Thursday, August 30, 2007

Sarangani Chamber of Commerce Chairs 5th MunaTo Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 30, 2007) – For the third straight year, the Provincial Government of Sarangani has designated the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. to chair the MunaTo Festival celebrations preparations.

Showing his trust and confidence on the way the Chamber handled the last two festivals in 2005 and 2006, Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez recently tasked the Chamber to again spearhead the preparations in this year's festival, which has been set within the last week of November.

"We are thankful for the trust and confidence of the Governor, but at the same time, are fully aware of the great responsibility and high expectations that have been set on us," said Sarangani Chamber President Alfredo ' Bronx' Hebrona, Jr.

"We shall do our best to continue putting Sarangani on the country's tourism map through the MunaTo Festival," he added.

The term 'Muna To' is an indigenous word meaning 'First People.'

The festival celebrates the discovery of what could be the first wave of civilization in the country as indicated by prehistoric artifacts found in Pinol Cave in Maitum.

The festival is also a celebration of the founding of the province in 1992 and the coming in of the first set of elected officials.

After his first election as governor in 2004, Gov. Dominguez has engaged the private sector in the province as a full partner in pursuing Sarangani's development.

Among the steps he made in harnessing the private sector's energy and potentials is the assignment of festivals such as the MunaTo to the Sarangani Chamber.

The Chamber, then headed by past president Edmundo Cejar, went to implement the third and fourth MunaTo festivals accordingly.

From a simple commemoration of Sarangani's founding in 1992, the MunaTo Festival has evolved into a celebration of the province's people, culture and natural resources.

"We shall be holding events and programs which will highlight the assets and natural endowments of Sarangani. Our long-term goal is for MunaTo to be listed among the country's major festivals being eagerly awaited by Sarangans and tourists alike," said Hebrona.

"While we are again given the task to spearhead this year's MunaTo celebrations, we shall be, like in the past celebrations, ably assisted by the provincial government," he added.
The provincial government shall be providing the seed resources for the celebration, which shall be significantly augmented through sponsorships from the private sector. Gov. Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Solon are the Honorary Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively of the MunaTo Festival Committee. Provincial Administrator Fredo Basino was designated vice-chairman. (Sarangani Information Office)

Harvest Festival


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 30, 2007) – Norberta Sabidor displays her farm products Wednesday (August 29) in barangay Banate as the village celebrates its 9th Harvest Festival themed "Unity and Abundance for Progress". Mrs. Sabidor, 58, was able to send her 10 children to school through her family's fruit and vegetable farms in purok Upper Calinan. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Tuna Festival Opening


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 29, 2007) – Pupils perform a folk dance at the opening of the 9th Tuna Festival Wednesday (August 29) in General Santos City, a week-long celebration coinciding with the 40 th charter anniversary of the city. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tuna Festival dancers


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 29, 2007) – Dancers mimic rowing fisherfolk at the opening of the 9th Tuna Festival Wednesday (August 29) in General Santos City, a week-long celebration coinciding with the 40 th charter anniversary of the city. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani Harvest Festival


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 29, 2007) – Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Solon (left) visits one of the product stalls Wednesday (August 29) in barangay Banate as the village celebrates its 9 th Harvest Festival with a showcase of various farm products. The festival was themed "Unity and Abundance for Progress". (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Poolside of Brod. Louie White Sand and Spa


GLAN, Sarangani (August 29, 2007) – A tourist watches the total lunar eclipse Tuesday (August 28) at the poolside of Brod. Louie White Sand and Spa in Glan, Sarangani where the lunar eclipse is widely visible. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunset at Brod. louie White Sand and Spa


GLAN, Sarangani (August 29, 2007) – Sunset is seen at Brod. Louie White Sand and Spa Tuesday (August 28) in Glan, Sarangani while a lunar eclipse is occurring and widely visible from the resort. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lunar eclipse in Sarangani


GLAN, Sarangani (August 29, 2007) - A lunar eclipse is widely visible from Glan town, Sarangani province in southern Philippines Tuesday (August 28) as spectators view the second total lunar eclipse this year. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, August 27, 2007

