Saturday, February 28, 2009

Public hearing


MAASIM, Sarangani (March 1, 2009) - Thousands gather at the municipal gym during the public hearing Friday, February 27, conducted by Environmental Management Bureau to determine if Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC) has complied with all the requirements for the issuance of environmental compliance certificate for CHC to proceed with its multi-billion peso coal-fired power plant. Delegates from neighboring Kiamba headed by Mayor Rom Falgui also attended the hearing to show support for the project. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Tuna Capital celebration

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 1, 2009) - The Tuna Capital of the Philippines with people from all over Soccsksargen (South Cotabato,Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos) present cultural events with a street dancing competition that won 2nd place for this contingent from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges when the city commemorated its 70th Foundation Anniversary Friday, February 27.General Santos City lies between the east and west coasts of Sarangani province with Sarangani Bay as the city’s maritime passageway.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

The "Generals"

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 1, 2009) - The "Generals" (as General Santos City residents proudly call themselves) mark the weeklong 2009 Kalilangan Festival, also to commemorate the city's 70th Foundation Anniversary Friday, February 27, with a street dancing competition wonby this contingent from Mindanao State University (1st place). General Santos City lies between the east and west coasts of Sarangani province with Sarangani Bay as the city’s maritime passageway.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

The Blaan rider

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 28, 2009) – A B'laan horseman joins the celebration of Kalilangan Festival and 70th founding anniversary Friday, February 27, of General Santos City. Kalilangan is derived from the root word "kalilang" which typically means celebration or commemoration in the Maguindanaon dialect. General Santos City lies between the east and west coasts of Sarangani province with Sarangani Bay as the city’s maritime passageway. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Kalilangan Festival

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 28, 2009) – This is one of the highlights of the colorful Kalilangan Festival, the Kadsayagan street dance competition, to commemorate the city's 70th Foundation Anniversary Friday, February 27. This contingent from GSC National Secondary School of Arts and Trades won 3rd place. General Santos City lies between the east and west coasts of Sarangani province with Sarangani Bay as the city’s maritime passage way. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Friday, February 27, 2009

Sewing together

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – Spectators of the largest Philippine flag in front of the Capitol building on Thursday, February26, help sew some damage they find in the two-hectare flag made of satin. Touring the flag around the country hopes to bring peace among Filipinos-Muslims, Christians, and tribal groups-as one people.(KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/ Allan C. de Lima)

One nation

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – “One flag, one nation, one family no matter what tribe we belong” is Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s message as he speaks during the unfurling of the two-hectare Philippine flag Thursday, February 26, at Capitol grounds.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon QuiƱo)

Fixing the flag

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – Maker of the Philippine’s largest flag Grace Gupana (2nd from right) with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right), Blaan tribal chieftain Boni Lawa, Governor Migs Dominguez and Lt. Col. Edgardo De Leon make some stitches to theflag just unfurled Thursday morning, February 26, in front of theCapitol. Touring the two-hectare flag around the country hopes to bring peace among Filipinos-Muslims, Christians, and tribal groups-as one people. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Environmental awareness

MAITUM, sarangani (February 27, 2009) - High school students from Edenton Mission College, Inc. in Maitum release 60 Olive Ridley turtles at the pawikan sanctuary in Old Poblacion village Friday,February 27. This is part of the municipal government’s program on environmental awareness orientation to students. (MAITUM INFORMATIONOFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Doves of unity

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – Provincial leaders led by Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, with Muslims, tribal leaders and guests release doves as a sign of peace and unity after the unfurling of the two-hectare Philippine flag Thursday morning, February 26, in front of the Provincial Capitol.(KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Community effort

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – It takes a community of students, teachers, Muslim and tribal leaders, government employees,police and military led by (from right) Governor Migs Dominguez and Grace Gupana to unfurl the largest Philippine flag in front of theSarangani Capitol Thursday, February 26. The flag stays at the Capitol until March 2. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Smart public affairs

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) - Kiamba National High School principal Josie Teofila Quijano receives the marker of Smart’s Teacher Learning Resource Center from Ramon Isberto, head of Smart Communications public affairs group Thursday, February 26, at the Capitol conference room. Smart Communications will provide the center two computers with printers, scanner, webcam, one year free internet connection, free web hosting and teacher's training on basic digital literacy, ICT integration, web technology, web development and leadership trainings for principal. Also in photo are Steve Alcoseba (5th from left), Smart VisMin sales distribution manager; Mayor Rom Falgui (6th from left); representatives from the Philippine Businessfor Social Progress) and the Parent-Teachers-Community Association from Kiamba. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Smart learning center

