Monday, November 30, 2009

Vice Governor's welcome

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 27, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon welcomes Edu Manzano, running mate of presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, at General Santos City international airport for a visit to Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian assists vice presidential bet Edu Manzano under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party during the celebration of 7th MunaTo Festival and 17th foundation anniversary of the province Thursday, November 27. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Festival guest

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Edu Manzano, the administration party’s candidate for vice president, is mobbed by fans at the MunaTo Festival. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman's representative

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian delivers the message from his brother Congressman Erwin Chiongbian as he represents the latter in the 7th MunaTo Festival and 17th foundation anniversary of Sarangani Province. The late Congressman James Chiongbian and Governor Priscilla Chiongbian, the parents of businessman Roy Chiongbian, were the founders of Sarangani Province. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

17th foundation anniversary

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solons opens the 7th MunaTo Festival and 17th foundation anniversary of the Province of Sarangani with this year’s theme “Pride of Sarangani: History, Culture, Resources”. MunaTo refers to the first people of Sarangani which is the lumad (indigenous people) and associated with the 2,000-year old anthropomorphic (man-shaped) burial jars of Maitum. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Roy and Edu

Alabel, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice presidential bet Edu Manzano and businessman Roy Chiongbian, SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD congressional candidate for Sarangani, are joined by members of Sarangani Youth Organization in a dance number during the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD party meeting at Isla Parilla Resort.

Mass oath-taking

Alabel, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Some 500 members or more than 95 percent of the total membership of SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD join the mass oath-taking Nov. 27 during the party meeting at isla Parilla Resort.

Lakas president

Alabel, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez, national president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, addresses party-mates Nov. 27 at Isla Parilla Resort during the party meeting attended by some 500 members or more than 95 percent of the total membership of SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Forging of partnership

Alabel, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian signs a manifesto of partnership between the Sarangani Youth Organization (SAYO) headed by Jean Delos Santos (right, seated) during the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD party meeting at Isla Parilla Resort. The SAYO has given their full support for the candidacy of Roy Chiongbian as congressman for May 2010 election together with Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and other party officials.

Edu Manzano

Alabel, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice presidential bet Edu Manzano talks before party-mates in Sarangani Province during the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD party meeting Nov. 27 at Isla Parilla Resort.

Gov. Migs targets to erase poverty in Sarangani by 2012

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2009) - GOVERNOR Migs Dominguez wants to eliminate Sarangani Province in the magic 20 poorest provinces of the country by 2012.

This he bared during the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (Sarro)/Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party Meeting at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel, Friday (November 27).

To make this happen, Dominguez said the province will be focusing its resources and funds to where it matters most."My target for the next three years is to take out Sarangani in the magic 20 poorest provinces of the country. It's about investing in people, it's about investing in the right place where it counts," the governor said.

Dominguez earlier said that based on surveys, Sarangani Province was included in the top 20 poorest provinces of the country where it ranked number three in 2004 and number 11 in 2006.He said the province will focus to pour its funds to education, universal health coverage, and access to potable water to the different sitios and barangays of the province where poverty has rooted over the last 17 years.

The root of poverty in the province, he said, was realized through the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), a database completed through monitoring each household of every barangay of the province.

The system now can be used as a tool for decision-making in establishing development programs in the barangays.

Meanwhile, Roy Chiongbian, Sarro president, said that his advocacy was focused on education, saying it is one of the most important tools to erase poverty in the province.

He said quality education can lead to employment which can give stable income to the people."The province has projects pertaining to education, all we have to do is to expand it. One way to expand is to hire teachers from areas where these teachers can also teach in their own locality ," he said.He said whatever projects that is good for the constituents just needs to be supported, pushed, and developed.

