GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez (center), commander of Philippine Navy Reserve Command, receives a memento from Captain Noel Felicia (2nd from right), commanding officer of BRP Pangasinan PS 31, during the "Sunset Ceremony" at Makar Wharf on November 28. Governor Dominguez became a reservist officer of the Philippine Navy on July 18. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunset Ceremony
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez (center), commander of Philippine Navy Reserve Command, receives a memento from Captain Noel Felicia (2nd from right), commanding officer of BRP Pangasinan PS 31, during the "Sunset Ceremony" at Makar Wharf on November 28. Governor Dominguez became a reservist officer of the Philippine Navy on July 18. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Plaque of Appreciation
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2008) – Captain Noel Felicia (right),commanding officer of BRP Pangasinan PS 31, receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Commander Migs Dominguez of Philippine Navy Reserve Command during the "Sunset Ceremony" at Makar Wharf on November 28.The plaque of appreciation is in recognition of the naval support provided by the Navy against harassments by Moro Islamic LiberationFront rebels in MAKIMA (Maasim, Kiamba & Maitum) area. (Photo by Allan C. de Lima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Commander Dominguez
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 1, 2008) – Commander Migs Dominguez ofthe Philippine Navy Reserve Command speaks during the "Sunset Ceremony" in his honor at Makar Wharf on November 28. GovernorDominguez became a reservist officer of the Philippine Navy in July.(Photo by Allan C. de Lima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
VP Noli in Alabel
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with Vice President Noli de Castro during the ground breaking ceremony of the six-hectare employees' housing project at Poblacion Alabel Thursday, November 27. (Photo by BonBon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
VP Noli & Vice Gov
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Vice President Noli de Castro greets the crowd with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon at the opening day of MunaTo Festival in Sarangani. (Photo by BonBon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Housing project
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Vice President Noli de Castro, chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, leads the ground breaking ceremony of the six-hectare Provincial Employee's Housing Project at Purok Centro, Poblacion Alabel Thursday, November 27, together with (from left) Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo and Board Member Art Lawa. (Photo by BonBon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Tboli art
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon observes Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan as he paints at the booth of Kiamba in the opening of 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday, November 27, at the Capitol. Tamfalan's artwork mostly reflects on his tribe's culture and history. (Photo by BonBon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Walk for peace
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Army Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon,73rd Infantry Battalion commander (extreme right), municipal policechief Inspector Alex Orcajada (in uniform), Mayor Rom Falgui (center)and Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta (left) lead thousands of peace advocates from SocSkSarGen area joining the "Walk for Peace" Thursday,November 27, setting off the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration in the town. (Photo by Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Peace lovers
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – A multitude of peace-loving citizens comprising different sectors in SocSkSargen area gather for the 10th Mindanao Week of Peace Thursday, November 27. This year'stheme is: "Integrity of the Heart and Mind, A Way to Reconciliationand Peace." (Photo by Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Peace flags
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Kiamba National High Schoolstudents wave their peace flags Thursday, November 27, in a walk forpeace. Kiamba hosts the 10th Mindanao Week of Peace celebration withthe theme: "Integrity of the Heart and Mind, A Way to Reconciliationand Peace." (Photo by Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Call for peace
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 30, 2008) – Moro children convey theirwish, "peace in Mindanao," as the 10th Mindanao Week of Peacecelebration starts Thursday, November 27. (Photo by Ruel D.Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Friday, November 28, 2008
MunaTo: Celebrating Sarangani's people, culture, resources
By Russtum G. Pelima
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2008) – Turning sweet sixteen, young Sarangani province, seen with so much potentials by its founders, now flies like a colorful butterfly with its 6th MunaTo Festival.
Truly celebrating its rich history and cultural heritage, Sarangani pays tribute to its natural bounty and artistry of Sarangans that this year's "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan" theme oozes with artistic passion and business, hard work and volunteerism, innovations and peace effort put altogether towards prosperity.
