Sarangani indigents get free surgeries from UST doctors

By Russtum G. Pelima

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – A thousand indigent patients were undergoing major surgeries such as cyst, cataract, goiter, uterus, and dental operations here in a week-long medical mission starting Friday, May 30.

The University of Santo Tomas Medical Mission Inc. (USTMMI) has called for its alumni to join its largest medical mission, reaching out to Sarangani's poorest of the poor.

And 82 doctors and medical staff of USTMMI arrived from Manila at the General Santos City international airport Friday (May 30).

UST alumni working in General Santos City Doctors Hospital and Sultan Kudarat Doctors' Hospital in Kiamba joined the medical mission.

"We are very grateful for your coming," Mayor Rom Falgui told the USTMMI medical team.

"Most of our patients are our indigents whom we really prioritize to get this once-in-a-lifetime medical assistance," the mayor said.

The medics have turned Kiamba Central Elementary School into a virtual hospital where patients were diagnosed, operated on and accommodated during their recovery period.

Dr. Renato dela Cruz, Mayor Falgui's cousin, convinced his colleagues to conduct the mission after seeing the health needs of Kiamba.

"We always try to reach out to our poorest of the poor through our medical missions," mission head Dr. William Olalia said.

Dr. Olalia's team is composed of 26 surgeons, 15 anesthesiologists, three orthopedic surgeons, and the rest are nurses and medical technologists.

The team set up an operating room for 10 operating tables. Classrooms were used as wards for the patients and billeting quarters for the medical staff.

In a pre-screening conducted by General Santos City Doctors Hospital headed by administrative director and UST alumnus Daniel Yap, USTMMI has to perform 50 major operations and at least 200 minor operations from the recorded 500 patients screened last April.

Among them is Nicasia Pertubal, 84, who will undergo an extra capsular cataract extraction on her right eye by Dr. Dante Tamondong Eugenio, a UST alumnus serving at the Sultan Kudarat Doctors' Hospital.

Mayor Falgui has earlier sought to strengthen Kiamba's health programs through expanded immunization program against filariasis, rabies, tuberculosis, malaria and the rest of the top 10 causes of morbidity.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been contributing to health outcomes of Kiamba and its neighboring towns of Maitum and Maasim through International Aid's Maximizing Access to Child's Health (MATCH).

The MATCH project provides training for barangay health workers, with basic medical equipment. The town has two hospitals and a health center, catering health services for its 53,000 populace whose main livelihood is fishing and farming. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wireless media center

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – Local government media workers use wireless connection in an assigned mess hall at Kiamba Central Elementary School to move their photos and stories to news desks Saturday, May 31. The school turned into a virtual hospital as the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. started May 30 its week-long medical outreach for indigent patients in town. (Photo by Allan de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS AND INFORMATION CENTER)

Supply Room

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – A medical staff arranges medical tools in a classroom-turned-supply room at Kiamba Central Elementary School. A week-long medical mission by the University of Santo Tomas Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) for indigent patients in town has turned the school into a hospital. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Operating Room

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – A math classroom becomes an operating room with doctors setting up ten operating tables for the week-long medical mission by the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) for indigent patients at Kiamba Central Elementary School. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rom in OR

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – Dr. Renato dela Cruz performs a cyst operation as Mayor Rom Falgui (right) observes Saturday, May 31, in a classroom-turned-operating room. A week-long medical mission by the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) for at least a thousand indigent patients in town has turned Kiamba Central Elementary School into a virtual hospital. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dr. William Olalia

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 31, 2008) – Dr. William Olalia (2nd from left) and Dr. Renato dela Cruz (2nd from right) perform an hernia surgery Saturday, May 31, in a classroom-turned-operating room at Kiamba Central Elementary School. A week-long medical mission by the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) for at least a thousand indigent patients has turned the school into a virtual hospital. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Visitors from Pampanga

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon admires a token from Pampanga social workers in a courtesy call Friday, May 30. It is a souvenir item made from the actual volcanic ash of the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The group of social welfare officers led by Lucia Gutierrez, Pampanga provincial social welfare and development officer, are on a visit to Sarangani's child-friendly municipalities to observe their best practices. They are also visiting Sarangani's indigenous communities and tourist attractions. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pampanga visitors in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – Social workers from Pampanga get last-minute instructions from river guides Thursday, May 29, before taking the 1.6-kilometer river tubing adventure in barangay New La Union. The group of social welfare officers led by Lucia Gutierrez, Pampanga provincial social welfare and development officer, are on a visit to Sarangani's child-friendly municipalities to observe their best practices. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

