Monday, September 27, 2010

School kids' battlecry

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Wearing their green armband and shouting “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” in unison, these kids are among the recipients of the 37,570 workbooks to complete the 1:1 of pupil-workbook ratio as the province launches Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Leading the Education Revolution

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez and Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales enjoy a short ride in an armored vehicle of the Armed Forces of the Philippines while leading the parade as the joint forces of the local government units, the private sector, parents and teachers launch the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

1-M check from SMI

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Sagittarius Mines, Inc. general manager Mark Williams turns over a P1-million check to Governor Migs Dominguez “representing the children of Sarangani” for the province’s Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) Program under the Governor’s Office at the opening ceremony of the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Alcantara Foundation for education

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Alcantara Foundation executive director Richlie Lyndon Magtulis gives his message of commitment in behalf of the foundation to continue its support to uplift the quality of education in Sarangani at the opening ceremony of the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

An anecdote on Education Revolution

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon likened the giving of education for the children to a man taught how to fish rather than just giving him fish. The day is the launching ceremony of Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Conal for education

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Project Assurance Manager Rommel Tomas Falgui of Conal Holdings Corp. emphasizes diligence on the part of the school children after the private sector partnership with the local government and the Department of Education in providing workbooks for Sarangani Grade I and Grade II pupils with 1:1 book ratio at the launching ceremony of Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Men in uniform

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Soldiers pay attention as they get orders at the launching ceremony of the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School where four military vehicles delivered 37,570 workbooks for distribution to Sarangani’s Grade I and Grade II pupils within the next three days . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Parade for revolution

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez and Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales lead military vehicles loaded with thousands of workbooks to complete Sarangani Grade I and Grade II pupils’ 1:1 workbook ratio at the launching ceremony of the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ready for the revolution

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Wearing their green “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” armband, officials led by Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and Lt. Col. Edgardo De Leon show excitement as they get ready for a short parade at the launching ceremony of the Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. Four military vehicles carried 37,570 workbooks for distribution to Sarangani’s Grade I and Grade II pupils within the next three days . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Soldiers at war

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Soldiers take their time outside a military vehicle at the launching ceremony of Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SPPC commitment

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Southern Philippines Power Corporation human resource manager and town councilor Joel Aton gives his word of support for Sarangani education at the launching ceremony of Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. Private sector entities joining the Education Revolution were UnionBank’s Educational Learning System “As A Filipino” Reading Program (workbooks for Grade II), Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), Synergeia Foundation, Alcantara Foundation (AF), Conal Holdings Corporation, Finfish Hatchery, Inc., Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SSPC), Philippine Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tearing up, toppling down poverty

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Officials led by Governor Migs Dominguez and private partners lead the community of parents, teachers and pupils in tearing the paper written with words of poverty, symbolically toppling down poverty in the province at the launching ceremony of Education Revolution “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday, September 27, at Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The KKK salute

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez, Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon lead the KKK (Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan) salute at the launching ceremony of Education Revolution Monday, September 27, in Alabel Central Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani arms tanks, troops with books

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 27, 2010) – In its battle to end poverty through education, Sarangani local government, the private sector andthe Armed Forces of the Philippines launched the Education Revolution“Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” Monday (September 27) with militarytanks and trucks carrying thousands of books.

Hundreds of men in uniform, local officials, parents, teachers and pupils put on their green “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” arm band at the launching program in Alabel Central Elementary School.

Four trucks of the Philippine Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry and troops from the 73rd Infantry Battalion carried 37,570 workbooks for the province’s Grade I and Grade II pupils to be distributed within the next three days.

In his State of Sarangani Education Report, Governor Migs Dominguez stressed the strengthening of the community’s participation for education through parent mentoring.

“Before, our province marked the lowest scores in testing centers,”Dominguez said.

“We have increased our National Achievement Test from41% in 2006 to 69% this year.”

“This is despite our lack of 282 classrooms and 319 teachers for ourchildren,” the governor noted.

Department of Education assistant regional director Allan Farnazo congratulated the local government for building 28 new integrated high schools in Sarangani for the province’s remotest communities.