New Governor's orientation 2


CEBU CITY (August 26, 2007) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez talks before newly-elected governors about establishing working relationships with key players in his province at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City. The 30-year old governor who is on his second term was one of the speakers during the August 17 "Peer-to-Peer Orientation Program for Newly-Elected Governors" implemented by the League of Provinces of the Philippines and the Local Government Academy, with assistance from the Australian Agency for International Development. (Photo by League of Provinces of the Philippines/SIO)

New Governor's orientation 1


CEBU CITY (August 26, 2007) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez talks before newly-elected governors about establishing working relationships with key players in his province at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City. The 30-year old governor who is on his second term was one of the speakers during the August 17 "Peer-to-Peer Orientation Program for Newly-Elected Governors" implemented by the League of Provinces of the Philippines and the Local Government Academy, with assistance from the Australian Agency for International Development. (Photo by League of Provinces of the Philippines/SIO)

Free lunch in school


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 26, 2007) – Pupils wait for their parents and teachers to serve lunch at Kipalkuda Elementary School. They are so poor that many begin the day without breakfast and most cannot bring a lunch to school. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tom Balatac, 24, Grade I


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 26, 2007) – Tom Balatac, a 24-year old Grade I pupil of Kipalkuda Elementary School, gets help from teacher Floribel Ubando as his much younger classmates wait for their turn. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

24-year old Grade I pupil dreams of becoming a lawyer

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 26, 2007) – "Kasi mahirap talaga ang pobre."
This statement sums up what motivated Tom Balatac, 24, to enroll in Grade I this year.
"Mahirap talaga ang walang pinag-aralan. Naranasan ko na, " said Balatac, single, the third among seven children of a farmer in the upland village of Kamaas.


Balatac walks an hour from his village to Kipalkuda Elementary School in New La Union (population: 1,232), a predominantly T'boli barangay. "Lahat ng mga kapatid ko graduate na sa high school. Ako lang ang hindi naka graduate. Kung may tumulong sa akin baka hanggang college ako," Balatac said. Balatac wishes to become a lawyer someday to help his community.
Despite his T'boli family's owning a 24-hectare farm, their living conditions remain poor and that urged him more to go to school.


Besides, Balatac and several children in Kipalkuda Elementary School have won back interest in schooling due to a school feeding program initiated by an American missionary and his wife.
Daniel Lee Evans and his wife Aurea Desaville set up the Datu Wali Mission Foundation (DWM) two years ago to facilitate education among tribal and poor children. "Education breaks the cycle of poverty," said Evans, 54, a retired executive of Bank of America in San Francisco.
According to the DWM website (http://www.datuwalimission.org/), the students live in the mountains above the school and walk up to four hours each way daily to attend classes. They cross up to seven streams and rivers and, because of that and the rainforest, they arrive at school wet and cold.


They are so poor that many begin the day without breakfast and most cannot bring a lunch to school. Those circumstances make class attendance very challenging and inconsistent.
At the appointed school lunch hour, nearly all of the students begin the long walk home since they have no lunch to eat. Not only does this create high absenteeism, but it demoralizes teachers as their classrooms are mostly empty in the afternoons, the DWM said.
Kipalkuda, which means a horse crossing a river in T'boli dialect, was the former name of this barangay. It was renamed "New" by Ilocano settlers from San Fernando, La Union in Luzon.
"We can't help a lot of people, but by coming to our children, I hope that one day, one of our children decides to come back as a professional and help their own people, and that's when we know our success," Evans said.


The Evans couple has used their family farm to plant vegetables for the T'boli pupils' free lunch program. "We looked at the community and we reached out to our friends back in America, and they are very helpful," Evans said. 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. The municipal and provincial government units have donated school supplies and used clothing too. The program has encouraged children to go to school, marking a 220% increase in enrolment this school year.