UST Alumnus

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – Dr. Dante Tamondong Eugenio from Sultan Kudarat Doctors Hospital and alumnus-member of the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. makes an eye check up on 84 year-old Nicasia Pertubal who suffers a matured cataract on her right eye. She is scheduled for surgery Saturday, May 31. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Screening

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – A thousand patients queue at the covered court in Kiamba Central Elementary School Friday, May 30, for screening and check up for major surgical, ophthalmologic and dental operations by the 82-person University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc.. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical check up

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – A goiter patient is diagnosed by a medical staff from the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) Friday, May 30. The 82 doctors and medical staff of UST-MMI are joined by UST-MMI alumni medical practitioners from General Santos City Doctors Hospital and Sultan Kudarat Doctors Hospital in the week-long medical mission initiated by Mayor Rom Falgui. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Head of medical mission

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 30, 2008) – Dr. William Olalia (center), head of the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI) who arrived Friday morning, May 30, converts a classroom in Kiamba Central Elementary School into an operating room for major surgeries on a week-long medical mission in town. With the 82 doctors and medical staff joined by UST alumni medical practitioners from General Santos City Doctors Hospital and Sultan Kudarat Doctors Hospital, UST-MMI brings its largest medical mission ever to Kiamba for major surgical, ophthalmologic and dental operations. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Falgui with UST medics

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 30, 2008) – Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui (2nd right) guides members of the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Incorporated (UST-MMI) during their arrival at the General Santos City international airport Friday, May 30. With 82 doctors and medical staff, UST-MMI brings its largest medical mission ever to Kiamba to address the indigenous communities' need for major surgical, medical, and dental operations in a week-long mission. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

UST medical mission arrives

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 30, 2008) – Members of the University of Santo Tomas - Medical Mission Incorporated (UST-MMI) pose upon arrival at the General Santos City international airport Friday, May 30. With 82 doctors and medical staff, UST-MMI brings its largest medical mission ever to Kiamba to address the indigenous communities' need for major surgical, medical, and dental operations in a week-long mission. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

10 Japan-funded classrooms open in Sarangani

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 29, 2008) – Completion of the Japanese government's grant of a 10-classroom building timely responds to Malapatan National High School's (MNHS) need to replace old classrooms ruined by flashfloods.

The two-storey MNHS building was inaugurated in a new site to provide better learning environment for the students this school year.

"When I saw the old building that the school has been using despite being declared unsafe, I can imagine the difficulties the students and teachers had to go through," Shinichi Kakui, First Secretary of the Economic Section of the Embassy of Japan, said during the inauguration ceremony Wednesday (May 28).

"I then understand why you have to use the school's kiosks and stage as alternative classrooms to accommodate the growing number of enrollees yearly," Kakui said.

"With the new building at hand, MNHS can now accept more enrollees and provide better learning environment for the students,"

The project has a total cost of P8.5 million. P4.4 million came from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and the rest are counterpart funding from Sarangani provincial government and the local government of Malapatan.

"As such more students from Muslim, Blaan indigenous group and Christian communities in the impoverished barangays of Malapatan can now be accommodated," the Japanese official said.

"I hope that this project will contribute to the strengthening of friendship and deepening of understanding between our two people," Kakui said.

For his part, Governor Migs Dominguez said "we always struggle for development."

"We have to make investments in education and our human capital," Dominguez added.

Mayor Aida Singcoy reported that MNHS's annex high schools in far-flung villages of Kihan and Kinam also need similar infrastructure.

Kinam and Kihan are among interior barangays of Malapatan where residents have to walk for long distances or ride a horse to bring their products to the town site. For the youth, attending school in MNHS downtown everyday by foot is impossible.

Among the province's seven municipalities, Malapatan has mostly received externally-assisted projects such as from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and from the national government's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) through road constructions and school buildings.