"I was told that MunaTo means first people, but for me, you mean people first," said Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro in his opening message.
De Castro is guest-of-honor to the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival formal opening Thursday (November 27) at the Capitol grounds.
De Castro led the ground-breaking ceremony of the Provincial Capitol Employees Village in Alabel earlier.
The Vice President lauded Sarangani's initiative of finding its real potentials for development particularly in tourism.
"When the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian first fought for the province and before the historic March 16 1992 for its independence, Sarangani was seen to have the capability to prosper and become a model province," De Castro recalled.
"Now these dreams are fulfilled because its people and its leaders work together in unity."
At the Kalyak Sarangani, visitors and Sarangans themselves see Sarangani's artistry. Kalyak Sarangani is an exhibit booth of award-winning photographer Cocoy Sexcion with his collection of Sarangani's "Sights and Faces" and Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan's indigenous paintings.
"Photography is more than just light and composition," said Sexcion. "It is real life I want to capture at the right moment and that's what we want people to see to inspire them again more than just to remember."
"I wanted to capture the positive side of life. I wanted people to appreciate little things through photography."
Sexcion discovered his art in photography in 2004 inspired by Sarangani's beautiful sceneries and its unique peoples being once a stranger to the place. Sarangani is home to multiculturalism. Here, Muslims, Christians and lumads live together in harmony as evidenced by multi-dialects: Sarangans speak Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilongo, Ilocano, Blaan, Tboli, and Maguindanao.
Ronald Tamfalan is a Tboli who finished school in Falel Community School. Falel is a Tboli community in Kiamba town.
Tamfalan should have learned better education, but despite the school's inaccessibility for educational assistance like reading books and more number of teachers (the school has one volunteer teacher for 15 years), but he said his inspiration to paint came from his fellow Tbolis and his surroundings, and put them on canvasses.
Ronald makes oil paintings. His trademark is his Tnalak, a native clothing, in oil.
But he also uses soil like reddish clay, barks of trees and dyes of leaves, in his canvass.
Governor Migs Dominguez is one of Ronald's fans and buyers. Other visual artists in South Cotabato and General Santos City began to appreciate his unique tribal paintings and concepts of visual arts.
"Difficulty has its own way of making struggle to sharpen and purify life in art," commented Ali Al Nezzar, director of Kalinawa Art Foundation, a non-government organization from Canada.
"True artists by necessity and passion are committed to doing their art. It is the spiritual force within the human being the moves the imagining and the making of art."
Sexcion and Tamfalan are indeed true examples of "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan".
A search for successful Sarangans is conducted on November 29 with the criteria on the field of innovations, excellence, and volunteerism.
In November 28, Chief Justice Reynato Puno inaugurated the Tamdanan sa Balaud, a "Justice on Wheels" project initiated by the Provincial Legal Office. The provincial government purchased a bus worth P900,000 to bring the court to the barangays and speed up the administration of justice among the communities.
Vice President De Castro lauded the provincial officials' initiative in building a housing community project for Capitol employees in Alabel and urged provincial leaders to further do projects for Sarangani's "poorest of the poor" through a joint venture scheme with the national government.
Governor Dominguez despises armed conflicts that occurred in Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum towns during the past few months.
"Sometimes we have to take one step back, but we must take five steps forward to tell the good news to our people," he said.
Fabli Gu Ni, a tribal trade fair, exhibits Sarangani's business potentials showcasing the seven town's One-Town One Product. Also, these booths shows miniatures of their tourism potentials like the waterfalls of Kiamba, world-class diving of Maasim, Maitum's anthropomorphic jars, Isla Parilla in Alabel.
"This rich history and beauty is a result of the blending of many cultures and traditions."
"As the Vice President, I promise to be a promoter of tourism in Sarangani."
"I am confident that Sarangani will have its leaps and bounds, and why you can count on my support always is because 'Ang Galing Mo, Sarangani'." (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2008) – Turning sweet sixteen, young Sarangani province, seen with so much potentials by its founders, now flies like a colorful butterfly with its 6th MunaTo Festival.
