Municipal fishport

KIMABA, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (center) leads the ground breaking ceremony of proposed Kiamba municipal fishport Tuesday, February 10. The Department of Agriculture's SELAP (Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program) funds 80% of the P7 million cost of the project's first phase while the provincial government gives a counterpart fund. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Made in Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) - Nature's Essence Virgin Coconut Oil soap made in Kiamba makes ladies stop at its display booth at the agri-trade fair opening Tuesday, February 10. From February 9to 14, Kiamba celebrates its 61st Foundation Anniversary and 5th Timpuyog Festival with this year's theme: "KIAMBAYANI: Mamamayang Nagpupunyagi na Mapagtibay ang Relasyong Lumad, Kristiyano at Muslim,at mas Matiwasay na Pamumuhay." (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Agri-trade fair

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui (center) leads the opening Tuesday, February 10, of the agri-trade fair showcasing Kiamba products in celebration of the town's 61st Foundation Anniversary and festivities from February 9 to 14. (Photoby Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Three guitars

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) – The senior citizens organization of Maitum thru its president, former Mayor Crisanto Doctor (2nd from left), receives three guitars from Mayor Elsie Perrett Monday, February 9, for the elderly's community activities.Looking on, from left, are Vice Mayor Tito Balazon and municipal councilors Edgar del Rosario and Kubli Kusin. (Photo by MAITUMINFORMATION OFFICE)

Singing idol

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) - Ednalyn Lucero is this year's grand champion of Kiamba Singing Idol 2nd Season as part of the celebration of weeklong 5th Timpuyog Festival which kicked off Monday,February 9. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Quality education

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 10, 2009) - Rusty Lopez, grade one pupil of Alabel Central Elementary School SPED who wants to become a pilot,draws an airplane during the school visitation Monday, February 9, of mentors from Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST ), a volunteer organization. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Outstanding Achievement Medal

DAVAO CITY (February 10, 2009) - Major Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas (right), outgoing Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, PhilippineArmy, confers to Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez the Outstanding Achievement Medal Tuesday, February 10. Governor Dominguez, a Commander in the Philippine Navy (Reserve), is cited for extraordinary and distinguished achievement in his active involvement in the successful campaign of the 10th ID and for providing "excellent leadership that synchronized the efforts of the elements of the 10th ID and that of the different government instrumentalities and non-government organizations in his province." Witnessing the awarding is Army Chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado. (Photo by EricDecena/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Command turnover ceremony

DAVAO CITY (February 10, 2009) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez (seated, 2nd right), a Commander in the Philippine Navy (Reserve), is flanked by officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Turnover of Command Ceremony Tuesday, February 10, of Maj. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas to Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu at the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division. During the ceremony, Dominguez received the Outstanding Achievement Medal for, among other achievements, contributing "immensely to a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to continuous development and economic progress in the province." (Photo by Eric Decena/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mindanao leaders

DAVAO CITY (February 5, 2009) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez and Sultan Kudarat Rep. Pax Mangudadatu greet each other at Marco Polo Hotel Wednesday, February 4. The two Mindanao leaders were invited as panelists in ANC's special show on Mindanao. It will also be aired abroad where ANC is carried by The Filipino Channel bundle: MiddleEast, North America, Europe and Australia. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mindanao forum

DAVAO CITY (February 5, 2009) - Panelists (left to right) Dr. Fermin Adriano, Vicente Lao, Atty. Randolph Parcasio, Gus Miclat and host Tony Velasquez listen as Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez gives his views on "The Way Forward" segment of ANC's special show on Mindanao Wednesday, February 4, at "The Deck" of Marco Polo Hotel. The show is aired Friday, February 6, 7:30 pm. It will also be aired abroad where ANC is carried by The Filipino Channel bundle: Middle East, NorthAmerica, Europe and Australia. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Employees' dance

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez joins Capitol utility worker Perina Pajardo in a dance during his surprise birthday party prepared by Capitol employees at the lobby Thursday,February 5. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Birthday wish

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez expresses his birthday wish during the first anniversary of lot awarding of residents at Mariel Village, barangay Lun Padidu.Residents were relocated here after their houses were burned at the public market of Lun Padidu on November 4, 2007. The area was donated by Board Member Norberto Butiong. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Birthday cake

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez blows his birthday candles in a surprise birthday party prepared by Capitol employees at the Capitol lobby Thursday, February 5. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Volunteer medics

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) - Volunteer doctors and government employees join hands during the medical mission as part ofthe celebration of Governor Migs Dominguez' birthday at barangayAmsipit Wednesday, February 4. The medical team served hundreds of indigenous people: in Operation Tuli 36 childrens, 71 in dental, 61 ineye check-ups and 236 in medical. (Photo by Bon-Bon Quiňo/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Free haircut

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon shares a moment with barbers giving free haircut as one of the services during the community outreach of Capitol officials and employees in barangay Amsipit Wednesday, February 4. (Photo by Bon-BonQuiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mothers' peace pledge

