RDC oath taking

KORONADAL CITY (March 31, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez is sworn into office as the new Regional Development Council XII Chairman by Judge Laureano Alzate during its 26th regular session Tuesday, March 31. The governor emphasized on the region's thrust and to act as champion of regional development with regional impact, harness private sectors' participation for regional development, and plan for the future especially education for the youth with specific solutions. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Sowing discipline

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez reminds government employees on patience and discipline in the workplace as public servants at the Capitol flag ceremony Monday, March 30. The governor emphasized on eradicating the culture of "tsismis" (gossip) among government workers and rather work for the people more effectively and efficiently. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Sir Nardz

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) – As general manager, Leonardo “Sir Nardz” Briones, from a wheel chair directs and monitors the coop’s operations in no time which has given him the reputation of an honest, hard working and a committed leader. Pangi Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMULCO) is now a major rice supplier, rising from a P20,000 capital build-up in 1991 to P49 million in assets today. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

PAMULCO compound

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) – Leonardo Briones is wheeled to the compound of Pangi Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMULCO), a major rice supplier. United Nation’s World Food Programme Country Director and representative Stephen Anderson came over to Sarangani to see farmers’ organizations and cooperatives to explore the possibility of procuring food and to support Philippine small holder farmers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

General Manager

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) – PAMULCO general manager Leonardo Briones credits “CHICKS” for the success of Pangi Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMULCO). “CHICKS means competence, honesty, integrity, cooperation, knowledge, sincerity,” he explained. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Cooperators

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) – Leonardo Briones (center) manages the Pangi Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMULCO), a major rice supplier, rising from a P20,000 capital build-up in 1991 to P49 million in assets today. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Feature: A perfect example

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 30, 2009) – Leonardo Briones is in his late 50s. Sixteen years ago, he still can walk. It was two years back then when he and 20 other members formed the Pangi Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMULCO). Now, though crippled but survived bone cancer, Briones still manages the coop, modeling other cooperatives in the province.

He and Pangi’s community business is entwined in many ways. PAMULCO itself, in 1997, had its biggest loss, yet recovered and now a major rice supplier.

PAMULCO started as an organization of farmers in 1990, called SAMPAN (Samahang Magbubukid ng Pangi), with 43 members. It applied and became a cooperative in 1991 with 21 members left. Briones recalled their salary was P70 a day.

“We organized ourselves as a cooperative simply to produce and sell our own products,” Briones said. “Later, we gained the trust of others in our community and they joined us. Our produce started to grow bigger and got the attention of our clients.”

In 1991, there were 26 grain-based cooperatives in Maitum like PAMULCO. Its capital build-up of P20,000 was used as down payment for two hand tractors. In 1995, it availed a production loan of P180,000 from the Landbank. Briones was already a two–year cripple.

In 1997, PAMULCO suffered three successive losses due to El Nino and bankrupted. But in 1998, with the assistance of the Landbank and Briones’ management initiatives, PAMULCO was revitalized.

As general manager, Briones from a wheel chair directs and monitors the coop’s operations in no time which has given him the reputation of an honest, hard working and a committed leader.

“If someone would ask me how we did that, I just say ‘magaling kasi kami sa chicks’”, he mused.

“CHICKS means competence, honesty, integrity, cooperation, knowledge, sincerity,” he explained.

From the P20,000 capital build-up in 1991, PAMULCO has now P49 million in assets.

PAMULCO has always tried to provide the consumption of the community for rice and corn. Briones, too, in his heart, who is a teacher by profession.

These prompted the visit of officials from United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP) in March 17.

WFP Country Director and representative Stephen Anderson came over to Sarangani to see farmers’ organizations and cooperatives to explore the possibility of procuring food and to support Philippine small holder farmers.

Maitum, with neighboring town Kiamba, are the province’s food baskets with its vast agricultural land (839 hectares for rice and 244 for corn) which can produce 40,000 bags of grain every harvest.

The Ilocanos’ industriousness and love for agriculture go as an extra. Passing the highways from Kiamba to Maitum are rice greeneries in sight, though coastal communities are engaged in fishing.

