor

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) - Czarie Anne del Rosario, the town's girl-mayor, receives visitors Tuesday, December 18. The activity follows a municipal ordinance that boy or girl "officials" hold office to provide the youth insights on governance and to develop their potentials as future leaders and enlightened citizens. The "officials", elected thru secret balloting by the youth themselves, held the offices of the mayor, vice mayor, municipal councilors and department heads under the supervision of the true officials. Under the ordinance, every second week of December is a "boy/girl officials' week" in the municipality wherein youth ages 13-17 shall perform the duties and responsibilities of the positions they hold. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Girl-Vice Mayor

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) - Angeline Bautista, girl-vice mayor, opens the 25th regular session of the 15th Sangguniang Bayan in lieu of the regular members. Beside her is Vice Mayor Tito Balazon. The activity follows a municipal ordinance that boy or girl "officials" hold office to provide the youth insights on governance and to develop their potentials as future leaders and enlightened citizens. The "officials", elected thru secret balloting by the youth themselves, held the offices of the mayor, vice mayor, municipal councilors and department heads under the supervision of the true officials. Under the ordinance, every second week of December is a "boy/girl officials' week" in the municipality wherein youth ages 13-17 shall perform the duties and responsibilities of the positions they hold. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Girl-Town Councilor

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) - Diana Ross Mayled, girl-member of the Sangguniang Bayan, stresses a point during the regular session Tuesday, December 18, with guidance from SB member James Ablog. The activity follows a municipal ordinance that boy or girl "officials" hold office to provide the youth insights on governance and to develop their potentials as future leaders and enlightened citizens. The "officials", elected thru secret balloting by the youth themselves, held the offices of the mayor, vice mayor, municipal councilors and department heads under the supervision of the true officials. Under the ordinance, every second week of December is a "boy/girl officials' week" in the municipality wherein youth ages 13-17 shall perform the duties and responsibilities of the positions they hold. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Home for Christmas

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) – Fisherman Sabiniano Bejasa receives from Governor Migs Dominguez the symbolic key to his new house during turnover ceremonies Monday, December 17, with 13 other new homeowners at Mabay Eco-Village, a project started by the late Mayor George Yabes in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga and the municipal and provincial government units. Looking on are Mayor Elsie Perrett, GK project regional coordinator Rene Reita, and Vice Mayor Tito Balazon. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Homes for Christmas

By Russtum G. Pelima

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 18, 2007) – For Sabiniano Bejasa and 13 other new homeowners at Mabay Eco-Village, this is the best Christmas they ever have.

"Karon nakab-ot na nako ang akong pangandoy (Now I already have what I've been dreaming of)," Bejasa said at the turnover of 14 housing units in Mabay Monday, one of which he owns.

Bejasa, 49, a father of six, had always wanted to have a decent house being a marginal fisherman since he was a child.

In all those years, the housing beneficiaries were living by the coast of Purok Malipayon often hit by big waves, but can't move somewhere else because fishing at Celebes Sea is their only means of livelihood.

For all those hard times, he always found his way of borrowing money from friends and neighbors in order to find ways to feed the family, including the purchase of a 6.5 horsepower fishing boat.

Thanks to the bounty of the sea. Sabiniano can sell 20 to 30 kilos of fish or squid to the town market.

But the new home brings him incomparable joy, a feeling he now cherishes with his family and other new homeowner-fisher folk who are as lucky as he is, and as patient as he is. Well, these humble people have actually earned their homes by themselves.

"This is because of your patience and sacrifices," Governor Migs Dominguez, who graced the occasion, said.

"You worked for it, and now you own it while inspiring others to follow your footsteps."

Indeed, Sabiniano had most patiently earned the highest points of working at the village since last year. Nelia Quimsing, the town's social welfare and development officer, said the beneficiaries earn one point for every eight hours work in the Eco-Village.

Sabiniano earned 96 points working with others at the village, not in just one single house, but working also for the others.

It was two years ago, at the time of the late Mayor George Yabes, when the Gawad Kalinga started the Eco-Village in partnership with the municipal and provincial governments.

The village was intended for some 340 calamity-prone families.

"One of the seven pillars of the Couples for Christ is to bring good tidings to the poor through the Gawad Kalinga housing project," GK representative Chito de Guzman said.