"For the children of Sarangani, we need more and more classrooms," Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Trading post turn over

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett (center) signs the turn-over documents of the Maitum Trading Post Wednesday, May 28, as Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon (left), Engr. Ginalyn Fe Cachuela of the SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project-Project Management Unit, and Vice Mayor Tito Balazon (right) look on. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum Trading Post

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 29, 2008) – The Maitum Trading Post, one of several buildings rising at the town's public market complex, is ready for occupancy. The project is funded under the SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project-Project Management Unit of the national government and the municipal government in the total amount of P3,748,149. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Inauguration

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 29, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks before officials, market vendors and residents Wednesday, May 28, at the inauguration of Maitum Trading Post, one of the new buildings inside the town's public market complex. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Welcome dance

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Students of Malapatan National High School perform a Maguindanao Kadsadayan Ensam dance, a festival dance to welcome local officials and Japanese Embassy delegates headed by Shinichi Kakui, First Secretary, Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy during the inauguration of the Japan-funded two-storey, 10-classroom school building at Malapatan National High School. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School from Japan

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Local officials and a Japanese Embassy delegation headed by Shinichi Kakui, First Secretary, Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy, inaugurate Wednesday, May 28, this two-storey, 10-classroom school building. The building at Malapatan National High School comes from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Humanity Security Projects (GGP) with total project cost of P8.5 million. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of hope

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Shinichi Kakui, First Secretary, Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy, gives a message of hope to the people of Malapatan during the inauguration of the two-storey, 10-classroom school building in Malapatan National High School from Japan. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Keys to quality education

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives the "keys to quality education" to Mayor Aida Singcoy (2nd from left) from Shinichi Kakui (extreme right), First Secretary, Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy during the inauguration Wednesday, May 28, of the school building for Malapatan National High School from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Humanity Security Projects. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Japanese flaglets

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Children wave Japanese flaglets at the school grounds of Malapatan National High School Wednesday, May 28, during the inauguration of a Japan-funded school building. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor thanks Japan

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez delivers a message of gratitude to the delegates from the Japanese Embassy for assisting the province's investment in human capital and education. Officials inaugurated Wednesday, May 28, a two-storey, 10-classroom school building from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Humanity Security Projects. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

National Flag Day

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 28, 2008) – The Provincial Capitol of Sarangani celebrates National Flag Day Wednesday, May 28, with early morning simultaneous flag-raising with seven flags representing Sarangani's seven municipalities. The occasion leads to the commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Visitors from Tacloban

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his wife Councilor Cristina G. Romualdez are received by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) and Governor Migs Dominguez (right) at the latter's office Monday, May 26. Mayor Romualdez holds a pasalubong mat woven by Blaan women who are showcasing indigenous handicraft at the Capitol lobby. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tabih weaver

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Tabih weaver Arsenia Vicente, 48, shows her mastery of weaving the tabih cloth made of abaca fiber at the Capitol lobby Tuesday, May 27. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Indigenous showcase

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Helen L. Lumbos, 38, keeps in touch with her family in the Malungon uplands as her group of women artists showcase indigenous handicraft at Capitol lobby Tuesday, May 27, to celebrate the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Heritage keeper

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Masinden Tumandan, 68, a Blaan master culture mat weaver from Upper Lasang, Sapu Masla, Malapatan weaves mats in keeping the tradition alive for future generations of the indigenous people and not for the monetary value the handicraft could bring in this showcase Tuesday, May 27, at the Capitol lobby in celebration of the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Heritage month

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez mingles with Capitol employees and the Blaan and Tboli tribal groups, the largest tribal groups in Sarangani, during the flag ceremony Monday, May 26, as the province celebrates May as the National Heritage Month. The theme for this year is "Philippine Epics" and the events are being held under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kids with Gov.

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Tboli kids of Badtasan tribal dancers from Kiamba town usher Governor Migs Dominguez to the front row before the group makes a dance number during the flag raising ceremony Monday, May 26, at the Capitol. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Philippine epics

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – May is the National Heritage Month. The theme for this year is "Philippine Epics" and local events being held under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are celebrated by Capitol employees with Tboli kids from Badtasan village of Kiamba town. Different tribal groups join the flag raising ceremony Monday, May 26, at the Capitol. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal dancers

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Capitol employees enjoy watching and taking pictures as a group of young Tboli girls from barangay Badtasan, Kiamba town, performs at Capitol in celebration of the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Scholars

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 23, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez presents to Capitol officials and employees on May 19 some of the 36 graduates (background) of the provincial government's scholarship program. It is a grant to poor but deserving students thru the Paaral Para Sa Sarangan (PPSS). (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Graduate

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 23, 2008) – Ronilyne Grace Faunillan hugs her mother Rosemarie during recognition rites at Capitol on May 19. Faunillan, who finished BS Nursing, is one of the 36 scholars of the provincial government who graduated this year. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani graduates 36 scholars

By BEVERLY PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 23, 2008) – The provincial government's scholarship program posted 36 graduates this year with six cum laude graduates and one with honors.