PAMULCO’s board of directors member Meynardo Landicho recalled the coop’s toughest times. He is retired from the board and yet still works for the coop, volunteering his service.

PAMULCO, from 21 members in 1991, has now 810 in membership. The P70 salary then, now it’s P210-across-the-board. It means that general manager Briones, the coop’s chairman and the rest of the staff get the same salary.

“In 1991, when I first knew I had bone cancer, I prayed and had always wanted to dedicate my time and effort to PAMULCO for the rest of my life.” (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

RDC XII to focus on doable, high impact priorities

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 29, 2009) – The induction of Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez as new chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC XII) on March 31 “ushers in a fresh perspective for the Council,” a regional official said, with a team that would “focus on doable, high impact priorities in the next 15 months.”

RDC XII vice chairperson Teresita Socorro Ramos said Governor Dominguez has pointed out that RDC XII “need only to focus on poverty reduction, improving education and health, access to basic services and adequate infrastructure, for meaningful regional development.”

“He emphasized the need for synergistic action among the development actors and stakeholders, to promote a socially inclusive RDC XII,” said Ramos, who is also regional director of the National Economic Development Authority.

As an initial step, a consultative meeting initiated by Governor Dominguez was conducted March 20 among regional directors of key government agencies and the Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) to elicit their ideas and insights on the relevance of the role of RDC XII in improving the quality of life of the people in the region and contribute to the crafting of the development agenda for the next 15 months of his term.

PSR Bronx Hebrona supported the RDC chairperson’s view on harnessing the private sector to participate actively in development efforts of government.

Ramos co-facilitated the consultative meeting by providing focused subjects for the discussion that included the identification of areas for improvement of the Council taking into consideration its capabilities and potentials; key and urgent development concerns; and action steps or development agenda in the next 15 months.

Ramos said RDC XII shall focus on its effective roles such as acting as champion of development projects, lobby/advocate for more resources and projects with regional impact, and integrate all development plans and programs that are people-centered; market-driven with high impact; and product of meaningful stakeholders’ consultation.

“In the next 15 months, RDC XII will strive for quality meetings by increasing LCEs’ attendance, effective time management, adopting leaner agenda items, integrating PSR agenda that are generated from local counterparts,” Ramos said.

The RDC XII will hold its 26th Regular Meeting on March 31 at Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani forms coalition against TB

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – Local governments here together with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and local partners have formed a coalition to fight tuberculosis in celebration of World TB Day.

“We should celebrate by the way we are able to address the disease,” USAID health chief Dr. Aye Aye Thwin said during an earlier event Friday (March 27) in Malapatan town.

In Alabel, officials of the Coalition Against TB in Sarangani were sworn to duty by Governor Migs Dominguez.

Community volunteers and members of TB LINC (Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control Tuberculosis) attended the celebration in both towns.

“Nothing is impossible when we work together,” Governor Dominguez told volunteers and partners.

“The solution to our problem is government and community working together and providing adequate education and health for everyone. I thank the USAID for opening us the window for these opportunities,” the governor added.

“Actions are needed to counter TB and the community needs our support,” Thwin said.

Alcantara Foundation (AF) executive director Cecile Dominguez noted Malapatan to be the first municipality in the province to pass an ordinance for TB control. In Alabel, a TB control resolution is on its final reading.

AF is USAID’s local partner in the fight against TB.

According to the provincial health office, Alabel has 70% case detection (of TB) rate and has 85% cure rate. Malapatan has 68% case detection rate and 98% cure rate in the past three years.

Alabel now has a TB Microscopy Center.

Both towns have allocated a special fund of P100,000 each this year for TB control.

Community volunteers under TB LINC reach out to far-flung communities to detect cases of TB. Malapatan has 84 TB LINC volunteers.