There are a number of pupils who are already in their teens. The school today has 349 pupils, compared to 90 in 2004. A DWM truck ferries children to and from school everyday. The kids call it their "school bus." "It's amazing because, while the province has to extend the enrolment of some schools to see their population increasing, our school has more than doubled its enrollees," Evans said. "Our challenge now is providing these children with more chairs and a place (classrooms) to study," Evans said. Mayor Elsie Perrett said the municipal government was looking for funds "to assist the school in giving quality education to our children."
The local government has delivered 16 desks for the pupils. But these were not enough. Some pupils still sit four in a desk instead of two.


Two of Kipalkuda's school buildings need repair and were not safe to be used as classrooms. With only four teachers, Perrett said she has requested the Department of Education to assign more teachers in Kipalkuda."But first of all we have to encourage pupils to come to school and encourage older people to get interested to study and learn," the mayor said. Teacher-in-charge Aura Mirayo's T'boli roots helped convince children to enroll."Sabi ko lahat walang mayaman dito sa inyo. Lahat mahirap. Sabi ko ang solusyon dyan is pag-aaral lang," Mirayo told them. "Kailangan mag-aral kayo. Walang bata o matanda sa pag-aaral as long as gusto ninyong matuto." Kipalkuda Elementary School is now one of the top three performers throughout the municipality.


From the US, Josephine Turner said the Galing Foundation Inc. she's involved in in Atlanta has chosen Kipalkuda Elementary School as its Mindanao pilot community for provision of slightly used and new books and school supplies. The foundation sent a box of books last June and will be sending another box in September. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Friday, August 24, 2007

Flying Fish Packing


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2007) - The product is different from common dried fish because it is half-dried marinated fish. The marinated flying fish has no added artificial ingredient and preservative and one of the best sources of protein and Omega-3 from fish oil, and calcium. A half-kilo pack (shown in photo) costs P60 with 12–15 pieces of whole flying fish ( bangsi). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Flying Fish Drying

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2007) – Jennylyn Peralta, 35, dries flying fish earlier cleaned thoroughly. These half-dried marinated flying fish are preserved with salt and pure coconut vinegar for marinade, blended with garlic, black pepper and natural flavoring. Marinated flying fish is a favorite delicacy and "pasalubong" item from people who visit Maitum. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS

Fishing

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2007) – Jose Mandayag Jr. goes out to Celebes Sea fronting his village, barangay Old Poblacion, early morning and returns after lunch with his catch of flying fish. Mandayag, 33, and scores of fishermen like him ensure the supply of flying fish to the market. Flying fish can be eaten raw ( kinilaw), grilled or marinated and dried. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Rice Coffee


MAITUM, Sarangani (July 13, 2007) – "Cresing's Rice Coffee", made from organic rice and roasted the old-fashioned way, is a new product from Maitum showing that not all coffee comes from a bean. "Cresing's" has also a corn coffee variation that, naturally, tastes corny. A free taste of these and banana chips, tuna chicharon, tinagtag and other products from Sarangani food processors shall be offered to the public during the opening of USWAG Sarangani on July 16 at the Capitol lobby. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Mango forum with Japan firm


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 23, 2007) - Vice Governor Steve Solon talks to Mango growers during the business matching forum of Diamond Star Agro Products Inc., a Japan-based mango importer, with SOCSKSARGEN mango growers Thursday (August 23) at Diamond Head Resort and mango farm in Sitio Pabling, Malandag, Malungon. Also in photo at the panel are (from left) Francis Ledesma, business matching coordinator; Rex Rivera of Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Inc. Association; Rey Mangilit, president of Philippine Mango Industry Development Council; Engr. Nenita Barroso, DTI provincial director; Takayoshi Kitamura, president of Diamond Star and Tetsuji Yukawa, manager of Diamond Star. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Mango biz matching with Japan firm


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 23, 2007) - Vice Governor Steve Solon (extreme right) listens to Rex Rivera (extreme left) of Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry, Inc. Association at lunch break during the business matching forum of Diamond Star Agro Products Inc., a Japan-based mango importer, and SOCSKSARGEN mango growers Thursday (August 23) at Diamond Head Resort and mango farm in Sitio Pabling, Malandag, Malungon. Also in photo (from left) are Engr. Nenita Barroso, DTI provincial director; Rey Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist; Tetsuji Yukawa, manager of Diamond Star; Ben Figueroa, Malungon mango farmers president and Takayoshi Kitamura, president of Diamond Star. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

