Friday, February 26, 2010

Student leader

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 26, 2010) – Jonathan Nuyda, president of 3rd year class from Kling National High School, speaks with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon on behalf of the students during their 42nd Foundation Anniversary Thursday, February 25, at the gymnasium of Kling National High School. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial outreach

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 26, 2010) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon expresses his thanks to the Reach International Health Care during a provincial outreach program at barangay Kamanga, Maasim on Thursday, February 25. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kling foundation

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 26, 2010) – “Failure is always equal to success” says Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (guest speaker) to students on their 42nd Foundation Anniversary at Kling National High School gymnasium Thursday, February 25. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Typhoon fever contained

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 26, 2010) – Government health workers on Friday (February 26) rushed to contain the spread of typhoid fever in a far-flung village here.

“We have conducted further investigation and control measures including provisions of free medicines and health education drive to the community and determining the cause of occurrence,” said Honorato Fabio, municipal health officer.

“So far, the number of cases are tapering down which is the usual pattern of typhoid fever.”

Typhoid fever is a serious infection accompanied by high fever. Its transmission occurs through the intake of contaminated food or water. Its risk of infection is fairly low.

Fabio said the municipal health center has recently received a list of patients with febrile illnesses together with two walk-in patients presenting signs and symptoms of typhoid fever from Salimama, Datal Anggas.

Diagnosis showed the two were positive of Samonella Typhi, the causative agent for typhoid fever.

Datal Anggas is one of the town’s farthest barangays populated by the indigenous Blaan.

“We found out that the source of drinking water by the population were either doubtful or contaminated,” Fabio said.

The municipal health center identified 35 suspected, probable and confirmed cases of typhoid fever.

But Fabio said “we are continually monitoring the situation and attending new cases at the area and walk-in cases.”

Confirmed cases were determined by the Department of Health’s Research Institute of Tropical Medicine.

Fabio said other cases in the community with the same signs and symptoms but not tested could be presumed as typhoid cases also for better preventive measures.

Handwashing, avoiding untreated drinking water and eating raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables are some practical guidelines to avoid the disease. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATIN OFFICE)

Monday, February 22, 2010

For reforestation

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 23, 2010) - Around 10,000 rubber seedlings are delivered at the provincial nursery Monday, February 22, for the reforestation project of the provincial government and SMART Communications. By using agro-forestry technology in this project, around 500 hectares of forest land across the towns of Alabel, Malapatan, Glan and Kiamba will be planted with rubber, coffee and fruit bearing trees. (Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rubber seedlings

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 23, 2010) - 10,000 rubber seedlings are unloaded from a container van at the provincial nursery Monday, February 22, for the reforestation project of the provincial government and SMART Communications. By using agro-forestry technology in this project, around 500 hectares of forest land across the towns of Alabel, Malapatan, Glan and Kiamba will be planted with rubber, coffee and fruit bearing trees. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Offering goodluck

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 23, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramos offers good luck to the staff of Sarangani Information Office with his tobacco “Tabacalera” as he openly wears Gibo’s green wristband in an informal meeting at the Kalsangi Golf Club Sunday, February 21. The red one signifies his membership to the Philippine National Red Cross. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tourism branding

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 23, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramos illustrates tourism branding by showing his own jacket with an Igorot weave accent that sells well in Europe during a meeting with businessmen of General Santos City at the Kalsangi Golf Club Sunday, February 21. Ramos was wearing Gibo's green wristband while the other wristband in red signifies his membership to the Philippine National Red Cross. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Photo ops

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 22, 2010) – Guests and officials take aphoto opportunity with former President Fidel V. Ramos in a dinner at Governor Migs Dominguez’ residence Sunday night, February 21. Seated are Governor Dominguez, Quality Education for Sarangani Today program manager Annalie Edday and Kalinaw Program manager Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda. Standing from left are Vice Mayor Ahmed Paglas of DatuPaglas, Executive Assistant for Governor Dominguez Hanafi Ibrahim,Chancellor Canacan of Mindanao State University-General Santos City,Datu Piang OIC-Mayor Ben Carandang, former President Fidel V. Ramos,Datu Paglas Mayor Tong Paglas, Mayor Langkuno, Ibrahim Paglas IV, andQuincy Quinones. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Autograph

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos autographs books from his Ramos Peace and Development Foundation for Kalinaw Program manager Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda and Quality Education for Sarangani Today program manager Annalie Edday after a dinner atGovernor Migs Dominguez’ residence Sunday night, February 21. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Documentation team for FVR visit