Friday, November 27, 2009

President Migs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 27, 2009) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is welcomed by Lakas-Kampi-CMD national president Migs Dominguez upon the former’s arrival Thursday, November 26, at General Santos City airport to attend Sarangani’s 17th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pearl of Sarangani winners

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) – Pearl of Sarangani Sandra Matutino of Alabel (middle), first runner-up Shina Marie Batiencila of Malapatan (right), and Rowena Gallogo of Glan, pose for a souvenir photo after the pageant night Thursday, November 26, at the provincial gymnasium. Also with them are Miss Kiamba Marjorie Buhisan (far right) and Miss Maasim Mia Marie Rocacorba (far left). (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pearl of Sarangani 2009

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) – Miss Alabel Sandra Matutino, proclaimed as Pearl of Sarangani 2009, poses in her elegant evening gown at the night of the pageant Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Miss Malapatan

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) – First runner up Shina Marie Batiencila of Malapatan poses in her evening attire at the pageant night of Pearl of Sarangani 2009 Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Miss Glan

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) – Second runner up Rowena Gallogo of Glan poses in her evening attire at the pageant night of Pearl of Sarangani 2009 Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani's festival for "first people"

By Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon formally opened Thursday (November 26) the three-day celebration for the 17th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani and 7th MunaTo Festival in time with the provincial athletic association meet.

Solon, before a crowd of more than 5,000 spectators and athletes, said the festivity calls for two things for Sarangans to celebrate - “to remember its province’s history” and “a celebration of the diversity and the unity of its tri-people (Indigenous People, Moro and Christian.”

He said “kinahanglan dili nato kalimtan ang pagmungna sa Sarangani in 1992. Kung asa ta gikan ug asa ta karon.”

Progress is evident in Sarangani, he said.

“Such great progress for Sarangani! And it is what we are celebrating in our foundation anniversary,” the vice governor said.

In a message of Congressman Erwin Chiongbian delivered by his brother Roy, he said this year’s theme, “Pride of the Sarangani Tri-People history… culture… resources” is very appropriate because “our history in Sarangani is short as we are only 17 years old and we go a long way back. But like all teenagers, we are full of energy.”

Chiongbian said “our culture is unique as we are filled with diverse people of different cultures working together to live together in peace and harmony.”

This, Solon has credited to the leadership of Governor Migs Dominguez for his “mission of making the tri-people working together for the benefit of the province as a whole.”

MunaTo meaning “fist people” is a festivity to showcase the cultural heritage as well as the tourism potentials of Sarangani.

It has also been linked to the 2,000-year old archaeological finds (anthropomorphic jars) in Maitum, Sarangani revealing the origin of community life in Southeast Asia.

Sarangani is culturally rich. It is populated with more or less 60 percent indigenous peoples. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani is in good hands: SAYO

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) - The Sarangani Youth Organization (SAYO) has forged pact with the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (Sarro) for a stronger relationship involving close cooperation in the coming years.

The forging of partnership was one of the highlights of the Sarro/Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party Meeting at the Isla Parilla Resort Friday (Nov. 27) with a theme "Forging Alliances for Peace and Progress.

"Sayo is an organization formed in 2004 that worked with the leaders of the province and helped in making the dreams of every Sarangan youth a reality.The forging of partnership led by Sarro President Roy Chiongbian and Jean delos Santos, Sayo president, aims to ensure mutual support of both organizations to its respective endeavors such as the initiation of youth development programs, education, and others.

"Nagsimulang nanindigan ang Sayo in 2004, sumama kami sa mga lider at nagkaroon ng bagong inspirasyon sa pangunguna ng ating batang gobernador. We have seen the dedication of Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and now with Sir Roy, we know that Sarangani is in good hands," delos Santos said.

She said Sayo believes in the capacity of Sarro leaders and this is one of the reasons why the organization has forged partnership with Sarro."We do not want Sarangani to be sold. We believe that the leaders of Sarro and Lakas-Kampi are trustworthy," she said.

Meanwhile, Governor Dominguez, who is also the Sarro chairman, expressed his gratitude to the people who helped in making Sarangani Province as developed as it is today.

"Ang probinsiyang ito ay isa sa mga hinangaang probinsiya sa buong Pilipinas. As we journey on, it's very important to remember where we all came from. As we plan for the future, we should always remember what we experienced," Dominguez said.

"We have all built this beautiful province as a model province in the whole country," he added.

