Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Kiamba proclamation rally

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez raises the hands of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD municipal slate led by incumbent Mayor Rom Falgui during the proclamation rally late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza where thousands of residents gathered. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Migs campaign for the children

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez tosses a “Gibo Teodoro for President” wristband as children and thousands of residents gather to listen to the proclamation rally of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

I will protect you

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Incumbent Mayor Rom Falgui gestures as he makes his moving statement during the proclamation rally late Tuesday night, March 30, of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD to protect the rights and welfare of his constituents against anyone who will threaten their right of suffrage in choosing the right leader. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kayang kaya

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Incumbent Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon campaigns for the right leaders of the province as he was endorsing his uncle Roy Chiongbian for the congressional seat in Sarangani during the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD proclamation rally late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza where thousands of residents gathered. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiamba family

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – A family, among some 3,000 community leaders and part supporters, flashes a smile in greeting congressional candidate Roy Chiongbian during the proclamation rally in Kiamba late night Tuesday, March 30. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Showtime

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Anara, 13, daughter of Roy Chiongbian, cheers for her father and sings in front of kids and thousands of community leaders and party supporters during the proclamation rally of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The parables of Steve

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon tells a story of servant leadership in front of some 3,000 community leaders and party supporters at the proclamation rally of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The parables of Steve

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 31, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon tells a story of servant leadership in front of some 3,000 community leaders and party supporters at the proclamation rally of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD late Tuesday night, March 30, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Gov. Migs speaks at Alabel

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) – More than a thousand crowd gather at the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD proclamation rally as Governor Migs Dominguez challenges current municipal officials whose leadership under incumbent Mayor Corazon Grafilo turned her back from SARRO after receiving campaign funds from the other party. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Alabel proclamation rally

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) - Governor Migs Dominguez raises the hands of the Alabel municipal slate led by SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD mayoralty candidate Ronnel EspaƱol (3rd from right) with congressional candidate Roy Chiongbian with his wife Malu Sunday afternoon, March28, where thousands of residents braved a heavy downpour to listen to candidates’ speeches. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malapatan proclamation rally

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez raises the hands of the Malapatan municipal slate led bySARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD incumbent Mayor George Sambaga (4th from left) Sunday afternoon, March 28, where thousands of residents gathered and listened to candidates’ speeches. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Vote wisely

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez tells thousands of residents attending the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD proclamation rally Sunday, March 28, to vote for leaders who can guide the province and those that have clear and responsive platform of government. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon proclamation rally

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez (in green) raises the hands of the Malungon municipal slate led bySARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD mayoralty candidate Teody Padernilla (next to Dominguez) Sunday afternoon, March 28, where thousands of residents gathered until late night to listen to the candidates. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Suportado sa pamilya

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 29, 2010) – Congressional candidate Roy Chiongbian expresses his gratitude to the crowd of thousands with community leaders and party supporters who attended the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD local slate proclamation rally late nightSunday, March 28. With Roy are his wife, Malu and daughters Jennnifer and Anara. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiamba agriculture advances with new P200-M plantation project

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 28, 2010) – Canadian Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Company, Inc. and the municipal government have entered into an agreement for a P200-million coffee plantation project.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement was made at the State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) of Mayor Rom Falgui on March 23. Falgui said agricultural development is one of his centerpieces of governance.

“Mayor Falgui plays a very active role in bridging the tribe and make things happen,” Rocky Mountain Director Pierre Yvet Cote said in an interview.

The project will have an initial P10-million investment for the main farm in Falel, according to Cote .

Falel is a Tboli village. “We work with the aboriginal tribe and we are always interested to work with the Tboli ever since.”

“This P10-million investment will lead to the P200-million investment and will benefit the local farmers through the 100 satellite farms around the main farm,” Cote said.

Arabica coffee is suitable to high altitude mountains of Kiamba. Cote said ten plantations will be built nationwide.