“I am also proud to announce that your province has the highest participation rate in the whole region,” Farnazo said.

For his part, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said “through education, we do not only give our communities fish to eat, but we teach them how to fish so that they will have a better future.”

The “joint forces” of the private sector, provincial government,officials and employees of Sarangani’s seven towns - Alabel,Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum and Malungon - will lead the distribution of workbooks to Alabel’s 30 elementary schools simultaneously in the afternoon.

Distribution of the rest of the workbooks to the other 200 elementary schools in the province was scheduled on September 28-29.

Private sector entities joining the Education Revolution were UnionBank’s Educational Learning System “As A Filipino” Reading Program (workbooks for Grade II), Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI),Synergeia Foundation, Alcantara Foundation (AF), Conal HoldingsCorporation, Finfish Hatchery, Inc., Southern Philippines PowerCorporation (SSPC), Philippine Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 1stMechanized Infantry Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion.

“We are joining Sarangani’s Education Revolution because we understand education as the key to prosperity and it is our corporate social responsibility to help the children,” SMI general manager MarkWilliams said.

“We have already shown our commitment to improve human capital through education.”SMI was awarded regional outstanding stakeholder for education in 2009.

“Parents and children - you are the stars of our celebration today,”SPPC human resource manager Joel Aton said.

“We have seen how much you need for education and so we focused ourprograms on education by giving scholarships, building classrooms, andgiving of school supplies,” Aton said.

SPPC has been reproducing workbooks for Sarangani schools andcommitted to continue this effort until 2018 with increase in the number of books to be reproduced every year.

“All you need now is to read more and study harder,” Conal Holdings Corporation project assurance manager Rommel Tomas Falgui said.

“For a successful revolution, we need access to weapons, that is ourbooks, in our fight against poverty through education,” AF executive director Richlie Lyndon Magtulis said.

Nestle Philippine also launched its Koko Crunch Project with 42,000boxes of Koko Crunch cereals worth P5.5 million for Sarangani school children with the Philippine Business for Social Progress P520,000 fund to buy milk. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Tuna Festival

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 26, 2010) - The 2010 Tuna Festival Month of September, guided by the theme “Go Global GenSan: We AreReady for the World”, ends Sunday, September 26. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bancarera 2010

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 26, 2010) - Thousands gather at Queen Tuna Park Sunday, September 26, to witness the Sarangani Riders who dominated bancarera or motor boat race staged by Bombo Radyo Gensan as part of the celebration of Tuna Festival 2010. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Street dancers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 26, 2010) - Street dancers perform during the street dancing showdown Sunday, September 26, as the highlight of Tuna Festival 2010. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Sarangani rider

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 26, 2010) - Participants from Sarangani prepare the boat for the race as they dominate Sunday, September 26,this year's Bombo Radyo Bancera 2010 as part of the celebration ofTuna Festival. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Conal and Maasim

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 23, 2010) – Rommel Falgui (standing) project assurance manager of Conal Holdings Corporation, shares light moments with the government entities of Maasim during the briefing of SM200 and Conal Wednesday, September 22, at Lemlunay Dive Resort. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner P. Arzaga)

Conal Holdings Corporation

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 23, 2010) – Mayor Jose Zamorro (left) listens to Rommel Falgui, project assurance manager of Conal Holdings Corporation, and Joseph Nocos, project director of Southern Mindanao (SM) 200, as they discuss matters about the future plans in Maasim during a briefing of SM200 and Conal Wednesday, September 22, at Lemlunay Dive Resort. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner P. Arzaga)

SM200 briefing

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 22, 2010) – Joseph Nocos, project director of Southern Mindanao (SM) 200, answers queries, issues and concerns from the Maasim local government officials about power plants on behalf of Conal Holding Corporations for the Maasim community during the briefing of SM200 and Conal Wednesday, September 22, at Lemlunay Dive Resort. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Abner P. Arzaga)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

