Abaca products

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) - Mayor Rom Falgui views a showcase of unique hand-crafted abaca products honoring the International Year of Natural Fiber. The mayor continues to source out funds to maximizethe yield of abaca in the municipality. Last November, three abacastripping machines were turned over to Tboli families in the uplands of Kiamba. On Farmers Field Day, forums and hands-on activities were prepared to educate farmers on the importance of natural fibers highlighting abaca as Kiamba's One Town One Product (OTOP). The local government of Kiamba partners with Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) in commemorating the International Year of Natural Fiber. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

New Canaan Elementary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Pupils show their reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday, June 25, who crossed a river 23 times and followed mountain trails for two days to reach the school. QUEST aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I and 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Jomar Jalos)

QUEST program director

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Anne Eday, QUEST program director, leads staff and volunteers in the distribution of reading workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour at New Canaan Elementary School Thursday, June 25, after a four-hour walk and several river crossings. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

QUEST volunteers

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Crossing a river for 23 times and trekking mountain trails for two days, these QUEST volunteers and staff enjoy their time before reaching the town’s remotest schools for the distribution of QUEST’s (Quality Education for Sarangani Today)reading workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

Quest workbooks

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) - Pupils show their reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday June 25. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

Banlibato Primary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) - Pupils of Banlibato Primary School pose outside their classroom with their QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) reading workbooks from Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office of Sarangani and the Children’s Hour. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

By horse

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) volunteers, with their guides from the community, transport the books by horse in the mountains. The activity aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I pupils donated by the Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Children’s Hour to the town’s remotest barangays. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Early morning reading

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Grade III pupil John Mark Blel reads his new reading workbook before going to Banlibato Primary School. Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) volunteers brought 841 workbooks to village schools of Alabel with 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in the province, with the aim of providing 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Sarangani Grade I pupils. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Flag raising

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Banlibato Primary School pupils and teachers attend their flag raising ceremony Thursday, June 25, before the distribution of workbooks donated by Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alcantara Foundation, the Provincial Governor’s Office of Sarangani and the Children’s Hour as part of the activities of Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST). The school has two main structures with three classrooms where teachers hold combined classes. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Tres Besana)

Kiangkos Primary School

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 29, 2009) – Pupils show their grateful smile after receiving the reading workbooks distributed by QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) staff and volunteers Thursday, June 25, who crossed rivers and followed mountain trails for two days to reach the school. QUEST aims to provide 1:1 student-workbook ratio for Grade I and 22,663 grade workbooks for 217 primary schools in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Mark Cajutol)

March for peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - As part of the continuing people’s struggle on achieving lasting peace, residents from different barangays march for peace Sunday, June 28, in a three-kilometer walk and converged at the town plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of unity

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his message of unity during a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace rally

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Residents from different barangays gather at the municipal park to attend a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Unity leads to peace and progress

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) – A peace rallyist holds a placard during a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Yes to peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - For lasting peace, residents join a peace rally Sunday, June 28, organized by Malapatan municipal government with support from communities headed by their barangay captains. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Coca-Cola Foundation Phils., Inc. (CCPI)

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Maria Cecilla Alcantara of Coca-Cola Foundation Phils., Inc (CCFPI) stresses the CCFPI's commitment to children by donating "The Little Red House School Building" to the children of barangay Upo. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Schoolhouse turn-over

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) – From right, Upo Barangay Capt. Sebastian Paralejas, Mayor Elsie Perrett, Maria Cecilia Alcantara and Department of Education officials sign documents Thursday, June 25, for the official turn-over of the “The Little Red Schoolhouse” to Upo Elementary School. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Thanks for school

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) – Barangay Capt. Sebastian Paralejas Jr. gives his thanks and appreciation Thursday, June 25, to Coca-Cola Foundation Phils., Inc. (CCFPI) and Globe (which donated one room) for donating a three-room school building called"The Little Red School House” to Upo Elementary School. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