He pointed out that a political organization should be a family that gives support, guidance, strength, and inspiration to its members.

"Wala pong imposible kung lahat tayo ay sama-sama para sa tama. Sa lahat ng challenges, as your leader and governor, I will always be there for you and that is my commitment," he said.

The governor also thanked the people of Sarangani for giving him the opportunity to serve and for giving him the inspiration on how to love the people through his commitment in public service.

Mangudadatu and Gibo at Comelec Maguindanao


SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao (November 27, 2009) - Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu (left) files his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) as gubernatorial candidate in Maguindanao Friday, November 27, at the Comelec provincial office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. Provincial election officer Estilita Orbase (right) shows to Mangudadatu and Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., former defense secretary, the logbook of candidates who already filed their COC.

Mangudadatu files COC with Gibo



BULUAN, Maguindanao (November 27, 2009) – Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu (left) walks with Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., former defense secretary, at a street of Buluan together with family and supporters Friday, November 27. The group was on its way to accompany Mangudadatu in filing his Certificate of Candidacy at the Comelec provincial office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

1st placer

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Glan School of Arts and Trades Lubi-lubi 2009 champion in Glan town bested five other contenders of this year’s MunaTo Festival street dance competition Thursday, November 26. The group also received a cash prize of P80,000. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

2nd placer

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Pakaradyan dancers from Malapatan town ranked 2nd place in MunaTo Festival street dance competition 2009 Thursday, November 26. They also received a cash prize of P65,000. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

3rd placer

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Dancers from Alabel town placed third in the 2009 MunaTo Festival street dance competition Thursday, November 26. They also received a cash prize of P50,000. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Trade fair

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon visits one of the booths showcasing the one-town-one-product from the seven municipalities of Sarangani at Capitol grounds Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fyu Kura

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) - A parade of dressed horses called “Fyu Kura” is one of the highlights during the opening of the three-day celebration of the 17th Foundation Anniversary and 7th MunaTo Festival of Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IP products

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Board Member Eunice Santos fits in a headdress made by indigenous people (IP) in Sarangani. It is one of the displays in the “Fabli Gu Ni” trade fair during the opening of the MunaTo Festival Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival opening

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his welcome message during the opening of the 17th Foundation Anniversary and 7th MunaTo Festival Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Trade fair ribbon cutting

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the ribbon cutting rites during the opening of Trade Fair, at capitol grounds this province November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gibo at University of Southern Mindanao





KABACAN, Cotabato (November 26, 2009) – GILBERTO “GIBO “ TEODORO JR., former defense secretary and now Lakas-Kampi-CMD chair and standard-bearer, is mobbed by students and professors who invited him to speak on his platform on education Wednesday, November 25, at the University of Southern Mindanao. Tedoro was with his running-mate Edu Manzano.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD mass oath taking in Cotabato province

KABACAN, Cotabato (November 26, 2009) – GILBERTO “GIBO “ TEODORO JR., former defense secretary and now Lakas-Kampi-CMD chair and standard-bearer, presides over the mass oath taking Wednesday, November 25, of Lakas-Kampi-CMD members in Cotabato province. Tedoro was with his running-mate Edu Manzano.

Gibo Teodoro in Midsayap, Cotabato








MIDSAYAP, Cotabato (November 26, 2009) – GILBERTO “GIBO “ TEODORO JR., former defense secretary and now Lakas-Kampi-CMD chair and standard-bearer, is guest speaker at the 73rd founding anniversary of Midsayap, Cotabato at the municipal gymnasium Wednesday, November 25, where more than 5,000 people attended. Tedoro was with his running-mate Edu Manzano.

