Kiamba innovations

KORONADAL CITY (December 22, 2009) – Deborah Adrales (left), Schools Division Superintendent Sarangani Division, and Isabelita Borres (2nd left), Department of Education (DepEd) regional director, present the mechanics and results of the Regional Most Innovative Brigada Eskwela Implementers for 2009 to Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui (right) during the regional awarding ceremony December 17. DepEd officials admit that support from the municipal government is vital in realizing quality education. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Brigada Eskwela champion

KORONADAL CITY (December 22, 2009) – Kiamba Central Elementary School is awarded as the Most Innovative Brigada Eskwela Implementers for 2009 in Region XII. Mayor Rom Falgui (right, holding trophy) together with school principal Mildred Ramos (left, holding trophy) and school officers received the award December 17 during the regional awarding ceremony. Brigada Eskwela is a school- based maintenance program nationwide that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, efforts and resources in ensuring that public schools are all set in time for class opening. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

New PNP building

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 16, 2009) – Clustering from right, Mayor Rom Falgui and behalf Maria Fe “Dayday” Yabes Falgui leading the inauguration of the new well- furnished Kiamba Municipal Police Station, Friday (December 11). Flanking left are: Fredizvinda “Azon”Manuel Falgui, Mayor Rom’s supportive mother, Deputy Chief of Police Marvin Valencia Carisma, and Kiamba PNP Chief Inspector Alex Joe Arcajada, (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner Arzaga)

Presscon

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. holds a press conference attended by the community during the consultation “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” Wednesday, December 16.

Gibo with residents

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Maguindanao residents welcome administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. during the “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” consultation Wednesday, December 16, attended by local officials and representatives from various sectors of the province.

Face of Maguindanao

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) - Mohamiden Kusain, 1, is carried by administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. as he visits Maguindanao Wednesday, December 16, his second time since the November 23 Maguindanao massacre. The face of Mohamiden has an inborn soft mass that has not received medical attention. His parents are jobless.

Community singing

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Maguindanao residents sing with administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu (right) during the “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” consultation Wednesday, December 16.

Vanguard of justice

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – School children show their cry for justice as they hold a flaglet to welcome administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. during the “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” consultation Wednesday, December 16.

Thanking for justice

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Students from Paglat municipality wave flaglets as they attend the day’s “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” Wednesday, December 16, a consultation with administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Maguindanao local officials and constituents.

Kumustahan with Gibo

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. answers a question and gives his views on issues confronting Maguindanao particularly on peace and order during the consultation “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” Wednesday, December 16.

Gibo listens

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. listens to a question from the community during the “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” consultation Wednesday, December 16, attended by local officials and representatives from various sectors of the province.

Gibo answers Maguindanao problems

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. gestures as he talks to the community during the consultation “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” Wednesday, December 16.

Consultation with Gibo

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) – Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. answers a question from the youth sector during the “Kumustahan tayo, Gibo” consultation Wednesday, December 16, saying the most important thing for quality education and to increase youth enrolment in Maguindanao is to use government resources.

Urge to help

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) - Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. calls the attention of municipal social welfare officer Lily Paguital for details of the inborn illness of Mohamiden Kusain, 1 year and 2 months, who suffers an inborn soft mass. Mohamiden's parents, Samarudin and Sarajane, are both jobless.

Maguindanao visit

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) - Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. gestures as the Buluan community warmly welcomes his arrival Wednesday, December 16, for the "Kumustahan Tayo, Gibo", a day's consultation with the various sectors and local officials of the province.

Gibo's cradle

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) - Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. lulls 1 year and 2 months child, Mohamiden, who suffers an inborn soft mass as his mother, Sarajane, cries, with Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu looking on. Gibo visited the town Wednesday, December 16, for a province-wide "Kumustahan tayo, Gibo" consultation with the local officials, teachers, students and other sectors.

Calling for help

BULUAN, Maguindanao (December 16, 2009) - Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. gives instructions to provide assistance "as soon as possible" for 1 year and 2 months-old Mohamiden Kusain, son of young couple Samarudin and Sarajane, who suffers an inborn soft mass. Gibo visited the town Wednesday, December 16, for a province-wide "Kumustahan tayo, Gibo" consultation with the local officials, teachers, students and other sectors.