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos poses with Provincial Information Office staff and documentation team during his weekend visit to the province after dinner Sunday,February 21. (Photo by Gov. Migs Dominguez)

FVR signature

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos makes his signature thumbs up sign with Corporate Security Head Quincy Quinones from Maguindanao during dinner at Governor Migs Dominguez’ residence Sunday night, February 21. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maguindanao officials meeting with FVR

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos huddles with OIC-Mayor Ben Carandang of Datu Piang, Maguindanaowith other officials after dinner at Governor Migs Dominguez’ residence Sunday night, February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Thumbs up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos poses and shows his thumbs up signature with (from right) Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, Senator Lito Lapid and Mindanao Development Authority chairman Virgilio Leyretana at the East Asia Royal Hotel Sunday, February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR definitely green?

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Former President FidelV. Ramos, for the third time since he arrived in Socsargen (SouthCotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City), shows Lakas-Kampi-CMDstandard bearer Gibo Teodoro’s green wristband while discussing an honesty game with golfers and businessmen at the Kalsangi Golf Course Sunday, February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Golfers and businessmen with FVR

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Former President FidelV. Ramos chats with businessmen and club members of Kalsangi Golf Club before playing an honesty game Sunday, February 21. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs playing golf

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, Lakas-Kampi-CMD national president, plays golf with former President Fidel V. Ramos, Lakas-CMD co-founder and chairman emeritus, and members of the Kalsangi Golf Club Sunday, February 21.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Group picture

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Former President FidelV. Ramos poses with Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez (middle),Kalsangi Golf Club members, caddies and umbrella girls at the Kalsangi Golf Course Sunday, February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Light moments with the President

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramos spends time with golfers and clubhouse manager Beth Parcon at the Kalsangi Golf Course before playing an honesty game Sunday,February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Playing golf on Sunday

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 22, 2010) – Former President FidelV. Ramos enjoys playing golf at the Kalsangi Golf Course on Sunday,February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Umbrella girls

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 21, 2010) – Former President FidelV. Ramos makes jokes with umbrella girls as he plays golf at theKalsangi Golf Course with Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez and golfclub members Sunday, February 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

FVR tours SocSarGen, refreshes peace in Mindanao

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (February 21, 2010) – Revitalizing peace advocacies in pushing environment-friendly tourism in Mindanao, former President Fidel V. Ramos toured Sarangani, General Santos City and South Cotabato in his three-day visit here during the weekend.

The first two days was also an occasion for the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Incorporated (RPDEV) chaired by the former President to promote sustainable tourism in the region.

“The hope of Sarangani and General Santos City is not the tuna industry, but tourism and agriculture,” Ramos said during his arrival at Sarangani provincial Capitol Friday (February 19).

Ramos graced the Philippine Conference on Eco-tourism and Eco-productivity seminar- workshop in the Lemlunay Dive Resort in Maasim town, Sarangani in the afternoon where he said “our natural resources are in place. All we have to do is dare to make the first step and make a difference.”

For his part, Governor Migs Dominguez urged local officials and investors to begin thinking as one region and not as many islands at a similar conference in Koronadal on Saturday.

“Let us, together as one region, start branding as a tourist destination and transform our resources into a product,” Dominguez said.

“Let us change the image of Mindanao by telling ten success stories for every one single story that saddens it.”

In Sarangani, visitors’ arrival surged up to 350,000 in each of the past three years and tripled its guests during provincial festivals, according to the provincial tourism office.

“Many envies Sarangani. You are a rich province because you have enough in life starting with education and harmony between the Christians and the Muslims,” Ramos said.

A landmark infrastructure project in the province was the construction of the artery concrete road funded by the United States Agency for International Development connecting Sarangani’s seven towns under the Ramos administration.

Ramos did scuba diving at the Sarangani Bay ’s Tinoto Reef from Lemlunay Dive Resort in Maasim town early Saturday morning. Dive master Dennes Villalva said Ramos wanted to go down 100 feet as he enjoyed diving. Lemlunay Dive Resort, formerly South Point Divers, is a world-class all-season dive spot in the country.

“We Filipinos are naturally hospitable as we are rich in natural resources. Let us enhance our environment to make it more enjoyable and think about the better future of the young ones,” Ramos said.

On Sunday, Ramos played an honesty game with club members of the Kalsangi Golf Club in Polomolok where he had informal discussions on investments with businessmen in the region.

