Friday, February 29, 2008

Plantation


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 29, 2008) – A boy walks past Dole Philippines' papaya plantation Friday (Feb. 29) in barangay Atla-e which benefits from the irrigation project of Malandag Communal Irrigator's Association, a Japan-assisted project through Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)- Agricultural Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP-II), the country's largest communal irrigation project with a total cost of P60 million, 30 percent of which is the association's counterpart. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Irrigation


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 29, 2008) – Engineers inspect a section of the 21-kilometer irrigation project Friday (Feb. 29) which benefits more than 500 farmers and supplies water to about 900 hectares of mostly cornfields in the upland barangays of Malandag, Atla-e, Datal Tampal, and Kiblat. The irrigation has enabled farmers to produce crops even during dry season. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Volunteer dentists


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 29, 2008) – Volunteer-members of the Philippine Dental Health Association-Metro Gensan Chapter talk to Vice Governor Steve Solon who joined a medical mission in Malandag Friday (Feb. 29). The provincial Vice Governor's Office facilitates a three-day medical mission during the week. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Medical outreach


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 29, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon (right) visits an on-going cyst surgical procedure by a medical mission team of Dr. Samuel Evans (left) Friday (Feb. 29) in barangay Malandag. The Vice Governor's Office facilitates the three-day medical outreach in the province's remotest barangays. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Dental Outreach


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 29, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon talks to members of the Philippine Dental Health Association-Metro Gensan Chapter who joined a medical mission in barangay Malandag Friday (Feb. 29) in celebration of the Philippine Dental Health Care Month. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/WYT)

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Responsible fisherman


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 28, 2008) – Hopeful of an abundant catch, fisherman Jimmy Labiga puts baits in fishing hooks inside his shack in barangay Suli Wednesday (Feb. 27). The well-protected coral reefs in the seas of Kiamba offer plenty of reef fishes (Isda sa Bato) like Lapu-lapu, Maya-maya, Dalagang Bukid, Biyad among others, as prime livelihood to the small fishermen in the area using the hook and line or pamasol. Thanks to the local government's stiff stance, dynamite fishing, use of fine mesh nets and other forms of destructive fishing were curtailed. (KIAMBA NEWS AND INFO CENTER/ACdeL)

Egg-laying turtle


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 28, 2008) – Unmindful of possible disruption, fisher folk in barangay Suli gather at the coastline to witness the laying of eggs of an Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Wednesday (Feb. 27). Arribada nesting is a behavior found only in the genus Lepidochelys. At many nesting beaches, the nesting density is so high that previously laid egg clutches are dug up by other females excavating the nest to lay their own eggs. (KIAMBA NEWS AND INFO CENTER/ACdeL)

After egg-laying


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 28, 2008) – An Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) slowly departs the shoreline after hours of laying her eggs Wednesday (Feb. 27) in the coast of barangay Suli. The Olive Ridley has one of the most extraordinary nesting habits in the natural world. Large groups of turtles gather off shore of nesting beaches. Then, all at once, vast numbers of turtles come ashore and nest in what is known as an arribada (arrival by sea in Spanish). During these arribadas, hundreds to thousands of female come ashore to lay their eggs. However, not all females nest during an arribada, instead some are solitary nesters. (KIAMBA NEWS AND INFO CENTER/ACdeL)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Kalilangan Festival





GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 27, 2008) - Contingents from schools and barangays try to outsmart each other Wednesday (Feb. 27) during the street-dance competition at downtown General Santos City to highlight the final day of Kalilangan Festival. Kalilangan is from the Maguindanao word "kalilang" which means celebration. Each year, General Santos City celebrates February 27 to commemorate the landing of the city's founder, General Paulino Santos, along with the first settlers from Luzon, at the shores of Sarangani Bay. The late Congressman James L. Chiongbian of the lone district of Sarangani is the father of General Santos City Charter. At the festival, contingents depicted the arrival on February 27, 1939 of 64 Christian settlers and 17 employees of National Land Settlement Administration led by General Paulino Santos. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sarangani celebrates National Arts Month (NAM)

By Gandhi C. Kinjiyo

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2008) - Dressed in colorful tribal costumes, Sarangans (people of Sarangani) from the seven municipalities of the province gathered at the provincial capital Tuesday (Feb. 26) to showcase their different culture, arts and tradition in celebration of the National Arts Month.

Participants from the towns of Glan, Malapatan, Alabel, Malungon, Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum displayed the traditional costumes and dances of Lumads (Indigenous People) and different Moro tribes.