"This is the start of development in Maitum and I hope our partners will not get tired of giving us assistance," Mayor Elsie Perrett said.

A Nation's Cry of the Poor (ANCOP), a group of Filipino families in Canada, has donated 30 houses for the Mabay Eco Village.

Sabiniano Bejasa' family and the other 13 family beneficiaries ( Delicia Oyon-Oyon, Celeste Cenon, Francisca Roxas, Augusto Vivero, Felicidad Naason, Eliezer Omila, Juanito Alvarado, Thomas Cuaresma, Ludevico Sedillo, Romeo Fuentes, Loreto Dacutan, Carlito Papalid, and Saturnino Recana) are the village's first beneficiaries.

The Eco-Village is the first resettlement area in the province, according to Governor Domingez.
"We are not just building houses here. We are building a community. Thanks for your sacrifices. You have really inspired us in the government." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Gawad Kalinga houses turn-over

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 17, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives a Christmas message at the turn-over of 14 housing units to the fisher folk community in barangay Mabay Monday, December 17. The Mabay Eco Village would have 125 houses and the province's first resettlement area intended for calamity-affected families, with the assistance of Gawad Kalinga and the municipal and provincial government units. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Gawad Kalinga homes for Christmas

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 17, 2007) – In time for Christmas, Governor Migs Dominguez inspects houses Monday, December 17, in barangay Mabay where 14 units have been built with formal turn-over to the community of fisher folk. The Mabay Eco Village would have 125 houses and the province's first resettlement area intended for calamity-affected families, with the assistance of Gawad Kalinga and the municipal and provincial government units. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Free medicines

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 16, 2007) – Medicines provided by medical representatives are given free at Kipalkuda Elementary School for children treated by Dr. Liza Gonzaga of General Santos City. The doctor did free consultation and medication Friday, December 14, to more than 300 school children. (Photo courtesy of Beth Palma Gil of MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Free medical service

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 16, 2007) – Dr. Liza Gonzaga, an affiliate of Socsargen County Hospital in General Santos City, treats a pupil in Kipalkuda Elementary School while a girl waits for her turn Friday, December 14, in barangay New La Union. Dr. Gonzaga, who has been doing her once-a-month free clinic for years around the region, treated the kids for free with free medicines. Dr. Gonzaga read about the plight of the Kipalkuda kids from the internet and from Atlanta-based Arjho Turner. (Photo courtesy of Beth Palma Gil MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Free lunch

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 16, 2007) – Parent-volunteers prepare lunch for pupils of Kipalkuda Elementary School Friday, December 14, in barangay New La Union. Some kids here are so poor that many begin the day without breakfast and cannot bring a lunch to school. Daniel Lee Evans and his wife Aurea Desaville set up the Datu Wali Mission Foundation (DWM) to facilitate education among tribal and poor children, using their family farm & school yard to plant vegetables for the T'boli pupils' free lunch program. Evans led the feeding program with the parents and the teachers to provide lunch for the children on school days. Parents alternately cook food to keep their children in school. The DWM provides rice, clothing, and transportation. (Photo courtesy of Beth Palma Gil of MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rep. Chiongbian at DPWH

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 16, 2007) – Sarangani lone district Rep. Erwin Chiongbian raises the plaque of appreciation awarded by (from left) district engineer Fernando Santander and regional director Osop Ali of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The congressman and DPWH officials inaugurated the new DPWH building in barangay Kawas Friday, December 14. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

DPWH building inauguration

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 16, 2007) – Mrs. Nancy Chiongbian, wife of Sarangani lone district Rep. Erwin Chiongbian (2nd from right), cuts the ribbon inaugurating the new building of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sarangani engineering district as DPWH officials and employees cheer on. The building was funded thru the Priority Development Assistance Fund of the congressman and constructed under the administration of Fernando Santander, district engineer, and Josefino Melgar Jr., assistant district engineer. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Police community relations

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 13, 2007) – Alleged bandits who surrendered are presented to Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio Jr. (right), police regional director, at the closing ceremony Thursday, December 13, of Police Community Relations Team Training at the provincial capitol gym. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

