Mapping out

GUMASA, Sarangani (August 31, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez (left) maps out Monday, August 31, the southern Mindanao route of “The Friendship Kayak Expedition” with Khoo Swee Chiow, Singapore’s foremost adventurer, Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong of Cebu City and Arnel Gabutero of Davao City in commemoration of 40 years of Philippines-Singapore relations and to promote kayaking and adventure tourism in the country. It is the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines from Glan, Sarangani that will end 3,300 km. away in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Go signal

GUMASA, Sarangani (August 31, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez (5th from left) with Khoo Swee Chiow (4th from right), Singapore’s foremost adventurer, and Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong (5th from right) of Cebu City and Arnel Gabutero (4th from left) of Davao City, two of the Philippines’ finest kayakers, flash the go signal with organizers at the start Monday, August 31, of the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines over three months thru several provinces. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The Friendship Kayak Expedition

GUMASA, Sarangani (August 31, 2009) – Khoo Swee Chiow, Singapore’s foremost adventurer, checks his gear before embarking northward of the country Monday, August 31, from Glan, Sarangani that will end 3,300 km. away in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Comprising “The Friendship Kayak Expedition” with Khoo Swee Chiow are Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong of Cebu City and Arnel Gabutero of Davao City, two of the Philippines’ finest kayakers. The team will paddle over three months thru several provinces in the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Off to the North

GUMASA, Sarangani (August 31, 2009) – At high noon Monday, August 31, Singaporean adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow, Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong of Cebu City and Arnel Gabutero of Davao City bid goodbye to well-wishers in Gumasa beach as they begin the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines from Glan, Sarangani to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in a 3,300-km. journey over 100 days. At intervals along the route, the team will meet up with fellow kayakers, students and community clubs to forge friendship and promote kayaking. Mr. Khoo’s undertaking is significant as it takes place against the backdrop of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Singapore and the Philippines this year. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

"Friendship Kayak" Project in the Philippines

GUMASA, Sarangani (August 31, 2009) – Singaporean adventurer and motivational speaker Khoo Swee Chiow (foreground), Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong of Cebu City and Arnel Gabutero of Davao City are set to launch Monday, August 31, the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines from the southern tip of Mindanao in Gumasa beach to the most northern point of Luzon over a period of 100 days. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Scarecrow

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) – A local dress is used to scareaway birds from a field of upland rice at Kiangkos village. Under the Indigenous People’s Development Program of Governor Migs Dominguez, a special project in preserving the culture and tradition of indigenous people in Sarangani includes the planting of traditional rice varieties which not only give a high yield, but are also disease resistant, glutinous, and very tasty. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PTCA president

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - Serino Padayag, president of the Parents-Teachers-Community Association, helps in the distribution of school bags from Smart Communications loaded with school supplies donated by friends and supporters of QUEST (Quality Education forSarangani Today) program. Volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST staff brought along QUEST workbooks for Grade 1 and “As aFilipino” workbooks from Union Bank for Grade 2 pupils Thursday,August 27. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Preparation

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - Parents and volunteers load the school bags from Smart Communications with notebooks, ballpens, pad of paper and crayons for Grade 2 to Grade 6 pupils and notebooks, pad of paper, pencils, sharpener and crayons for Grade 1 pupils donated by friends and supporters of QUEST program under the Office of the Governor. QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) workbooks and"As a Filipino” workbooks for Grade 2 pupils were also distributed Thursday, August 27, at Kiangkos village in barangay barangay Pagasa.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New books

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - Volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff trekked down the village of Canaan from Kiangkos village Friday,August 28, to deliver to this another Blaan village QUEST workbooksfor Grade 1 and “As a Filipino” workbooks from Union Bank for Grade 2 pupils. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New bags and school supplies

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - Intermediate pupils form a line after receiving school bags from Smart Communications Thursday, August27. The bags were loaded with school supplies donated by friends and supporters of QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program.Volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST staff also brought along QUEST workbooks for Grade 1 and “As a Filipino”workbooks from Union Bank for Grade 2 pupils. Kiangkos village is situated in the mountainous outskirts of Alabel and reachable only by horse or by foot and located 655 meters above sea level. Teachers say most reason why these kids would stop schooling is when they run outof paper and pencil. Stores where school supplies are available would take a four-hour walk from the village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Homeward bound