YACAP Representative Carol Lopez

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – YACAP (Youth Against Corruption and Poverty) party-list Representative Carol Lopez wants more youth to avail of the Technical Education Skills DevelopmentAuthority scholarship as she gives her message at the opening programof the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation for YACAP

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Youth Against Corruption and Poverty party-list Representative Carol Lopez receives a plaque of appreciation from Goldenstate College CEO Warren Manilay and TESDA regional director Gloria Tango for gracing the opening program of the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate CollegeTuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation from Goldenstate College

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez receives a plaque of appreciation from Goldenstate College CEO Warren Manilay and TESDA regional director Gloria Tango for gracing the opening program as guest speaker of the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, atKCC Mall Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

TESDA presscon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Members of the local media ask questions to TESDA Secretary Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, city Mayor Darlene Antonino Custodio and Youth Against Corruption and Povertyparty-list Representative Carol Lopez after the opening program of the5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Technical Education Skills Development Authority Secretary and Director General Emmanuel JoelVillanueva gives his keynote speech urging the youth to “develop their skills to inspire others” at the opening program of the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday,September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Honored guests

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Technical Education Skills Development Authority Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva,Governor Migs Dominguez, and Youth Against Corruption and Poverty party-list Representative Carol Lopez share a light moment as they grace the opening program of the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridging opportunities for the youth

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez explains the role of government in bringing development by bridging opportunities for the youth at the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center, graced by Technical Education Skills Development Authority Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and local officials. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 21, 2010) – A high school student from Holy Trinity College prepares her tuna sashimi platter as one of the culinary skills entries at the 5th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics sponsored by Goldenstate College Tuesday, September 21, at KCC Mall Convention Center and participated in by high schools from General Santos City, South Cotabato and Sarangani. Technical Education Skills Development Authority Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and local officials graced the occasion. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, September 20, 2010

1st Gov. Migs Steel Challenge Shooting Competition

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 20, 2010) - Governor Migs Dominguez waits for his turn to shoot during the 1st Gov. Migs Steel Challenge Shooting Competition Sunday, September 19, at the newly-opened IML Firing Range in barangay Lumasal. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Davao shooters


MAASIM, Sarangani (September 20, 2010) - Davao Shooters doing dry fireduring the 1st Gov. Migs Steel Challenge Shooting Competition Sunday,September 19, at the newly-opened IML Firing Range in barangayLumasal. One hundred shooters from Davao and Socsargen joined the funshoot competition. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Semi-automatic sniping system rifle

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 20, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez aimswith his AR 10 super SASS (Semi-automatic sniping system) rifleduring the 1st Gov. Migs Steel Challenge Shooting Competition Sunday,September 19, at the newly-opened IML Firing Range in barangay Lumasal. One hundred shooters from Davao and Socsargen joined the funshoot competition. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Gov. Migs to fisherfolk: Fight pirates

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 17, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez has ordered the formation of a joint seaborne defense force against “ambak pare” or jump buddy, frightening words cried out by pirates before seizing boat engines in the high seas.

The governor called a meeting Thursday (September 16) with the Philippine Coast Guard, police provincial director Florendo Quidilla, and fisherfolk in the MAKIMA (Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum) area. The fisherfolk said they were defenseless against sea pirates while seeking livelihood at sea.

Four fishermen from Lomuyon, Kiamba went missing Tuesday last week. Their boat was found drifting in the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues all over scattered at the fishing boat deck.”

“I have tasked deputy governor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. to organize seaborne defense force to fight these pirates terrorizing our fishermen,” Governor Dominguez said. “Our fishermen agreed not to be cowed but will fight back in case being attacked.”

The defense force will be composed of volunteer fishermen as well as members of the Philippine Army and other civilian volunteers.

“They will accompany boats as well as be permitted to bring firearms,” Dominguez said.

“We will purchase and equip the Coast Guard station with communications equipment, CB and SSB (Citizens' Band and Single-Side Band radio). We will set up a distress channel that can be used as a quick response to reports that will be passed to the army and navy units,” the governor added.

Organization and training of the seaborne defense force will begin on Monday next week.