Ramos, for the third time since he arrived in Socsargen ( South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City ), showed Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gibo Teodoro’s green wristband while being hosted by Governor Dominguez, Lakas-Kampi-CMD national president. Ramos is co-founder and chairman emeritus of Lakas-CMD. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR pose

KORONADAL CITY (February 21, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramosposes with Secretary Virgilio Leyretana of the former Mindanao Economic Development Council, now Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in front of the ProTech Center Saturday, February 20, to grace the Eco-Mismo seminar-workshop as keynote speaker. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

One region, one island, one people

KORONADAL CITY (February 21, 2010) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez tells a story of success in his province after a tourism presentation and urged participants to start thinking as one region during thePhilippine Conference on Eco-Tourism and Eco-productivity seminar-workshop Saturday, February 20. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Presidential talk

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 21, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos makes a speech and cracks jokes during a welcome program prepared by Capitol employees on his arrival in Sarangani Friday morning, February 19. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

RPDEV library books

KORONADAL CITY (February 21, 2010) – Governor Daisy Avance- Fuentes receives a book from former President Fidel V. Ramos, Chairman of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, on his visit to the province for the ECO-Mismo seminar-workshop Saturday, February 20. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sustainable tourism

KORONADAL CITY (February 21, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramos delivers his keynote speech to the Philippine Conference on Eco-Tourism and Eco-productivity seminar-workshop Saturday, February20. Eco-Mismo is a countryside project for sustainable tourism spearheaded by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Welcome to Suth Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY (February 21, 2010) – Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes gestures as she warmly welcomes former President Fidel V. Ramos on hisvisit to the province for the Eco-Mismo seminar-workshop Saturday,February 20. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

FVR dive in Sarangani Bay

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos dips into the waters of Sarangani Bay at Lemlunay Dive Resort early morning Saturday, February 20, before scuba diving. Lemlunay is a world-class all-season diving spot and tourist destination in Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR with dive master

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Dive master Dennes Villalva chats with former President Fidel V. Ramos as he fixes for him Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus before going to at wo-hour dive at the Tinoto Reef’s Lemlunay Dive Resort early morning Saturday, February 20. Ramos spent the weekend visiting Sarangani’s tourist destinations. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pre-dive briefing

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos is briefed by Michelle Solon of Sarangani Tourism IndustryAssociation about the Tinoto Reef and Sarangani Bay before diving at the Lemlunay Dive Resort early morning Saturday, February 20. Ramos spent the weekend visiting Sarangani tourist destinations. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Scuba diving on weekend

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos, with dive master Dennes Villalva, enjoys diving down to 90 feeton a weekend (Saturday, February 20) at the Lemlunay Dive Resort, aworld-class and all-season dive resort in Sarangani. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR's political color

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos shows a “G1BO TEODORO 2010” wristband during the PhilippineConference on Eco-tourism and Eco-productivity “Eco Mismo” Friday,February 19, where he is keynote speaker. Ramos said Filipinos should vote for a president who will take care for the future of the young people. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR hints political color

RPDEV supports Philippines sustainable tourism

SARANGANI (February 20, 2010) – “Vote for the president who will takecare of the young people,” Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos saidmoments before pulling out of his pocket a green wristband that drewhumorous reactions from a crowd of students and provincial employees.Ramos was given a warm welcome by Capitol employees in a short programfor his arrival at the Capitol Friday (February 19).

During the program, Ramos handed over transmittals and turned over library books to Governor Migs Dominguez and two high schools in the province’s capital town from the Ramos Peace and DevelopmentFoundation, Incorporated (RPDEV).

Ramos was back in the province after three years for a weekend visitand to grace the Philippine Conference on Eco-tourism andEco-productivity seminar-workshop in Lemlunay Dive Resort, Maasimtown, as keynote speaker.

Ramos is chairman of the RPDEV, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines and is opening the year with a continuing series of conferences onsustainable tourism development across the country.

“Your abundant resources are just in place. All you have to do is toenhance them,” Ramos said in his keynote speech at the conference.Ramos said the tuna industry is not the hope of Sarangani and GeneralSantos City, but tourism and agriculture.Ramos recalled the Filipino cultural traits and ingenuous ways ofcaring, sharing and daring particularly on interfaith understanding inMuslim Mindanao in achieving lasting peace.“Security is everybody’s job,” Ramos said.

For his part, Governor Dominguez pointed out that “Sarangani owes alot of its development from President Ramos. It was during his timewhen Sarangani was created as a province.”

At the courtesy meeting, Dominguez showed the former President amarker of the construction of the 170-km national highway in Sarangani funded by the United States Agency for International Development during Ramos time.