Truly celebrating its rich history and cultural heritage, Sarangani pays tribute to its natural bounty and artistry of Sarangans that this year's "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan" theme oozes with artistic passion and business, hard work and volunteerism, innovations and peace effort put altogether towards prosperity.
"I was told that MunaTo means first people, but for me, you mean people first," said Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro in his opening message.
De Castro is guest-of-honor to the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival formal opening Thursday (November 27) at the Capitol grounds.
De Castro led the ground-breaking ceremony of the Provincial Capitol Employees Village in Alabel earlier.
The Vice President lauded Sarangani's initiative of finding its real potentials for development particularly in tourism.
"When the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian first fought for the province and before the historic March 16 1992 for its independence, Sarangani was seen to have the capability to prosper and become a model province," De Castro recalled.
"Now these dreams are fulfilled because its people and its leaders work together in unity."
At the Kalyak Sarangani, visitors and Sarangans themselves see Sarangani's artistry. Kalyak Sarangani is an exhibit booth of award-winning photographer Cocoy Sexcion with his collection of Sarangani's "Sights and Faces" and Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan's indigenous paintings.
"Photography is more than just light and composition," said Sexcion. "It is real life I want to capture at the right moment and that's what we want people to see to inspire them again more than just to remember."
"I wanted to capture the positive side of life. I wanted people to appreciate little things through photography."
Sexcion discovered his art in photography in 2004 inspired by Sarangani's beautiful sceneries and its unique peoples being once a stranger to the place. Sarangani is home to multiculturalism. Here, Muslims, Christians and lumads live together in harmony as evidenced by multi-dialects: Sarangans speak Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilongo, Ilocano, Blaan, Tboli, and Maguindanao.
Ronald Tamfalan is a Tboli who finished school in Falel Community School. Falel is a Tboli community in Kiamba town.
Tamfalan should have learned better education, but despite the school's inaccessibility for educational assistance like reading books and more number of teachers (the school has one volunteer teacher for 15 years), but he said his inspiration to paint came from his fellow Tbolis and his surroundings, and put them on canvasses.
Ronald makes oil paintings. His trademark is his Tnalak, a native clothing, in oil.
But he also uses soil like reddish clay, barks of trees and dyes of leaves, in his canvass.
Governor Migs Dominguez is one of Ronald's fans and buyers. Other visual artists in South Cotabato and General Santos City began to appreciate his unique tribal paintings and concepts of visual arts.
"Difficulty has its own way of making struggle to sharpen and purify life in art," commented Ali Al Nezzar, director of Kalinawa Art Foundation, a non-government organization from Canada.
"True artists by necessity and passion are committed to doing their art. It is the spiritual force within the human being the moves the imagining and the making of art."
Sexcion and Tamfalan are indeed true examples of "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan".
A search for successful Sarangans is conducted on November 29 with the criteria on the field of innovations, excellence, and volunteerism.
In November 28, Chief Justice Reynato Puno inaugurated the Tamdanan sa Balaud, a "Justice on Wheels" project initiated by the Provincial Legal Office. The provincial government purchased a bus worth P900,000 to bring the court to the barangays and speed up the administration of justice among the communities.
Vice President De Castro lauded the provincial officials' initiative in building a housing community project for Capitol employees in Alabel and urged provincial leaders to further do projects for Sarangani's "poorest of the poor" through a joint venture scheme with the national government.
Governor Dominguez despises armed conflicts that occurred in Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum towns during the past few months.
"Sometimes we have to take one step back, but we must take five steps forward to tell the good news to our people," he said.
Fabli Gu Ni, a tribal trade fair, exhibits Sarangani's business potentials showcasing the seven town's One-Town One Product. Also, these booths shows miniatures of their tourism potentials like the waterfalls of Kiamba, world-class diving of Maasim, Maitum's anthropomorphic jars, Isla Parilla in Alabel.