In his SOMA, Falgui said the local government poured P57-million for its agricultural programs particularly on its 60-hectare organic farming and community livelihood.

“We have applied intensified technology for our agricultural production with the assistance from our partners from national agencies, the provincial government, and even international companies,” Falgui said.

In his first term of office as the local chief executive, Falgui has brought the biggest two medical missions in Kiamba equivalent to P80-million worth of medical services from the University of Santo Tomas Medical Mission Inc..

Falgui emphasized the value of partnership and community participation in bringing development to Kiamba.

On his part, Casimiro Olvida of the Philippine Governance Project (EcoGov), said this is part of the public-private partnership by the local government to improve its Forest Land Use Plan. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fiev towns in Sarangani get P22.5M from DSWD

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 28, 2010) – A total of P22.5 million has been turned-over to five municipalities in the province by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 12) as fund assistance for the realization of the shelter program implemented by the department in coordination with the Province of Sarangani and the municipality beneficiaries.

The checks worth P5 million each were granted to the local chief executives and representatives of Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, and Maasim, while a total of P2.5 million was turned-over to the representative of the municipality of Malapatan .

The Shelter Assistance Program started in Malapatan last year wherein victims of typhoon were the identified beneficiaries of the program. The DSWD has given the initial fund of P2.5 million for the first phase of the program implemented in Juanicoville, Purok Diamalod, barangay Lun Padidu.

Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui, who accepted the check from DSWD Regional Director Bai Zorahayda Taha, expressed his gratitude to the department’s assistance for the resettlement area of the flood victims in his town.

“Through this fund, flood victims will not only acquire a shelter, but this will also upgrade their way of living,” said Falgui, who was recently lauded by Gov. Migs Dominguez as one of the best performing mayors in Sarangani because of his exemplary leadership.

Gov. Dominguez, on the other hand, said that the province is serious in eradicating the indicators of poverty in some barangays in the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Kiamba, and Maasim through social services interventions.

“Finally, we’re out of the magic ten poorest provinces in the country. Our target next year is to exit in the magic 20, that is why we are helping the top poorest barangays in our municipalities and start focusing on investments where it matters most,” the governor said.

Dominguez said six years ago, Sarangani Province was ranked number four in the country’s identified poorest provinces, while the province was placed number eight in 2006.

“Bakit nag-i-improve tayo? This is because of the effort and cooperation of all local government units (LGUs), and also because of the intervention of the province and the national government’s implementation of social services,” he said.

The turn-over ceremony of the checks for the Shelter Assistance Program was held at the conference room of the Provincial Capitol. The activity was held back-to-back with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of Kalahi CIDSS Projects in the municipalities of Maasim and Maitum.

The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) is a poverty alleviation project implemented by the DSWD and funded by the World Bank. The project covers 184 of the poorest municipalities in 12 regions nationwide.

The project capacitates poor communities to make decisions for themselves and identify their needs. Kalahi-CIDSS provides grant for the needs of communities that range from water systems, Day Care Centers and school buildings, and others. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A piece of life

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 28, 2010) – At the inauguration of the seven classroom building library hub in Kawas Elementary School on March 17, regional director Isabelita Borres of the Department of Education told this story:

“There was a race of ten disabled boys in one school. In the middle of the run, one of them fell down. Conscientiously, those behind him stopped running in order to help him.”

But the fellow was too heavy for them to carry, since he was badly hurt. The other racers who were ahead of the sprint noticed there were no one else running behind their back. When they looked back, they saw their pitiful fellow student being helped out by the others.”

So they stopped running too and rushed to them to help. When the boy has recovered, to the amazement of the audience, they held hands together, and set to begin. Forming a plank, the boys continued the race, and reached the finish line with much joy in their faces, and the audience stood up clapping their hands to a strange race they witnessed that day.”

“There is one thing that stood up in life, and that is helping each other,” Borres said as she closed the story.