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - A Blaan pupil goes home from Kiangkos Elementary School Thursday, August 27, with a school bag from Smart Communications loaded with school supplies donated by friends and supporters of QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today)program. Volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST staff also brought along QUEST workbooks for Grade 1 and “As a Filipino”workbooks from Union Bank for Grade 2 pupils. Kiangkos village is situated in the mountainous outskirts of Alabel and reachable only by horse or by foot and located 655 meters above sea level. Teachers say most reason why these kids would stop schooling is when they run out of paper and pencil. Stores where school supplies are available wouldtake a four-hour walk from the village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

English workbooks

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) – Pupils of Canaan Elementary School hold their QUEST workbooks distributed Friday, August 28, by volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Couriers for education

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) - As their counterpart, parents use their horses to transport the books and school supplies for their school children in Kiangkos village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Book owners

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 29, 2009) – Book owners at last, pupils write their name on new QUEST books distributed Thursday, August 27,along with "As a Filipino" work books from Union Bank, schools bagsfrom Smart Communications loaded with school supplies donated by friends and supporters of QUEST program under the Office of the Governor. Volunteers from Sarangani Information Office and QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff gave all pupils of Kiangkos Elementary School supplies they can use for the school year.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Training on Culture of Peace

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui stresses a point to 73rd Infantry Battalion troops during the Training on Culture of Peace conducted by ACT for PEACE and KALINAW SARANGANI Wednesday, August 26. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D. Ampatin)

Soil and water conservation

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui expresses his gratitude to farmers at Gadan, Kayupo for participating in the training seminar for Soil and Water Conservation and Diversified Farming System Wednesday, August 26. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D. Ampatin)

Pro-poor project

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) - Residents of barangay Nomoh and pupils of Nomoh Elementary School get a new classroom building from the Department of National Defense. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Kiamba fishport visit

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (right) talks with engineer Jigger Agbulos of Davao Constructor Cooperative during a visit at the construction site of Kiamba Municipal Fishport Wednesday, August 26. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Ruel D. Ampatin)

Farm-to-market road

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) and barangay captain Luna Tabalao lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of 2.8 km. farm-to-market road of barangay Nomoh from the Department of National Defense Wednesday, August 26. The rehabilitation of the road will be done by the 512th Engineering Construction Battalion and 52nd Engineering Brigade. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Elementary pupils

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives his words of encouragement to the elementary pupils of barangay Nomoh during the ceremonial turn-over of one classroom building and the ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday, August 26, for the reconstruction of 2.8 km. farm-to-market road funded by the Department of National Defense. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Classroom turn-over

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 27, 2009) – Barangay Captain Luna Tabalao of Nomoh cuts the ribbon for the ceremonial turn-over of a classroom building from Department of National Defense Wednesday, August 26. Assisting the event are (left to right) Lt. Col. Edgardo Del Leon, battalion commander of 73rd Infantry Battalion; Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, provincial assessor Ben Donato, Mayor Jojo Lopez, Nomoh Elementary School Head Cedelia Mozo and Lt. Col Robert Reyes, battalion commander of 512th Engineering Construction Battalion and 52nd Engineering Brigade. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Archbishop urges Malacanang for rehab of Mindanao River Basin

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 26, 2009) – Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo on Tuesday (August 25) urged and thanked Malacanang for “a sense of urgency, drive for immediate action” for the rehabilitation plan of the “Mindanao River of Peace”.

Quevedo, chair of the Presidential Task Force-Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development (PTF-MRBRD) Project, presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Cabinet Secretaries a consolidated report and recommendations during its 11th regular meeting at Isla Parilla Resort Hotel here where the Cabinet also held its 33rd regular meeting.

Right there and then, President Arroyo approved a P50-million project study for the project’s master plan. The Mindanao River Basin is the country’s second largest river basin with an area of 23,170 sq. kms. where major rivers Banga, Ala, Pulangi, Mindanao, Simuay and Tamontaka meet.

“I would like to commend all the government agencies, including the military and the police, for the equipment and personnel who assisted thousands of evacuees from Cotabato City, Region XII and ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” Quevedo said.

“The response of the President is always very good for the task force,” Quevedo said. “Though it takes sometime in going to the bottom of its implementation.”

The immediate causes of flooding that destroy various main bridges connecting provinces and municipalities in the region are the continuous heavy rain over Bukidnon, Agusan, Davao, Lanao, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

Such heavy downpour dislodged hectares of grass and water hyacinth covering large portions of the Mindanao River Basin and pushed them down river. Dredging and bridge inactivity compounded the siltation of all the rivers to and from the basin.