Tribal dances and plays performed by youth participants depicted the way of life, rituals, practices and beliefs of the original inhabitants of the province.

"The gathering entitled 'Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani' provides a venue for the young Sarangans to learn about culture of the people here and appreciate arts as well," said Maribeth Farnazo, program manager of the Indigenous People Development Program (IPDP).

The IPDP, which spearheaded the program, is under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez whose main thrust is the preservation of culture and the arts of the different Lumads of the province.

The IPDP also facilitates the creation of School of Living Tradition (SLT) of the different tribes of the province geared to educate the young IPs in weaving mat, traditional clothes, beads making, making ethnic accessories made of brass as well as performing traditional dances and songs. The cultural experts in the province are tapped as mentors and facilitators in the SLTs.

Majority of the IPs living in Sarangani include Tagakaolo, Blaan, Manobo, Ubo and Tboli with few Klagans. Moro tribes are dominated by Maguindanaon, Samal, and Sangirs. Some Tausugs and Badjaos are found in few coastal barangays.

Farnazo said the affair is in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month and Philippine Arts Festival every February.

Provincial Administrator Fredo Basino and Board Member Arturo Lawa, both belonging to the Blaan tribe, graced the occasion.

Basino lauded the affair as "it opens the door for us to understand who we are." He added that with the event which "reflects and depicts" the culture of Sarangani, "we shall not lose our cultural identity."

Carlos Silva, coordinator of the Philippine Arts Festival from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts was the guest speaker.

Silva related the message of Vilma L. Labrador, acting chairperson of the NCCA which states: "We are certain that 'education through the arts' can empower the Filipinos to create a culture of peace, harmony and understanding towards progress and sustainable development."

He said the NCCA is grateful for all the partners in promoting culture and the arts all over the country. The 'Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani' was supported by the NCCA.

Sarangani province has institutionalized a "Provincial Council for Culture and Arts," as a body that plans and prepares policy for the development of the culture and arts of Sarangani. (GCK/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tinikling


MAITUM, Sarangani (February 27, 2008) – As part of the National Arts Month activities, students dance the Tinikling inspired by the familiar tikling (adept rice-preying birds interpreted into Tinikling), at the Sayawit show Sunday (Feb. 24) at the Maitum town hall. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sayawit


MAITUM, Sarangani (February 27, 2008) – From right, Mayor Elsie Perrett duets with Vice Mayor Tito Balazon in singing the popular Ilocano folk song "Ti ayat ti maysa nga ubing (A young woman's love)", a song that compares the love of a young woman which is "sweeter than jasmine, like a blooming flower in the month of April" from that of an old man "especially when he is senile, is bitter, oh so bitter, it will make you choke." The February 24 show is part of "Sayawit", a conjunction of "sayaw at awit" (dances and songs), a municipal government program that aims to promote tourism among barangays to showcase their respective culture, be it Ilocano, Cebuano, Muslim, Tboli, Tagalog, Cebuano and so on. Sayawit gives the people of Maitum a venue to perform their songs, dances, plays and other disciplines of the arts. Sayawit, which has become a venue for child participation, is held every third Sunday of the month with every barangay alternately hosting it. (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Arts Festival


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2008) - Tboli performers from Kiamba town during the "Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani" celebration of the National Arts Month and Philippine Arts Festival Tuesday (Feb. 26) at Alabel Gymnasium, an event sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the provincial government Indigenous Peoples Development Program and the Lamlifew Tribal Women's Association. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Tboli dance


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2008) – A Tboli couple from Maitum town performs a number during the "Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani" in celebration of National Arts Month and Philippine Arts Festival Tuesday (Feb. 26) at Alabel Gymnasium. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Production number


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2008) – A dance group of Alabel National High School performs during the "Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani" in celebration of National Arts Month and Philippine Arts Festival Tuesday (Feb. 26) at Alabel Gymnasium. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Rice planting


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 26, 2008) РWhile the on-going La Ni̱a episode brings excess rainfall to some parts of the country, farmers in Kiamba seem suited to the weather as they plant rice in muddy water. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Fishing boats


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 26, 2008) - Fishing boats are seen in silhouette as the sun sets, a common sight from the public park of Kiamba facing the Celebes Sea. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Monday, February 25, 2008

