Tourism USec

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 31, 2008) – Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab gives a keynote speech at the provincial business conference Wednesday, July 30, at Isla Parilla Resort. Sarangani tourist arrivals increased by 77 percent in 2006-2007. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tourism association

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 31, 2008) – Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab swears into office officers of the Sarangani Tourism Industry Association, Incorporated (SARTIA) headed by Michelle Solon (4th from right) during the provincial business conference Wednesday, July 30, at Isla Parilla Resort. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani tourism leader

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 31, 2008) – Sarangani tourism industry leader Michelle Solon elaborates Sarangani tourism potentials that would attract tourists from all over the world at the provincial business conference Wednesday, July 30, at Isla Parilla Resort. Sarangani tourist arrivals increased by 77 percent in 2006-2007. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Highlands

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 31, 2008) – Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab (5th from right) poses with owners and tourism officials at Sarangani Highlands in General Santos City after breakfast Wednesday, July 30. Palabyab is in town to deliver a keynote speech at the Sarangani provincial business conference at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lemlunay dive resort

Maasim, Sarangani (July 31, 2008) – Provincial tourism industry champion Michelle Solon (right) confers with tourism regional director Sohura Dimaampao in Lemlunay Diving Resort in Maasim town Wednesday, July 30. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Breakfast at Sarangani Highlands

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 31, 2008) – Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab (2nd from right) drops by for breakfast at Sarangani Highlands in General Santos City Wednesday, July 30. With Palabyab are Sarangani Tourism Industry Association (SARTIA) head Michelle Solon (extreme right), resort owner Dr. Jose Tranquilino Ruiz (standing), and tourism regional director Sohura Dimaampao. Palabyab is in town to deliver a keynote speech at the Sarangani provincial business conference at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Disaster preparedness

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) - Mayor Elsie Perrett (left) talks before guests and residents. Maitum is the 2007 "Best Prepared Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council-Category B" in Region 12. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Disaster council building

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) – Municipal councilors and Mayor Elsie Perrett formally open the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council Office Tuesday, July 29. The building funded by Congressman Erwin Chiongbian with P750,000 had counterpart funds of P250,000 from the municipal government and P340,000 from provincial government. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Water for households

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett speaks at the turn-over Tuesday, July 29, of REWARD (Rehabilitation and Empowerment thru Water Access Resource Development) project for 148 households in barangay Maguling. The P1.8-million project largely funded by SPECTRUM, a non-government organization, includes rehabilitation of concrete intake box, water distribution lines and tapstands. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

REWARD water

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) – Turn-over of the REWARD (Rehabilitation and Empowerment thru Water Access Resource Development) project for the Maguling-Luan Rice Farmers' Association takes place Tuesday, July 29, with Martiniano Magdulot (3rd from left) of donor SPECTRUM, Mayor Elsie Perrett (4th from left), project proponents and guests cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The project cost of P1.8 million includes the P0.7-million counterpart from the provincial, municipal and barangay governments and the beneficiaries. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Nutritious milk

MAASIM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) - Madrasa pupils of Mahad Daliao Al-Islamiya enjoy the taste of a full cream fresh milk provided by Nestle Philippines. The Kalinaw Sarangani Unit from the office of Governor Migs Dominguez facilitated the distribution Sunday, July 27, of fresh milk to Madaris pupils in line with the celebration of Nutrition Month this July. (Photo by Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Healthy drink

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 30, 2008) - Madaris pupils from Mahad Nur Al-Islamiya in sitio Teneb, barangay Mindupok in Maitum enjoy sipping full cream fresh milk given by Nestle Philippines in support to the celebration of the Month of Nutrition that falls every July. The Kalinaw Sarangani Unit from the Office of Governor Migs Dominguez facilitated the distribution of fresh milk Sunday, July 27, to Madaris pupils. (Photo by Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village clinic

Malapatan, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon drops by at a circumcision row Monday, July 28, in barangay Sapu Padidu as the village marks its foundation anniversary with a medical and dental mission. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Police-friendly barangay