Quevedo’s report also noted the accumulation of sand, mud and sediments brought about by water flowing from various parts of the area, and inappropriate land practices.

The PTF-MRBRD lined up 18 recommendations in a 10-year plan or a total of P1.180 billion for the complete rehabilitation of the basin.

“I pray that our action and documentation for the release of funds and the deployment of equipment and personnel will be similarly passed for the implementation of the project,” Quevedo said.

President Arroyo said the first recommended action by the task force which is the channelization and bank protection at Simuay River is now on-going. Simuay River is one of the major egresses of all river flows from the Mindanao basin to the sea or Illana Bay.

Typhoons Frank (2008) and Cosme caused P1.2 billion worth of damages in infrastructure, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways, and agricultural livestock. Typhoon Jolina caused 95,000 internally displaced persons.

The provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, South Cotabato and Cotabato City had declared a state of calamity due to heavy flooding.

In Sarangani, Governor Migs Dominguez admitted the adverse effects of flooding to the province’s agriculture and infrastructure.

“In Sarangani, all our needs were addressed. Thanks to Secretary Teodoro who gave attention to our complaints,” Dominguez said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has been visiting the province particularly Maasim town for school rehabilitation and construction, with additional infrastructure projects. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Token of appreciation

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez receives a token of appreciation from Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo during the 11th regular meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development and the 33rd Cabinet meeting Tuesday, August 25, at the Isla Parilla Resort. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Press Photographers of the Philippines

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swears into office officers and members of the Press Photographers of the Philippines-Cotabato and General Santos City Chapter after the joint meeting of the Presidential Task Force for Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development and the 33rd regular Cabinet meeting at Isla Parilla Resort Hotel. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PGMA in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo walks to the media briefing area to induct officers and members of the Press Photographers of the Philippines-Cotabato and General Santos City Chapter after the joint meeting of the Presidential Task Force for Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development and the 33rd regular Cabinet meeting at Isla Parilla Resort Hotel. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PGMA arrival

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrives at Isla Parilla Resort Hotel with Governor Migs Dominguez Tuesday, August 25, and welcomed by Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. with the other mayors from Sarangani. The President and her Cabinet met with officials of Central Mindanao to check on the progress of the Mindanao River Basin known as the “Mindanao River of Peace” project to curb the perennial flood problem in the region. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs and Agriculture Secretary

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez listens to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap as Vice President Noli De Castro looks on. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her Cabinet met here Tuesday, August 25, for the Cabinet’s 33rd regular meeting and for the joint meeting of the Presidential Task Force for Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development where the President approved a P50-million project study for the project’s master plan. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Archbishop Orlando Quevedo

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo discusses to the media in a briefing Tuesday, August 25, the urgency of the rehabilitation of the Mindanao River Basin known as the “Mindanao River of Peace” after presenting a comprehensive status report to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her Cabinet who held their 33rd regular Cabinet meeting. Arroyo has approved a P50-million project study for the project’s master plan. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Upland development

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) - Perido Kusin (2nd from left), who chairs the village farmers’ cooperative, and municipal agriculturist Eddie Ampodia (extreme left), welcome Glynn Baker, team leader of an independent team of external experts, and Dennie Craggs, agri-farming systems in-charge, at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center Wednesday, August 19, during a post-completion evaluation mission of all Upland Development Program projects. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Arnelito Ramirez)

Farmers association

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) - Tibulon Farmers Association members in barangay Kiayap pose with World Bank, Mindanao Rural Development Program and Department of Agriculture representatives during a project visit Thursday, August 20. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Farm visit

MAITUM, Sarangani (august 25, 2009) – Municipal councilor Kubli Kusin, chair of agriculture committee, and municipal agriculturist Eddie Ampodia accompany a member of the Upland Development Program (UDP) visiting team around the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center Wednesday, August 19, on a post-completion evaluation mission of all UDP projects. The team was impressed because of the sustained learning sites in Upo, the existence of a farmers’ cooperative, and presence of land-use based Barangay Development Program. UDP's objectives are to develop replicable models for sustaining upland resource base and improve the standard of living of communities who derive most of their income from the uplands. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Arnelito Ramirez)

Bird watcher

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) – Aside from a scarecrow from a distance, a boy enjoys his task in keeping birds away from the rice field by creating noise through pulling a rope with empty tin cans attached. Amidst the sunburst at high noon, he keeps his cool under the shade of a nipa hut in barangay Datu Dani. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Abaca stripping