Dominguez, now on his second term of office as governor, capitalizes on human resource through education while tapping the province’snatural resources through eco-tourism as Sarangani’s edge for globalcompetitiveness.

“Marami ang naiinggit sa Sarangani (Many envies Sarangani),” Ramos said. “You are a rich province because you have enough in lifes tarting with education and harmony between the Christians and the Muslims.” “There is a natural eco-tourism policy, a sustainable tourism that is neither destructive nor corruptive. You must be united to take actionand dare to make a difference,” Ramos said.

Dubbed “Eco-Mismo”, the RPDEV project aims to help various locales inthe country position themselves as top eco-tourism destinations andshare best practices in eco-productivity.

“Tourism must be included in the Regional Development Plan,” said Dr.Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, one of the conference speakers. Tan is ChiefExecutive Officer of the World Wildlife Fund.

At the workshop, participants talked about investment promotion,tourism product development, and the preservation of the province’snatural and cultural heritage. Resource speakers discussed relevant themes on climate change and tourism, the role of government andprivate organizations in eco-tourism development and the current stateof tourism in Sarangani. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Trooping the line

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President and Commander-in-Chief Fidel V. Ramos troops the line with Battalion Commander Edgardo De Leon of the 73rd Infantry Battalion “Neutralizer”on his visit at the battalion headquarters Friday afternoon, February19. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Posing with students

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Students, teachers and DepEd-Sarangani officials make the thumbs up sign as they pose with Former President Fidel V. Ramos after a welcome program at the capitol lobby Friday, February 19, for Ramos’ three-day visit to the province.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR on Filipino cultural traits

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos delivers his keynote speech on Filipino cultural traits, carefor environment and future of the youth during the Philippine Conference on Eco-tourism and Eco-productivity “Eco Mismo” Friday,February 19. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR marker

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos gestures to sign the marker for a United States Agency for International Development-funded national highway in Sarangani under his watch as President of the Republic where Governor Priscilla Chiongbian was Governor. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Former Commander-in-Chief

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President and Commander-in-Chief Fidel V. Ramos addresses the 73rd Infantry Battalion “Neutralizer” as he visits the army headquarters Friday afternoon, February 19, during his weekend tour to the province.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FVR at Lemlunay Dive Resort

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, with Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr., ushers Former President Fidel V.Ramos as he arrives at the Lemlunay Dive Resort for the Philippine Conference on Eco-tourism and Eco-productivity “Eco Mismo” Friday,February 19, where he is the keynote speaker. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Fidel V. Ramos

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos sits along with Governor Migs Dominguez and TourismUndersecretary Oscar Palabyab at the presidential table as he awaits his turn to give his keynote speech Friday, February 19. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Delivery of books to ANHS students


ALABEL, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos turns over a book and the letter of transmittal to the studentsof Alabel National High School Friday, February 19. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Caring, Sharing, Daring

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos gives his keynote speech during the Philippine Conference onEco-tourism and Eco-productivity “Eco Mismo” Friday, February 19,centered on caring for the environment and the future of the youth,sharing natural bounty through a natural eco-tourism policy, anddaring to take the first step to enhance the environment. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Back to Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V.Ramos shows his joy with a dramatic pose as his convoy arrives at the provincial capitol Friday morning, February 19, for a three-day visit to the province. Looking on are Governor Migs Dominguez, Mayor AnicetoLopez, Jr. of Maasim and Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Napoleon Alaba. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

RPDEV ECO-MISMO - South Cotabato and Sarangani Press Release

Headline: RPDEV pushes sustainable tourism development in RP
Subhead: Eco-Mismo conference on green tourism comes to Mindanao

The Ramos Peace and Development (RPDEV) Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines, is opening the year with a continuing series of conferences on sustainable tourism development with planned stops across the country.
Dubbed “Eco-Mismo”, the landmark road show project of RPDEV Chairman and former President Fidel Ramos aims to help various locales in the country position themselves as top eco-tourism destinations and share best practices in eco-productivity. Eco-Mismo will be making its way to the Visayas with scheduled stops in Cebu and Bohol this January.