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) – In celebration of the 13th Police Community Relations Month, barangay chair Josefina Marasigan (center) of barangay Malalag, Maitum receives the MOST POLICE-FRIENDLY BARANGAY award from police provincial director Danilo Peralta (left) and Maitum chief of police Lurobe Rojo, Sr. at the Sarangani Police Provincial Office in Alabel on Monday, July 28. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barrio fiesta

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) – As kids take shelter from the drizzle, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon celebrates with villagers at the barrio fiesta in Sapu Padidu, Malapatan Tuesday, July 29. The barangay has transformed from a former conflict-ridden area to and agricultural and fishing center in the municipality. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Environmental protection

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) - Jelyn Apura, executive director of the Environmental Conservation and Protection Center based at the provincial Capitol, speaks before participants of the Aquaculture Industry Forum Tuesday, July 29. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Aquaculture industry

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon welcomes participants to the Aquaculture Industry Forum Tuesday, July 29, at Isla Parilla Resort which aims to address industry opportunities and challenges in production, marketing, and financing. Aquaculture in Mindanao is being eyed as an alternative to the dwindling tuna capture fisheries production. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Aquaculture forum

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 29, 2008) - Danny Taculin of Department of Environment and Natural Resources presents the state of Sarangani Bay ecosystems during the Sarangani provincial Aquaculture Industry Forum initiated by Department of Trade and Industry provincial office Tuesday, July 29, at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel. The annual aquaculture forum brings this year speakers from Manila and Davao with almost 100 participants from Mindanao. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turn-over of books

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2008) - Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez speaks to Grade I pupils, parents and teachers at the ceremonial turn-over of Reading Readiness workbooks in Alabel Central Elementary School Monday, July 28, for all the 3,039 Grade I pupils in Alabel's elementary schools from the ARAL TAYO program. Alabel's Response to Achievement and Literacy Towards Attaining Aspirations of Youth (ARAL TAYO) is a program initiated by Governor Migs Dominguez and Mayor Corazon Grafilo to improve the quality of education in the province. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Grade I teacher

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2008) – Grade I teacher Gloria Demaala prepares Reading Readiness workbooks for Grade I pupils at the turn-over of books in Alabel Central Elementary School Monday, July 28, from Alcantara Foundation, Southern Philippines Power Corporation and Synergeia Foundation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Getting ready with books

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2008) – (From left) Vice Mayor Vic Paul Salada, Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez, Mayor Corazon Grafilo and Grade I teachers prepare books for distribution at the ceremonial turn-over of Reading Readiness workbooks Monday, July 28, for the 3,039 Grade I pupils in Alabel's elementary schools. Synergeia Foundation models Sarangani in its implementation of innovative education through enhanced local government and community participation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Getting ready to read

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2008) – Grade I pupils of Alabel Central Elementary School read their Reading Readiness workbooks Monday, July 28, in school. Reproduction of the workbooks was made possible by Alcantara Foundation and Southern Philippines Power Corporation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Books for us

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2008) – Grade I pupils show their Reading Readiness workbooks Monday, July 28, in Alabel Central Elementary School from the ARAL TAYO program. Alabel's Response to Achievement and Literacy Towards Attaining Aspirations of Youth (ARAL TAYO) is a program initiated by Governor Migs Dominguez and Mayor Corazon Grafilo to improve the quality of education in the province. Synergeia Foundation models Sarangani in its implementation of innovative education through enhanced local government and community participation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Homegrown artists

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2008) – From right are lead guitarist and composer Cocoy Sexcion, vocalist Undo Salubre, Dodoy "Russtum" Pelima on rhythm, bassist Kokoy Belinario and drummer Mark Cajutol of the Musically Inclined Group of Sarangani (MIGS) BAND performing Saturday night, July 26, at the Babes Bar during the "OUT LOUD GOES TO GENSAN", a Muzika del Sur Music Awards 2008 pre-event activity. The original-composition-only MIGS BAND is nominated as best rock band in the Muzika del Sur Music Awards 2008, a celebration of Mindanawon music and artistry. MIGS BAND's original songs delve on aspirations from the grassroots that also evoke hope, love and what the youth can bring – a truly Mindanawon aspiration. The Muzika del Sur Music Awards is a one-of-a-kind endeavor to recognize the outstanding musical talents of Mindanao. Awards night will be on August 24 at Matina Town Square in Davao City. (Photo by Allan de Lima for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Serve the people