The Little Red Schoolhouse

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Mayor Elsie Perrett cuts the ribbon at “The Little Red Schoolhouse” Thursday, June 25, at Upo Elementary School while Maria Cecilla Alcantara of Coca-Cola Foundation Phils., Inc (CCFPI) assists the mayor and Bro. Bob McGovern of Business Resource Center and Department of Education officials looks on. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Mayor and kids

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Mayor Elsie Perrett gives her message to the pupils of James Alfred Strong Primary School to study hard and learn to value education. She told them that "there is no reason for you now not to study well. You are provided with a new school building near your homes so you will not have a hard time going to school." (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Education Donor

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Engr. Sammy Strong assures the pupils of James Alfred Strong Primary School in a turn-over ceremony Thursday, June 25, that his family is willing to help them in any way they can to improve education of the pupils. The new primary school building is named after the father of Engr. Strong. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Donation

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Engr. Sam Strong signs the deed of donation of the school building and lot at sitio Labudog in barangay Upo during a turn-over ceremony Thursday, June 25. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Cutting of ribbon

MAITUM, Sarangani (June 28, 2009) - Mrs. Beth Strong cuts the ribbon of the James Alfred Strong Primary School while Mayor Elsie Perrett, Engr. Sam Strong, councilor Jess Bascuna, Board Member Limuel Gacula, and Department of Education officials look on during the turn-over ceremony of a school building and the lot Thursday, June 25. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Student volunteers

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Young environmentalists and students from Colon National High School join the mangrove planting activity at the coast of Tinoto Tuesday, June 23, led by the municipal local government in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp. in celebration of the environment month. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mangrove planting

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Volunteers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, students from Colon National High School, residents and officials join the mangrove planting activity at the coast of Tinoto Tuesday, June 23, led by the municipal local government in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp. in celebration of the environment month. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mangrove seedlings

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Mangrove seedlings are transported by boat from the municipal nursery for the mangrove planting activity Tuesday June 23, led by the municipal government in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp. with volunteers from the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, students from Colon National High School, residents and barangay officials of Tinoto. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

For my future

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – A Badjao kid plants his own mangrove as he joins the mangrove planting activity at the coast of Tinoto Tuesday, June 23, of the municipal local government in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp. in celebration of the environment month. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Environment officer

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Municipal environment officer Bong Tuballes checks a mangrove seedling as he leads volunteers from the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, students, residents and officials of barangay Tinoto in planting mangrove seedlings as the local government celebrates environment month in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp.. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Environment month

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – The local government of Maasim, in partnership with Conal Holdings Corp. and volunteers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Colon National High School, barangay council and the community, celebrate environment month by planting mangrove seedlings Tuesday, June 23, in Tinoto. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Workbooks distribution

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Alcantara Foundation (AF) executive director Cecile Dominguez and Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) plant manager Bernardo Zamora lead the distribution of workbooks for Grade I pupils of Spring Elementary School during the turnover ceremony Tuesday, June 23, of Synergeia Foundation’s Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) workbooks reproduced by the AF and SPPC for the pupils. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Philip Gutang)

Reading Readiness workbooks

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Grade I pupils of Spring Elementary School show their Reading Readiness workbooks during the turnover ceremony of workbooks Tuesday, June 23, at the school ground as part of the activities of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST). QUEST will be distributing workbooks for Grade I to Grade III pupils of the 27 elementary and primary school in town. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Philip Gutang)

Quest workbooks

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, tells pupils to use the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) workbooks reproduced by AF and Southern Philippines Power Corporation during the turn over ceremony Tuesday, June 23, at Spring Elementary School. It was part of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) activities in enhancing education in Sarangani. QUEST, a project of Synergeia Foundation, aims to provide the workbooks to each of the 22,630 Grade I pupils all over the province. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Philip Gutang)

Vice Governor

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivers his message during the awarding ceremony of street dancing competition of 4th Pakaradyan Festival. Barangay Sapu Masla emerged as champion in street dancing competition with a cash prize ofP25,000 followed by barangay Libi with P20,000 and barangay Lun Padidu, P15,000. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Singkil