“By now, we have low detection rate but we have addressed almost all the cases of TB in our community,” Malapatan municipal health officer Deomides Remitar said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

World TB Day

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – United States Agency for International Development (USAID) health chief Dr. Aye Aye Thwin (middle) and party pose for a souvenir photo with volunteers, local officials headed by Governor Migs Dominguez (3rd from right) and local partner Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez (2nd from left) at the celebration of World TB Day in Hadji Ebrahim Singcoy gymnasium Friday, March 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Thanks Mayor

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – Mayor Aida Singcoy (2nd from left) shows the plaque of appreciation from Alcantara Foundation, with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) health chief Dr. Aye Aye Thwin, Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez and Governor Migs Dominguez at the celebration of World TB Day Friday, March 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Local partner vs TB

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – Alcantara Foundation (AF) executive director Cecile Dominguez speaks before the community and TB LINC (Linking Initiatives to Control Tuberculosis) volunteers at the celebration of World TB Day Friday, March 27. AF is United States Agency for International Development’s local partner in education and health in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Dr. Aye Aye Thwin

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) - United States Agency for International Development (USAID) health chief Dr. Aye Aye Thwin speaks to the community at the celebration of World TB Day in Hadji Ebrahim Singcoy gymnasium Friday, March 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Doctor Vice Mayor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta, M.D., advises a patient with Mayor Rom Falgui during the ROM SERVICE SA BARANGAY sortie Friday, March 27. Hundreds gathered to avail of various basic services from government. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Coalition Against TB

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 28, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez swears in officers of the Coalition Against TB in Sarangani (CATS) at the celebration of the World TB Day in Alabel gymnasium Friday, March 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

US Army Captain

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 27, 2009) – Capt. Michell Pascua-Gordon of the United States Army stresses that one of the best weapons every child could have is education. The officer attended the Junior Heroes Program, a joint project of the Philippine and US Army launched Thursday, March 26, in Kiamba. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Peace project

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 27, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks to the first batch of graduates at barangay Alegria for the Haggai for Peace Project. 175 students all over the province have graduated from this Culture of Peace and Spiritual Enrichment Training. Also the province gave sacks of corn seeds in each barangay, aside from the spiritual enrichment training. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Jon Sinfuego)

Junior heroes pledge

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 27, 2009) – Muslim, Christian and lumad (indigenous people) students from the villages of Gasi, Lagundi, Kapanal and Datu Dani pledge as new “Junior Heroes” Thursday, March 26. The program teaches children to trust the military and the police as mentor, protector and friend. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Coastal kids

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 27, 2009) – Unmindful of the beautiful sunset they see everyday, these coastal kids are rather amused by camera-toting new faces that visit their village within Woodbridge Beach Resort in Kiamba. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Banagus fry

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 27, 2009) – Bangus fry gatherers of Kiamba cast their net to catch bangus fry and collect in large basins where the fries are counted. This activity is done in other coastal towns, making Sarangani one of the top producers of bangus fry in the country. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Signing

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez; provincial accountant Leovigildo Librando (right); Joselito De Jesus (2nd left), Petron general manager, marketing services; and Arjun Socco (left), sign the memorandum of agreement between Petron Corporation and Sarangani Provincial Government for the Sarangani fleet card fuel management system Thursday, March 26. According to Petron, Sarangani province is the first local government unit to use this system in whole of Mindanao. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Fleet card

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez receives the symbolic fleet card from Joselito de Jesus, Petron general manager, marketing services after the memorandum of agreement signing Thursday, March 26, between Petron Corporation and Sarangani Provincial Government for the Sarangani fleet card fuel management system. According to Petron, Sarangani province is the first local government unit to use this system in whole of Mindanao. Also in photo is Arjun Socco, general manager, card business group of Petron. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Summer treat

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez treats residents of barangay Tuyan with locally made popsicle before the distribution of 100 sacks of corn seeds to farmers Thursday, March 26. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Photo ops

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez, Vice Gov. Steve Solon, Mayor Aida Singcoy with farmers of sitio Mangga in a photo opportunity after the distribution of 100 sacks of white hybrid corn seeds Thursday, March 26. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Lecturer

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Rue Ramas from Seedworld, producer and distributor of "PERLAS" white hybrid corn seeds, lectures farmers Thursday, March 26, on the proper way of planting corn before the distribution of 100 bags of corn seeds to farmers of sitio Mangga, barangay Tuyan. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Distribution