Hundreds of fishermen in the MAKIMA called the attention of Governor Dominguez after the four fishermen from Lomuyon went missing.

According to a police report submitted by Kiamba municipal police station, Pederico Velarmino and Norberto Pareja, crew of fishing boat “Lito Boy” were reported missing by their families.

Police investigation disclosed that pump boat owner Lito Macalipay said sometime in the morning of September 4, his fishing boat boarded by the victims cannot be contacted over radio.

Police said the fishing boat was sighted drifting at the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues all over scattered at the fishing boat deck.”

Two other crew members of the fishing boat, Joseph Pelaez and Rogelio Galon, were also missing.

Engines of the three other smaller boats locally known as “pakura” and belongings were also missing.

“The motive of the perpetrators is sea jacking by carting away pump boat engines. Nonetheless, suspects are considered to be members of organized crime group because of their capability in terms of logistics and determination to kill fishing boat crews,” the police report said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Martinez' 60th birthday

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 17, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez greets Mayor Raul Martinez on his 60th birthday Thursday, September 16, as a crowd gathered at the kiosk in front of the municipal hall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Light moment with Congressman Pacquiao

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 17, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez and Sarangani lone district Representative Emmanuel Pacquiao share a light moment while attending the 60th birthday celebration of Mayor Raul Martinez Thursday, September 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Fight against "ambak pare"

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 17, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez talks to the fisherfolk of MAKIMA (Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum) Thursday, September 16, at the Lourdes Park, and ordered local officials and the Philippine National Police to assist them in fighting back outlaws pirating them at sea. A seaborne defense force against “ambak pare” or jump buddy, frightening words cried out by pirates out to seize boat engines in the high seas, will be organized next week with the support of the Coast Guard and the Philippine Army. Four fishermen from Lomuyon, Kiamba went missing Tuesday last week. Their boat was found drifting in the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues all over scattered at the fishing boat deck.” (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A tradition's word of commitment

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino gives his word of commitment of a classroom, computers and audio visual equipment to the IP (indigenous people) scholars of the province at the acquaintance party of education students in Malandag Thursday, September 16, and urged the students to finish their college education through the Tertiary Education Extension Service, a component of the Paaral Para Sa Sarangans program of Governor Migs Dominguez. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Market day

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Sherwin Sodongan sells his farm products from Miasong, a town outskirt, such as squash at P2 per kilo on a market day at Malandag flea market Thursday, September 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Partners for education

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez listens to Mindanao State University (MSU) Chancellor Abdurrahman Canacan at the acquaintance party of education students in Malandag Thursday, September 16. The local government partners with MSU in providing college education to IP (indigenous people) of the province through scholarship in the Tertiary Education Extension Service, a component program of the Paaral Para Sa Sarangans. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

People's educator

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez delivers his keynoter speech to the students, parents and faculty and staff of Mindanao State University (MSU) headed by Chancellor Abdurrahman Canacan (seated in front) at the acquaintance party of IP (indigenous people) scholars of the province in Malandag Thursday, September 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pride of the parents

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives an inspiring message to the 70 IP (indigenous people) scholars of the province taking up education under the Mindanao State University (MSU) extension program at the acquaintance party Thursday, September 16, in Malandag. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Student impression

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Second year Grace Bucal, taking up elementary education at the Mindanao State University (MSU) annex in Malandag, pours out her emotions as she relates her personal challenges in finishing her college as a working student. Sucal is one of the 30 IP (indigenous people) scholars of the province under the Tertiary Education Extension Service, a component of the Paaral Para Sa Sarangans program of Governor Migs Dominguez. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani launches anti-poverty strategy

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Communities of five disparity barangays of Kalaneg, Batian, Ticulab, Tuanadatu, and Upo converged at the Upo barangay site as Sarangani launched Project 1021 Wednesday (September 15).

Project 1021 is the poverty reduction program of the province that would move out Sarangani from the top 20 poorest provinces in the country by the end of 2010. It is focused on 35 disparity barangays, or five barangays each from the province’s seven towns

Disparity barangays are those with the most number of unmet needs as mapped out by data generated by the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

Using the CBMS, the province can identify the causes of poverty and focus its resources on those core indicators which are health, nutrition, housing, water and sanitation, basic education, income, employment, and peace and order.