New Sarangani Board Member


Alabel, Sarangani (August 22, 2007) – Malungon town councilor Julian Neniza takes his oath of office as ex-officio provincial board member before Gov. Migs Dominguez on Tuesday (August 21). Nineza, who represents the Provincial Councilors' League becomes the lone lawyer member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Looking on at extreme right is Vice Governor Steve Solon. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

Schooling in the Barrio


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 22, 2007) – Pupils of Kipalkuda Elementary School in barangay New La Union enjoy going to school Wednesday (August 22) amid a heavy downpour and hours of walking from home to school. They laugh on the way perhaps because their school is supported by the community and the Datu Wali Mission of American businessman Daniel Evans and his wife. The couple has been helping the school for two years, inspiring these children to attend classes and providing them books, a school bus, and free lunch prepared by parents and teachers. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Nature Lover kid

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 22, 2007) – Jocas Tanedo, 9, is in high spirits in the middle of Pangi River in barangay New La Union during a weekend retreat with his family from the hectic city life. Jocas, a Grade V pupil at Don Francisco Dizon Elementary School in Davao City not only conveyed his love of nature but he also finished the 1.6-kilometer whitewater tubing adventure at Pangi River. Pangi River has been recognized as one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines through the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Maitum Crabs


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 22, 2007) – A traveler from Davao City shows a pair of crabs he bought at P125/kilo from a street peddler Wednesday (August 22) in poblacion Maitum. Tourists ordinarily buy food from the public market or peddlers before going to Maitum's picnic grounds, the most popular of which is the whitewater tubing adventure in barangay New La Union. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Monday, August 20, 2007

Education Summit 1


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 18, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez delivers his State of Education Report for the municipality of Alabel during the Education Summit 2007 at the Capitol gym Saturday (August 18) where the governor challenged parents to do their part in imparting basic education to their children. "Education starts at home and the future of your children lies in your hands," he told them. This event is sponsored by Synergeia Foundation children's hour, the provincial government of Sarangani and Department of Education. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Parents Session


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 18, 2007) - Cecile Dominguez of the Conrado Alcantara Foundation, Inc. facilitates a parents' session during the workshop proper of Education Summit 2007 Saturday (August 18) at the Capitol gym. This event is sponsored by Synergeia Foundation children's hour, the provincial government of Sarangani and Department of Education. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Education Summit 2


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 18, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez delivers his State of Education Report for the municipality of Alabel during the Education Summit 2007 at the Capitol gym Saturday (August 18) where the governor challenged parents to do their part in imparting basic education to their children. "Education starts at home and the future of your children lies in your hands," he told them. This event is sponsored by Synergeia Foundation children's hour, the provincial government of Sarangani and Department of Education. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Friday, August 17, 2007

Sec. Yap opens 31M corn facility in Malungon


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 17, 2007) – Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap formally opened a P31-million post harvest facility in poblacion Malungon Thursday (August 16) for planters of corn, the second largest crop in the province.

"We need more of this processing facility in the country to increase our corn produce," Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

The facility was built through the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), a government owned and controlled corporation.

The provincial government put up a counterpart fund of P5 million. A 4,000 square meter lot was donated by the municipal government for the project.

Fifty percent of Sarangani's total 30,000-hectare corn area is located in Malungon.

The facility can complete the process of weighing, classifying and testing, loading, cub drying, shelling, grain drying, bagging, warehousing, and trading.

"It will minimize drying cost and risk of corn damage, thereby minimize losses and produce quality corn," said Mario Apurada NABCOR operations manager for Mindanao.

Sarangani province produces an average of 134,000 metric tons of corn annually, according to the provincial agriculture office.

"We have increased our production, but what we are targeting now is to produce quality corn not only for our local markets," Governor Migs Dominguez told farmers.