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon unloads a bag of rice Friday, July 25, when the United Nations World Food Programme delivers supplies for five barangays affected by flashfloods and displaced by raiding armed men from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last month. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Books for village

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – Barangay captain Bello Valdez (right) of barangay Old Poblacion receives books for the elementary school Friday, July 25, from Mayor Elsie Perrett. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay consultation

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon consults residents of barangay Ticulab Friday, July 25, following their return to the village they evacuated for a few days last month due to a raid by armed men. At least 298 families from Ticulab received food assistance from the government and the United Nations World Food Programme. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

World Food Programme

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – Mayor Elsie Perrett and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) carry a bag of rice delivered by the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) Friday, July 25, for five barangays affected by flashfloods and displaced by raiding armed men from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last month. Zayrbonda Balading and Aveen Acuna Gulo represented the UNWFP. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov's visit

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – Villagers of Ticulab are comforted by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon as he visits Friday, July 25, to check on the peace and order condition of the once-deserted village due to a raid by rogue armed group from Sultan Kudarat. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Private school in the highlands

By RUSSTUM G. PELIMA
KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – With high spirits of volunteerism and the heart to help poor schoolchildren, volunteer employees from Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), with its Read-to-be-Smart Adopt-a-School Program, had to climb a mountain with boxes of books and school bags.

Tired and exhausted at the middle of the all-uphill trek, the volunteers wondered how could they ever make their way back to their helpless vehicles in the afternoon.

But seeing the village schoolchildren of Falel Community Elementary School waving their hands and shouting at the other end of the Tamadang bridge to meet them, all their troubles went away.

They regained strength, and when they reached the school at the top of the mountain, the volunteers found more reasons to help the school community.

The children’s happy smiles were now obvious - for 13 years, it is first time assistance like this had reached them.

The school overlooks the town, the forested lowlands, beautiful greeneries of Kiamba rice fields, and the Celebes Sea.

But Falel Community School – a private school - bore pains and challenges of years in existence. It was originally established by the Santa Cruz Mission in 1995 but had forgotten it after a year. So United States’ Partners for First People funded the school with maximum of $500 per month for volunteer teachers and school supplies for the Tboli kids.

For all these and more of painfully providing nonetheless education to the children, is a mean friend and school head Juanito Sampan, who stood up for the school and recounted his meaningful years here.

“Parang imposible (It was almost impossible),” Sampan said. “Pero nagawa namin.”

The children had to walk two kilometers and a half to reach the school every day, some of them in bare foot. “Three years after we started, the school had actually no books. We just teach them reading and writing the best way we can,” the school head said.

“When Smart arrived, I know the parents and the children were very happy. I saw it in their faces. It’s the first time that help reaches our community,” Sampan added.

Haydee Bernabe and the Smart volunteer employees brought with them general references books and manuals for the teachers for Grades I to VI and story books for the Grade I pupils. A reading corner donated by Smart is furnished with a book shelf, reading table and stools too.

The land where the school was built was donated by now barangay captain Rudy Tagum. The school utilizes only two of the seven-hectare land donation.

The school has one main structure with three classrooms where teachers combine two grade levels in each room. A makeshift building made of kalakat (fixed bamboo stripes) is used for Grade I pupils.

It holds 82 village pupils. So the school head can’t help but smile seeing the children wearing their Read-to-be-Smart t-shirts and schoolbags in uniform, for the first time.

“It’s not surprising that some of these children cannot read. They were even amazed opening the picture books, see and touch with their own hands these books at the reading corner,” Sampan pointed out.

In July 22, at the turnover of Smart’s reading corner to nearby Badtasan Primary School, another Tboli community, Mayor Rom Falgui thanked Smart and said the local government is doing its best to upgrade and intensify the learning of children.