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) - Leticia Orodio, principal of Kiamba Central Elementary School shows the marker of a Teacher Learning Resource Center from Smart Communications after the turn over ceremony Thursday, February 26, at Capitol conference room. Smart Communications will provide the center two computers with printers,scanner, webcam, one year free internet connection, free web hosting and teacher's training on basic digital literacy, ICT integration, webtechnology, web development and leadership trainings for principal.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Governor welcomes Smart

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 27, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez welcomes guests and donors during the turn over ceremony of Smart LearningResource Centers for Kiamba National High School and Kiamba Central Elementary School where each school will be provided by Smart Communications two computers with printers, scanner, webcam, one year free internet connection, free web hosting and teacher's training on basic digital literacy, ICT integration, web technology, web development and leadership trainings for principal. In photo are (from left) Paul Dominguez, vice chairman of Philippine Business for Social Progress; Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon; Ramon Isberto, head of Smart Communications public affairs group; and Kiamba Mayor RomFalgui. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Former rebels, academe say yes for development

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – A group of former communist rebels has expressed support to local officials and Conal Holdings Corporation on how environmental issues for its proposed power planthere are addressed.

The municipal environment office has been conducting dialogues and consultations with the Madaris Muslim group, women’s organization,people’s organizations, and the academe.

The Organization of Sarangani Agro and Aqua Life Association (OSAAA),a group of former rebels, was briefed about the power plant Wednesday,February 25.

“This is the answer to our long awaited dream for development,” Colonbarangay captain Noel Tapan said during the consultation.

Tapan, a former OSAAA president, was one of the scores of communist rebels who returned to the folds of law last August.

“Now we understand the issues and we believe our support in the community is also needed for the success of this project,” said Tapan.

“Some people might be jealous about us for this development project,and so I call on everybody to help maintain peace and order in ourcommunity,” Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said.

A 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant is proposed to be constructed in barangay Kamanga.

The P20-billion facility called the SM 200 projectis the answer to the projected power shortage in 2012, according to Conal Holdings officials.

“We choose building the power plant here because we will have more power demands in Southern Mindanao in the near future,” said Joseph Nocos, Conal Holdings vice president.

“It is equipped with the state-of-the-art technology,” Nocos said. “Although it is first time in the Philippines, many other countries inthe world are using this technology.”

SM 200 is a joint project by Conal Holdings under Alsons Group ofcompanies and EGCO Group from Thailand.Nocos assured that “we will be in complete compliance of theenvironmental laws of the Philippines and the internationalenvironmental laws.”

A multi-partite monitoring team will be organized where government andnon-government sectors, people’s organizations, academe, business andother sectors are represented.

The monitoring can begin as soon as theEnvironmental Compliance Certificate is issued by the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Board.

“We are thankful for this project because other than it can provide jobs for our community, we know now that our health and our environment are not in danger,” OSAAA president Ronnie Llego said.

Perlita Luardo, a teacher from Notre Dame of Maasim, said: “I understand they (Conal) will be using these filtering machines and condensers.”“But our fear is who will really benefit if Maasim will beindustrialized especially in terms of employment?”

During its construction, SM 200 project can provide 1,000 jobs for thecommunity, according to Nocos.Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. said a hundred students have already undergone a skills training for free by the Technical Education Skills and Development Administration.

The mayor said more students will undergo skills training for employment in the project.“It’s time that we must take the big leap towards development,” Lopez said.

Maasim has been an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) dependentmunicipality (92% of its P70 million IRA) with slow economic activity.

When the SM 200 project becomes operational, it would pay P40 millionto P60 million real property tax to the local government.

Maasim is identified by the provincial government as the center for industrial development. The town is a component of the Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum Industrial Triangle (MAKIMA-IT) now filed both in House of Representatives as a local law and in the Senate. (Russtum G.Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

US army in pawikan release

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (right) and US Army Civil Affairs personnel headed by Captain Clay Daniels (2ndfrom right) release pawikan (marine turtle) hatchlings at Suli village. The US Army group also inspected four coastal communities for a grant of potable water project. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/George SimonP. Cangke)

Boodle fight

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – Former communist rebels and now members of the Organization of Sarangani Agro and Aqua LifeAssociation join Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion in a boodle fight after a consultative dialogue Wednesday, February 25, with Conal Holdings Corporation on some environmental issues concerning the construction of a coal-fired power plant that is said to address power shortage in Mindanao in 2012. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Sarangani unfurls largest Philippine flag