Sarangani is one of the three pilot areas identified by DA to increase corn production in Region 12.

Local farmers target at least 50 metric tons of corn to be processed in the facility this year.

DA officials said the country has to produce six million metric tons of corn in 2007-2008.

Yap also turned over a fund of P637,000 for the livelihood enhancement and display center of Alabel town's Rural Improvement Club.

Local schools and poor households received 61 seed packets while local farmers got livestock from DA.

With the efforts of Governor Dominguez, more farm-to-market roads will be built here by the DA.

The province's largest crop is coconut with 76,000 hectares. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)


Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tuna Capital

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 14, 2007) - Workers classify tuna at the General Santos City Fish Port Complex, where fishing boats from Sarangani province also unload their catch. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/COCOY SEXCION)

KALAHI-CIDSS:Government is Partnership

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's flagship anti-poverty program has been turning Sarangani's poor villages into development partners.

"I see here community volunteers working for their identified projects," Social Welfare Usec. Luwalhati Pablo told local officials and students in barangay Lun Padidu Tuesday (August 7).

Pablo was visiting projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) across Mindanao within the week.

Pablo formally opened a Home Economics, Livelihood and Technology Training Center at Lun Padidu National High School on Tuesday.

The training center is one of the self-help projects in Sarangani built through KALAHI-CIDSS, where Pablo is national project director.

"The training center is not only for the students but also for the women and out-of-school youth in order to provide them facilities for training to improve their living," Pablo added.

The P900,000-training center was part of KALAHI-CIDSS' third cycle projects in Sarangani. It can house up to 50 trainees.

KALAHI-CIDSS, a nationwide program of President Arroyo with funding from the World Bank, enables communities and local government units to identify their own projects then build them together.

According to Pablo, Sarangani is the best implementer of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in the country.

For his part, Governor Migs Dominguez said "government is all about partnership."

"Let's put our acts together to achieve success," the governor added.

"KALAHI-CIDSS helps not only us the students but the community," 4th year student Wilbert Seno shared.

Seno said "partnership for me means that we cannot achieve something by doing it alone, but we can do great things by working together with little beginnings."

A classroom building was built here in 2005 during KALAHI-CIDSS' second cycle implementation.

Last week, officials and community volunteers opened a 2.15-kilometer road at Lanao Mafnoh, a B'laan village, where horses used to carry farm products to the town site via a trail.

The road now connects to two other villages reaching out to more than 2,000 households at the town's outskirts.
Malapatan and Malungon towns have been beneficiaries of more than P72 million worth of road projects, water system, and school buildings through KALAHI-CIDSS with community counterparts. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Turn-over of home economics center


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Solon, community representatives and local officials offer a prayer during the formal turn-over of a Home Economics, Livelihood and Technology Training Center Tuesday (August 7). The building is a joint project of the community and local government with assistance from President Arroyo's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program funded by the World Bank. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Home Economics Center

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – Officials signify their support to use and maintain the Home Economics, Livelihood and Technology Training Center Tuesday (August 7) at Lun Padidu National High School. The center is a joint project of the community and local government with assistance from President Arroyo's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program funded by the World Bank. Signing the agreement, from left, are barangay chairman Morsal Latip, town councilor Miller Esparagoza, provincial board member Norberto Butiong, regional project director Zorahayda Taha, national project director and DSWD Undersecretary Luwalhati Pablo, and PTCA chair Loreto Capunong. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

World Breastfeeding


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – The campaign "Sabay-Sabay, Sumuso sa Nanay" marks its 2nd year in the town of Maitum, Sarangani with 120 mothers at barangay Poblacion simultaneously breastfeeding their babies at the town's Maternity Waiting Home on Wednesday (August 8). Other barangays also held a breastfeeding activity simultaneously. Maitum has been implementing its breastfeeding program for 14 years. Mothers were hesitant before because breastfeeding limits their activity but they begin to realize the benefits of breastfeeding. Mayor Elsie Perrett told mothers breastfeeding develops deeper love between mother and child and maximizes bonding. The breastfeeding was part of the Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide Wednesday (August 8) as Filipinos joined other countries in this record attempt on breastfeeding in multiple sites at the same time to cap the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Breastfeeding