CBMS is an organized process of data collection and processing at the local level and of integration of data in local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring. It was developed from the 1990s as a system to promote evidence-based policymaking and program implementation while empowering communities to participate in the process.

“We are very lucky today because we are given priority assistance by the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Migs Dominguez,” Mayor Elsie Perrett said at the opening program.

At the seeds distribution for the youth communal farm project, Governor Dominguez urged the out-of-school youth to participate in fighting the cause of poverty.

“No one else should make a better life but you, and the government is always here to provide you the assistance you need,” Dominguez said.

“I think one reason why this barangay is among the poorest in town is that 90% of the communities are IPs (indigenous people) belonging to the Tboli tribe. Education was not their priority,” municipal health officer Junie Basmillo said.

“The mayor has a big heart for our children. We have now the Malalag National High School annex here in Upo to cater to first year students living here so that they will no longer spend for their everyday fare,” provincial school board teacher Maribel Vivero said.

Perrett said there is a 100% increase of enrollment in the barangay from 200 to 400 pupils this year.

Vivero said village pupils had to pay for a habal-habal (motorcycle) in going to and from Malalag main campus in the poblacion every school day.

The students use a classroom of the day care center located at the barangay site.

With the principle of counterparting and partnership to fight poverty, the Department of Health committed a P1-million fund for the barangay’s new health center.

The Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) will also donate a three-classroom building worth P1.8 million.

“The old health center which will be converted into a health nutrition post will help provide health services to Upo’s neighboring barangays,” Basmillo said.

During the day, various activities were held at the barangay site such as seeds distribution for the out-of-school youth’s communal farm project where a hectare of land was donated by town councilor Kubli Kusin.

The Provincial Legal Office conducted leadership training among tribal leaders.

The Provincial and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office conducted solid waste management and breastfeeding advocacy among the youth and mothers.

Other activities were Sarangani Kalinaw Program’s child- friendly space, anti–rabies vaccination, community-led total health sanitation, survey on water sources, and aid on potential livelihood in the barangay.

Books distribution will also be done next week by the quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) under the governor’s office. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Anti-poverty strategy launched

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez urges the out-of-school youth to take the lead and be the hope of the province at the seeds distribution for the youth communal farm project in barangay Upo. It was part of the launching Wednesday, September 15, of the province’s Project 1021 as a poverty reduction program that would move out Sarangani from the top 20 poorest provinces in the country by the end of 2010. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Child friendly space

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Kalinaw Sarangani program staff facilitates a parlor game for the kids in Upo as part of the launching of the province’s Project 1021 poverty reduction program Wednesday, September 15. Activities were conducted by the different departments of the Capitol and the municipal government as an initial step to start the project such as seeds distribution, advocacy on breastfeeding and solid waste management, total health and sanitation, survey of water sources for the community, enrollment campaign, intervention on potential livelihood, anti-rabies vaccination, and tribal leadership training. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New primary school

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez talks to teacher Raffy Lapitan as he visits the new James Alfred Strong Primary School in Labudog at barangay Upo as the province launches Project 1021, a poverty reduction program, Wednesday, September 15. One of the activities conducted by the different departments of the Capitol and the municipal government was the enrollment campaign. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Projects for disparity barangays

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – At the launching of the province’s Project 1021 as a poverty reduction program Wednesday, September 15, Sangguniang Panlalawigan agriculture committee chair Board Member Hermie Galzote (left) tackles agricultural projects as a means of livelihood. Five disparity barangays per municipality or barangays with the most number of unmet needs are the focus of Governor Migs Dominguez’s anti-poverty drive. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Seeds distribution

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – A member of the out-of-school youth receives a sack of hybrid corn seeds from the province through Governor Migs Dominguez during the distribution of seedlings for the youth communal project in a one-hectare land donated by municipal councilor Kubli Kusin as part of the launching Wednesday, September 15, of the province’s Project 1021 poverty reduction program. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Solid waste management advocacy