Free dental clinic


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 25, 2008) - Dr. Nicanor Ballan, a provincial board member, attends to a school girl during a free dental clinic in barangay Kayupo. The activity Friday (Feb. 22) spearheaded by the Philippine Dental Association - Sarangani Chapter highlights the "Philippine Dental Health Month Celebration" in the province. A free medical consultation was also conducted by the Municipal Health Office. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS AND INFO CENTER/ACdeL)

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Tribal leader


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 23, 2008) – Recognized as makabatug (tribal leader), Vice Governor Steve Solon, with wife, Michelle (seated left behind the vice governor) expresses his deep honor to the Tagakaolos at the opening of the tribal training center in Kityan Friday (Feb. 22). Tagakaolo has a population of 14,000 in the hinterlands of Malungon. The provincial government supports the Kityan School of Living Tradition through the province's Indigenous People's Development Program. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Tagakaolo training center


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon leads the ribbon cutting and inauguration of a Tagakaolo training center in Kityan Friday (Feb. 22) where women make their traditional tribal dress, baskets and beads. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Flower Garden


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 23, 2008) – A Tagakaolo girl collects yellow petals to shower visitors as they arrive at the Tagakaolo training center – a School of Living Tradition (SLT) - in Kityan Friday (Feb. 22). The provincial government runs the SLTs through the Indigenous People's Development Program of Governor Migs Dominguez. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Arrival


MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 23, 2008) – Tagakaolo girls welcome Vice Governor Steve Solon at the Tagakaolo training center – a School of Living Tradition (SLT) - in Kityan village Friday (Feb. 22) where women make their tribal dress, baskets and beads. Tagakaolo has a population of 14,000 in the hinterlands of Malungon. The provincial government supports its SLTs through the province's Indigenous People's Development Program. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Friday, February 22, 2008

School supplies


MAASIM, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Kids receive school supplies from Cecil A. Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, at the ceremonial turn-over of scholarship grant Thursday (Feb. 21) for 142 pupils funded by O.T. Kang Foundation, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Alcantara Foundation. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Scholars


MAASIM, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Elementary scholars pose with Cecil A. Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, after the ceremonial turn-over of scholarship grant Thursday (Feb. 21) for 142 pupils in Maasim funded by O.T. Kang Foundation, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Alcantara Foundation. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

New shoes


MAASIM, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Scholars wear new shoes Thursday (Feb. 21) at the ceremonial turn-over of scholarship grant for 142 pupils funded by O.T. Kang Foundation, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Alcantara Foundation, in cooperation with Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation and Provincial Youth Development Program. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Bags


MAASIM, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Elementary pupils show off their new school bags Thursday (Feb. 21) at the ceremonial turn-over of scholarship grant for 142 pupils in three elementary schools in Maasim. The scholarship grant funded by O.T. Kang Foundation, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Alcantara Foundation included school supplies, bags, and shoes for the pupils. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Muscovado


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Kiamba's muscovado (natural or unrefined brown sugar) goes well for weight maintenance and as well as on the health of those afflicted with diabetes, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority. (Photos by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Coco sugar


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – The coco-sugar takes its flavor from its source, the coconut sap or sweet toddy (tuba) – cooked till jelly, and air cooled to take its solid form. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Muscovado coconut sugar: Health & Wealth

By Russtum G. Pelima

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 22, 2008) – Soon after Eliseo Ganibe Sr. attended a seminar on muscovado coco-sugar, he realized what his son Dexter told him: "Baka magsisi po kayo kapag hindi kayo pumunta" (You might regret it if you don't go).

Looking at his eight-hectare coprasan back home after the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) seminar, he saw things differently.

"Maganda ito dahil maraming materyales na pwedeng gamitin (This is very good because we have the materials to be used)," he recounted. Obviously, Ganibe thought of his coconut trees from the land his father acquired in 1921 and has been the family's farm. Kiamba then was yet a community of Tbolis and a wave of Ilocano migrants.

Ganibe, 65, was immediate to conclude of the livelihood and employment the coco-sugar business can provide to the community.

"Producing muscovado sugar from the coconut is far more profitable than copra, and lesser labor," he said in vernacular. He said his muscovado (natural or unrefined brown sugar) is sold P150 per kilo here, and P450 elsewhere.

Ganibe uses plastic containers in gathering coconut sap from the inflorescence. When the inflorescence is bent, the sap begins to gather inside the container sealed with a screen in order not to permeate alien objects. Then, he would ask a mananggite (coconut wine gatherer) to gather the sap within six hours and cook it right away.

