Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Yano in Maitum


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 29, 2008) - Eric Gancio (extreme left) of comebacking Yano band finds time to relax with local friends at one of cleanest rivers of the Philippines, the Pangi river, Monday, April 28. Eric and his band performed at barangay New La Union the day before in celebration of the barangay's annual "pista sa kabukiran." Yano is a folk/punk rock band in the Philippines formed in 1993 originally composed of Dong Abay (vocals) and Eric Gancio (guitars). The band got its name from the Cebuano word "yano" which means "simple". Gancio has been reviving Yano as a one-man band with back-up musicians on live performances. He will be releasing a new album, which he described as the fourth Yano album rather than his second album. In 1994, the band's self-titled debut album came out and spawned classic Filipino rock songs such as "Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo" ("Holy Dog, Saintly Horse"), "Tsinelas" ("Slippers") and "Esem" (pun for SM or Shoemart mall). This was followed by a string of successful concerts around the Philippine archipelago. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Isda-isda


MAASIM, Sarangani (April 29, 2008) - Sarangani Bay's bounty of fresh fish is evident along the coastal highway where vendors voice out isda-isda (fish for sale) to passing motorists. This scene Monday, April 28, photographed in Siguel, barangay Tinoto near Sarangani's border with General Santos City, takes places in any fair day. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, April 28, 2008

Abaca planters


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 27, 2008) – Tboli farmers receive abaca planting materials from Vice Mayor Tito Balazon (2nd from right) and Dr. Olympio B. Macarayan (3rd from right), Region XII director of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) during the ceremonial distribution Friday, April 25, under the Isang Bayan, Isang Produkto, Isang Milyong Pisong program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Philippines is the world's top producer of abaca fibre according to FIDA. (Photo by Beth Ramos-Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Winning vs. malaria


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 27, 2008) - Dr. Roberta Romero (standing), vice president of Tropical Disease Foundation, tells local officials and residents in barangay Upo that she was inspired by the drop of malaria in Upo, from 130 cases in 2005 to 9 in 2007. Dr. Romero, who led a team from Global Fund on April 24 to check the progress of Malaria Control Program, promised additional support for the program. (Photo by Beth Ramos-Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani winning fight against malaria

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (April 27, 2008) – In 2005, Maitum town had the largest malaria cases of 555 but dramatically dropped to 58 cases in 2007.

In barangay Upo, Maitum, the 133 cases of malaria recorded in 2005 dropped to nine in 2007 and stands at zero this year.

These "gains" were cited by the Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF) in Sarangani's fight against malaria.

TDF is a Global Fund non-government arm working in the Philippines.
"Global Fund has extended its assistance to 2014 for the rolling and continuing effort to sustain our gains," TDF vice president Dr. Roberta Romero said.Romero led the World Malaria Day celebration here Friday (April 25) with the theme "Malaria: A Disease Without Borders"."We should move from here by integrating and linking our health systems," Romero added.

In August 2005, the provincial government forged partnerships with Dole Philippines' Mahintana Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc., Alcantara Foundation, the National Commission for Indigenous People, PAMET, DepED, Sarangani Community Development Foundation Inc., San Andres Fishing Industries, and other NGOs for malaria control program.
The TDF focused on 25 out of 65 Sarangani endemic barangays. 80% of these barangays are using the Treated Bed Nets (TBNs). From 2004, Dole Philippines' Mahintana Foundation has donated 5,648 TBNs.

"We need all your help for our information campaign to fight the disease," said. Dr. Antonio Yasana, provincial health officer.Yasana said measures to support the malaria control program in the province are the inclusion of the program to school curriculum, adopting a barangay, timely and proper treatment, spraying mosquito-killing insecticide, use of TBNs, strengthening recording and data base system of other diseases, and creation of medical technologist plantilla in the local government.

"Today manifests our global effort to control the spread of malaria worldwide," regional program director Gebie Areen Biron said. "Our fight against malaria can only be won when partners come together."