Borres was guest to the inauguration ceremony of the library hub at the school ground that signifies the partnerships among sponsors to complete the project.

“What is very prominent in my experiences here is the partnership that we have.”

The Department of Education shared one million pesos for the project which was counter parted by a P500,000 fund from the provincial government.

The library hub in Kawas Elementary School is the first center for mass circulation of books in the division of Sarangani. It will serve as the warehouse of the large volumes of books where schools from all over the province can borrow in big volumes and bring them to their own schools.

Two other libraries in the region are found in Koronadal City and General Santos City .

The Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) has donated about 300 plastic bins for the books from DepEd. Principal Johnny Bantulo said about 35,000 volumes of reading books will be provided for them DepEd.

SPPC will also donate computer sets, tables, chairs and ceiling fans for the building.

“It’s been twelve since we work for the education of Sarangani youth through scholarships, school buildings and equipment. We really have to invest on our people,” SPPC human resource manager Joel Aton said.

The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) has facilitated the stakeholders to pour in donations for the project.

“We don’t want to mention items, but we promise quality service for our education,” QUEST program manager Annalie Edday said.

“This school is a representation of the other schools in the province that have been transformed,” schools division superintendent Deborah Adrales said.

The library hub is DepEd and QUEST program’s campaign to make every child in Sarangani a reader. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Prayer rally

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 25, 2010) – Sectoral groups join the “Call for unity, prayer and land dedication of Sarangani Province” at Capitol gym Wednesday, March 24. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Jail visit

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 24, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon visits a cell during an outreach program at the provincial jail Tuesday, March 23. More than 200 prisoners availed of medical and dental services. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

BP check

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 24, 2010) – A volunteer nurse checks the blood pleasure of a 65 year old lame prisoner during an outreach program at the provincial jail Tuesday, March 23. More than 200 prisoners availed of medical and dental services. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

"Falgui is one of my best mayors" -Governor Migs Dominguez

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez has acclaimed the town leader’s exemplary leadership and devotedservice that has transformed Kiamba into a peaceful and progressive municipality.

In roughly three years, Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui has already implemented over P350 million worth of projects in the field ofeducation, infrastructure, health, agriculture, social welfare, peaceand order among others.

Falgui, who is dubbed by the governor as “best mayor in the province,”delivered his 2nd State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) Tuesday(March 23) at the Kiamba Civic Center where at least 5,000 people gathered.

“Unang-una ang ginawa ni Mayor Falgui parang akala ko sa lahat ng mga proyekto na dumating dito sa Kiamba na ginawa niya dapat sa nine years, ginawa niya lang sa loob ng tatlong taon,” Governor Dominguez emphasized.

“Para sa akin best performing mayor siya sa lahat ng aspeto sa health,pagbibigay niya ng importansiya sa edukasyon at lalong lalo na sa agrikultura sa pababangon natin ulit sa pagiging number one pagdating sa agrikultura dito sa Kiamba. Doble saludo ako kay Mayor Falgui,” thegovernor added.

In his 47-minute report, Mayor Falgui disclosed the “sluggish stride of the past administration bearing out unproductive management,unattainable assistance, barren plans and unmoved projects, and inconveniency of their municipal hall.”

In more than two years of his leadership, manifestations of vital infrastructure (allocated more or less P140 million) abound in the municipality of Kiamba that depict its economic stability which couldbe noted through increasing number of farm to market roads that provides ease for every farmer in times where agricultural products are brought down for delivery to every trading center.

With the Kiamba Municipal Fishport that is being constructed atpresent, the incumbent mayor envisioned that the town’s fishing industry will gain better economic returns for reducing cost, expectedto have a higher recovery in volume, gaining higher price with its quality marine products, and produce a higher fishing turn over realizing greater volume.

With his immense gratitude for farmers, through his effort – the local government of Kiamba has implemented more or less P57 Million foragricultural industry development.