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) - A member of Wali Abaca Farmers Association demonstrates abaca stripping before visitors from the World Bank (WB) and Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) during a project visit Thursday, August 20. The WB and MRDP representatives commended the municipal and provincial local government units for a “well-organized, united, and enthusiastic team.” (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Abaca farm

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 25, 2009) - Arnel de Mesa, program director of Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), walks past rows of abaca plants, one of the subjects of a World Bank (WB) and MRDP inspection Thursday, August 20. The WB and MRDP representatives noted that projects in Maitum are well-implemented with close coordination and teamwork among stakeholders. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Repatriation

GLAN, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) - Thirty one Filipino fishermen repatriated from Indonesia prepare to disembark at the Port of Glan from a Philippine Navy boat. Most of the fishermen were captured in 2008. The arrival of this batch has brought to 403 the total number of Filipino fishermen released from Indonesian jails since 2005. The releases were facilitated by JAGS-CT (Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle) chaired by Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bobby Saya-ang)

Quarantine

GLAN, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) - Customs-Immigration-Quarantine-Services personnel do a quarantine check on 31 Filipino fishermen repatriated from Indonesia Saturday, August 22, aboard a naval boat before disembarking at the Port of Glan. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bobby Saya-ang)

Port of Glan

GLAN, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – Thirty one Filipino nationals arrive at the Port of Glan Saturday, August 22, from Manado, Indonesia after having been pardoned from various violations against fishing laws of Indonesia. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bobby Saya-ang)

JAGS-CT cahir

GLAN, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) - Mayor Enrique Yap Jr., who also chairs the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT), welcomes Saturday, August 22, the 31 Filipino fishermen repatriated from Indonesia facilitated by JAGS-CT. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bobby Saya-ang)

31 Pinoy fishermen repatriated from Indonesia

By Beverly Paoyon

GLAN, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – Thirty one Filipino nationals arrived home from Manado, Indonesia on Saturday (August 22) after having been pardoned from various violations against fishing laws of Indonesia.

Glan Mayor Enrique B. Yap Jr., who also chairs the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT), said the arrival of this batch at the Port of Glan has brought to 403 the total number of Filipino fishermen released from Indonesian jails since 2005. The releases were facilitated by JAGS-CT.

However, Saturday’s repatriation was the first documented accomplishment of JAGS-CT after the coordinating center for repatriation was transferred from Davao City to Glan during the 20th RP Border Committee Conference on April 17-18, 2009.

JAGS-CT is a cluster of southern Philippines towns formed in 2003 in support to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). It aims to increase trade, tourism and investments by enhancing cross-border linkages with the northern provinces of Indonesia.

Yap said the appeal of the fishermen’s wives prompted him to request the government of Indonesia for the fishermen’s pardon and release.

He also noted the cooperation of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Customs-Immigration-Quarantine-Services and the Department of Foreign Affairs for this initiative.

Yap said the fishermen were repatriated on August 21 (Friday) aboard the PS70 Philippine naval ship that embarked from the Port of Bitung, Indonesia to Glan Port with pertinent travel documents issued by the Philippine Consulate General in Manado.

Most of the fishermen were captured in 2008.

Thermal strips and scanner were used aboard the ship to detect if there were among them with fever.

Dr. Emmanuel Sto. Domingo, Bureau of Quarantine Medical Officer, reported three cases suffering from common respiratory tract infection, one jaundice case and one case on psychiatric illness. He added “there are no suspected cases of AH1N1.”

Sto. Domingo pointed out there was no AH1N1 case in Indonesia and denied any possibility of risk.

“We do not need to isolate them. I think they just developed cough and colds along the way,” Sto. Domingo said. “They are just advised to have voluntary health confinement.”

Despite this, Mayor Yap instructed the offices of the municipal health and the social welfare to give the fishermen each an initial dose of anti-AH1N1 drug and also an initial dose for the one suffering from psychiatric illness.

The 31 repatriates were: Allen F. Aranas, Alberto C. Cambal, Ronilo V. Tagpuno, Ponciano Suralta Jr., Rocky Suralta, Jessie Suralta, Samalito Suralta, Joel Plenos, Gerry Colaste, Victoriano Sumampong, Arturo Donaire, Bobby Rivera, Bonifacio Baleroso, Mervin Lebano, Emoksan Diva, Jose W. Alfuerto, Berto Alegre, Vicente Salabsab, Noel G. Magbanua, Alexis V. Abellar, Anthony V. Abellar, Peter Paul Lamanilao, Jaime Tagalog, Lito Montillano, Danacio Lapis, Rene Palero, Panfilo Orio, Ranny Pilapil, Zaldy Cabilao, Armando Pilapil and Michael Enad.