Considering health as the basic foundation for social development, Board Member Nicanor Ballan, chair of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) health committee, said the SP has passed a resolution for malaria "round 6" implementation in Sarangani.Global Fund has given assistance to 132 countries with HIV, TB and malaria reports. In the Philippines, it has addressed 26 out of 27 malaria endemic provinces through the Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF) since 2003. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Press conference


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (April 25, 2008) – Dr. Antonio Yasana, Sarangani provincial health officer, answers questions from the media during a press conference after the recognition program Friday, April 25. The day is the celebration of the World Malaria Day with the theme "Malaria: A Disease Without Borders" attended by local officials, municipal health officers and funding donor Global Fund. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Recognition

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (April 25, 2008) – On World Malaria Day, Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett (right) receives a plaque of recognition from Board Member Nicanor Ballan Friday, April 25, for effectively implementing the malaria control program and significantly reducing malaria cases in the municipality. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malaria Control Program



GENERAL SANTOS CITY (April 25, 2008) – Dr. Roberta Romero, vice president of Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. hails Sarangani province Friday, April 25, for the effective implementation of malaria control program as she encourages officials and communities to sustain these gains. The day is the celebration of World Malaria Day with the theme "Malaria: A Disease Without Borders" attended by local officials, municipal health officers and funding donor Global Fund. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

World Malaria Day



GENERAL SANTOS CITY (April 25, 2008) – Dr. Antonio Yasana, Sarangani provincial health officer, makes a presentation Friday, April 25, on the gains of the malaria control program implementation in Sarangani. The day is the celebration of World Malaria Day with the theme "Malaria: A Disease Without Borders" attended by local officials, municipal health officers and funding donor Global Fund. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Earth Day


KIAMBA, Sarangani (April 25, 2008) – Town Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta (in polo shirt, right) points to the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea) hatchlings released by members of the Junior Ecologists Movement at purok Mabuhay, barangay Suli. Over 30 newly-hatched pawikan (marine turtle) were released during the World Earth Day observance on Tuesday, April 22. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Olive Ridley


KIAMBA, Sarangani (April 25, 2008) – An Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) crawls towards Celebes Sea after being released Tuesday, April 22, in the coast of barangay Suli on World Earth Day. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Young environmentalists


KIAMBA, Sarangani (April 25, 2008) – Kiamba's young environmentalists do their share of saving the environment in a tree planting activity initiated by the Junior Ecologists' Movement at Falel village during the World Earth Day observance on Tuesday, April 22. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Ukay-ukay (used clothes)


KIAMBA, Sarangani (April 25, 2008) – Residents of Falel village pick their preferred items of ukay-ukay (used clothes) distributed by the Junior Ecologists Movement during the Earth Day celebration Tuesday, April 22. The movement comprised of students from Southern Cotabato Academy, Notre Dame of Kiamba and Kiamba National High School was organized through the concerted initiative of the municipal government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)

Ride to Anggas


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Air Force crew stand by as their passengers – military officials and journalists – attend the 20th foundation anniversary program of barangay Datal Anggas Wednesday, April 23. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Guard

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – A soldier helps secure the perimeter where a village program is underway Wednesday, April 23, in Datal Anggas. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez leads provincial and municipal officials and employees to the far-flung and former rebel-infested village of Datal Anggas by riding a motorcycle Wednesday, April 23. The governor often visits his constituents in remote uplands via dirt bike with his fellow riders and government workers. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village people


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) - Blaan women, unmindful of the heat of the sun, witness the 20th foundation anniversary program of their barangay with some guests from the lowlands. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village guest

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) - Michelle Solon, wife of the vice governor, expresses her amusement at the well-preserved culture and tradition of Blaans living in the area. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan youth

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – The Blaan youth entertains guests with their traditional dance during the 20th foundation anniversary program Wednesday, April 23, of barangay Datal Anggas. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan performers


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – The Dakita dance group performs Wednesday, April 23, during the 20th foundation anniversary program of barangay Datal Anggas, once a village rarely reached by government services and provincial officials due to its difficult terrain and rebel influence. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village token


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon each receive a token from barangay captain Caris Salimama (center) of Datal Anggas Wednesday, April 23, during their visit and in time for the barangay's 20th foundation anniversary. Also in Photo is Lt. Col. Manuel Sequitin, 66th Infantry Battalion commander. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Steve


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) - Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon encourages village residents to plant coffee as he assures them of a ready market. He also promised government's assistance in the fast and efficient delivery of their products to the market by assigning one all-weather truck in this far-flung village. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photo ops


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon are flanked by military and civilian officials with village people Wednesday, April 23, in a photo opportunity at barangay Datal Anggas, the capital town's most remote village. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Vice Gov. on TB

MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon tells the good news to the community Tuesday, April 22, that TB is curable and the local government is doing its best to minimize if not totally eradicate the disease. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TB has a cure

MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 23, 2008) – "TB has a cure," says Dr. Aye Aye Thwin, chief of USAID-Philippines Office of Health, in explaining to the community at Malandag gymnasium Tuesday, April 22, the campaign against TB (Tubercule Bacilli). Thwin and other USAID officials marked April 22 as World TB Day Celebration with the theme "Stop TB: Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko". (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon Mayor


MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 23, 2008) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino urges his constituents to support the local government and non-government organization's campaign against tuberculosis (TB) during the celebration of World TB Day Tuesday, April 22, with the theme "Stop TB: Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko". (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Agreement vs. TB


MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 23, 2008) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino signs the Memorandum of Agreement Tuesday, April 22, for his town's commitment to partner with the Department of Health, Direct Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) Chemotherapy Centers, and Stanfilco division of Dole Philippines, Inc., on the implementation of the TB-Control "TB-DOTS in the Workplace Program". Seated from left are health regional director Abdullah Dumama, Stanfilco general manager Carlito Ona, Mayor Constantino, and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, April 21, 2008

European Commission Ambassador in Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 21, 2008) – His Excellency Alistair MacDonald (extreme right), Ambassador of the European Commission to the Philippines, and party pay a courtesy call Monday, April 21, on Governor Migs Dominguez (right, facing camera) and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon at the Governor's Office. MacDonald graced the opening ceremony of a three-day national workshop in aquaculture in General Santos City that includes aquaculture site visit in Sarangani. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION)

Back from Indonesia


GLAN, Sarangani (April 21, 2008) – Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. talks to Filipino fishermen repatriated from Indonesia during their official turnover to local authorities Monday, April 21, at the mayor's office. The homecoming of 21 fishermen (15 from Sarangani and six from General Santos City), detained in Bitung, North Sulawesi for illegal entry, were returned home aboard three fishing boats thru the efforts of the JAGS-CT (Jose Abad Santos, Glan, Sarangani – Cooperation Triangle) chaired by Mayor Yap. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Bay diving


MAASIM, Sarangani (April 20, 2008) - Divers head to a dive site in Sarangani Bay which is emerging as among the best ten dive sites in the country by the Department of Tourism. The annual Sarangani Bay Festival is slated on May 16-19 to "celebrate and protect its treasures." (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fresh fish


GLAN, Sarangani (April 20, 2008) – This is a common sight in Gumasa beach where residents peddle their newly-caught fish to tourists they meet. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Governor

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 21, 2008) - Governor Migs Dominguez assures Capitol employees of the impending release of the Collective Negotiating Agreement (CNA) signing bonus with Sarangani Provincial Employees Union. The governor issued the "spend wisely" statement during the flag ceremony Monday, April 21, where he encouraged union members to tighten belts despite receiving a partial CNA bonus of P15,000 from the lump sum of P40,000. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rice mill inspection

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 20, 2008) – Members of the provincial food monitoring and enforcement task force led by National Food Authority inspect a rice mill. The task force went on a province-wide inspection of warehouses, rice mills and retailers last week and found out that local production and importation can supply the demand on rice in the province. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Palay dryer


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 20, 2008) – A worker rows palay (unhusked rice) in a drying pavement in barangay Pangi last week during the ocular inspection of the provincial food monitoring and enforcement task force showing adequate supply of rice in Sarangani warehouses. Maitum is one of the top rice-producing towns in Sarangani. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, April 18, 2008

Cave yields breast-shaped potsherd

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – Archaeologists digging test pits inside a newly-discovered cave have found potsherds shaped like a woman's breast and a portion of an elbow, similar to anthropomorphic artifacts found in nearby Ayob Cave in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago.

The five-person team from the National Museum also recovered Wednesday (April 16) human and animal bones at the cave in sitio Sagel accidentally uncovered by quarry workers on April 5.

The team has taken soil samples to further study its alkalinity that could have affected the disintegration of the bones.

"We are digging two test pits, about 78 cm. and 20 cm. deep, but the flooring could still be two meters below," team leader Nida Cuevas said.

"What is there is an academic, cultural, scientific evidence at 'yung mga belief systems kung papaano ni-remember ang mga patay noong una."

Cuevas conducted an archaeological study on the gender signified by the artifacts of anthropomorphic secondary burial jars found in Ayob Cave. These jars are now exhibited at the National Museum.

Some significant features and identifications Cuevas found in the jars are the heads, breasts, teeth, and genitals.

Using ethnographic analogy of the natives in the Philippines and in other Southeast Asian countries, these features determine the gender of the person shaped in the burial jars, Cuevas said.