Pamaskong Handog

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 13, 2007) – Children in barangay Upo sing Christmas carols, with kitchenware as musical instruments, to thank the medical mission organized by the Provincial Barangay Affairs team of Governor Migs Dominguez treats patients in barangay Upo and three other adjacent barangays. The December 10 medical mission – in partnership with the KCC Mall of Gensan, RD Foundation, Golden State College, FPOP, and ABS-CBN – served almost a thousand residents. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical Mission

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 13, 2007) – A medical mission organized by the Provincial Barangay Affairs team of Governor Migs Dominguez treats patients in barangay Upo and three other adjacent barangays. The December 10 medical mission – in partnership with the KCC Mall of Gensan, RD Foundation, Golden State College, FPOP, and ABS-CBN – served almost a thousand residents. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gensan Oval Plaza

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 12, 2007) – The Christmas season in the southern part of Mindanao lights up with Gensan Oval Plaza decked in holiday decors in this photo by Cocoy A. Sexcion of Sarangani Information Office.

Mayor's birthday message

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Mayor Rom Falgui, with son Noel beside him, delivers his birthday message Tuesday evening, December 11, as the municipal government opens the annual light-a-tree program at the municipal kiosk. ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Christmas at the park

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) - Mayor Rom Falgui and Vice Governor Steve Solon kick off the nightly Christmas at the park activities Tuesday evening, December 11, as the mayor celebrates his birthday with his constituents. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Choir

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – The Kiamba Choir poses in Santa costume during a break in the light-a-tree program Tuesday evening, December 11. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tboli dance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – A T'boli lass performs during the light-a-tree program at municipal kiosk Tuesday evening, December 11. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Spectators

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Children giggle as they watch a "monkey dance" performance during the light-a-tree program Tuesday evening, December 11, and Mayor Rom Falgui's birthday celebration at the municipal kiosk. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Light-a-tree

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) - Residents of Kiamba gather at the municipal kiosk Tuesday evening, December 11, to watch the opening of the annual light-a-tree program in front of the municipal hall. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani upland rice museum

MANILA (December 12, 2007) – Herminia Lacna and Rose Bantilan show upland rice packaged in indigenous materials including the tools used in milling rice the traditional way at the launch December 3 of the first village museum in the Philippines at the National Museum in Manila. The museum to be established in Lamlifew village in Malungon, Sarangani will provide information and growing specimen of the dozens of varieties of upland rice that the B'laan have managed to nurture. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE courtesy of Marlene Po)

New covered court for school

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez (right), Mayor Rom Falgui (center) and wife Ma. Fe Falgui (left) cut the ribbon to formally open the newly built P1.2-million covered court inaugurated Tuesday, December 11, at Kiamba Central Elementary School. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/RDA)

National Super Quiz Bee winner

Kiamba, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Dahr Tur Silao, 11, and his coach Margarita Domantay in a photo ops Tuesday, December 11, with Mayor Rom Falgui (left) and Governor Migs Dominguez (right), after winning fifth place in the recent 28th National Super Quiz Bee Championship held in Tagaytay. Silao, a Grade V pupil from Kiamba Central Elementary School SPED Class was the regional representative to the competition of 17 participants from all over the country. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER/RDA)

Computers turnover

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez (right) and Joel Aton (left) of Southern Philippines Power Corp. (SPPC) confer with a teacher Tuesday, December 11, before the turnover by SPPC of 40 computer units to four schools in the municipality. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/JCT)

Pledge of allegiance

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Six New People's Army guerillas prepare to lower their arms after pledging allegiance to the government Wednesday, December 12, before Governor Migs Dominguez, Major General Ernesto Boac, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and Col. Gaudencio Pangilinan, 1002 nd brigade commander. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

NPA surrender

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – New People's Army guerilla Armie Bagyan, 30, hands over his Cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle to Governor Migs Dominguez during his surrender Wednesday, December 12, at the provincial capitol together with five other NPA guerillas. Assisting Bagyan is Colonel Fidel Legiralde Jr., battalion commander of the 66 th Infantry Battalion, while Major General Ernesto Boac (partly hidden), commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, looks on. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Signal of hope from former rebel stronghold

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) - After years of catering to the needs of the New People's Army, residents of Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas shifted allegiance to the government.

In addition, the masses found a new friend in telecom giant Globe.

The former rebel stronghold is a recipient of Globe and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation's BridgeCom sa Bayan.

"This is an unusual community for us to serve since we don't have a cell-site here," said Jeffrey Tarayao, community relations head for corporate social responsibility of Globe.