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 26, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Mayor Aida Singcoy lead the distribution of 100 sacks of corn seeds for farmers of sitio Mangga in barangay Tuyan Thursday, March 26. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Olive Ridley hatchlings

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 25, 2009) – Members of the project management team of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) watch Olive Ridley hatchlings before their release to Celebes Sea Wednesday, March 25. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Junior heroes

DALIAO, MAASIM, Sarangani (March 25, 2009) – A soldier from 73rd Infantry Battalion distributes snacks for 500 elementary pupils of Daliao and Kanalo elementary schools during their community immersion called “Junior Heroes” in partnership with the local government and the police. The objective of the activity is to strengthen the trust of the children to the military and the police as protector and friend. The same activity will be done in Pananag and Lumasal elementary schools in the afternoon and in Datu Dani, Kiamba on the next day. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Hatchling release

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 25, 2009) – Teachers release 64 Olive Ridley hatchlings Wednesday morning, March 25, during the two-day retreat of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) project management team at the Woodbridge beach. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Environmental orientation

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 25, 2009) – Cecile Dominguez (2nd from right), executive director of Alcantara Foundation, and participating teachers of the two-day Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) retreat for the project management team at Woodbridge beach listen as barangay kagawad Freddie Balanag orients them before releasing Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings Wednesday morning, March 25. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Gumasa tourists

GUMASA, Glan (March 22, 2009) – Tourists from General Santos City and Davao City take an early summer vacation in Gumasa, the finest white sand beach in the region where city denizens are taking their family and friends. Gumasa which is only an hour’s drive from General Santos City combines a rustic and idyllic ambience with resort amenities and basic facilities for backpackers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Maintenance and operation team

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 20, 2009) – The Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) maintenance and operation team performs emergency preparedness and response drill on oil spill Friday, March 20. The SPPC team is joined by the Philippine Navy’s 70501st Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Emergency preparedness

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 20, 2009) - Members of Alsons security group join the annual emergency preparedness and response drill on oil spill held by Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) early Friday, March 20. As ISO certified company, SPPC is required to do this activity every year. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Drill observers

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 20, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and master sergeant Ian Mar Tan of the Philippine Navy’s 70501st Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit (DRRU) observe the joint emergency preparedness and response drill on oil spill conducted Friday, March 20, by DRRU and the maintenance and operation team of Southern Philippines Power Corporation. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Drill briefing

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 20, 2009) - Ralph Benigno Aquino (extreme left), safety and environmental engineer of Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC), briefs members of the Philippine Navy’s 70501st Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit before the emergency preparedness and response drill on oil spill of SPPC Friday, March 20. As ISO certified company, SPPC is required to do this activity every year. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Summer bonding

GLAN, Sarangani (March 19, 2009) – A father walks his son yesterday at Brod Louie white sand resort and spa in a perfect place and time to have more bonding in summer when kids are on vacation. The resort is an hour’s drive from General Santos City. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Women's Day

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 18, 2009) – Vice Mayor Tito Balazon Sr. speaks to the women of Maitum on Women’s Day. (MAITUM INFORMATIONOFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Tinikling

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 18, 2009) – Participants perform the folkdance "tinikling" that won first prize during the Municipal Women'sDay Celebration held at Maitum gym Wednesday, March 18, with the theme"Babae: Yaman ka ng Bayan." (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren deGuzman)

Breaktime

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 18, 2009) – Pupils of Kling Elementary School take rest at lunch break under the cool comfort of a massive Acaciatree Monday, March 16, in barangay Kling during the Child-Friendly Space culmination program. Child-Friendly Space launching was simultaneously done in Gasi Elementary School, Datu Dani ElementarySchool and Kling Elementary School. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D.Ampatin)

World Food Programme

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 17, 2009) - Stephen Anderson, country director and representative of United Nations’ World Food Programme,is briefed by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon upon his arrival at General Santos City airport Tuesday, March 17. Anderson is visiting farmers’ organizations and cooperatives in Sarangani to explore the possibility of procuring food and supporting Philippine smallholder farmers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