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Municipal employees perform singkil, the traditional Muslim dance, during the town’s 4th Pakaradyan Festival and 40th Foundation Anniversary. These employees performed at Intramuros, Manila last March for Wow Philippines.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Pasalo

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Pasalo is a traditional Blaan wedding with a ceremonial killing of chicken by bare hands and theblood sprinkled to the couple to break curses, bad spirits and bad luck. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Maguindanaon women

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) - Maguindanaon women from barangay Sapu Masla showcase their traditional dance during the street dancing competition in celebration of 4th Pakaradyan Festival and 40th Foundation Anniversary of the municipality. Pakaradyan is a Maguindanaon term which means celebration or festivity. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Lalansay in Pakaradyan Festival

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Street dancers celebrate the 4th Pakaradyan Festival and 40th Foundation Anniversary with a presentation of lalansay, the traditional fluvial decoration or a wall decor of Maguindanaon people. This is usually used by a female.(SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Paperless Sanggunian session

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 23, 2009) – Sangguniang Panlalawigan membersheaded by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon now use laptops in their paperless regular session, cutting approximately 70% operating expenses in terms of using the ink, paper and photocopying. (SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Sarangani thanks donors for Maasim victims

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 22, 2009) – The Sarangani provincial government with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) - General Santos City Chapter today extended gratitude to blood donors for Maasim’s twin grenade blast victims.

Concerned citizens from Maasim, volunteering students, army reservists, and Capitol employees rushed to the PNRC compound Sunday (June 21) to donate blood for the victims.

“We need more blood donation. We have disposed more amount of blood than were donated so far,” said Merlita Gludo, local PNRC administrator.

A blood donation center was set up by the Sarangani Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council at the PNRC compound in General Santos City since Sunday.

Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez was the first to donate blood.

Among the blood donors were Abdul Moin, Ver Marohomsalic, John Rey Perez, Rodrigo Reyes, Emilio Tao–tao, Gilbert Villegas, Kent Gallaza, Jonathan Duhaylungsod, Robinson Rivera, Jimmy Gafah, Ronel Diamoda, Noel Navarro, Jasper Isla, Arnold Ampon, Johmar Mayak, Jon Yamashita, Abraham Fernandez, Walter Sorbito, Jong-jong Kawan, Pedro Botig and Dominador Fernandez.

The June 20 grenade attacks caused the death of civilian Gardo Rellon and wounded 32 others on the eve of the town’s 37th Foundation Anniversary. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hospital visit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 22, 2009) ­– Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and his uncle Roy Chiongbian visit Sunday night, June 21, victims of the Maasim grenade attacks at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Doctors Hospital and Mindanao Medical Center. The blasts injured 32 and killed one civilian when two grenades exploded at the municipal plaza in front of Maasim town hall Saturday, June 20. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Life goes on

by Macky Macavinta

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) – In the aftermath of the June 20 twin grenade attacks in front of the town hall here, the people of Maasim and the local government leaders carried on Sunday (June 21) the celebration of their 37th Foundation Anniversary and Kestebeng Festival.

The foundation day activities kicked off with a repeat of the June 18 Walk for Peace attended by different tribal communities which converged at the municipal gym.

Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr.’s and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez’s speeches were nothing short of inspiring as they urged the people to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Despite the grim incidents of the previous night, the people of Maasim will not stand down and cower in fear.

“Even with what happened last night, we still continued with our search for the Mutya ng Maasim,” Mayor Lopez stated.

The atmosphere in the area was less than festive as the presentation of the winners of the previous night’s events was followed by the street dancing competition while a myriad of street vendors continued with their trade surrounding the event area.

“Nahadlok gihapon mi, pero daghan pa man mi baligyaunon (Though there is still a feeling of fear, we continue to sell our wares),” said vendor Belen Gicali.