A lot of his accomplishments on agricultural aspects were mainly to encourage farmers to venture in farm technology that aims to keep high-quality yields.

“Marami na rin tayong individual farmers and farmer-organizations na nakatanggap ng iba’t-ibang tulong pinansiyal at teknikal, at mga mahahalagang kagamitan sa pagsasaka and we need to produce with significant volume that address family needs and responds to the business demands,” said Mayor Falgui.

With the concern on health of his people, nearly P116 million of funds implemented thru accessible health services, construction of barangay health and nutrition posts, repair and addition of medical facilities for Municipal Health Office, including the 2008 and 2009 medical missions availed by every indigent community of Kiamba.

There are about P15 million pesos worth of funds allocated for the uplifting of educational system for Kiamba children; construction ofschool buildings including facilities and Library Hub with the help ofthe Department of Education.

The mayor reported that, “Kiamba is one example of a strongpartnership among private and government entities and the community inundertaking the best quality of education.”

Falgui also thanked businessman Roy Chiongbian for being a“compassionate patron” of education.CLASSRom (Comprehensive Learning Assistant and Support for Schoolers)is Falgui’s pet project in partnership with QUEST (Quality Educationfor Sarangani Today), under the office of the provincial governor incooperation with the Alcantara Foundation and Synergeia Foundation.

“Maraming salamat kay Mr. Roy Chiongbian for his financial support para mapatakbo namin ang program at ganun din kay Eva Eramis-Villamor for becoming a fighter for quality education, thanks for hanging on with me in our utmost quest for a better future of our Kiamban children,” the mayor said.“

Makikita talaga natin how productive ang management ni Mayor Falgui and he is really supportive at makikita naman natin ang development saKiamba,” according to SARRO Congressional candidate Roy Chiongbian.

“Maganda at kumpleto ang speech ni Mayor Falgui at dapat talaga namapa-remind sa mga tao para malaman nila ang mga pagsisikap nggobyerno para sa kanila,” said Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

“Impressive at detailed talaga ang report ni Mayor Falgui, preciselybecause he handled everything, hinahands-on niya ang mga proyekto athindi na nakakapagtaka na ganun ka-detalyado ang mga report,” Vice Mayoralty candidate Eva Eramis-Villamor said. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER)

Migs with community

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) - Governor Migs Dominguez mingleswith the community after the State of the Municipality Address ofMayor Rom Falgui Tuesday, March 23, at the municipal gym. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Community congratulates Rom

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) – Residents who attend the State ofthe Municipality Address (SOMA)congratulate Mayor Rom Falgui after he delivered his SOMA Tuesday, March 23, at the municipal gym during the 131st regular session of the 18th Sangguniang Bayan. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rom delivers SOMA

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) - Mayor Rom Falgui delivers his State of the Municipality Address Tuesday, March 23, stressing on infrastructure, agriculture, education and peace and order as his centerpieces of governance. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Entrance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) - Mayor Rom Falgui makes his entrance for his State of the Municipality Address Tuesday, March 23,to hundreds of his constituents at the municipal gym. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOA signing on coffee production

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) - Barangay Captain of Tamadang and municipal tribal chieftain Rudy Tagum signs a memorandum of agreement with Pierre Yves Cote, director of Rocky Mountain Arabica CoffeeCompany, Incorporated for a P10-million investment in a Tboli community in one of the town's remotest villages including the buying of the farmers' products at the State of the Municipality AddressTuesday, March 23, at the municipal gym. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Roy congratulates Rom

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 23, 2010) - Businessman and Sarangani congressional aspirant Roy Chiongbian congratulates Mayor Rom Falgui after he delivered his State of the Municipality Address Tuesday,March 23, attended by hundreds of Kiamba constituents. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Congratulations Richie Mepranum