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – A technical staff from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office conducts an information-education campaign to 1st year high school students of Malalag National High School - Upo campus as part of the launching of the province’s Project 1021 poverty reduction program Wednesday, September 15. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sniping competition

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 16, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez takes a practice round in preparation for the 1st Governor Migs Dominguez Steel Challenge Sniping Competition on September 18-19 at the IML Shooting Range in Lumasal. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridge for peace from the American people

By Rustum G. Pelima, MA Ed
MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 15, 2010) – A former war-torn community received the completed Biao barangay bridge project amounting to USD23,000 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and local officials Tuesday, September 14.
The project is the 12th infrastructure project given by USAID to Malapatan. In Sarangani, the agency has completed 60 projects in the different municipalities the past six years.

“The key component in our success starts with the local government,” USAID chief operation officer Alonzo Fulgham said.

“Development in Sarangani represents the best in Mindanao. Although this is a small project, it is also an outcome of partnerships among different parties, and most importantly is its sustainability.”

Biao barangay bridge connects six other communities of San Roque, Salbusaw, Masbong 1, 2, 3 and Malakahi, to the town site where locales sell their crops such as corn, upland rice and coconuts.

“About 20 years ago, you (USAID) have already been providing assistance to this province like our road network of more than 140 kilometers,” Governor Migs Dominguez said.

“I was so young then.” “But for me this is a sign of your commitment, and this bridge is a symbol of opening up opportunities between different groups.” “We owe this to the local government and the efforts of the municipality in the quest and the fight for peace,” Dominguez said.

Mayor Alfonso Singcoy said Biao, remote to the town site, was a battle ground between government forces and outlaws decades ago.

“In the absence of a road network before, people have to travel four hours to General Santos City which is now reachable for a few minutes,” Singcoy said.

“Our counterpart to the USAID is not only in terms of money. We too inspect this bridge and cleaned the old culvert especially after a flood.”

Of the USD23,000 project cost of the bridge, 25% was counterparted by the provincial and municipal governments.

“Though it’s been a big sacrifice for the communities, they managed to live, brought their products to the market, and sent their children to school in poblacion,” Singcoy said.
“Before, the bridge was not passable after a heavy rain, but even that nor without wearing a pair of shoes did not stop us from going to school,” Jehanna Tin said.

Jehanna and her family lived in Biao before she went to college. Her grandfather’s property in Biao looks like a small island sometimes mistaken as Biao itself because it is surrounded by the river which locales called “Lawas na ig” [river].

Biao is a Maguindanon name for a tree that thrives in the area.

Jehanna, one among the tens of professionals who braved the hardships of Biao, is now working under the Kalinaw (Peace) Sarangani program.

According to Fulgham, “the reason why we help is that, we believe that people in this area reject war and chose the brighter future of their children.” (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Challenging the youth

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 15, 2010) – Keynote speaker and Governor Migs Dominguez challenges the youth as the province’s best assets at the opening program of the four-day Youth Leadership Summit at the 1002nd Brigade Headquarters in Pulatana starting September 14 organized by the Philippine Army through the 1st Mechanized Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion. Pre-selected out-of-school youth numbering to 200 from Sarangani and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat had a motorcade from the MAKIMA (Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum) area and GMA (Glan-Malapatan-Alabel) to the camp site Monday morning assisted by the soldiers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Be a part of the society

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 15, 2010) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino encourages the youth to participate actively in the society and hopes to minimize the number of out-of-school youth particularly in his town at the opening program of the four-day Youth Leadership Summit at the 1002nd Brigade Headquarters in Pulatana starting September 14 organized by the Philippine Army through the 1st Mechanized Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion in partnership with the provincial and municipal government, Sangguniang Kabataan, Sarangani Youth Forum, Kalinaw Sarangani Program under the Governor’s Office, Philippine National Police, Alcantara Foundation, Sagittarius Mines, Inc., Department of Trade and Industry and other non-government organizations. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)