“Gatuo man mi na kaya mi protektahan sa military. Pero dapat magtinabangay sad mi ug magbantay-bantay sa daplin. Kung magpalabi ta ug kahadlok, wala tay mahimo ani, (We still believe that the military forces in the area can protect us. But we should also take it upon ourselves to help each other and remain vigilant. We will not prosper if we give in to fear),” Gicali added.

Gicali is one of the many vendors who braved the aftermath of the grenade attacks and continued to sell her wares during the festival.

“This is a sign that the people are ready to stand up against the face of adversity, but we must double up our security measures,” Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said, when asked if the resolve of the people was enough to act as a deterrent to lawless individuals in the absence of military personnel.

“What is important is that the community provides us with the information of what is happening in the area which will help in the defense of their area.”

“The continuation of the festivities, in the midst of what happened yesterday, is a really good sign that the people of Maasim are ready to keep going,” Solon concluded.

“The continuation of the festivities will help discourage those responsible for last night’s incident as it shows how the people of Maasim feel towards such acts,” noted Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

De Leon stated they added 150 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to help secure the area during the Sunday festivities.

“Though they will not remain here after the festivities, the active defense posture of the 73rd IB and the PNP will still continue in preserving the peace in the area,” De Leon added.

“We can see that even after the events of last night, we, as a community, still have the support of the people. The challenge to us, local executives, is to not lose hope.” Mayor Lopez stated.

“The events of last night did nothing but to strengthen our resolve when it comes to attaining peace.”

Authorities believe the people responsible for the June 20 bombing were remnants of Lawless MILF Groups.

Governor Dominguez confirmed that a high ranking official of the 107th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been captured. “Hopefully this will be able to shed light on the incident in Maasim,” the governor said.

“The people of Maasim will not allow itself to be terrorized and I have faith in our armed forces in determining who is responsible and bringing them to justice.” Dominguez said. “Whoever is responsible for this, and if you are listening, your days are numbered.” (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Words of thanks and encouragement

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - Mayor Jojo Lopez delivers his words of thanks and encouragement to his constituents Sunday, June 21, during the culmination program of 37th Foundation Anniversary and 2nd Kestebeng Festival. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Welcome governor

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) – Gov. Migs Dominguez is welcomed by Kestebeng Festival street dancers Sunday, June 21, during the culmination program of the town's festival and 37th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli women

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - Tboli women from barangay Nomoh join in the celebration of 2nd Kestebeng Festival and 37th Foundation anniversary of Maasim Sunday, June 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Street dancer winner

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) – This contingent from Lumasal National High School is this year's champion in the 2nd Kestebeng Festival street dancing competition Sunday, June 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Roy Chiongbian

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - Roy Chiongbian, the next congressman of Sarangani as introduced by Mayor Jojo Lopez, joins residents, guests and officials from different government agencies in celebrating the 2nd Kestebeng Festival and 37th Foundation Anniversary of Maasim. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maasim beauties

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - From left, Richelle Valerie Paiden, Madonna Galang and Reychel Marey Templado who are Mutya ng Maasim, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up, respectively, are presented to the public Sunday, June 21, during the culmination program of the town's 2nd Kestebeng Festival and 37th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kestebeng dancer

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - A dancer from Colon National High School performs during the Kestebeng Festival street dancing competition Sunday, June 21, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Grenade blast site

MAASIM, Sarangani (June 22, 2009) - A resident shows to (from right) Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, Col. Rainier Cruz and Gov. Migs Dominguez a splinter recovered from the blast site Sunday, June 21, at the municipal plaza. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blood donor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 21, 2009) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, attended by Red Cross volunteer Bong Yadao, is first to donate blood Sunday, June 21, right after the Sarangani Human Resources and Management Office called on all Capitol employees to donate blood at the Philippine National Red Cross in General Santos City. The blood donation campaign is for the victims of the twin grenade attacks in Maasim town that killed one civilian and wounded 32 other civilians Saturday night, June 20. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)