YACAP Partylist Rep.

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – YACAP Partylist Rep. Carol Lopez (seated left) shares light moments with Mayor Rom Falgui (center) who celebrates his 41st birthday together with Governor Migs Dominguez (seated right) at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Keep it up

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez delivers his birthday message to Mayor Rom Falgui at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rommel Falgui with Kiamba children

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui celebrates his 41st birthday with the children of Kiamba at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his birthday message to Mayor Rom Falgui at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor's portrait

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Overwhelmed with joy, Mayor Rom Falgui, who celebrates his 41st birthday, looks at his painted portrait at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rom within reach

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui, who celebrates his 41st birthday at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium, shares handshakes to his fellow Kiambans Friday, December 11. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A wish for more success

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 12, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right) greets Mayor Rom Falgui on his 41st birthday, December 11, at the Kiamba Municipal Gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kehelubong Lemlunay:A feast of exotic culture

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 10, 2009) – Seven kilometers of uphill motorcycle ride from Kiamba proper awaits an unveiled paradise of a mountainous village in barangay Tamadang.

Sitio Falel is endowed with rich traditions and well-preserved culture that have long been kept by one of Sarangani’s indigenous tribes – the Tboli.

It is a community now groomed by the local government as an integral part of the town’s eco-tourism showcase.

“It is one of our beautiful tourist spots here that if you happen to miss, you missed half of your life,” Mayor Rom Falgui quips.

On December 18-20, the Tbolis at Falel will display various traditional practices of the tribe as they celebrate Kehelubong Lemlunay, which means a gathering in paradise, as the village commemorates its 33rd founding anniversary.

One of the feast’s highlights will be the showcasing of Tboli hut making, revealing the tribe’s time-honored way of building their houses which are primarily composed of indigenous materials such as bamboo poles and Fern tree (cabo negro).

The name “Falel” was derived from one of the species of Fern plant that is prevalent around barangay Tamadang.

Meanwhile, Cogon grass and Rattan strips are used for binding. Even without bolts and nails, Tboli houses are said to last for 15 years.

Prior to the occasion, a hut was already constructed. Through a bayanihan, the building was put up as the multi-functional hall for the community’s various ethno-cultural practices.

The Tboli villagers, who are now mostly Catholic converts, have consecrated their newly-built house during the feast of Immaculate Concepcion (December 8).

“Kasi po proud kami na Tboli tribe kami. Gusto sana namin ibalik ang sinaunang sistema ng paggawa ng traditional na Tboli house para sa eco-tourism program ng munisipyo,” said municipal tribal affairs coordinator Juanito Sampan.

“Kiamba is full of pure beauty that every nature-lover, local or foreign, will surely admire especially the picturesque view here in Falel,” said municipal tourism officer-designate Allan de Lima.

“Every tourist will surely experience the traditional means of living as the way it was during the ancient days of the Tboli community,” De Lima concluded. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Joel C. Pinos)

Traditional Tboli feast

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 10, 2009) – A traditional feast of delectable native dishes is offered inside the newly built Tboli house at Falel community in barangay Tamadang, consecrated during the feast of Immaculate Concepcion Wednesday, December 9. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan de Lima)

Animal bite treatment center

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 07, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (center) facing Mr. James Alpuerto(second from right), supervisor of Family Vaccine and Specialty Clinic (FVSC) and Dr. Romulo R. Dela Rosa (extreme right) discuss health-related issues for future plans during the launching of the first vaccination center in Sarangani Province located in the municipal health office of Kiamba. Also listening are Dr. Lemuel Benedict Non (extreme left) Municipal Health Officer, and Zeus Jason J. Tagaza,(second from left) assigned clinic nurse, FVSC.(KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Rodrigo Embolodi)

First animal bite treatment center in Sarangani opens at Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 7, 2009) – Family Vaccine and Specialty Clinic Inc.(FVSC), a privately held company primarily engaged in the importation, distribution and administration of vaccines through clinics set up throughout the country is now open to serve animal bitten patients in the province.