This is the biggest batch yet since the program started five years ago.

Capitol officials see the continuous grant of scholarship privilege to poor but deserving students thru the Paaral Para Sa Sarangan (PPSS) as an investment for the province's human capital.

The scholarship program started with 20 scholars in school year 2002-2003 with a budget appropriation of P100,000. Up to this school year, PPSS has grown to 183 scholars with budget needs of almost P3 million a year.

PPSS' now has 79 total graduates both in baccalaureate and technical courses.

PPSS program convenor Vicente Camacho III said the program was initiated purposely to provide financial support to underprivileged students who want to pursue higher education.

"The widening gap between poor but deserving Filipinos every year hinders opportunity for them to have affordable education," Camacho said.

With the program, he said, requirements for high literacy rate in this province would be addressed and eventually would "create a lot of potentials here."

Meantime, he said the total number of students who have availed of the collegiate educational assistance is below the desired number to be addressed. But Camacho said there have been good results already in the impact of the program.

"We cannot compete with the actual number of students who need to be assisted but we can always provide impact even a little to the over-all goal of educational development of the province," Camacho said.

Governor Migs Dominguez said the scholar-graduates this year discredit the notion that poverty is a hindrance towards quality education and success.

"We have just proven to ourselves that nothing is impossible," he told the scholars. He added that more people would be inspired by the graduates.

Sarangani government, he said, is "a government that cares for its people."

Provincial administrator Fredo Basino challenged the graduates to help the local government address poverty incidence in Sarangani, the 4th poorest province in the country according to the 2004 poverty estimates of National Statistical Coordination Board.

"We expect you to rally behind us in combating poverty and become soldiers for development," Basino said.

PPSS started in 2002 from a very simple concept based on experiential learning process.

"We did not come up with a highly categorized concept for its mechanism. We learn from what we are doing and we are able to improve the mechanics, system and the application of the program as we went on," Camacho explained.

Starting next year, Camacho said PPSS would start engaging into resource accessing to tap other organizations and foundations offering scholarships.

Camacho pointed out that the number of applicants and financial requirement per student is increasing yearly and program funds are limited.

Camacho is also planning to initiate an alumni homecoming for the graduates within the year for him to keep track on their career development.

"Others have migrated from Sarangani while others have landed into local employment both in government and private institutions. But I don't see a jobless scholar," Camacho noted. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

Smart People

GUMASA, Glan (May 23, 2008) – Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. (2nd from right), businessman Marfin Tan (5th from right), provincial officials and Smart Communications executives take a photo ops at White Haven Beach Resort in Gumasa during the inauguration of Smart Communication's cellsite. The occasion matched the celebration of the May 16-18 Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach party in Mindanao during the summer. The cellsite area is located in Barrio Langit (heaven) overlooking the white sand resorts of Gumasa. The new facility is a 2G GSM cellsite. SmartBRO Plug IT post paid and prepaid services are now available in these coverage areas: Gumasa, boundary of Cablalan, boundary of Taluya and part of poblacion Glan. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SMART Inauguration

GUMASA, Glan (May 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks before guests at White Haven Beach Resort in Gumasa during the inauguration of Smart Communication's cellsite. The occasion matched the celebration of Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach party in Mindanao during the summer. The cellsite area is located in Barrio Langit (heaven) overlooking the white sand resorts of Gumasa. The new facility is a 2G GSM cellsite. SmartBRO Plug IT post paid and prepaid services are now available in these coverage areas: Gumasa, boundary of Cablalan, boundary of Taluya and part of poblacion Glan. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gumasa online

GUMASA, Glan (May 23, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez speaks before guests at White Haven Beach Resort in Gumasa during the inauguration of Smart Communication's cellsite. The cellsite area is located in Barrio Langit (heaven) overlooking the white sand resorts of Gumasa. The new facility is a 2G GSM cellsite. SmartBRO Plug IT post paid and prepaid services are now available in these coverage areas: Gumasa, boundary of Cablalan, boundary of Taluya and part of poblacion Glan. The cellsite inauguration matched the celebration of Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach party in Mindanao during the summer. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Villagers pin hope in baskets

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - After months of perfecting their craft, members of Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) have sold out their first baskets to telecom giant Globe which initiated a nito and rattan weaving project in barangay Datal Anggas in December 2007.