Mayor Rom for TESDA

KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – “Always work for excellence!” Mayor Rom Falgui challenges the new batch of massage therapists and hairdressers during the closing program of TESDA’s (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Balik Buhay sa Mindanao in barangay Poblacion Tuesday, November 24. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

TESDA graduates

KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Graduates of massage therapy and hairdressing pose with their mentors and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) officials during the closing ceremony at barangay Poblacion Tuesday, November 24. The program Balik Buhay sa Mindanao which aims to create jobs in war-stricken areas is funded by TESDA in partnership with the local government and the office of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

TESDA masahista

KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Anatalia Aruejo, 65, a government retiree, is one of TESDA’s (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) new accredited massage therapists. She admits that it’s a new way of living in managing her time and raising her family with her new skill. Balik Buhay sa Mindanao which aims to create jobs in war-stricken areas is funded by TESDA in partnership with the local government and the office of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/ Abner P. Arzaga)

Help us find a witness:DOJ official uges local media in Socsksargen

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 26, 2009) - Undersecretary of Justice Ricardo Blancaflor has urged members of the local media in Socsksargen to help the department in the investigation of Maguindanao massacre by providing any information about the gruesome death of at least 57 people in Maguindanao.

"We will appreciate any information po whether tsismis po yan, kaya kung meron man po kayong ibang alam na information, ipagbigay-alam lang po natin, meron po tayong action center sa PIA (Philippine Information Agency)," Blancaflor said to more than 50 members of the local tri-media during the indignation rally infront of Plaza Heneral Santos, Tuesday night.

Blancaflor added that there will also be full-time prosecutors to allow more time for the filing of cases against the suspects in the massacre."Mula ngayong gabi until two weeks, full-time na magtatrabaho ang ating mga prosecutors kahit gabi," he said.

He further appealed to the members of the local media to help them seek for witnesses, saying "this is not a time to grieve, but this is a time to fight.""Magtulungan tayo, kailangan namin ng tulong ninyo, kailangan natin ng testigo," he said.

Blancaflor also expressed his gratitude to the different non-government organizations that took initiatives in condemning the killing of mediamen, including women politicians and lady lawyers, in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan town.

"Kung wala kayo rito, di namin kaya ang laban na ito," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, who joined in the indignation rally, also expressed his sympathy to the local media."Hindi namin ma-describe kung ano'ng dapat naming maramdaman sa nangyari, but we are here for them 100 percent," Solon said.

A state of emergency has already been imposed in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato. This is after Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza recommended such action while investigations are still ongoing.

Dureza, in his statement through the PIA, said "this is a gruesome massacre of civilians unequalled in recent history. Even women and working mediamen were not spared. I grieve for my friends in the media and all those killed while doing their job. There must be a total stop to this senseless violence and carnage in the highest form. Anything less will not work." (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Militant group


General Santos City (NOVEMBER 25, 2009) – THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE OF JOURNALISTS AND CIVILIANS IS CONDEMNED BY MULTI SECTORAL GROUPS FROM GENERAL SANTOS CITY AND SARANGANI PROVINCE DURING AN INDIGNATION RALLY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Don't shoot journalists


General Santos City (NOVEMBER 25, 2009) – THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE OF JOURNALISTS AND CIVILIANS IS CONDEMNED BY MULTI SECTORAL GROUPS FROM GENERAL SANTOS CITY AND SARANGANI PROVINCE DURING AN INDIGNATION RALLY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Candle lighting for justice

General Santos City (NOVEMBER 25, 2009) – THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE OF JOURNALISTS AND CIVILIANS IS CONDEMNED BY MULTI SECTORAL GROUPS FROM GENERAL SANTOS CITY AND SARANGANI PROVINCE DURING AN INDIGNATION RALLY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Call for justice

General Santos City (NOVEMBER 25, 2009) – THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE OF JOURNALISTS AND CIVILIANS IS CONDEMNED BY MULTI SECTORAL GROUPS FROM GENERAL SANTOS CITY AND SARANGANI PROVINCE DURING AN INDIGNATION RALLY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, November 23, 2009

Tubad performing arts group

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Dancers of the Tubad Performing Arts group perform a welcome dance at the opening of the Sarangani Sacred Sites exhibit at the Capitol lobby Monday, November 23, which preludes the week-long celebration of the province’s MunaTo Festival and 17th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Michelle Solon, Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association president and chairman of the MunaTo Festival this year, beguiles herself at a sacred site during the opening of the Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit Monday, November 23, at the Capitol lobby. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)