WFP country director

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2009) – Stephen Anderson, country director and representative of United Nations’ World Food Programme,acknowledges participants in a briefing Tuesday, March 17, during hisvisit in Sarangani. Anderson is visiting farmers’ organizations and cooperatives in Sarangani to explore the possibility of procuring food and supporting Philippine small holder farmers. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Transport coops workshop

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 17, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez talks to participants of the two-day training workshop for transport cooperatives in Region XII Tuesday, March 17, at Kasfala Hall where they will also reorganize their transport federation. Sarangani provincial government gives priority to transport groups by providing livelihood for drivers’ families through the federation. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Ready to eat

Malapatan, Sarangani (March 14, 2009) - A young participant shows her group’s output, freshly cooked “tinagtag” (rice crisp) of different shapes and “bawlo” (in the middle) during the Training on Moro Delicacies Production and Business Planning sponsored by the municipal government of Malapatan, Department of Trade and Industry, ACT for Peace Programme and Sarangani Center for Muslim Women held at Malapatan gym on March 11-13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Gandhi C.Kinjiyo)

Barangay microscopist

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) – Barangay microscopist Jo-an Hechanova (left) of Senator Ninoy Aquino town extracts blood samples from Bairang Fulachi, a resident of barangay Katubao during the Malaria Active Case Finding Wednesday, March 11. More than 100 residents voluntarily submitted themselves for screening and three cases were found positive for malaria blood parasites. This is part ofthe 35-day intensive training on Basic Malaria Microscopy for BarangayMicroscopist implemented by the Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. and supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.(KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Grafts and marcots

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) - Exequile Pasatiempo (right) of the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center shows how to do grafts and marcots in seedlings to teachers and students of Malalag National High School as they make a study tour. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren deGuzman)

Mass wedding

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) - Mayor Elsie Perrett (right) officiates the civil rite for 40 Tboli couples during their mass wedding at the village gym of New La Union. The mass wedding was one of the main activities during the “Dumanon Kailian” outreach program.“Dumanon Kailian” is an Ilocano phrase to “welcome people from the same place” and adopted by the municipal government as the name of its program that regularly delivers basic services to the villages of Maitum. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

"Dumaon Kailian" sponsors

MAITUM, Sarangani (March13, 2009) - Mayor Elsie Perrett gives her thanks to all the sponsors that contributed to the outreach activities and Dumanon Kailian in barangay New La Union recently. Dumanon Kailianis an Ilocano phrase to “welcome people from the same place” and adopted by the municipal government as the name of its program that regularly delivers basic services to the villages of Maitum. (MAITUMINFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Child Friendly Space

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui stresses a point to his children audience during the culmination of Child Friendly Space program in Lagundi village. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D. Ampatin)

Blowing bubbles for peace

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (right) joins pupils of H.A.G Jamalol Elementary School in blowing the Bubbles for Peace at the culmination of Child Friendly Space program on March 5 in barangay Lagundi. The Child Friendly Space is a joint effort of UNDP Action in Conflict Transformation (ACT for Peace in Mindanao) and municipal government of Kiamba to bring trust and confidence in children dispersed by armed conflict. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D.Ampatin)

Deep sea fishing vessel

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) – A hand line fishing vessel loads drums of fuel for another deep sea fishing expedition at Celebes Sea.Thirty percent of sashimi grade tuna delivered at General Santos fishport is produced by fishermen of Kiamba and Maitum. (KIAMBA NEWSCENTER/Allan C. de Lima)

Fishing at pantalan

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) – Boys enjoy the weekend fishing at the pantalan (port) of Kiamba. This facility is already scheduled for improvement through the Department of Agriculture's SELAP (Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program). (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C.de Lima)

Child health stakeholders

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 13, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui briefs Dr. Alan Talens, program director of International Aid (IA), on the health services initiatives of the municipal government during the MATCH (Maximizing Access to Child Health) mid-term evaluation workshop earlythis month. The MATCH program is implemented by IA in partnership with the provincial health office of Sarangani and the municipal health offices of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum (MAKIMA). The program is funded by USAID. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan C. de Lima)