Ganibe has to use firewood in cooking the sap. He also needs a pH gauge to examine the sap's salinity.

"That's why I ask the mananggite to get the sap within five hours so that it won't lapse," he explained. The sap has to be pasteurized or cooked not later than six hours to acquire a pH of 6 which is required in producing the coco-sugar.

The sap or sweet toddy (tuba) turns milkish white in a pan during stirring. When nearly cooked, it becomes reddish and jelly. It is then air cooled where it solidifies and, presto, muscovado coco-sugar is ready to use.

According to the PCA, result of tests conducted on the glycemic index (GI) of sugar obtained from the sap of the coconut revealed a GI of 35 (low). "Low GI food is good for proper control and management of diabetes mellitus and has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol," The PCA said. "It is also good for weight maintenance therefore prevents overweight and obesity."

The PCA report added the PCA is optimistic that this new discovery will make a difference in the lives of million of coconut farmers and as well as on the health of those afflicted with diabetes.

And it seems Ganibe can't stop. He tried on experimenting more from the sap. Those that he gets past the required six hours he still cooks, and comes up with a medicinal coco-juice.

Such a family affair. On the side, his wife Nelly busies herself selling her home-made bukayo and bico using the coco-sugar. Ganibe's eldest, Eliseo Jr., a therapist, tells his patients to drink the coconut juice against high blood and hyperacidity.

According to Dr. Florentino Aquino, once a community doctor here who now works abroad, the coco-juice reduces the body's sugar count while the moscuvado cooked from a seven-hour sap is a cure for insomnia. That's why it is called inverted sugar. Dr. Aquino brought samples of Ganibe's products last year and did his findings abroad.

And more. Ganibe wishes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify an herbal plant the locals call labintanos, which bark he uses in producing his latest discovery, coco-beer, in order to protect it.

Coco-beer. Anyone? (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Kids on educational tour


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) - Arnold Anog (standing, left) of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center shows a brochure of tourist destinations in Sarangani to grade school pupils from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City during an educational field trip Thursday (Feb. 21) inside the Capitol compound in Alabel. (Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Kids with dugong


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) - Grade school pupils from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University gather before a pair of preserved dugong (background) at the Environmental Conservation and Protection Center Thursday (Feb. 21) inside the Capitol compound in Alabel. The endangered sea mammals were found dead in Sarangani Bay in 1997 and 2004, respectively. However, some government officials recently spotted dugongs in the wild, within a cove with sea grass beds in Glan. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

Kids with flying fox


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) – A biologist at the Environmental Conservation and Protection Center explains to grade school pupils from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University about a preserved Giant Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) she is holding. Thousands of the world's largest bat, which can attain a wing-span of over 6 ft. and weigh well over 2.5 lbs., are found in Maitum. Giant Flying Foxes feed on fruits, flowers, nectars and leaves. They are considered as pollinators and seed dispensers. They also have good eyesight for food-hunting at night. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Hot lumber


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) – Mayor Rom Falgui (in red shirt) checks truckloads of lumber believed to be illegally sawn. The suspected hot lumber were confiscated by authorities Wednesday (Feb. 20) at the hinterlands of barangay Lumoyon. Kiamba police Chief Insp. Jaime Dy Chavez attributed the success of their operation to concerned civilians who tipped off police about illegal activities in their area. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Lumber checkpoint


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) – A police officer checks the plate number of a truck seized by authorities Saturday (Feb. 16) for hauling suspected illegally cut trees at barangay Tambilil, Kiamba. The truck driver was identified as James Duhaylungsod and accompanied by Allan "Rashed" Rama who were placed in police custody for proper disposition. Per documents presented, the lumber are owned by Dot and Jojo Salabo of barangay Tablao. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Lumber seizure


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 21, 2008) – Elements from Kiamba PNP and 72nd (IB) F-Coy Philippine Army inspect a truck load of lumber believed to be illegally sawn. The suspected hot lumber were seized by authorities Saturday (Feb. 16) in barangay Tambilil, Kiamba. (Photo by KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Journalism photos


KORONADAL CITY (February 20, 2008) – Photographers and judges Cocoy Sexcion (right) and Harthwell Capistrano select seven best entries in the photo journalism contest Wednesday, February 20, at this week's National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Koronadal City. More than one thousand students and coaches from the country's 17 regions participated in this year's NSPC. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Kid's prayer


GLAN, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) – Pre-school kids of the Little Angel Academy in Glan appear in different states of prayer Monday night (Feb. 18) as they sing a hymn to open a variety show. Pre-schools and day-care centers are vital to early childhood education, which local government units support. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/SNR)

Int'l peace monitors hold medical mission in Sarangani

By Gandhi Kinjiyo

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) – The Malaysian contingents of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) held a medical mission for Indigenous People (IP) in depressed communities Tuesday, February 19, in partnership with the local government.