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 22, 2010) - Vice Governor Steve ChiongbianSolon presents Maasim’s Richie Mepranum (middle) to Capitol employeesas he delivers his congratulatory message for the boxer’s winning the world elimination championship flyweight division against Herman Marquez in Grapevine, Texas last week. At right is Richie’s coach,Rody Abad. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Moments with women

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 22, 2010) - Governor Migs Dominguez shares light moments with women in barangay Tambilil in celebration of Women’s Month. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dialogue

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 22, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with Bapa Acot Maulana, a Muslim leader in barangay Nalus,as the vice governor visits coastal villages Saturday, March 20.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tourist

GLAN, Sarangani March 22, 2010) - A local tourist enjoys under a century-old mangrove at Kikai's Beach Resort, one of the favorite hangouts of locals during weekends as it offers home cooked dishes and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Oath taking

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 22, 2010) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the oath taking ceremony of Sarangani Transport Cooperative Federation (STAF) during the flag ceremony Monday, March22. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Transport group

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 22, 2010) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon congratulates one of the transport group leaders after the oathtaking ceremony of the Sarangani Transport Cooperative Federation Monday, March 22, during the flag ceremony in front of the Capitol building. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Library hub sponsors

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 19, 2010) – Officials pose at the monument for the provincial library inaugurated March 17 where some 35,000 books will be awarded by the Department of Education and from private institutions. From left are municipal representative Vicky Wvertz, Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales, DepEd regional director Isabelita Borres, Quality Education for Sarangani Today program manager Annalie Edday, Southern Philippines Power Corporation human resource manager Joel Aton, and assistant schools division superintendent Isagani dela Cruz. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Library hub monument

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 19, 2010) – This monument signifies the partnership among sponsors in order to build the library hub at the school ground of Kawas Elementary School inaugurated on March 17. The library hub serves as the warehouse of books where schools from all over the province can borrow big volumes and bring them to their schools. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ribbon cutting

GLAN, Sarangani (March 19, 2010) – Regent of Tahuna, Indonesia Winsulangi Salindeho (Head of Tahuna delegates) and Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. of Glan lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibit of Sarangani products spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry at the municipal hall of Glan Thursday, March 18. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Indonesian Consul General

GLAN, Sarangani (March 19, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with Indonesian Consul General Corgen Partawana during the Tahuna Regency exploration visit to Glan Thursday March 18. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blessing ceremony

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 19, 2010) – Officiating priest Cenon Arcarde blesses the interiors of the provincial library hub, a seven-classroom building complete with facilities at the Kawas Elementary School on its inauguration March 17 with parents, teachers, community and school officials. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Gibo in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY (March 19, 2010) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. greets students of Father Saturnino Urios University during his campus tour Thursday, March 18. Teodoro has been getting wide-margin victories in mock presidential elections in state campuses and private universities and colleges in Metro Manila and the regions. Teodoro has emerged with a critical base of support from the youth sector.

Edu in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY (March 19, 2010) - Edu Manzano, running mate ofLakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.,receives a warm welcome from supporters upon his arrival at Butuanairport Thursday, March 18.

PGMA visits Glan with 164 Indons

GLAN, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited Glan anew gracing the arrival of a 164-person delegation from Tahuna, North Sulawesi in Indonesia who were also warmly greeted by the local government unit (LGU) here as they reached the port of Glan Thursday, March 18, for a three-day exploratory visit.

The visit is an offshoot of the request of the Local Government of Tahuna to the Indonesian Consulate made early this year to further strengthen the bilateral initiatives between the Jose Abad Santos Glan Sarangani - Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT) and Tahuna Regency which was forged in Glan on November 28, 2006.

The areas of cooperation between JAGS-CT and Tahuna include education and training, socio cultural development, tourism promotion, fisheries, marine resources development, and trade and commerce.

Governor Migs Dominguez and Glan Mayor Enrique Yap both welcomed President Arroyo and the delegation team composed of LGU officials, private sector, academe, civil society group, and media practitioners from Tahuna.