"Kayo lang dito sa Maitum ang meron magandang ganitong collection," said National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon.

"Religious beliefs and tradition. These are the aspects which we hope to discover that the evidence on the artifacts can provide," she added.
Ayob Cave is about 600 meters away from the newly-discovered cave and both are found on the same hillside in barangay Pinol. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Bones


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – A human or animal bone taken from a test pit inside Sagel Cave is examined by National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon during the second day of excavation Thursday, April 17. Two test pits have yielded potsherds similar to man-shaped artifacts found in another cave in barangay Pinol in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Breast


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – This part of a woman's breast is among the potsherds gathered Wednesday, April 16, from test pits inside Sagel Cave. Also among the potsherds are a portion of an elbow similar to anthropomorphic secondary burial jars found in Ayob Cave in barangay Pinol in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago. (Photo by Elizabeth R. Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cave potsherds

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) - National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon lays down potsherds and human and animal bones collected Thursday, April 17, from test pits inside Sagel Cave. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Media briefing


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – Reporters get a crash course on archaeology from National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon at the Maitum town hall Thursday, April 17. De Leon, who will receive her MA in Archaeology degree from UP on April 27, is part of the five-person National Museum team doing a "preliminary study and assessment" of the newly-discovered cave in sitio Sagel, barangay Pinol. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Sarangani environment center trains students

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 17, 2008) – The Environmental Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC) of Sarangani has extended job trainings to students from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).

"We want to know more about science and learn how to work in a real laboratory," team leader Joshua Dominisac said.

His batch is composed of seven science scholars who are incoming 4th year students of PSHS-Southern Mindanao based in Davao City.

Through a memorandum of agreement, the Capitol-based ECPC and PSHS agreed to foster a training environment based on discipline and output.

The training is part of ECPC's community extension program as the students comply their 20-day Summer Science Internship Program (SSIP).

"We also want to develop teamwork since we have been taught in school to do our assignment in groups," 16-year old Czar Quesada said.

For her part, 15-year old trainee Marielle Olegario wants to "learn more about laboratory techniques because the ECPC has modern laboratory equipment for us to use."

ECPC executive director Jelyn Apura disclosed that last year, a P22-million modern equipment to be used for wastewater analysis and water testing of Sarangani Bay upgraded the center's facilities.

The equipment upgrade enabled ECPC "to cater to more services and wider range of parameters to clienteles."

ECPC's equipment on food analysis can accommodate the 409 food industries in Region XII and tuna producing companies in nearby General Santos City.

The PSHS in Mintal, Davao City is a Department Of Science and Technology-assisted secondary school that provides scholarships to deserving students and aims to produce future Filipino scientists. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

JAGS-CT, Sangihe agreement


GLAN, Sarangani (April 17, 2008) – Ferdinand Wenas, executive director of the Board of Economics and Development in Sangihe Regency, province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, signs as witness Wednesday, April 16, to the memorandum-of-agreement between the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT) and Indonesia for an English Proficiency Program among Indonesian government personnel. Looking on are Glan Mayor Enrique Yap, Jr. (left), and signatories Dr. Nelson Binag, president of the Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College and Professor Siegfred Berhimpon, NUSA UTARA Polytechnic president. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

JAGS-CT cuts language barrier with Indonesia

GLAN, Sarangani (April 17, 2008) – The Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT) and Sangihe Regency in Tahuna, Indonesia forged Wednesday (April 16) a Memorandum-of-Agreement (MOA) on English Proficiency Program (EPP).

Officials said the program aims to cut language barriers and to boost economic activities in international trade.

"I am certain Sangihe will be benefiting from this," said Lalu Malik Partawana, Indonesian Consul General.

"It is our hope that in the near future, the officials would have better English proficiency so they will be more equipped in making Sangihe a more competitive place," the consul said.

The MOA was signed between Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College (SKPSC) president Nelson Binag and Professor Siegfred Berhimpon, director of NUSA UTARA Polytechnic in Tahuna.

The SKPSC will carry out the EPP for 30 participants in Tahuna, Indonesia for two months.

"This is a laudable and commendable project in English proficiency for the personnel in the academic and local government unit in Sangihe, Indonesia," Binag said.

"Since English is the accepted international language in the promotion of trade, investment and tourism, it is incumbent for Indonesia and the Philippines to develop their human resource to be proficient in the English language," Binag added.

JAGS-CT is an economic cluster formed in 2004 by the three neighboring municipalities in Southern region of Mindanao to foster economic relations within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

"This (EPP) is an innovation that the three mayors are dreaming of," Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. said.