Around 358 Tbolis from barangays Maligang and Gasi availed of free medical services from the "Joint Medical Mission for Peace".

The activity was sponsored by the IMT for the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)-MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) peace process, the municipality of Kiamba and Kalinaw (Peace) Sarangani Unit (KSU) under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez.

Malaysian doctor Meor Adzary was joined by Dr. Harry Famular from the Department of Health-Region 12 in providing free medical check up.

The IMT medical team brought boxes of medicines that could cater to 600 beneficiaries.

Cough, fever, flu, headache, skin allergy and diarrhea were the common illness among kids, while adults complained of gastritis, flu, body ache, migraine, sleeping disturbance and difficulty in urination.

"The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Malaysian Government provided the medicines and vitamins," said Cmdr. Zainudin Mat Zain, leader of IMT's Site 4.

Zainudin, a colonel, thanked the local government units of Kiamba and the Office of the Governor for the assistance to the medical mission. "This has clearly shown that if we work as a team, we can achieve whatever we have planned before," he pointed out.

Zainudin said the IMT from Malaysia, Brunei, Libya and Japan "were very pleased to see doctors and all medical staff voluntarily coming for work in giving services. Without their support our program today may not be successful."

The IMT is tasked to monitor the ceasefire agreement between the GRP and the MILF while the peace talks is ongoing. The Malaysian government facilitates the GRP-MILF peace process.

With the presence of the IMT for more than two years, there has been a remarkable reduction of incidence of skirmishes between forces of government and MILF. The MILF is the largest group of Moro secessionists in the country.

Governor Dominguez and Kiamba Mayor Rommel Falgui thanked the IMT for their humanitarian mission.

Maligang is one of the 35 Peace and Development Communities (PDCs) of the province. PDCs receive intervention from the Peace and Development Program of the province through the KSU such as seminars on mediation, culture of peace, provision of Tindahan para sa Kalinaw, Botika ng Barangay, and other social services.

T'bolis comprise 95% of the population of both villages with high illiteracy rate among adults. Abaca, corn and copra are the major crops of the two villages. Farming is the major economic activity of the constituents. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/GCK)

IMT medical mission


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20,2008) – Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui (2nd from right) briefs Malaysian Col. Zainudin Mat Zain (right), commander of International Monitoring Team's Site 4, on the local peace and order situation before the start of a medical mission in barangay Maligang Tuesday (Feb. 19). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Malaysian Doctor


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) - Malaysian doctor Meor Adzary from the GRP-MILF International Monitoring Team treats a Tboli woman in barangay Maligang Tuesday (Feb. 19). Around 358 members of the Indigenous People called Tboli from the nearby villages benefited from the "Joint Medical Mission for Peace" sponsored by the GRP-MILF IMT, the municipal government of Kiamba and Kalinaw Sarangani Unit under the Office of the Governor. (Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Medical mission


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) – Malaysian doctor Meor Adzary treats a child Tuesday (Feb. 19) as Governor Migs Dominguez and Malaysian Col. Zainudin Mat Zain (right) look on. The International Monitoring Team conducted a medical mission in barangay Maligang in partnership with the local government. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Medicines


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez inspects a drug bottle during the medical mission of the International Monitoring Team lead by the Malaysian contingent (in military uniform) Tuesday (Feb. 19). (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RCR)

Peace monitors


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 20, 2008) – GRP-MILF peace monitors (in military uniform) and residents listen as Governor Migs Dominguez urges parents to watch over the health of their children and send them to school so that they become community leaders someday. Beside the governor is barangay captain Manuel Lacoy. (Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Monday, February 18, 2008

Two Sarangani finalists in Gawad Galing Pook

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 18, 2008) – Sarangani's outstanding local governance programs on farm learning and indigenous people are finalists in the Galing Pook Awards.

Awarding ceremonies are scheduled in Malacañang on February 28 with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

One of the finalists is Lamlunay Research and Learning Center (LRLC) of Maitum, a 108-hectare facility that maintains nurseries of fruit trees and other crops and distributes seedlings to barangays.