"This is another history of our municipality. This is a start of formalized trading between Glan and Tahuna," Yap said."We look forward to more prosperous relationship," Gov. Dominguez said.

The highlights of the trade mission include a business matching activity, where 30 locals and 20 Indonesians were given opportunity to exchange experiences and share best practices;a business conference to be participated by 50 locals and 100 Indonesians; trade fair; cultural presentation; and bilateral meetings on Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS), Education, and LGU cooperation by JAGS-CT officials and Indonesian counterparts.

Mayor Yap, during a press conference, told media that one of the agenda of the bilateral meetings would be the procedures and requirements regarding security in trading goods from Glan to Tahuna, and vice versa.

The trade fair, showcased at the JLC (James L. Chiongbian) Municipal Hall, also provided a venue for the Indonesian delegation to display their products.

Among the identified sample products are clove, nutmeg, coconut, pineapple, copra, furniture (miniature from bamboo), and fish products which they brought via LKM Sun Lia, an Indonesian vessel. The trade mission will be concluded on Saturday, March 20. (Sarangani Information Office)

President Arroyo and Gov. Migs

GLAN, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez briefs President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor to the exploratory trade mission of Tahuna Regency, Indonesia, Thursday, March 18, at the Glan port. (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

President Arroyo with Indonesian traders

GLAN, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sits along with Governor Migs Dominguez, Mayor Enrique Yap, Jr. and members of the Tahuna Regency, Indonesia exploratory trade visit to Glan and JAGS-CT or Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle Thursday, March 18. (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fun trade

GLAN, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) – Members of the Tahuna Regency, Indonesia trade mission fondly trade a pack of Somboerna cigarettes with a pack of Philip Morris from media friends at the fellowship breakfast after their arrival at the Glan port Thursday, March 18, for the three-day exploratory trade visit to JAGS-CT or Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle. (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School band from Indonesia

GLAN, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) – Students from Politeknik Nusa Utara from Tahuna, Indonesia, play wind instruments made of wood, after they disembarked marine vessel KM SUNLAI at the port of Glan Thursday, March 18, for a three-day exploratory trade mission to Glan, JAGS-CT, General Santos City, and South Cotabato. (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pledge of commitment

General Santos (March 18, 2010) - Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO) provincial and municipal candidates in their pledge of commitment during the Regional Coordinating Command Conference and signing of peace covenant between and among the Comelec, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and local candidates in Region XII for the May 10, 2010 automated national and local elections at Lagao gymnasium Friday, March 17. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace covenant signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 18, 2010) – Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon signs the peace covenant between and among the Comelec, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and local candidates in Region XII for the May 10, 2010 automated national and local elections at Lagao gymnasium Friday, March 17. (Romina C. Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani farmers use organic fertilizer

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 18, 2010) – Thirty graduates of the “season-long training” at Farmers’ Field School in Salakit, who completed a four-month training by the local government of Kiamba and the Department of Agriculture, received 30 bags of organic and micronutrients fertilizer (SOLAMATE) on March 15.

“Ang mga fertilizer na ito ay nanggaling pa sa Tupi Seed Farm at sa pamamagitan ni Mayor Rom Falgui ay nabigyan na tayo ng 200 bags of organic fertilizer,” said Conrado Egar, municipal agriculturist of Kiamba.

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on ecosystem management and attempts to reduce or eliminate external agricultural inputs, especially synthetic ones.

It is a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity.

“Kaming mga farmers sa Salakit hindi na gumagamit ng commercial na fertilizer, malaking tulong talaga sa amin ang organic fertilizer at importante ito dahil nakakatulong ito lalo na sa health namin,” added 51-year old Nely Garcia, one of the trainees.

Garcia hopes that with the use of organic fertilizer, the farmers will produce better and safe volume of high yield crops despite the dry spell.