"This is a dream come true. We now have a livelihood project for the people living in this remote barangay," said barangay chairman Caris Salimama in a press conference Tuesday (May 20).

SILA members sold 17 baskets to Globe which used it for corporate giveaways and displayed various products made of nito, rattan and bamboo at the press conference.

Jones Campos, head of Globe public relations, said that Globe is bent on helping communities develop entrepreneurial and livelihood skills across the country.

Sitio Ihan was a former rebel stronghold during the height of the communist movement.

At the village last December, 75 of its residents participated in a livelihood training of weaving baskets and other ornaments made of rattan and nito conducted by Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) program, Alcantara Foundation Inc., the Cottage Industries Training Center (CITC), and the provincial government. Ten of the trainees were former members of the New People's Army.

"The provincial government of Sarangani will help in linking their products to potential markets," said Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

Globe has also committed to buy some of SILA's products and even find a market for them.

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

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

"Their products will not only be sold but the story behind it will also be told," said Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation.

Globe had brought some of the weavers to Metro Manila for further enhancement of their skills.

"I realized in there (Metro Manila) that what we throw, burn and treat as garbage has value. The nito and rattan in our community will now be protected," said Salimama who added that they burn or cut rattan, bamboo and nito to give way to other crops.

"SILA has still a long way to go but they have partners who are willing to support them in this endeavor. We believe that with everyone's full cooperation, SILA would eventually reach its goal of becoming a fully-established woven handicrafts business," said Esguerra in a press statement.
"Hopefully, this genuine desire to progress from conflict and poverty would motivate others to follow suit and use what we have done in Datal Anggas as an inspiration," added Esguerra. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Waeving

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left), Alcantara Foundation Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez (right) and Mayor Corazon Grafilo of Alabel (2nd from right) learn how to weave a nito basket from members of Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) during a showcase of their products Tuesday, May 20. SILA members are creating handicraft made of rattan and nito through the program of Globe BridgeCom, Foundation Inc. and the provincial government of Sarangani. Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Products

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (left) and Fernando Esguerra of Globe community relations office appreciate the various handicraft made by members of the Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA). Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Nito baskets

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - Members of the Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) show guests the process of making nito baskets during a showcase of their products Tuesday, May 20. SILA members are creating handicrafts made of bamboo, rattan and nito through the program of Globe BridgeCom, Alcantara Foundation, Inc. and the provincial government of Sarangani. Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Globe, gov't. & ex-rebs weave as partners

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – The Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) program has credited the efforts of the local government of Alabel for partnering with Globe in training former combatants to make a living.

Globe BridgeCom, the integrated corporate social responsibility program of Globe Telecom, has trained 40 residents of Sitio Ihan in basket-weaving.

The project kicked-off in October 2007 with Alcantara Foundation Inc. as Globe's local partner.

Sitio Ihan of Datal Anggas village is a former rebel-infested area. Scores of New People's Army rebels from Datal Anggas have pledged allegiance to the government.

In the plaque of appreciation awarded to the village, Globe conveyed its gratitude to Alabel for sharing in the "mission of transforming and enriching the lives of Filipinos thru corporate social responsibility program."

Globe said in the citation it would "continuously bridge hope to Filipinos by enhancing education, strengthening entrepreneurship and sustaining the environment."

Alcantara Foundation Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez said the project is "really to give opportunity to the residents of Sitio Ihan, Datal Anggas."

She said the opportunity that comes along with it is the message that "when there is peace, there is progress" which depicted the transformation of Sitio Ihan from a formerly rebel-held area.

"Ang magandang nangyayari po dito sa Ihan ay nagpapakita na kung may kapayapaan ay may dumating na kalambuan. Sigurado kami na after this marami pang magagandang mangyayari at dumadating na progress sa ating bayan sa Datal Anggas kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan," Dominguez told barangay and municipal officials at Alabel's flag ceremony Monday (May 19).

The basket weaving project, according to Dominguez, is a long-term engagement that would not only provide new skills to the residents of Sitio Ihan but would also provide them experience and learning on entrepreneurship.

"It bridges a community towards greater opportunities and newer opportunities," She said.

She said after ten of the 40 beneficiaries went to Manila for an intensive training last month, they are now back to Sitio Ihan to start developing their products.

Dominguez said when their products are ready, the Alcantara Foundation will then start marketing their products outside the province.