LRLC demo farms use sloping agricultural land technology. Diversified farming systems are also maintained in the center. Through LRLC, a brainchild of the late Mayor George Yabes, the average family income in barangay Upo has continuously increased from P4,000 in 2004 to P7,000 in 2005, and to P10,000 in 2006.

The other finalist is Gov. Migs Dominguez' Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP). The program worked for the acquisition of IP tenurial instruments in ancestral domains, restoration of the cultural heritage and identity of Sarangani IPs.

The program increased participation of IPs in development, and the provision of socio-economic and environmental services in IP communities.

LRLC and IPDP were picked as among the 19 finalists that were evaluated last year.

It is the municipality of Maitum's third straight year in the Gawad Galing Pook.

Unity spurs development

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 18, 2008) – Officials have called for unity among Christians, Muslims and Indigenous People to spur development and economic bustle.

In celebration of Kiamba's 60th founding anniversary on Valentine's Day, Mayor Rom Falgui refreshed the spirit of bayanihan, calling it "Kiambayanihan", to encourage constituents' participation in local governance.

"The history of our hometown's creation, our Muslim and tribal forebears, despite their diversity in language and beliefs, combined their individual efforts to share one common vision which we cherish today," Falgui said.

For his part, Sarangani lone district Rep. Erwin Chiongbian said "this occasion calls to mind the friendship between and among the Muslims, Tbolis and Christian settlers."

"The bayanihan spirit is the time-tested social fiber that binds Kiamba," Chiongbian said.

"The spirit of community and unity has carried Kiamba and her people through six decades of building its own paradise that could be passed on from generation to generation," the congressman added.

Falgui, who is on his first term in office, reported the town has doubled its Philhealth card beneficiaries to 1,500 from last year and carried out innovative programs for agriculture and fishery five times more than the previous years' budget.

Kiamba is now producing abaca fine products, its "One Town, One Product," leading the "one barangay-one processed product" to the market.

Chiongbian also hailed the local government's initiative in tapping its tourism potentials such as waterfalls, eco-tourism potentials, beaches, and a marine sanctuary for snorkeling.

"Together with the sustainable use of our natural resources and the protection of the environment, your efforts to boost tourism shall also contribute to our Kiambayanihan and kagalingan (excellence)," Chiongbian added, "while we continue building our infrastructure projects."

The local government focuses on school infrastructure, farm-to-market roads and bridges sourcing out funds from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Education, according to Falgui.

The "Rom Service sa Barangay" enables the local government to bring social services to the remotest barangays of the municipality for services in health, livelihood and support to peoples organizations.

"If our founders succeeded in building a community from this former forest land, let us by ourselves do no less of coming to light from hunger and lack of opportunity in our own time," Falgui said. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Timpuyog culmination


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) - Residents and visitors pack the municipal kiosk as the week-long Timpuyog Festival 2008 winds up Thursday, February 14. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Mayor's night


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) - Mayor Rom Falgui joins the merriment of residents and visitors during the community night at the municipal kiosk, closing the week-long celebration of Timpuyog Festival 2008. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Fireworks


KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) – The sky lights up above the town hall as thousands gather at the municipal kiosk to watch the fireworks display Thursday, February 14, to close the week-long celebration of Timpuyog Festival 2008. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Vice Gov. Steve


GLAN, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon gestures as he expressed appreciation to the municipal government for building a relocation site for beneficiaries who received the housing project Thursday, February 14. The vice governor pledged to donate one house worth P25,000 and to deploy heavy equipment from Capitol for the road gravelling of the site. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/FFG)

Housing turnover


GLAN, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) – Dodong Icao (left), president of Love Village Homeowners Association, receives from Gemma Rivera, social welfare assistant regional director, the symbolic key of the relocation project from the local government. Looking on during the turnover Thursday, February 14, are (from right) Vice Governor Steve Solon, Mayor Enrique Yap Jr., municipal councilor Ami Yap and other officials. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/FFG)

Housing project


GLAN, Sarangani (February 15, 2008) – Beneficiaries of a housing project by Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. wait for the arrival of guests during the turnover Thursday, February 14, of the relocation project in barangay Calabanit where 62 houses are given to families from a squatters area. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/FFG)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Dancing champs



KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2008) - Students of Notre Dame of Kiamba in their winning performance during the 4th Timpuyog Festival street-dance competition Thursday, February 14, for the grand prize and cash award of P15,000. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)