Among the seven municipalities, FVSC has opted for the health unit of Kiamba to be its vaccination center which is considered first in Sarangani. Through a memorandum of understanding, the local government has allotted a portion of its municipal health office’s building to be the company’s clinic.

“Our vaccination center offers not only accessibility among local residents but it also offers the cheapest affordable vaccine shot by which the patient could save as much as 40% compared to commercial health establishments in key cities like General Santos,” FVSC supervisor James Alpuerto said. He bared that besides anti-rabies injection the company is now expanding to anti-cervical cancer and anti-H1N1 vaccine.

With a mission of making quality and essential vaccines affordable, accessible and available through a network of public and private partnerships, FVSC offers a complete range of vaccines including pre and post-exposure rabies treatment and immunization.

Currently, it has 40 centers in operation covering 15 provinces nationwide. Alpuerto expressed his confidence that the clinic will not only cover Sarangani but the entire region as well.

“We are now offering these vaccines at a very much affordable price as compared to commercial centers in the city,” said municipal health officer Dr. Lemuel Benedict Non, who led the launching Friday (December 4).

Dr. Non warned the public of quack doctors who employ strange means in treating animal bites. He also discouraged patients from doing self-medication.

“Rabies, if not administered properly on or prior to the onset of severe symptoms could be invariably fatal,” said Dr. Non.

Non further explains that in eight sessions, patients will only pay for the first six anti-rabies vaccines which only cost P300 per shot. The two remaining shots will be given free of charge.
Mayor Rom Falgui who took the initiative in forging the partnership pointed out that “the very reason why in the past years we have not implemented this, because logistically, government alone cannot afford the needed supplies and pay trained personnel.”

Rabies is a viral neuro-invasive disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain among warm-blooded animals. It could be transmitted by infected animals, most commonly by a dog-bite but occasionally by other forms of contact. It is one of the significant killers in the Philippines today. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Joel C. Pinos)

PGMA with Galing Pook Awardees

PGMA WITH GALING POOK AWARDEES -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beams as she poses with this year's Galing Pook awardees after presenting them their respective awards Friday (December 4) at Malacanang's Rizal Hall. They are (standing, first row, from left) Taguig vice mayor George Elias, Mayor Camilo Lammawin Jr of Tabuk, Kalinga, Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando of Marikina City, Punong Barangay Nida Cabrera of Barangay Luz, Cebu City, Marikina City Administrator Marjorie de Vera and Bulacan Governor Jonjon Mendoza represented by his wife; and (second row from left) Punong Barangay Roy Parreno of Barobo, Valencia City of Bukidnon, Mayor Manuel Rabcora of Midsayap, Cotabato, Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. of Quezon City, Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez of Sarangani province, Mayor German Sarana of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. of Paranaque City, Mayor Florencio Flores Jr. of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and Mayor Romulo Solivio Jr. of the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato. The President conferred the 2009 Galing Pook plaques to the 14 LGUs with outstanding local governance programs. Also in photo is Press Secretary Cerge Remonde (standing, second row, fourth from left). (MARCELINO PASCUA /OPS-NIB Photo)

Kalinaw Sarangani as Galing Pook 2009 Awardee

MALACAŇANG (December 4, 2009) – Kalinaw Sarangani administrative staff and field coordinators, after being proclaimed as winner of the Galing Pook 2009, pose with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the awarding ceremony Friday, December 4. Kalinaw Sarangani Program under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez (next to President Arroyo) is the province’s peace and development initiative. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Galing Pook Award 2009

MALACAŇANG (December 4, 2009) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulates Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez for the province’s Kalinaw Program winning the Galing Pook award 2009 at the awarding ceremony Friday, December 4. Kalinaw (vernacular for peace) is Sarangani’s peace and development program under the Provincial Governor’s Office. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mass funeral

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Journalists from General Santos City who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre are placed on a truck for a funeral march to Forest Lake Memorial Garden Friday morning, December 4. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION
OFFICE)

Laid to rest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – One of the journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre is laid to rest at a common grave in Forest Lake Memorial Garden Friday noon, December 4. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Justice for journalists

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Volunteers and sympathizers guard the caskets of the slain journalists from General Santos City at the funeral Friday, December 4. In his personal message before the interment, Department of Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor urged concerned citizens to “make the candlelight bigger” in carrying out justice for the victims of media killings. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Journalists' grave