"This rich history and beauty is a result of the blending of many cultures and traditions."
"As the Vice President, I promise to be a promoter of tourism in Sarangani."
"I am confident that Sarangani will have its leaps and bounds, and why you can count on my support always is because 'Ang Galing Mo, Sarangani'." (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Gamti
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – An archer aims his fana, a Blaan traditional bow and arrow at a target during a gamti, a tribal archery competition, at the opening of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday (November 27) at the capitol ground. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Sbuno
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – A game called Sbuno, a tribal wrestling, is officiated by a tribal chieftain at the capitol ground. Tribal games are highlights of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival which opens Thursday (November 27) with this year's theme "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan". (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Walkway painting
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Participating students draw their own concepts of "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan" at the walks in front of the National Government Agency building, capitol ground, during the Walkway Chalk Drawing and Painting competition Thursday (November 27) as the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival opens with this year's theme "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan". (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Band competition
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – A band performs in front of the capitol building during a band competition Thursday (November 27) as the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival opens with this year's theme "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan". (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Aquaculture products at MunaTo
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Live shrimps from San Andres Aquaculture Corporation in Kawas, Alabel, are for sale at the Fabli Gu Ni, a tribal trade fair, and municipal exhibits as the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival opens Thursday (November 27) at the capitol ground. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Sights and Faces of Sarangani
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – "Sights and Faces", a photo exhibit by the award-winning and Sarangani chief photographer Cocoy Sexcion attract the attention of Vice President and Guest of Honor Noli de Castro at the opening of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival dubbed as "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan" Thursday (November 27) at the capitol ground. Kalyak Sarangani presents Sarangani's best tourist attractions, people and culture in pictures by Sexcion and canvasses by Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Tribal trade fair ribbon cutting
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Vice President and Guest of Honor Noli de Castro, with Governor Migs Dominguez (left), Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (partly hidden), and provincial tribal chieftain Boni Lawa, gestures at the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Fabli Gu Ni, a tribal trade fair Thursday (November 27) at the capitol ground as the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival formally opens. Fabli Gu Ni exhibits Sarangani's best in culture and arts, agriculture, fishing and tourism. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Colors of MunaTo
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Performers from Maitum town gives a welcome number at the opening of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday (November 27) in front of the capitol where thousands of crowds gather. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Token of Appreciation
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives a token of appreciation to Vice President and Guest of Honor Noli de Castro, a self-portrait made in painting by Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan, for gracing the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Vice President Noli de Castro
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Vice President and Guest of Honor Noli de Castro gives a message at the opening program of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday (November 27). De Castro lauds Sarangani's initiative of providing housing program to local government employees and urged officials to further similar projects for the province's poorest of the poor. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Guest of Honor and provincial leaders
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez gestures and shares the moment with Vice President and Guest of Honor Noli de Castro and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon at the opening program of the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival Thursday (November 27) in front of the capitol. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Arrival
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Vice President Noli de Castro is ushered by Governor Migs Dominguez and local officials as he arrives Thursday morning (November 27) at the capitol ground. De Castro is Guest of Honor to the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival opening program. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Ribbon cutting
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the cutting of ribbon Wednesday, November 26,during the launching of community living museum at sitio Lamlifew, barangay Datal Tampal. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Oldest Blaan
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) - Students from Mindanao State University pose with Saday-oli Lacna Caolje, the oldest Blaanin Lamlifew community, said to be 120 years old. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Traditional food