Sitio Ihan is a two-hour drive from capital town Alabel, traversing a road over mountain ridges and rolling hills.

The only cellular signal is atop a mountain overlooking Ihan.

"We don't limit our programs to places we do business. We want to unlock the potential of this place and work with partner agencies so we can do a lot for the people," Tarayao said.

Seventy-five residents of sitio Ihan participated in a livelihood training of weaving baskets and other ornaments made of rattan and nito conducted by BridgeCom sa Bayan, Conrado Alcantara Foundation (CAFI), the Cottage Industries Training Center (CITC), and the provincial government.

"This program has given us hope and showed us that there is a working government in Sarangani and business organizations who care for us," said Analyn Yuba, 21, a mother of two.

Agfulo Moda, 70, said the program not only gives hope but the government would also earn the trust of Ihan's residents.

Recently, scores of Ihan rebels surrendered to the government.

"This place is now free from rebels. In fact, we have 10 rebel returnees who participated in the livelihood training," said barangay chairman Caris Salimama.

Rattan and nito are endemic plants in Ihan.

"In fact, we consider them garbage since we did not have the capacity to do these things (weaving)," Salimama said.

The participants were trained by members of the CITC to weave baskets and table ornaments. The designs also came from the CITC.

"We chose this remote village after we found out from our partners that this village has the potential in developing community enterprises given the rich local resources of rattan and nito but requires skills development to realize that potential," Tarayao said.

"Although we have given them a design to follow, some participants have innovated and the results are very good," said Fernando Esguerra of Globe's community relations office.

The training included a crash course in entrepreneurship.

Esguerra, with representatives from ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation, CAFI, Sarangani provincial government and CITC spent two nights and three days in Ihan.

The program includes product development and marketing.

"Hopefully next year, we can start buying their products," Tarayao said. "This will not end here. We are their guaranteed market after they can produce their products. In fact if there are festivals that Globe will attend, we intend to display their products," Tarayao added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Weaving with hope

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) - Agfulo Moda, 70, weaves his basket made of rattan and nito as hope comes to sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas with the recent surrender of resident communist rebels to the government. Moda and other participants were trained by Globe and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation's BridgeCom sa Bayan, Conrado Alcantara Foundation, the Cottage Industries Training Center, and the provincial government. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Globe livelihood training graduates

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 12, 2007) – Globe and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation's BridgeCom sa Bayan graduates in sitio Ihan, barangay Datal Anggas proudly show off their graduation certificates and products. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO

Basket training

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 10, 2007) – Former rebels weave baskets made of rattan and nito in a training Thursday, December 6, in barangay Datal Anggas. The livelihood training was conducted by Globe Telecom and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation's BridgeCom sa Bayan in partnership with the provincial government of Sarangani and the Conrado Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CAFI). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Bridging communities

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 10, 2007) - Jeffrey Ochoa Tarayao, head of Community Relations of Corporate Social Responsibility of telecom giant Globe, speaks to trainees Thursday, December 6, in barangay Datal Anggas. He said the remote village was chosen being a former rebel stronghold. Beneficiaries will get further training in product development and marketing. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

from bullets to baskets

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 10, 2007) – Django (2nd from left), Rustom (2nd from right) and fellow returnees show their baskets. Globe and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation brought trainers to them from the Cottage Industries Training Center in Marikina. The training which attracted 75 participants, 21 of them women, also included an introduction to entrepreneurship conducted by ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

From bullets to baskets

By RENE VALENZUELA

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 10, 2007) - For Eufemio 'Django' Diamante, life in past years was spent moving in mountain ridges and rainforests, eluding or watching the enemy pass by.

He was fighting the government as a platoon leader of the New People's Army (NPA) in Alabel's purported no-man's land.

But Django, 32, who surrendered early this year after almost seven years with the communist movement, declared: "I've already seen the light. And it came from the government."

With private sector support, Django and nine other rebel returnees recently participated in a rattan- and nito-weaving training.

The livelihood training was conducted by Globe Telecom and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation's BridgeCom sa Bayan in partnership with the provincial government of Sarangani and the Conrado Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CAFI).

"I'm very comfortable in making baskets (now) instead of dodging bullets," Django said in an interview Thursday (December 6) at Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel.