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – Police officers and students get ready to unfurl the largest Philippine flag in front of the Capitol Thursday, February 26. Touring this two-hectare flag around the world caused some damages to the cloth made of satin but surpassed America’s largest flag which held the world title for a decade. Maker Grace Gupana said spending P40 million is cheap just to show to the world the unity among Filipinos. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Philippine flag

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – Capitol employees pose inside the two-hectare largest Philippine flag unfurled in front of the Capitol Thursday morning, February 26. Maker Grace Galindez Gupana said the flag was resized and reduced by 30 meters because of some damage, making it second only to Israel as the largest flag in the world recorded by the Guinness World Records. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Largest Philippine flag in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2009) – Students, government employees and officials, Philippine National Police and military personnel unfurled the largest Philippine flag in front of the Capitol building Thursday morning, February 26. The flag which measures two hectares symbolizes unity among Muslims, Christians and tribal groups as Filipinos, with one flag and one country. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Medical check-up

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 25, 2009) – A barangay health worker checks the blood pressure of a patient during the medical and dental mission conducted Tuesday, February 24, at the barangay hall of Colon by CONAL Holdings Corporation in partnership with the provincial government of Sarangani, municipal government of Maasim, barangay council of Colon and 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Dental check-up

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 25, 2009) – Dentists attend to a patient during the medical and dental mission conducted Tuesday, February 24,at the barangay hall of Colon by CONAL Holdings Corporation in partnership with the provincial government of Sarangani, municipal government of Maasim, barangay council of Colon and 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Monday, February 23, 2009

UNICEF visits Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 23, 2009) - Dr. Stephen Atwood (3rd fromleft) and Dr. Martha Cayad-on (2nd from left) of UNICEF Philippines visit the Knowledge Center for children and women in Maitum February20. They were impressed by the good implementation of UNICEF projects in Maitum. Dr. Atwood assured Mayor Elsie Perrett of more assistance from the UNICEF. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maritime police in Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 23, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (right) briefs Police Superintendent Artemio Cabansag (center), maritime police deputy regional officer, in a visit February 18 on the possible location of the Philippine National Police Maritime boat house.Maritime police considers Kiamba as the most strategic location within MAKIMA (Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum) area in the campaign against illegal activities. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

First aid

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 23, 2009) - The Bureau of Fire Protection in Sarangani province headed by F/Sr. Insp. Darwin Custodio conducts a seminar February 19 in Maitum which includes giving first aid tovictims during disaster and fire incidents. (MAITUM INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Fire drill

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 23, 2009) - Forty participants from the municipal government, barangays, and volunteers do a fire drill while attending a two-day training on fire prevention February 19-20 in Maitum. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Canadian visitors

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 23, 2009) – A visiting delegation conducts a Local Governance Support Program-Local Economic Development(LGSP-LED) validation February 19 for Kiamba to be included in the implementation of LED program. Mayor Rom Falgui (left) briefs Canadian field director Peachy Forbes (2nd from right), LED local governance program manager Herman Ongkiko (2nd from left) of Canadian Executive Agency and DILG Regional Director Buagas Sulaik (extreme right) on Kiamba's vision-mission-goals. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Weekend fun

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 17, 2009) - Kids just want to have fun over the weekend by making the biggest splash down there. At the background is the pier of a proposed fishport that would soon service fishing vessels from Celebes Sea. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Marriage vows renewal

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 16, 2009) - Wella and Gary Perrett are one of the 94 couples celebrating Valentine's Day by renewing their marriage vows at the Sto. Nino Parish Church. Early in the day, the 94 couples attended a marriage enrichment input followed by a Holy Mass with Fr. Ricky Legario, parish priest, as the celebrant. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Beth Ramos)

Maitum Valentine's Day

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 16, 2009) – Gelacio Luage, 73, and wife Purificacion, 71, married for 54 years, are the oldest among the 94 couples who join the Valentine's Day celebration in Maitum. The 94 couples feasted on cake and wine together after renewing their marriage vows. Husbands serenaded their wives while giving them roses.Church lay worker Ruben Balanag says celebration of the Heart's Day becomes more meaningful because they celebrate it with God. This is the first time this kind of celebration was done in Maitum. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Beth Ramos)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Valentine's Day fireworks

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Valentine's Day fireworks illuminate the Kiamba plaza as residents celebrate the last day of Timpuyog (Unity) Festival and foundation day anniversary which falls on the day of hearts and the brokenhearted. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Photo contest

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Photo contest judges view a gallery of the 5th Maitum Safari Photo Contest on January 12. Awarding of winners will be in May during the Binuyugan Festival with a photo exhibit of all past Safari winners since 2004 to 2008. The 2009 pictures are on exhibit at the James L. Chiongbian Hall of the municipal building. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Beth Ramos)