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – A Blaan lady prepares traditional food for guests and visitors Wednesday, November 26, during the launching of community living museum at sitio Lamlifew in Malungon. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Mindanao Week of Peace 2008
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Members of the Catholic Youth Ministry in barangay Tambilil during the "Lighting of the Candles of Peace" activity, as the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration kicks-off Wednesday, November 26. Youth and other peace advocates such as the Ulamas, bishops/priests/pastors/church leaders, civil society groups, non-government organizations (NGOs), local leaders, military and police and other stakeholders are expected to join the various activities that include peace-dialogue, motorcade, peace caravan and peace concert. Kiamba hosts the 10th Mindanao peace week with the theme: "Integrity of the Heart and Mind, A Way to Reconciliation and Peace." (Photo by Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Candles of peace
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – The town is set to be host of the annual commemoration of the Mindanao Week of Peace with a group of youth lighting the "candles of peace" Wednesday, November 26, with this year's theme, "Integrity of the Heart and Mind, A Way to Reconciliation and Peace." Peace advocates from various sectors are expected to join the celebration which aims to consolidate efforts in bringing peace in Mindanao, advocating peaceful means in resolving conflict. (Photo by Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Cafeteria
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) - Marian Pastor Roces (2nd from left), president of TAO Management Inc., a partner in living museum development, joins other guests in a lunch break at the newly opened living museum cafeteria during the launching of Lamlifew community living museum Wednesday, November 26, as part of the 6th MunaTo Festival events. Blaan women prepared traditional food for guests and visitors at sitio Lamilfew. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Museum
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) - Students from Mindanao State University take notes inside the tribal house during their exposure trip at Lamlifew community living museum Wednesday, November26, with Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon who formally opened the museum in sitio Lamilfew, barangay Datal Tampal. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Exposure
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 27, 2008) – Personnel from the Office of the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources of Arakan, Province of Cotabato pay a courtesy call to Vice Mayor Tito Balazon, Sr. (4th from right) as they do an exposure trip Wednesday, November 26, in Maitum for its strong implementation of solid waste management program and forest protection and conservation, then proceeded to the marine turtle sanctuary for coastal exposure. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
Kasalan ng bayan
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2008) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) congratulates the 31 couples wed in the kasalan ng bayan (mass wedding) Tuesday, November 25, in celebration of the 50th patronal fiesta of barangay Alegria. The mass wedding was officiated by the Mayor Corazon Grafilo with the vice governor standing as the couples' godfather. (Photo by Bon-bon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)Saturday, November 22, 2008
MunaTo Festival
Tourism sector excited over cultural showcases
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2008) – The Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association, Incorporated (SARTIA) has expressed excitement in this year's November 26-29 MunaTo Festival showcasing the cultural pride of the province.
"This time you will see the very reason why we call it MunaTo, and see how it is incorporated even to their dances," SARTIA President Michelle Solon said during a press conference Friday (November 21).
MunaTo is a native coinage for "first people". The term itself comes from the indigenous people of Sarangani.
"The theme 'Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan' epitomizes our people's excellence, creativity, and culture," Solon said.
"This is a self-fulfilling prophesy," Governor Migs Dominguez said.
Governor Dominguez despises armed conflicts causing fear and displacement among communities during the past months which he called a disease that is plague to the government.
"Sometimes we have to take one step back, but we must take five steps forward to tell the good news to our people," he said.
MunaTo Festival events are packed in four days but in larger scale will showcase Sarangani's best in culture, fishing or agriculture.
"We will give tribute to the outstanding Sarangans, his or her innovations and creativity," Michelle Solon said.
Some of these activities are the tribal sports such as gamti (archery) and Sbuno (wrestling), tribal paintings by Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan, award-winning Cocoy Sexcion's photography called Sights and Faces, and colorful tribal displays called Gum Ni, a tribal trade fair to be participated in by the different municipalities.
Boxing title bouts will be sponsored by Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim, hometown of World Boxing Organization title holder Richie Mepranum. Motocross competition will be held at the Capitol oval grounds with more than 100 entries from across the country.
"As we (the province) grow older, we become more passionate. We learn every step of the way," Governor Dominguez said.
With the celebration is the launching of the "Justice on Wheels" on November 28. The provincial government purchased a bus worth P900,000 to bring the court to the barangays and "speed up" the administration of justice among the communities.