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Before noon of Friday, December 4, this huge pit was ready as the final resting place for the eight journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre two weeks ago. Hundreds of sympathizers attended the funeral and comforted the bereaved families of the journalists. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Funeral march

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Karancho volunteers carefully place one of the coffins on a truck after a final blessing at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage church Friday morning, December 4, for interment at the Forest Lake Memorial Garden. Eight local journalists from the city were were interred at the Forest Lake Memorial Garden today. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Final blessing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – A priest gives his final blessing Friday, December 4, at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage church to the remains of journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre two weeks ago. Mediamen Ian Subang, Marites Cablitas, Marie Fe Montano, Gina Dela Cruz, Leah Dalmacio, Ronnie Perante, Robillo Bataluna and Russell Morales, all from General Santos City, were interred at the Forest Lake Memorial Garden. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farewell

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Families, media colleagues and sympathizers witness the interment Friday noon, December 4, of eight of the local journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre two weeks ago. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Church funeral

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage church is filled with families, relatives and sympathizers who take a final look Friday, December 4, at the local journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre. Mediamen Ian Subang, Marites Cablitas, Marie Fe Montano, Gina Dela Cruz, Leah Dalmacio, Ronnie Perante, Robillo Bataluna and Russell Morales, all from General Santos City, were interred at the Forest Lake Memorial Garden. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Core shelter assistance

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (December 2, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez delivers his inspirational message to the beneficiaries of Juanico Ville during the ceremonial house-build on core shelter assistance at Lun Padidu, Malapatan town Wednesday, December 2. Juanico Ville, with 50 units initially released for funding, has already 24 houses occupied. It is the biggest resettlement project of the province of Sarangani with 73,145 square meters consisting of 492 lots and 24 blocks of housing area. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bobby Saya-ang)

Ceremonial house-build

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (December 2, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez (center) and DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral (left) lead the ceremonial house-build on core shelter assistance project at Juanico Ville, Lun Padidu, Malapatan town Wednesday, December 2. The project has a land area of 73,145 square meters consisting of 492 lots and 24 blocks of housing area. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Romina Rabina)

Gov. Migs files certificate of candidacy

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez files his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office Tuesday night, December 1, with the local line-up of the SARRO (Sarangani Reformation and Reconciliation Organization}/Lakas-Kampi-CMD. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Migs-Steve-Roy

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and businessman Roy Chiongbian show their certificate of candidacy for governor, vice governor and congressman, respectively, Tuesday night (December 1) at the Commission on Elections provincial office. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Roy Chiongbian files candidacy

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian, the youngest son of the late Congressman James and former Governor Priscilla Chiongbian, with wife Malou and daughter Anara, files his certificate of candidacy as congressman for the lone district of Sarangani Tuesday night (December 1) at the Commission on Elections provincial office. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SARRO Unity

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Incumbent Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Governor Migs Dominguez, both running for the same positions, raise their hands as a sign of unity with congressional candidate Roy Chiongbian and tribal chieftain Boni Lawa outside the Commission on Elections provincial office Tuesday night, December 1, after filing their certificate of candidacy. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SARRO-Lakas

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD local party, the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO), and candidates for board members show their strength as a “party for change” as they file their certificate of candidacy Tuesday night, December 1, at the Commission on Elections provincial office with Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (4th and 3rd from left) running for the same positions, and Roy Chiongbian (4th from right) for congressman. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SARRO-Lakas-Kampi-CMD

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Seated and ready to file their certificate of candidacy, Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and businessman Roy Chiongbian listen to election officers as they prepare their certificate of candidacy Tuesday night, December 1, with the local line-up of SARRO (Sarangani Reformation and Reconciliation Organization)/ Lakas-Kampi CMD Party. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Steve files candidacy

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon with wife Michelle show thumbs up signs and his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office Tuesday night, December 1. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Migs, Steve & Roy file CoCs

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez, along with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, businessman Roy Chiongbian, and other candidates of the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO), filed their Certificate of Candidacy (CoCs) Tuesday night before the Provincial Office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Alabel.