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – A mother breastfeeds her baby Wednesday (August 8) in Maitum, Sarangani during the Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide Campaign initiated in the Philippines in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. The World Health Organization has recommended breastfeeding as one of the ways to fight malnutrition and promote child survival. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Baby Louie


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – Analyn Nabat breastfeeds her eight-month old baby Louie Jay during the Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide Wednesday (August 8) in barangay Poblacion as the Philippines joins other countries in this record attempt on breastfeeding in multiple sites at the same time to cap the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mepranum wins again


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2007) – Flyweight Richie Mepranum (right) of Maasim, Sarangani Province jabs challenger Philip Parcon during the Philippine Boxing Federation championship bout dubbed "Bakbakan sa Gensan" under Manny Pacquiao Promotions Saturday night (August 4) at Lagao Gym. Mepranum of the Maasim Mayor Jojo Lopez Stable retained his title via a majority decision and improved his record to 15 wins with four knockouts and no loss or draw. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Bobby Pacquiao awards Mepranum


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2007) - Bobby Pacquiao awards the trophy to Richie Mepranum. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Korea Medical Team 3


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 4, 2007) – Around 3,000 patients avail of free physical examination, dental check-up and extraction, and physical therapy by the 44-person "Hold Out the World Korea Medical Team" at the Capitol gym Friday (August 3). Organizers, through the office of Vice Governor Steve Solon, had to extend the treatment of local residents to three hours to accommodate patients whose number surpassed the 1,000 target. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Korea Medical Team 2


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 4, 2007) – Around 3,000 patients avail of free physical examination, dental check-up and extraction, and physical therapy by the 44-person "Hold Out the World Korea Medical Team" at the Capitol gym Friday (August 3). Organizers, through the office of Vice Governor Steve Solon, had to extend the treatment of local residents to three hours to accommodate patients whose number surpassed the 1,000 target. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Korean Medical Team 1

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 4, 2007) – Around 3,000 patients avail of free physical examination, dental check-up and extraction, and physical therapy by the 44-person "Hold Out the World Korea Medical Team" at the Capitol gym Friday (August 3). Organizers, through the office of Vice Governor Steve Solon, had to extend the treatment of local residents to three hours to accommodate patients whose number surpassed the 1,000 target. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Korean Press Conference


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 2, 2007) - Kim Myoung Shin, head of the 44 Korean delegates of "Hold Out the World Korea Medical Team" talks with media in a news conference Thursday (August 2) about their holding of free physical examination, dental check-up and extraction, and physical therapy for Sarangani patients on Friday (August 3) at the Capitol gym in Alabel. Also in photo are Board Member Art Lawa, Malungon Vice Mayor Benjamin Guilley and Pastor Jun Malon. The Korean medical team is composed of four doctors, eight dentists, nurses and physical therapists. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Winning Piece

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 1, 2007) – Helen Lombos shows her winning piece, the traditional tabih, for the visual arts tilt traditional category at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University on Wednesday (August 1). The Kalinawa Art Foundation founded by businessman David Gilinsky conducts exhibits across the country to help indigenous peoples and their visual arts industry gain international market and audience through the internet. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Traditional Visual Arts Winners

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 1, 2007) – Local artists show their expertise in traditional arts Wednesday (August 1) at the visual arts exhibit and tilt of 46 artists at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University with 1st prize winner Helen Lombos' (3rd from right) B'laan tabih from Lamlifew, Malungon, Sarangani and 2nd prize winner Rose Bantilan (middle) with her traditional B'laan mat. The Kalinawa Art Foundation founded by businessman David Gilinsky conducts exhibits across the country to help indigenous peoples and their visual artists gain international market and audience through the internet. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Hideaway