Sarangani celebrates its cultural heritage and the province's 16th foundation anniversary which will culminate on November 28. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2008) – The Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association, Incorporated (SARTIA) has expressed excitement in this year's November 26-29 MunaTo Festival showcasing the cultural pride of the province.
"This time you will see the very reason why we call it MunaTo, and see how it is incorporated even to their dances," SARTIA President Michelle Solon said during a press conference Friday (November 21).
MunaTo is a native coinage for "first people". The term itself comes from the indigenous people of Sarangani.
"The theme 'Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan' epitomizes our people's excellence, creativity, and culture," Solon said.
"This is a self-fulfilling prophesy," Governor Migs Dominguez said.
Governor Dominguez despises armed conflicts causing fear and displacement among communities during the past months which he called a disease that is plague to the government.
"Sometimes we have to take one step back, but we must take five steps forward to tell the good news to our people," he said.
MunaTo Festival events are packed in four days but in larger scale will showcase Sarangani's best in culture, fishing or agriculture.
"We will give tribute to the outstanding Sarangans, his or her innovations and creativity," Michelle Solon said.
Some of these activities are the tribal sports such as gamti (archery) and Sbuno (wrestling), tribal paintings by Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan, award-winning Cocoy Sexcion's photography called Sights and Faces, and colorful tribal displays called Gum Ni, a tribal trade fair to be participated in by the different municipalities.
Boxing title bouts will be sponsored by Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim, hometown of World Boxing Organization title holder Richie Mepranum. Motocross competition will be held at the Capitol oval grounds with more than 100 entries from across the country.
"As we (the province) grow older, we become more passionate. We learn every step of the way," Governor Dominguez said.
With the celebration is the launching of the "Justice on Wheels" on November 28. The provincial government purchased a bus worth P900,000 to bring the court to the barangays and "speed up" the administration of justice among the communities.
Sarangani celebrates its cultural heritage and the province's 16th foundation anniversary which will culminate on November 28. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Friday, November 21, 2008
OWWA appreciation
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 21, 2008) – Kiamba Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta conveys appreciation to the support by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to the municipal government's livelihood and employment programs during the kick-off of the "DOLE 12–Services Caravan in Gensan" Thursday, November 20. (Photo by Ray Daniel/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
OFW family
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 21, 2008) – A group of women from Kiamba municipality who received P150,000 livelihood assistance from the "Training Cum Production" program of the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration listen to an orientation Thursday, November 20. OFW Family Circles organized in Kiamba through the effort of the municipal Public Employment Services Office were given grants for livelihood projects in the form of rice trading, sari-sari store (mini-grocery) and egg trading. (Photo by Ray Daniel/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
OFW Family Circles
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 21, 2008) – Officers of the Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFW) group known as OFW Family Circles (OFC) from Kiamba, Sarangani show for posterity Thursday, November 20, checks awarded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – National Reintegration Center for OFWs through its "Training Cum Production" program. There are eight OFCs organized in Kiamba through the effort of the municipal Public Employment Services Office that were given P150,000 each as grants for livelihood projects in the form of rice trading, sari-sari store (mini-grocery) and egg trading. Joining them is Kiamba Vice Mayor Elmer de Peralta (extreme right). (Photo by Ray Daniel/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
Financial literacy for OFWs
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 21, 2008) – Chona Malabanan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stresses out the importance of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) remittances, financial planning and the culture of saving and investment in a forum on "Financial Literacy for Overseas Filipinos" Thursday, November 20. About 80 OFW families attended the seminar held at the Office of Muslim Affairs initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the local government of Kiamba and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as DOLE marks its 75th anniversary with a "Services Caravan" in the city. (Photo by Ray Daniel/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
ROM Service at barangay
KIAMBA, Sarangani (November 21, 2008) – Municipal health officer Dr. Lemuel Benedict Non (right) extends free medical services to residents of barangay Lebe Thursday, November 20, as part of Mayor Rom Falgui's program ROM Service. Lebe also celebrates its 27th Anniversary & Thanksgiving Day. (Photo by Abner P. Arzaga/KIAMBA NEWS & INFO CENTER)
MunaTo Festival presscon