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 5, 2009) – In a commitment to peace,Irene Santiago of the Mindanao Commission on Women leads more than 20 mothers from Sarangani and General Santos City in reciting the Mothers for Peace credo which marks their commitment to advocate peace in their communities. The participants gathered at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on January 29-30, 2009 for action planning. (Photoby Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

Mothers for Peace

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 5, 2009) - Mothers for Peace conveners tie to each other the "scarf for peace" that symbolizes their acceptance as advocate of peace. They committed to increase their number and engage in various peace advocacy programs. More than 20 mothers from Sarangani and General Santos City convened at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on January 29-30 for action planning. (Photo by Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/KALINAW SARANGANI UNIT)

IED Demo

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) - Cpl. Albert Moji of the 72nd IED (improvised explosive device) Team demonstrates how an IED explodes when opened or touched. The 72nd IED Team from General Santos City conducted the IED awareness orientation January 29 at the JamesL. Chiongbian Hall. (Photo by Beth Ramos – Palma Gil/MAITUMINFORMATION OFFICE)

IED awareness

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) - The 72nd IED (improvised explosive device) Team from General Santos City conducts an IED awareness orientation January 29 at the James L. Chiongbian Hall attended by at least 100 participants composed of barangay officials,teachers, government officials and employees, market vendors, and non-government organization. The IED Team lectured on how to detect an IED, what to do and what not to do when in the presence of a suspected IED. (Photo by Beth Ramos – Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Comfort room donation

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – American missionary Dan Evans (right) turns over keys of the donated comfort room (CR) to head teacher Aura Mirayo of Kipalkuda Elementary School. The new CR will provide greater sanitation and hygiene for the school property,students, and teachers. The school with 350 students in grades 1-6 islocated in barangay New La Union. The construction project was initiated and funded by the Datu Wali Mission of Maitum, with planning assistance by the Maitum municipal engineering department, and hands-on supervision by engineer Gilbert Rocapor. Datu Wali Mission directors, Dan and Aurea Evans, who sponsor other programs to assistthe children of Kipalkuda school, raised funds among their foundation supporters in the U.S. for the project. The CR follows a standard Unicef design, with all concrete walls and floor, and a dedicated septic tank. The original design was expanded to include two stalls in the female side of the CR, and a stall and urinal in the male section.Fresh water for flushing is supplied by a spring, and an outdoor faucet was incorporated for hand washing. (Photo courtesy of Datu WaliMission/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal wrestling

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – A huge crowd enjoys watching the S'buno, a tribal wrestling among the Blaans and Tbolis during a community outreach and medical mission Wednesday, February 4 at the barangay site in Amsipit. The community welcomed Governor Migs Dominguez who celebrated with villagers a day before his birthday. The governor usually celebrates his birthday in the province's farthest barangays. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mass wedding

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr.officiates a mass wedding (Kasalan ng Bayan) for 21 Blaan couples in barangay Amsipit Wednesday, February 4. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridal kiss

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Newly-wed couples kiss after the Kasalan ng Bayan (mass wedding) in a community outreach and medical mission Wednesday, February 4, as Governor Migs Dominguez celebrates with the community a day before his 32nd birthday. (Photoby Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hygiene kits

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Gregorio Gonzales, project development manager of the Conal Holdings Corporation, distributes hygiene kits for 300 school children in Amsipit Wednesday, February 4,as Governor Migs Dominguez celebrates with the community a day before his birthday. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gift packs

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – Mothers carry their gift packsfrom Governor Migs Dominguez. Provincial and municipal employees conducted a community outreach and medical mission at barangay Amsipit Wednesday, February 4, in partnership with YACAP, Alcantara Foundation, Conal Holdings Corporation, Southern Philippines Power Corporation, and doctors from General Santos City. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Eye check-up

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – An ophthalmologist from General Santos City tests the eyes of a village elder Wednesday, February 4,during a community outreach and medical mission with the Blaan community in Amsipit, a hinterland village. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Child-friendly space

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 5, 2009) – A member of the Kalinaw Sarangani Unit and community relations officer Alex Allawan (left) of Southern Philippines Power Corporation lead a dance for school children in the "child-friendly space" portion of a community outreach and medical mission Wednesday, February 4, in Amsipit barangay site.Governor Migs Dominguez celebrated with the community there the day before his 32nd birthday. Amsipit, a war-torn area, is now where the province's "From Arms to Farms" project is taking shape. (Photo byCocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Souvenir shot

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez takes a picture as he celebrates with villagers Wednesday, February 4, a day before his birthday. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Partner's birthday greetings

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (top) speaks at the village birthday celebration of Governor Migs Dominguez Wednesday, February 4, in barangay Amsipit, bringing their governance partnership to the grassroots with a community outreach and medical mission. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs with kids

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez celebrates with village children in barangay Amsipit Wednesday,February 4, a day before his 32nd birthday. Provincial and municipal officials conducted a community outreach and medical mission atAmsipit, a former insurgency hotbed which is now Dole Philippines'pineapple expansion area. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Birthday greetings