GLAN, Sarangani (August 12, 2007) – A couple's intimate moments as seen from the spa of Bro Louie Resort and Spa on Saturday (August 11) suits the hideaway feel in the white sand cove of barangay Taluya, Glan which is an hour's drive from General Santos City. Bro Louie has cozy rooms, a function hall, children's pool and open cottages, perfect for breaks with family and friends. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Photo release thru Sarangani Information Office


MSU-HS Batch '89 signs up BAMBOO for Gensan concert

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 4, 2007) – Paris Ayon (2nd from right), president of Mindanao State University-High School Batch '89 Alumni Association, seals the deal with Uchi Gonzales-Arambulo (center), representative of Bamboo Band, to bring the phenomenal Bamboo to General Santos City to play in a concert-for-a-cause on September 4, 2007. The concert is part of the Tuna Festival celebrations. Witnessing the agreement are 89ers officers (from left) Lilibeth Hora, Glenn Gabayeron, Rommel Catolico and Bronx Hebrona. The concert dubbed "BAMBOO One Night Only Live in Gensan" is co-sponsored by Smart Communications and supported by the Sarangani Provincial Governor's Office. Concert venue is at Lagao Gymnasium.

Out-of-school youth classroom



MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 9, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez observes the Alternative Learning System classes for the out-of-school youth Thursday (August 9) at Lun Masla community learning center. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Gov. Migs with pupils


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 8, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez mingles with pupils at the turn-over ceremony of a Home Economics, Livelihood and Technology Training Center at Lun Padidu National High School Tuesday (August 7). The center is a joint project of the community and local government with assistance from President Arroyo's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program funded by the World Bank. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Alternative Learning System


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 9, 2007) – Mayor Aida Singcoy leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) community learning center in Malapatan Elementary School Thursday (August 9). The project is co-funded by the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) with its service provider, Education Quality Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills 2 (EQUALLS2). Looking on are Governor Migs Dominguez (right), USAID and EQUALLS2 officials. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Model of Excellence Pilot School

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 9, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez visits Sarangani's pilot school for Models of Excellence, the P. H. Millona Elementary School, Thursday (August 9) with principal Judith Alba. The provincial government built here a library where international foundation Books for the Barrios donated more than 25,000 volumes of books since 2005. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

USAID briefing


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 9, 2007) – Governor Migs Dominguez (left) briefs Luther Luedtke (2nd from left), president of USAID's Education Development Center; Agnes Reyes and William Potter (3rd and 4th from left), officials of the service provider Education Quality Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills 2 (EQUALLS2), at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) community learning center in Malapatan Elementary School Thursday (August 9). ALS provides basic education to Sarangani out-of-school youth. Malapatan has six ALS community learning centers. USAID and EQUALLS2 support 350 less fortunate youth this year. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sarangani Olympic Team


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 9, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Solon join the 127 athletes of different sports events representing Sarangani during their sendoff Thursday (August 9) for the Philippine Olympic Festival in Cagayan de Oro City on August 13 to 19, 2007. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Board Members League


GLAN, Sarangani (August 14, 2007) – Some provincial legislators of Region 12 take a breather after the successful holding of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines regional assembly Saturday (August 11) in the white sand resorts of Glan where they drew up plans to become one of the "strongest regional leagues" in the Philippines. The assembly adopted Central Mindanao's official battlecry "Abante Rehiyon Dose" as its theme. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

Thank You


GLAN, Sarangani (August 14, 2007) – A resident thanks Gov. Migs Dominguez after the inauguration of the water system project Tuesday (August 14) in Purok Busok, Brgy. Baliton. The project is funded by UNMDP's ACT (Action for Conflict Transformation) for Peace Programme to strengthen peace-building efforts to sustain peace and development in Southern Philippines. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

ACT for Peace Project


GLAN, Sarangani (August 14, 2007) – Gov. Migs Dominguez talks to BAWASA (Barangay Water Works and Sanitation Association) officers after inaugurating the water system project Tuesday (August 14) in Purok Busok, Brgy. Baliton. The project is funded by UNMDP's ACT (Action for Conflict Transformation) for Peace Programme to strengthen peace-building efforts to sustain peace and development in Southern Philippines. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)