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2008) - "One step backward, five steps forward" are some challenging words of Governor Migs Dominguez during the MunaTo Festival press conference Friday, November 21, at the Capitol conference room. With the governor is Michelle Solon, president of Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association, who expressed excitement over this year's November 26-29 festival packed with activities carrying the slogan "Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan." The theme focuses on excellence, creativity and culturally rich Sarangani. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Veggie demo farm
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 19, 2008) - This vegetable farm is owned by the municipal government and managed by six high school students from barangays Batian and Wali. They were provided by the municipal agriculturist with a nipa hut where they could stay during school days while at the same time plant vegetables, raise pigs and ducks. Income from the vegetable farm is given back to the students for their allowance and subsistence. Dubbed as "Magtanim ka para Makapag-aral," this program is one of the best practices of the Child-Friendly Movement in Maitum. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
Marinated dried fish
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 19, 2008) – A member (right) of a women's association talks business with Mayor Elsie Perrett while visiting the processing center of marinated dried fish in barangay Old Poblacion where the famous marinated bangsi (flying fish) is processed. Marinated bangsi is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of Maitum. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
Crab farming
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 19, 2008) - Mayor Elsie Perrett shows off a bunch of crabs gathered from the crab fattening demo farm in barangay Old Poblacion. Looking on is Lloyd Penaredondo of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The Kasamahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda (LMM) manages the demo farm which started with 252 crablets in April this year. Another 666 crablets were added in July. KMM has already gathered at least 50 kilos of crabs from the demo farm. KMM is looking for local supply of crablets from salty water which will provide them a higher yield. The existing crablets came from fresh water which are not suited to the demo farm. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
Tribal wedding
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - A Blaan mother and her daughter, a bride, walk in the aisle during a tribal mass wedding ceremony as part of the 1st Malungon Tribal Day celebration of the municipality Tuesday, November 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Tribal chieftains
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - Municipal tribal chieftain Edmund Pangilan and provincial chieftain Boni Lawa officiate a tribal mass wedding during the 1st Malungon Tribal Day Tuesday, November 18, at the municipal gymnasium. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Malungon tribal day
MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - Mayor Reynaldo Constantino (center) joins the community singing during the 1st Malungon Tribal Day Tuesday, November 18, at the municipal gymnasium. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Medicines
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - SPPC personnel sort medicines for patients in a medical mission sponsored by Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) at the barangay hall of Tokawal, Alabel Tuesday, November 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Health worker
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) – A barangay health worker accommodates patients in a medical mission sponsored by Southern Philippines Power Corporation at the barangay hall of Tokawal, Alabel Tuesday, November 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Knowledge Center books
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - Major Rolando R. Rodil, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, takes time to turnover library books to the Knowledge Center of Maitum to Vice Mayor Tito Balazon minutes before leaving for Compostela Valley province Saturday, November 15. Major Rodil earlier expressed his admiration to the Knowledge Center for the systematic presentation and gathering of information on women and children. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
New troops for Maitum
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) - Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, gives instructions to his troops who replaced the 25th IB. Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett during a flag ceremony Monday morning said she hopes to have good working relationship with them and for them to feel at home and thanked them for their presence. Many Maitumians are watchful of the decorum of military troops having had their bad experience of abusive army troops during the Martial Law years. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
Gentlemen soldiers
MAITUM, Sarangani (November 18, 2008) – Troops of the 25th Infantry Battalion bid goodbye to Maitum after almost two months of stay. Maitum residents earlier expressed their gratitude to the 25th IB not only for giving security although for a short time, but also for the professionalism, discipline, and goodness they've shown to the Maitumians. Mayor Perrett is thankful for the humanitarian efforts like distributing library books and reaching out to the Maitumians with their warmth and friendliness. They are good soldiers worthy of emulation, she said. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)
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