“Importante gyud kayo ang pagtudlo sa mga tao (It is really important that we should strengthen our human resources),” he said.

The local government, with Synergeia Foundation, launched the Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) last July 4. CLASSROM aims to gain support for quality education from the community especially the parents.

“Education is one of our flagship programs and we have the commitment to help,” said Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, Smart Public Affairs Manager for Visayas and Mindanao.

Volunteer employees in General Santos City will have scheduled visits to conduct reading and story-telling sessions to the children.

“Poverty is not a hindrance to education,” Paredes stressed.

Kiamba National High School and Kiamba Central Elementary School are also recipients of Smart school program.

In Kiamba, Falel Community School has the lowest reading comprehension and the Badtasan Primary School has the lowest participation in terms of enrolment.

Next to the Blaan, the Tbolis are the second largest indigenous group in Sarangani.

Falel is part of Barangay Tamadang where the native term was taken from marang, an exotic fruit that once abundantly grew in the place. (RGP/Sarangani Information Office)

Uphill

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Tboli school children of Falel Community School smile as they bring with them story books donated by Smart. These children are used to hike 2.5 kilometers everyday to reach the school. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Story books

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 208) - Falel schoolchildren enjoy reading the story books donated by Smart at the school's reading corner. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Smart volunteers

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Smart volunteers led by Haydee Bernabe (left, seated) pose with Falel Community School children after receiving books donated by Smart Communications. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School head

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - School head Juanito Sampan distributes books to Tboli pupils. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

From the top

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Falel Community School is overlooking the green sceneries of Kiamba town, the lowland community, and the Celebes Sea. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridge to school

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - School head Juanito Sampan leads Tboli pupils after they met Smart volunteers to carry their baggage at the Tamadang Bridge. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village officers

GLAN, Sarangani (July 25, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez (top) officiates the oath-taking rites for new village officers of barangay Calabanit in Glan Friday, July 25, as the barangay marks its anniversary with the theme "People Need Service Oriented Leaders." (Photo by Philip Gutang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pan-de-lechon

GLAN, Sarangani (July 25, 2008) – Village hosts rush to serve pan-de-lechon while they're still hot Friday, July 25, during the 59th Foundation Anniversary of barangay Calabanit in Glan. Barangay Captain Lito Cerna served 59 pieces of the lechon bread for the eating contest. (Photo by Philip Gutang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turn-over

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 24, 2008) - Mayor Rom Falgui (4th from left) with Badtasan barangay captain Florentino Hidalgo and Badtasan Primary School teachers receive the "reading corner" set for Grade I pupils from Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, Smart public affairs manager for Vis-Min area, in a ceremonial turn-over Tuesday, July 22. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Smart Mentors

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 24, 2008) – Engr. Dandy Ruiz (left) of Smart network services SOCSKSARGEN area, assisted by Raquel Aquino, manager for Smart Mindanao wireless center operations, mentor Grade I pupils of Badtasan Primary School Tuesday, July 22, after the ceremonial turn-over of a "reading corner" set. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Investment promo

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) - Board Member Art Lawa, chair of Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on tourism and investments, welcomes guests and participants Wednesday, July 23, during the opening of a two-day capability training on investment and promotion. The training at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel is conducted by resource persons from the Board of Investments, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Special Economic Zone and DTI Region III to share their expertise. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blood donor

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) - Rosario Sabelita (right), chief medical technologists of Philippine National Red Cross Sargen chapter, takes blood from Bong Yadao, Capitol coordinator of the blood donation activity Wednesday, July 23, at the provincial health office. Theme this year is "Once is not Enough… Give Blood Regularly." For the past 14 years, Sarangani has been bridging life through blood donations from provincial employees and officials. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Reading Readiness

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) – Mayor Corazon Grafilo (left) and other officials distribute part of at least 3,000 volumes of "Reading Readiness" workbooks Tuesday, July 22. All grade I pupils of the 27 primary and elementary schools of Alabel are receiving the workbook. This is part of "Aral Tayo', a program initiated last year by Gov. Migs Dominguez and Mayor Grafilo in partnership with Synergeia Foundation and Children's Hour to improve the quality of education. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Grade I