Sitio Ihan was a former rebel stronghold where Django, armed with either an M-203 rifle or an M-14, led his comrades.

But things have changed in Alabels' farthest barangay, a place that means "plane" (datal) and "spring or source of water" (anggas), where the town's highest peak also lies.

Globe and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation brought trainers to Ihan from the Cottage Industries Training Center (CITC) in Marikina.

"We choose this remote village after we found out from our partners that this village was a former rebel stronghold," said Jeffrey Ochoa Tarayao, head of Community Relations of Corporate Social Responsibility of telecom giant Globe.

"All of us here were either members of the NPA or sympathizers," said 31-year old Eddie Malinao who surrendered this year after being with the communist movement for three years.

Malinao, known as Rustom in the communist movement, said that after years of running from the government, he realized that life will be better if he gives up his guns.

"Life in the movement for me was terrible. We were always hiding during the day and walking at night," said Malinao.

"Now, the government has given us hope here. This is a real program for development which involves our community," Malinao added.

The residents were taught to weave baskets and table ornaments made of rattan and nito which is abundant in the area.

"This is one big project for the people of Ihan," said Datal Anggas barangay captain Caris Salimama.

Residents in Ihan are marginal farmers producing corn, banana and cassava.

"This B'laan and Klagan community was a stronghold of the communist for the past years. The military will not hear a single word from its residents if they asked questions before," said Salimama who had been threatened with death several times by the NPA.

Salimama explained that Malinao and a couple of others he personally know were assigned to kill him.

"Fortunately, I was able to escape a couple of times. Now, they are living a peaceful life here in Ihan, weaving baskets instead of preparing bullets for me" said Salimama with a smile.

Django and Rustom have also been threatened with death by their former comrades.

"It's up to them what to do. But for us, we are very thankful for the government for giving us the attention that we need here in Ihan," said Rustom.

"In all my years with the NPA, I have not felt the change we were fighting for. But with this simple project, the people here have regained the belief that there is a working government for them," Django said.

The training which attracted 75 participants, 21 of them women, also included an Introduction to Entrepreneurship conducted by ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation.

"We want them not only to learn how to weave but also become entrepreneurs as well," said Fernando Esguerra of Globe's community relations office.

Esguerra, with representatives from ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation, CAFI, Sarangani provincial government and CITC spent two nights and three days in Ihan.

They brought along with them raw materials and training manuals for the program.

"Hopefully next year, we can start buying their products," Tarayao said emphasizing that the program will not end with the training but they will also help in product development and marketing.

"I know a lot about guns and bullets. It was what I trained for extensively in the NPA. But these baskets will give me a source of living and is much lighter to carry than guns and bullets," said Django. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

River guides, river guards

By RENE VALENZUELA

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – Step foot in barangay New La Union and hear Pangi River sing. Its serene atmosphere by day and chilling air at night gives this sleepy village a touch of Mother Nature.

It is also home to fierce environmentalists. "Protecting our river is no small feat," said Digs Movilla.

"Pangi River is part of our lives. The people of our barangay depend on the cleanliness of the river," he said.

The community has weathered environmental threats year after year with its people staunchly protecting Pangi River.

Set on an idyllic landscape, New La Union is an ideal retreat for city dwellers tired of the urban noise and pollution.

It offers a tranquil atmosphere where one could just daydream or listen to the gushing river and the occasional songs of birds and insects.

In 2004, with the help of then newly-elected governor of Sarangani, Migs Dominguez, local village leaders started the white-water tubing venture.

Movilla and his partners named it the White Water Tubing Adventure.

The wild ride on tire tubes on the rapids of Pangi River was introduced by businessman Vincent Yabes.

"It was a simple idea. If other places can have rafting, then we will have tubing here on really white and clean water," said Movilla.

The 1.6-kilometer ride lasts for 45 minutes of sudden drops, dodging boulders and enjoying the coldness and white water of Pangi River.

After the governor threw his support by donating life vests, protective helmets and tire tubes, New La Union began attracting local tourists. It also attracted politicians and businessmen who donated tire tubes.

With the opportunity of a tourist spot in sight, the local government of Maitum gave permission to Movilla to operate the White Water Tubing Adventure.

When tourist arrivals sharply increased, Movilla organized a team to become river guides.