Lyre & drums contest

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – This contingent from James L.Chiongbian National High School wins the Drums & Lyre Competition during the 5th Timpuyog Festival and 61st Foundation Anniversary on February 12. (KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Kiambayani Awards

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (right) poses with the two Kiambayani Awardees, daycare worker Erlinda Sale (2nd from right) and school teacher Darvylee Libajan. With them is Dr.Lemuel Benedict Non, municipal health officer. Kiambayani Awards is launched by Municipal Local Government of Kiamba on February 11 as recognition to any Kiamban who has contributed significantly to the pride and progress of the town. (KIAMBA NEWS & INFORMATIONCENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Firing squad

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Photojournalists shun a firing squad shot like this but the event is vital to this small town's peaceand development efforts. These people came to judge pictures depicting the struggles of Maitum in the 5th Maitum Safari Photo Contest January12 at the James L. Chiongbian Hall. They are (from left) missionary Dan Lee Evans; contest chair Rommel Rebollido, General Santos City bureau chief of Philippines News Agency; Sunstar Davao editor-in-chief Stella Estremera; Sarangani Chamber of Commerce president Bronx Hebrona; chief photographer Leonardo Sexcion of Sarangani Information Office; and youth leader Arnelito Ramirez. Not in photo is bank executive Orman Manansala of General Santos City. Awarding of winners will be in May during the Binuyugan Festival with a photo exhibit of all past Safari winners since 2004 to 2008. (MAITUM INFORMATIONOFFICE/Beth Ramos)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Congressman Chiongbian

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Sarangani lone district Rep.Erwin Chiongbian delivers his Timpuyog (Unity) message Saturday,February 14, during the town's foundation day anniversary. Congressman Chiongbian has consistently delivered infrastructure projects to Sarangani including the massive rehabilitation of national highway in the province. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Governor Dominguez

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez lauds municipal officials for making Kiamba competitive not only in the province but in the whole Region 12 by building economic infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Mayor Falgui

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui expresses his gratitude to all Kiambans for making Timpuyog (Unity) Festival a peaceful and successful event. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Military parade

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – Soldiers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, join the community parade during the town foundation's culmination program Saturday, February 14.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

1st place Timpuyog (Unity) dance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – The contingent from Salakit National High School wins 1st place in the Timpuyog (Unity) Festival street dance competition during the culmination program of the weeklong fiesta of Kiamba Saturday, February 14. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

2nd place Timpuyog dance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) – The James L. Chiongbian National High School group is 2nd placer of Timpuyog's street dance competition Saturday, February 14. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

3rd place Timpuyog dance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) - Kiamba National High School dancers land in 3rd place of Timpuyog's street dance competition during the festival's culmination program Saturday, February 14.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Timpuyog parade

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (left) and Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta (center) lead the community parade during the culmination program of 5th Timpuyog (Unity) Festival Saturday, February 14. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Pageant chairperson

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2009) - Maria Fe Falgui, committee chairperson of Miss Kiamba 2009, expresses her thanks to all who supported the event in her closing remarks during the coronation night of Miss Kiamba 2009 Friday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Ms. Kiamba swim wear

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2009) - Miss Kiamba candidates parade in their swim wear at the pageant night Friday, February 13, one ofthe highlights of Timpuyog Festival. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Ms. Kiamba 2009

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2009) - Miss Kiamba 2009 Marjorie Buhisan (center), 17; 1st runner up Dollie Jane Ileto and 2nd runner up Arianne Rose Lucero flash their winning smile at the coronation night of the beauty contest Friday, February 13. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Mayor's greetings

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui greets Miss Kiamba candidates and the crowd during the coronation night of Miss Kiamba 2009 Friday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CocoySexcion)

Evening gown

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2009) – Miss Kiamba candidates appear in their evening gown at the pageant night of Miss Kiamba 2009 Friday,February 13, at Kiamba Civic Center. The beauty and brains contest is one of the highlights of Timpuyog Festival. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Lumba bugsay champion

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 13, 2009) – The winning tandem of fishermen pose after the lumba bugsay (rowing race) competition,besting 18 other pairs of fisherfolk Friday, February 13, as they celebrate the town's foundation day anniversary and Timpuyog Festival.(Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lumba bugsay

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 13, 2009) – Fisherfolk join the lumbabugsay (rowing race) and try to outsmart one another Friday, February13, in one of the highlights of Timpuyog Festival. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)