"Right now we're at skills perfecting component. When they have perfected their skills then we are ready to market their products," Dominguez added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

Sarangani on diabetes alert

By BEVERLY PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – Medics and Capitol officials have launched a diabetes alert in Sarangani due to the growing cases of the "silent disease" in the country every year.

Representatives from Multicare Pharmaceuticals, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists and from Sarangani Provincial Health Office performed a free blood sugar screening for Capitol employees and residents Monday (May 19).

The screening coincided with the launching of the Diabetes Alert Program, a value added service of Multicare Pharmaceuticals to make people aware that "diabetes is a very serious disease," said Edwin Butiong, Multicare district manager.

"Right now our thrust is to have the people informed about diabetes," Butiong stressed.

Dr. Anthony Canda of General Santos City Doctors Hospital described diabetes as a "serious, costly and silent disease" and warned that people should be careful with their daily food intake and do regular exercise.

"We do not tell you not to eat but to have dietary modification like low sugar and low fat meals." Canda said.

He said in the Philippines, cases of diabetes have been increasing yearly.

While in the United States, Canda said, diabetes is the 6th leading cause of deaths.

When a person reaches 45 years old, Canda said they should subject themselves to a test especially that Asians are prone to this disease.

The diabetes program in Sarangani is the fourth that Multicare has conducted in Mindanao. It was first launched in Tagum, Davao Del Norte then in Compostela Valley Province and North Cotabato.

Later on, Butiong said his firm will bring the program down to the seven municipalities of Sarangani like what they are doing in the first three provinces.

Butiong said their team in South Mindanao is the pilot district in the Philippines but after their management saw the need to elevate the program to the national level, they will initiate the campaign starting this year to districts of Multicare in Cagayan de Oro and anywhere in the country. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

1st prize (Open Season)

This photo titled "Bangsi dancers" by Cocoy Sexcion is 1st Prize winner in the Open Season Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. The "Bangsi (flying fish) dancers" are among the street performers during Maitum's Bangsi Festival in January.

1st prize (Shootout)

This photo titled "Flash of smile" by Ferdinand Estrella is 1st Prize winner in the Shootout Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. The grinning girl is drying marinated bangsi (flying fish) at the shores of barangay Old Poblacion. The marinated bangsi is Maitum's One Town-One Product (OTOP).

2nd Prize (Open Season)

This photo titled "Pangi River diving" by Cocoy Sexcion is 2nd Prize winner in the Open Season Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. The photo location is at the wild water river-tubing resort in barangay New La Union.

2nd Prize (Shootout)

This photo titled "Ani ng bayaning walang boses" by Cocoy Sexcion is 2nd Prize winner in the Shootout Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. Maitum has wide tracks of rice fields with abundant supply of water all-year round.

3rd Prize (Open Season)

This photo titled "Wild, wild and wet" by Jesus Tinapay is 3rd Prize winner in the Open Season Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. The photo location is at the wild water river-tubing resort in barangay New La Union.

3rd prize (Shootout)

This photo titled "Paghahanda" by Shem Longakit is 3rd Prize winner in the Shootout Category of the Maitum Safari Photo Contest during judging and awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. Maitum's fisherfolk supply fish to the local market and in General Santos City.

1st prize

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 21, 2008) – From left, Mayor Elsie Perrett and contest organizer Beth Ramos-Palma Gil award the 1st Prize to Cocoy Sexcion holding his winning photo during awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. (Photo by Susing Tinapay/DAVAO CAMERA CLUB)

2nd prize

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 21, 2008) – Judges chair Michelle Solon hands the 2nd Prize photo of Cocoy Sexcion while Mayor Elsie Perrett and contest organizer Beth Ramos-Palma Gil look on. (Photo by Russtum Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

3rd prize

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 21, 2008) – Davao Camera Club's Jesus Tinapay shows his 3rd Prize photo during awarding rites Tuesday, May 20. Looking on from left are judges chair Michelle Solon, Mayor Elsie Perrett and contest organizer Beth Ramos-Palma Gil. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum photo safari

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 21, 2008) – A crowd gathers before the photo gallery of Maitum Safari Photo Contest at the James L. Chiongbian Hall of the municipality. (Photo by Jun Ramos/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photographer

MAITUM, Sarangani (May 21, 2008) – A photographer shoots at the photo gallery of Maitum Safari Photo Contest at the James L. Chiongbian Hall of the municipality. (Photo by Jun Ramos/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)