"This created the opportunity for our youth and unemployed here in our barangay to earn some money by becoming river guides," said Movilla.

The river guides are locals who know Pangi River like the back of their hands.

"We have lived here all our lives. We know every drop, every corner, trees, and boulders we will pass from the starting point in Itis junction to the dam site where the ride ends," said Jumar Casuga, the first president of the river guides association.

"50% of the tubing fee goes to our guides, 30% to the barangay, 5% for their health insurance, and 15% for the management," said Movilla adding that there are now 27 guides this year compared to five when they started.

A ride costs P100 per person.

"It has given us the opportunity to earn extra income aside from working on our small farms," said Jimmy Tañedo, current president of the association and one of the five original guides.

To date, 31,499 tourists have already visited this place since 2005.

Incidentally, both Tañedo and Casuga won as councilors in the recent barangay elections. Movilla is the newly elected barangay chairman.


"We are fierce in protecting our river. We will be against anybody who will destroy its pristine state. And we mean anybody," said Tañedo.

Pangi River , awarded as the second cleanest river in the country by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran in 2003, has two tributaries-the Itis river and the Luma river.

Several threats against Pangi River have cropped–up in the past years. Several small scale miners who came from as far as Compostela Valley province explored the mountains above the river.

"Some bought their tools and started to extract gold from the river itself. But when they started destroying the riverbank, we sent them home," said Movilla.

Recently, Movilla led a team to Tulad, a T'boli mountain village four hours of trek away from New La Union.

"They are the vanguards of the river. Whatever they do here, it will go down to us in the lowland," explained Movilla. Tulad is located near the Luma River.

The T'boli village of Tulad is part of Kiamba town but is more accessible to Maitum. It has 35 households with total population of more than 250, including children.

"We are protecting the river. In fact, you can see that there is no single house or hut near the river bank from New La Union to Tulad," said Mandy Flang, a resident of the village.

"We have a lot of fish, "ulang" (freshwater prawn) and big eels in our river. We catch them for food but only with methods that do not destroy nature," said Movilla.

He said "kuryente" or fishing with electrical charges has long been banned.

Alarm bells were incessant last year after a local politician allegedly started small-scale mining operations in the mountains of New La Union near Tulad which is believed to be rich in mineral deposits especially gold and copper.

The mountains also host tarsiers, deer, wild pigs, Philippine squirrels and other rainforest creatures. Wild orchids and rare plants can also be found.

"Well, they brought machines and equipments. They dug a tunnel and started operations. We said no. They continued but pulled-out after a while. Now, another one is beginning to bring soil samples from the cave they dug," said Tañedo. "That is why we decided to run in the elections," he added.

Tulad residents trade their goods in Maitum. Their first stop-over is New La Union where their children go to school.

"We depend on them for information if there are any illegal activities in the mountains. They well know that the key to progress in our barangay is maintaining a clean Pangi River," said Movilla.

Pangi River also provides irrigation to a substantial portion of Maitum's rice lands.

New La Union has been featured in several television shows as well as making it to the front pages of national dailies.

Quite a number of foreign visitors and "balikbayans" have already visited the place. Several stayed overnight not wanting to pass the chance to sleep in the resort.

"That is why we really need to be vigilant in protecting our river," said Bernie Pascua, a newly-elected village councilor.

Pascua's family is one of the pioneers of the place. He said he is not any way against development but there must be regulations and rules to be followed.

"It's as simple as this, show us that they will not be destroying New La Union with their project, then maybe we will support them," said Pascua.


Pascua warned that they will be the number one enemy of any project that will pose a threat to the ecology of New La Union. Life maybe slow and simple in New La Union but its people can get fast and furious if Mother Nature is threatened. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

River guides, river guards

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – New La Union's White Water Tubing Adventure guides have vowed to guard Pangi River against illegal activities that may contaminate the river and destroy their watershed. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Pangi River

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – Irrigation dam at Pangi River also serves as the "finish line" of the 1.6-kilometer White Water Tubing Adventure in New La Union. Pangi River was named the second cleanest river in the country by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran in 2003. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Illegal logging sparked fight for watershed

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – This is one of the hundred illegally cut trees found by reporters at the ridge of sitio Datal Ibang in barangay New La Union on October 2002, sparking environmental awareness among residents who stood up to protect their watershed. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/SNR)

SIDEBAR:Illegal logging sparked fight for watershed, river

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – Barangay New La Union caught national attention in 2002 when its residents and barangay council exposed illegal logging in its watershed.