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) delivers volumes of "Reading Readiness" workbooks to a Grade I classroom Tuesday, July 22. Reproduction for a 1:1 ratio of Grade I pupil to workbook was made possible by Alcantara Foundation and Southern Philippines Power Corporation. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Aral Tayo

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon speaks to Grade I pupils Tuesday, July 22, during the delivery of workbooks. At least 3,000 volumes of "Reading Readiness" workbooks are distributed to all Grade I pupils of the 27 primary and elementary schools of Alabel. This is part of "Aral Tayo', a program initiated last year by Gov. Migs Dominguez and Mayor Corazon Grafilo in partnership with Synergeia Foundation and Children's Hour to improve the quality of education. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A book for all

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 23, 2008) – Grade I pupils start reading their book distributed Tuesday, July 22, by donors and local officials. Reproduction for a 1:1 ratio of Grade I pupil to workbook was made possible by Alcantara Foundation and Southern Philippines Power Corporation. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Partners sign pact for peace project in Mindanao

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 19, 2008) – Three partners have signed up to build and repair more houses for poor communities in Mindanao.

The European Union, thru its Habitat For Humanity Philippines' (HFHP) Build for Peace in Mindanao Project, has tied up with the provincial government and the Alcantara Foundation, Inc. to establish peace and development communities (PDCs).

In a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) signed here Tuesday (July 15), the partners aim to build communities to strengthen peace efforts in Mindanao.

"We had initial talks with the local officials in the past," project coordinator Butch Batilong said.

"We have expanded those talks through this memorandum of understanding in our aim on how we could really support the government to help the people," Batilong said.

Governor Migs Dominguez said "our aim is to bridge and connect people together in order to build lasting peace in Mindanao."

"Peace is a work in progress," the governor pointed out.

The MoU would "maximize social development for more peace and development communities (PDCs) thereby sustaining the call for peace in Mindanao."

The Kalinaw Sarangani Program identifies the PDCs where it could effectively implement holistic development programs and advocate empowerment.

HFHP implements its Build for Peace Project in these PDCs with full fund support from the European Union in terms of house construction and repair.

For its part, Alcantara Foundation, Inc. intervenes by providing capability building trainings for enterprise development of the communities and by extending educational services.

"This is a great opportunity for the foundation to extend its services to the people by transforming education from our home," said Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, Inc..

Kalinaw Sarangani joined HFHP on its implementation of the poverty database monitoring tool to the province's PDCs.

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife Linda in Georgia, USA. Today, it has built more than 175,000 houses and provided shelter to 3,000 communities.

HFHP was established in 1988. It has built more than 15,000 houses for more than 100 communities in the country today. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag (center), Philippine Navy Flag Officer In-Command, shows his plaque of appreciation as guest speaker to the Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking Ceremony of Governor Migs Dominguez (left) with special order dated March 19, 2008 as newly commissioned reservist officer of the Philippine Navy Friday, July 18, at the Capitol gym. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque giving

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Philippine Navy (PN) newly commissioned reservist officer "Commander Miguel Rene A. Dominguez" gives a plaque of appreciation to Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, PN Flag Officer In-Command, as guest speaker during the Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking Ceremony for Governor Dominguez Friday, July 18, at the Capitol gym. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

In the Navy

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Officers of the Philippine Navy headed by Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag (center), Philippine Navy Flag Officer In-Command, salute the colors at the Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking Ceremony of Governor Migs Dominguez (left) as Commander in the Philippine Navy Friday, July 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor and Commander

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Governor and Commander Migs Dominguez takes his oath as reservist officer of the Philippine Navy (PN) before Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, PN Flag Officer In-Command, Friday, July 18, at the provincial gym. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Oath-taking

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez is sworn in as "Commander Miguel Rene A. Dominguez" with special order dated March 19, 2008 as a commissioned reservist officer of the Philippine Navy (PN) by Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, PN Flag Officer In-Command. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)