Garcia, a mother of four whose daily living relies much on vegetable trading for P200 a day, sees opportunities in good cropping after the training.

“Marami kaming natutunan, gaya halimbawa ng pagkilala sa mga kaibigang kulisap o kaaway at ang mga pang spray para sa mga uri ng sakit ng palay,” Garcia said.

She explained that “gaya ngayong panahon ng El NiƱo na dapat daw kaming magtanim ng maraming gulay para sa aming kabuhayan at maraming salamat kay Mayor Falgui sa pagbigay sa amin ng fertilizer.”

Thirty farmers from barangays Nalus and Lebe will receive the same number of bags as well as 20 farmers from barangay Tablao and 14 from barangay Tambilil.

The LUSALETA Irrigators Association received P250,000 for cattle production as livelihood assistance from the LGU of Kiamba.

The same goes with Women in Development of Sarangani (WINDS).

“This is actually a P2.5 million worth of projects of MRDP-CFAD (Mindanao Rural Development Program and Community Fund for Agricultural Development),” said Angeline Gulmatico of the local agriculture office.

“Kailangang bigyan natin ng pansin ang ating mga kapatid na magsasaka dahil sa kanila nakasalalay ang ating kakanin sa araw-araw at they are one of our foundations when it comes to our agricultural economy,” Mayor Falgui said. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Joel C. Pinos)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

WINDS

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 17, 2010) – A representative from Women in Development of Sarangani (WINDS-LUSALETA or Luma Salakit Lebe Tablao) receives a P250,000 check from Mayor Rom Falgui (right) for their livelihood assistance Monday, March 15. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Kiamba organic farmers

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 17, 2010) – New graduates in organic farming from barangay Salakit receive 30 bags of organic fertilizers thru the Local Government of Kiamba and the Department of Agriculture Monday, March 15, from Mayor Rom Falgui (center), holding one of 30 bags of Solamate, an organic and micronutrient fertilizer. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Beneficiaries

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 13, 2010) – Provincial officials led by Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Board Member Norberto Butiong take pleasure with the crowd during the turnover to beneficiaries of the province’s “Philhealth sa Masa”program in barangay Lun Masla Friday, March 12. The program served a total of 1,075 families in barangays Libi (168), Lun Masla (229), LunPadidu (245), Patag (154) and Tuyan (279). (Romina Rabina/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Winner

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 13, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon officiates a parlor game with a winner during the “Philhealth sa Masa” program in barangay Lun Masla Friday, March 12. (RominaRabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Municipal building

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 12, 2010) - Mayor Rom Falgui checks the status of the ongoing restoration of the municipal building. "Rom Falgui, Klaro ang agi", as dubbed by his supporters, delivered several poverty alleviation projects in less than 3 years. Gov. Migs Dominguez in an anniversary message lauded the mayor for the excellent performance of his administration. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Flood control

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 12, 2010) - Construction workers of the reconstruction of Tamadang river control project continue to do their job unmindful of the heat of the sun. This project is implemented under the leadership of Governor Migs Dominguez and Mayor Rom Falgui.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm to market road

KIAMBA, Sarangani (March 12, 2010) - Mayor Rom Falgui talks to an organic rice farmer as he inspects the ongoing rehabilitation and opening of Tuguis-Guinalawang farm to market road. This is a joint project of Department of Argriculture, Provincial Government and Municipal Government as the implementing office. This project started last month and will be completed in June this year. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Women's Month

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 12, 2010) - Mayor Elsie Perrett poses with Region 12 Philippine National Police women who visited Maitum as one of their activities in celebration of Women's Month. Eighty PNP women joined the visit to the Diorama and Pawikan Sanctuary in Maitum.(MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Olive Ridley

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 12, 2010) – Philippine National Police ladies release an Olive Ridley (measuring 70 cm. in length and 70 cm. in width) to the sea during an educational trip to the pawikan nesting site as one of their activities in celebration of the Women's Month.(MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)