The fiasco started with a community-based forest management (CBFM) project that encroached into New La Union's watershed area, the source of two springs.

The smaller spring supplies water to barangays New La Union, Wali, Pangi and Kiambing. The bigger spring is intended for poblacion and neighboring barangays, and some Kiamba barangays. The bigger spring is capable of discharging 20 liters of water per second.

The New La Union watershed also supplies water for irrigation.

On October 11, 2002, a government team found 100 cut trees by CBFM-holder Zion Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (ZIFAMULCO) in sitio Datal Ibang of New La Union.

Then barangay captain Edgardo del Rosario disclosed that aside from the 100 trees, ZIFAMULCO had cut more or less 241 trees at an area "encroaching New La Union."

Del Rosario asserted that New La Union was just protecting its forest which sustains the watershed.

Reporters who visited New La Union on October 12, 2002 saw freshly cut trees falling on forest vegetation. Some fallen trees were hanging up the branches of standing trees.

Logs were piled by the roadside. Down the road, a bulldozer was cutting the mountainside, pushing topsoil down the ridge. The bulldozer crew was armed. Logs were being pushed down the cliff, destroying vegetation in their path.

Those atrocities were reported to then Secretary Elisea Gozun of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In an urgent move to combat illegal logging in the country with the abusive use of Resource Use Permits (RUPs) – licenses issued by the government to allow the cutting of trees – Secretary Gozun suspended in January 2003 all RUPs, new or old.

RUPs are permits allowing the cutting of trees in areas covered by the DENR's CBFM Agreements, which sought to restructure the once Timber License Agreement (TLA)-controlled timber industry. The CBFM was created in 1995 by then President Fidel V. Ramos as the "national strategy for sustainable forestry and social equity" to address rural-upland poverty, inequity and forest depletion, based on the concept of "People first and sustainable forestry will follow." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

RP-Indon border committee conference

GLAN, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. addresses Indonesian delegates, local officials and Indonesian community in the municipality during the 26th annual border committee chairmen's conference at the municipal hall Thursday, December 6, with Philippine border committee chairman Lt. General Cardozo Luna (2 nd from left) and Indonesia border committee chairman Major General Djoko Susilo Utomo (2nd from right). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Indonesians plant trees in Glan

GLAN, Sarangani (December 6, 2007) – Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. (left) leads Major General Djoko Susilo Utomo (third from left), chairman of the Republic of Indonesia Border Committee(RIBC) to a ceremonial tree planting after the 26th annual border committee chairmen's conference at the municipal hall Thursday, December 6. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Blaan ladies

MALUNGON, Sarangani (December 5, 2007) – B'laan ladies spend leisure time together in the village of Lamlifew where the first village museum in the Philippines is being established. This museum will provide information and growing specimens of the dozens of varieties of upland rice that the B'laan have managed to nurture. The village museum was launched Monday, December 3, at the National Museum of the Philippines, Manila. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani Highlands at night

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 5, 2007) – Enjoy the panoramic view of Sarangani Bay with its cool breeze and sumptuous meals at Sarangani Highlands resort and restaurant. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tinoto sandbar

MAASIM, Sarangani (December 5, 2007) – This sandbar at barangay Tinoto catches the attention of motorists passing the Maasim-Gen. Santos highway. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

South Point Divers

MAASIM, Sarangani (December 5, 2007) – Boats carrying scuba divers speed off from Lemlunay (South Point Divers) resort in barangay Tinoto to Sarangani dive sites, Tampat Wall, Malbang Reef and Tampuan Point. These are only some of Sarangani's dive spots which can compete with the best of the world. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Gutsy Tuason

MAASIM, Sarangani (December 5, 2007) – Renowned scuba diver, photographer and environmentalist Scott 'Gutsy' Tuason prepares to explore the colorful Sarangani Bay and its underwater wildlife during the weekend, jumping off at Lemlunay (South Point Divers) resort in barangay Tinoto. Tuason - the Grand Prize winner at the World Festival of Underwater Images at Antibes, Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society and author of coffee table books - was invited to take underwater pictures in Sarangani for the province's dive tourism promotion. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)