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr.greets Governor Migs Dominguez whose birthday Thursday, February 5, is preceded by a celebration thru a community outreach and medical mission in the hinterland village of Amsipit. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Old Poblacion

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – Girls watch sunset in Old Poblacion village, once Maitum's hub of commerce with Cotabato City and General Santos City way back when the primary mode to transport farm products and merchandize is via the sea. Old poblacion retained its name after the new poblacion moved to its town site in what is now barangay Malalag. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Bayanihan

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 4, 2009) – With a little help from anybody, this fishing boat in barangay Old Poblacion sets out for another fishing expedition in Celebes Sea and beyond, leaving behind people with their bayanihan (communal effort) spirit that helps fishermen move boats at the beach. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

School marker

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Mayor Aida Singcoy unveils the marker Monday, February 2, of the new two-classroom building jointly funded by Petron Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development for Datu Pangolima Elementary School. (Photoby Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School in village

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) education chief Tom Creham and International Youth Foundation program director Jack Boyson formally open the newest school in the village Monday,February 2. The two-classroom building funded by Petron Foundation and USAID is in Datu Pangolima Elementary School. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Petron's commitment

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Jose Jesus Laurel, president of Petron Foundation, expresses his gratitude Monday, February 2, for having Petron schools projects work in Sarangani and in the countryside. Petron is building 600 schools in remote areas from Luzon to Mindanao in addition to giving scholarships to deserving students. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Optimism and hope

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Tom Creham, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) education chief, evokes"hope and optimism for the future" every time he comes down to Sarangani. USAID, Petron Foundation and local officials inaugurated their jointly-funded two-classroom building at Datu Pangolima Elementary School Monday, February 2. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New school

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Residents witness Monday,February 2, the turn-over ceremony of the newly inaugurated two-classroom building donated by Petron Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development to Datu Pangolima Elementary School. The school building has water and electricity,desks, teachers' tables and chairs, blackboards, cabinets, fans, clocks and toilets. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Muslim blessing

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 3, 2009) – Petron Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and local government officials join in a kanduli (Muslim blessing rites) Monday,February 2, for the newly inaugurated two-classroom building donated by Petron Foundation and USAID for Datu Pangolima Elementary School.(Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOU for ICT

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) – Mayor Aida Singcoy (third from left), Governor Migs Dominguez, Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales, with representatives from Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) Project, sign the Memorandum of Understanding Monday, February 2, to enhance teachers and school children's access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) by giving two computer units to Datu Pangolima Elementary School and three other school in Sarangani. During the day,a two-classroom building donated by Petron Foundation and the UnitedStates Agency for International Development (USAID) for Datu PAngolimaElementary School was inaugurated. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

International Youth Foundation

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) – Jack Boyson, Program Director of the International Youth Foundation, delivers his speech during the turn over ceremony Monday, February 2, of the newly inaugurated two-classroom building from Petron Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Datu Pangolima Elementary School. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Grateful Smiles

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) – Pupils at the Datu Pangolima Elementary School flash thankful smiles for their new two-classroom building donated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Petron Foundation at the inauguration ceremony Monday, February 2, graced by Petron Foundation, USAID, and local officials. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Challenging Parents and Teachers

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez urges parents and teachers to "join hands in giving hope and inspiration for the children amidst challenges" at the inauguration ceremony Monday, February 2, of the two-classroom school building donated by Petron Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Datu Pangolima Elementary School. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs with pupils

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez asks pupils inside the newly inaugurated two-classroom school building Monday, February 2, for Datu Pangolima Elementary School donated by Petron Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with its Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) Project, the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Education and Livelihood Skills and Alliance (ELSA) as implementing partners. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Project Briefing

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 2, 2009) - Governor Migs Dominguez briefs Education Chief Tom Crehan of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the turn over ceremonyMonday, February 2, of the newly constructed two-classroom building jointly funded by USAID and Petron Foundation for Datu Pangolima Elementary School. Education Secretary Jesli Lapus graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the school building in June last year.(Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Steve

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2009) - Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his message during the culmination program of Bangsi Festival Saturday, January 31. The vice governor chairs Task Force MAKIMA (Maitum-Kiamba-Maasim) which oversees security and development efforts in the three coastal municipalities. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Secretary Teodoro

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2009) – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro speaks in Ilocano assuring the Maitum community of support from the national defense department in maintaining peace and order in the Ilocano-speaking municipality. Teodoro is guest of honor during Maitum's Bangsi Festival Saturday, January 31. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Project briefing

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez briefs Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro at the ground-breaking ceremony of a farm-to-market-road in barangay Kiambing, one of the town's top rice-producing villages. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Governor at Bangsi Festival

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez warms up the crowd during the Bangsi Festival program Saturday, January 31, atthe municipal gym as he interacts with his audience. (Photo by CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bangsi Festival 1st Placer

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 1, 2009) – Team A of Malalag National High School wins P18,000 as 1st Placer in Bangsi Festival street-dancing competition Saturday, January 31. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)