The Sarangani leg of Eco-Mismo is set to take place on February 19 at the Lemlunay Dive Resort in the municipality of Maasim. At the meet, participants will be taking part in workshops on investment promotion, tourism product development, and the preservation of the province’s natural and cultural heritage, to be led by experts working in each of the three fields. Workshop outputs will be shared and presented to local tourism stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

In addition, leading figures in the Philippine tourism industry are scheduled to talk about such relevant themes as the challenge of climate change and tourism, the role of government and private organizations in eco-tourism development, and the current state of tourism in Sarangani.
The South Cotabato leg of Eco-Mismo meanwhile will be held on January 20 at the ProTech Center in Koronadal City. The conference will likewise feature talks on issues relevant to tourism in the province, including established best practices for tourism in South Cotabato, environmental conservation, and case studies of successful eco-tourism efforts. The outputs of the Sarangani workshops will also be shared.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity – a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

The series of conferences comes amid growing concerns over climate change and the recent global financial crisis that has exacerbated problems in the country’s tourism industry. According to a 2009 survey by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines’ overall ranking in travel and tourism dropped from 81st place in 2008 to 86th place in 2009.

Scheduled speakers at the Mindanao stops include former President Ramos, Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato, Gov. Miguel Dominguez of Sarangani, and Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. of Maasim, Sarangani; as well as World Wildlife Fund-Philippines Vice Chairman Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan; Usec. Oscar P. Palabyab of the Department of Tourism (DOT); DOT Regional Director Martin Varela; Mindanao Economic Development Council Chairman Virgilio Leyretana, Sr.; El Nido Resorts Vice President Mariglo Laririt. Asia Pacific Projects President Narzalina Lim; and Lim, who is a former Secretary of the Department of Tourism, is also serving as the conference chairperson.

The Eco-Mismo Series is organized by RPDEV in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Asia Pacific Projects, APO/DAP, the HERMA Group, GO Sarangani, and the Mindanao Economic Development Council. Additional support will be provided by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato for the Koronadal leg, and by the Provincial Government of Saragani for the Maasim stop.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Maasim opens Center for Technical Excellence

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 17, 2010) – Government officials, academe and a private corporation led the groundbreaking ceremony here Tuesday (February 16) of the Center for Technical Excellence (CTE), a project “to harness the technical and entrepreneurial potentials of the youth in building a brighter and sustainable future.”

CTC is a joint project of the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC).

“Preparation for the future is a must for Maasim, especially with the coming of more investors here,” Governor Migs Dominguez said.

“I always believe that education is the best anti-poverty tool, and I would like to commend the local officials for really creating an environment where business people can prosper,” Dominguez said.

“As a response to such challenge, there is a need to promote entrepreneurship and a call for local skilled manpower,” the CHC brochure noted.

“We will sacrifice all other projects and put our resources where they are needed most, where we aim for excellence,” Dominguez said.

The center will be a part of the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School . Last year, Sarangani has opened 18 integrated schools in the different municipalities.

A hectare of land was donated by Mohmen Mangelen, a teacher in the said school, where the project will be built.

“The keyword here is excellence and we vow our support for this laudable project,” DepEd Regional representative Shirley Bulusan said.

The project has an initial budget of P1.8 million for the two-classroom building and P1.4 million for scholarships.

The CTE will offer NC-II courses in industrial welding, industrial electricity, pipe fitting, plumbing, masonry and carpentry for Maasim’s out-of-school youth.

CTE is a key component of Conal Holding’s community development program. The company will fund the construction of the building, acquisition of equipment and cost of training.

The Department of Education will administer the center while TESDA will design the curriculum and instructional materials for the school.

“Skills trainings are part of our preparation for Maasim as a progressive town while investments are flowing in,” Mayor Aniceto Lopez said.

During the event, a memorandum of agreement was signed among partners to establish and sustain the CTE. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mentor

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez talks with the students of the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School at the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, February 16, of the Center for Technical Excellence, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lauding Kuya Migs

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Children of the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School applaud as Governor Migs Dominguez speaks for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence at the school ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A must for Maasim

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez says preparation for the future is a must for Maasim through education at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence in the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School Tuesday, February 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Amusing the parents

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez amuses parents at the Mangelen Integrated School as they listen to a short program for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence Tuesday, February 16, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Groundbreaking

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez leads teachers and officials at the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, February 16, of the Center for Technical Excellence in Mangelen Integrated School . The two-classroom building, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority, has a P1.8 million fund for building and equipment and P1.4 million for scholarships initial budget. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mangelen school children

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Students of the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School listen to a short program for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Lopez

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Mayor Aniceto Jojo Lopez, Jr. speaks of “a dream come true” for Maasim with the coming of investors to the municipality. A groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence at the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School was held during the day as part of the town’s manpower preparation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Migs for education

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez listens intently to a short program for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Technical Excellence Tuesday, February 16, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)