Dominguez said the filing of CoCs has been delayed after a power interruption was experienced in the province.

"Pero kahit nag brownout, walang makapipigil sa amin to file our CoCs," the governor said. He said the event was sentimental to him because it would be the last time for him to file a CoC.

Dominguez, who is running for a third term, expressed his excitement over Chiongbian's filing of candidacy, saying that he is very happy for the businessman.Chiongbian looked so calm in filing his certificate of candidacy.

For Dominguez, Chiongbian's expression would only mean that the latter is confident in his decision to run for Congress.

Dominguez also believes that the people in Sarangani are mature and wise enough to vote in the coming elections. He also assured a peaceful electoral process as the province will increase the number of men in uniform.

The governor further thanked God for the guidance and the people for giving him support in his leadership in public service over the last years.

The SARRO bets were escorted by hundreds of supporters who cheered when the candidates emerged from the Comelec office after the filing of CoCs.

Vice Governor Solon said the SARRO party, which is aligned with the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, "is committed in the 2010 elections and is committed to win."

"Masarap po ang feeling na nag-solidify ang party, wala g'yud nabungkag. Makita mo talaga na natira ang matitibay. Palagay ko this is the strongest line-up," Solon said.

He said whatever activities and decisions that the party will take in the future, it is confident that God is behind them.

Solon's wife, Michelle, who accompanied the vice governor in filing his CoC, said she supports the latter and the SARRO party.

"I believe that Migs, Steve, and Roy will make a very good team," she said.

Roy Chiongbian also looked very happy when he entered the Comelec office with his wife, Malou, and his youngest daughter Anara.

"Wala na ko gikulbaan, siyempre dugay na ta naglibot, I'm used to it na. This (filing of CoC) will just put everything officially," he said.

"I'm thankful that all the candidates were here to show support," he added.

Again, Chiongbian pointed out that education will be his topmost priority. "I also wanted to continue what has been started by my parents. I'll try my best to do it and maybe I can do better," he concluded. (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

26 outstanding Madaris teachers on exposure trip

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Twenty-six Madaris teachers from the coastal towns of Sarangani will be exposed to at least three places in Mindanao to further engage them in learning laactivities which they could share to their fellow teachers and students.

The four-day exposure trip (from December 2 to 5), was sponsored by the Government of Sarangani in partnership with the Chiongbian Group of Companies.

Irine Casas, a senior sectoral coordinator, said that the 26 teachers chosen for the exposure trip were the most outstanding teachers in Muslim schools in the six coastal towns of the province.

"The teachers were from the six municipalities except Malungon, this is the only town in the province na walang Madrasa kasi kokonti na lang din ang mga Muslim dun," Casas explained.

She added that the teachers deserve the trip that will also give them experiences which they can re-echo to their students and fellow teachers.

The teachers will be toured to Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City where they will be attending trainings on livelihood projects and to Marawi City, considered as the "little Mecca" of the Philippines.

"They will have their Sambayang in Marawi City. This activity will also encourage other Madaris teachers to do their best in order to be given such opportunity in the next coming years," Casas said, adding that this is the first time that the Government of Sarangani will be sponsoring such activity.

Casas pointed out that the Chiongbian Group of Companies really helped in the realization of the exposure trip this year.

She said businessman Roy Chiongbian pushed for the conduct of the activity to give equal opportunities to every people in the province.

"Malaki talaga ang suporta ni Mr. Roy kasi nga sinusuportahan niya rin ang IP program ng probinsiya, parti yung Quest (Quality Education for Sarangani Today). Sabi niya dapat maging pantay-pantay lang ang pagbibigay ng oportunidad," Casas said. (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs with Madaris

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez speaks to the Ustazids and Madaris facilitators during the meeting Tuesday, December 1, with the Chiongbian Group of Companies who partners with the provincial government in promoting Arabic education for Muslim children in Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Madaris exposure trip

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 1, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Roy Chiongbian from the Chiongbian Group of Companies, and Governor Migs Dominguez, pose with Ustazids and Madaris facilitators at the meeting Tuesday, December 1, for their exposure trip to Cagayan De Oro, Marawi, and Bukidnon. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)