Majority of them were from Bula and Calumpang, General Santos City and one each coming from Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur and Balut, Sarangani.

Yap said another 23 repatriates would be facilitated next month to which release was being processed.

Philippine Navy Task Force Deputy Commander for Mindanao Capt. Philip Cacayan said they will take the advantage to ferry the 23 fishermen in time with the Philippine-Indonesia exercises in Indonesia. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thanks for quick response

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – In behalf of his constituents, Barangay Captain Mariano Fado (standing) expresses his gratitude to the government for a truly quick response hence the turn-over of the newly-constructed barangay hall and a day care center on Friday, August 21. Lawless elements burned down the barangay’s vital buildings last year. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Road reconstruction

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (left) and barangay chair Mariano Fado (right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the rehabilitation of barangay Gasi to sitio Kapanal farm-to-market road Friday, August 21. Reconstruction works will be done by the 512th and 52nd Engineering Brigade. The Department of National Defense funded the P500,000 worth project. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

New barangay hall

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – Grateful and proud of their new barangay hall, officials of barangay Gasi headed by barangay chair Mariano Fado (4th from left) pose with Mayor Rom Falgui (7th from left), Lt. Col. Edgardo De Leon (6th from left) and Lt. Col. Robert Reyes (5th from left). The P500,000 worth building was funded by the Department of National Defense. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Moving on

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – “They can burn down those buildings but not our will to move on,” are the words of Mayor Rom Falgui (standing) to residents of barangay Gasi Friday, August 21. Members of a lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group burned the Gasi barangay hall and a day care center last year. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Gawad sa Kaunlaran

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 24, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (left) hands the certificate of Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award to Lt. Rey Dagatan of 512th Engineering Construction Brigade Friday, August 21. The brigade built the new barangay hall and a day care center in barangay Gasi. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Tourism expo

DAVAO CITY (August 22, 2009) – Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano (left) meets Michelle Lopez-Solon, president of Sarangani Tourism Industry Association, Thursday, August 20, at the Mindanao Travel and Tour Expo 2009 dubbed as B’yahe ta Mindanao!. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Romina Rabina)

Purok anniversary

GLAN, Sarangani (August 22, 2009) – Roy Chiongbian, youngest son of the late former Congressman James L. Chiongbian and former Governor Priscilla L. Chiongbian, shares a moment with children of Purok 3, barangay Tango during his visit and to celebrate with their purok anniversary. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

New primary school building

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 22, 2009) – Mayor Rom Falgui (2nd from right), municipal councilors and school officials cut the ceremonial ribbon during the blessing and inauguration Thursday, August 20, of Edro Malayo Primary School, a newly constructed two-classroom building at sitio Malayo, barangay Maligang funded by the Department of Education. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Barangay anniversary

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 22, 2009) – “Let us be united and support each other in serving Sarangani and fellow Sarangans” are the few words from Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon in his message at barangay Lower Mainit during the celebration of its 41st foundation anniversary. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Special kids

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 20, 2009) – Innocent and playful, these special kids enjoy the company of 40 other disabled persons during the orientation on Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for disabled persons Wednesday, August 19. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Magna carta for disabled persons

KIAMBA, Sarangani (August 20, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui reminds his disabled constituents on the importance of self-esteem despite their physical deformities during the orientation of Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for disabled persons Wednesday, August 19. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Secretary Panganiban

DAVAO CITY (August 20, 2009) – Secretary Domingo Panganiban of the National Anti-Poverty Commission answers a question at the open forum during the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Mindanao Forum Wednesday, August 19. The forum is an avenue for local government units to share their experiences in implementing the CBMS and for non-government organizations to synergize effort to provide them assistance. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Romina Rabina)

Maitum CBMS implementation

DAVAO CITY (August 20, 2009) – Mayor Elsie Perrett of Maitum presents the town’s experiences in the implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) which enables the local government to identify and target its priority areas. CBMS provides accurate information for non-government organizations to synergize assistance to the community. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Romina Rabina)

CBMS presentation

DAVAO CITY (August 20, 2009) – Rene Paraba, Sarangani assistant planning officer, presents the successes of the implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) in Sarangani during the CBMS Mindanao Forum at the Apo View Hotel Wednesday, August 19. 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. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Romina Rabina)