"In our quest for development, we need somebody as a partner. We can't survive by our own," the mayor said.

Glan is the province's oldest municipality but the development is "too slow", according to Yap.

"We found out that one of the problems to realize this dream is our language barrier."

"The acquisition of English language competence and skills in the English language is a necessity in all business transactions when we deal with people around the world," Binag said.

SKPSC is a government-run educational institution established in the Philippines by virtue of R.A. No. 6973.

In November 2006, mayors of JAGS-CT towns and officials from Sangihe forged a sisterhood to promote "favorable relations of partnership and cooperation."

The sisterhood pact came in the wake of a trade mission led by Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez to North Sulawesi in September 2006.

The Regency of Sangihe, which is part of North Sulawesi Province, lies between the islands of Sulawesi and Mindanao.

Sangihe is the nearest Indonesian group of islands to Glan. It has 112 islands lying between the bigger islands of Sulawesi and Mindanao. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Cave inspection


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – A research team from the National Museum looks at potsherds Tuesday, April 15, inside a cave in sitio Sagel, barangay Pinol discovered on April 5 by land-owner Saliling Jabel. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pinol residents


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – Residents of Pinol village watch from a distance Tuesday, April 15, as a National Museum team from Manila arrives to do assessment and preliminary investigation of a new cave site with artifacts found there April 5. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Phil. Army guards cave



MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – Troops from the 66th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army guard the mountain-side cavity in a land belonging to Saliling Jabel in barangay Pinol. Quarry workers accidentally uncovered the cave that yielded a half-broken, man-shaped secondary burial jar similar to the Ayob Cave finds. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cave finds


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – Saliling Jabel (right) and brother Abdullah show broken pieces of earthen jars found inside a cave discovered on April 5 at barangay Pinol. A research team from the National Museum arrived Tuesday, April 15, in Maitum to investigate the anthropomorphic jars found there that were similar to the 1991 finds at Ayob Cave. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. at cave


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks to a reporter in front of the cave in barangay Pinoy where artifacts similar to the 1991 find are being investigated by a team from the National Museum. Anthropomorphic jars nearly 2000 years old and associated to the Metal Age were unearthed in 1991 in nearby Ayob Cave. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pinol archaelogist


MAITUM, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) – Women listen as Alexandra de Leon (right), museum researcher I, explains to reporters the purpose of the National Museum team's visit in barangay Pinol. The team's 10-day stay in Maitum is for preliminary study and assessment of a cave in sitio Sagel, Pinol discovered on April 5 to have yielded artifacts similar to those found in nearby Ayob Cave in 1991. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

National Museum team in Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 16, 2008) - The National Museum team from Manila pays a courtesy call on Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme right) at the Capitol in Alabel Tuesday, April 15, before proceeding to Maitum. The team composed of (from right) archaeologist Nida Cuevas, team leader; with members Eduardo Sarmiento, museum researcher II of the Cultural Properties Division; scientific illustrator Eduardo Bersamira; Alexandra de Leon, museum researcher I; and Jonathan Jacar, Sr., museum technician (not in photo) will do a preliminary study and assessment of the newly-discovered cave in barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani. The new site yielded artifacts similar to those of anthropomorphic secondary burial jars recovered in 1991 from a cave also in Pinol. (Photo by Romina Rabina/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, April 14, 2008

Coop election


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 14, 2008) - Regular employees cast their votes Monday, April 14, at the Capitol lobby during the election for directors and officers of the Sarangani Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SEMPCO) where all candidates ran unopposed. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Capitol updates


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 14, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Solon informs Capitol employees during the flag ceremony Monday, April 14, on the waste analysis and characterization study that would carry the waste management advocacy of the province. The vice governor also updated employees that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in the final stage of approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Capitol management and employees' union and the proposed increase of "job order" employees' wages by 10%. In return, Solon encourages employees to serve with "extra effort" in view of benefits they will receive. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Health plan


ALABEL, Sarangani (April 14, 2008) РDr. Antonio Yasa̱a shows to Capitol officials and employees Monday, April 14, the health investment plan in Sarangani Province which Gov. Migs Dominguez presented before a panel of national and international funding institutions in Manila last week. The panel lauded Dominguez for his "comprehensive, straightforward, transparent, and very focused on good governance" presentation. The medium-term health investment plan embodies the four implementation components of the Health Sector Reform Agenda: governance, health financing, service delivery and regulation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)