Sleeping bag

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 17, 2010) – Astronaut trainer and space suit system engineer Sabrina Singh from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is assisted by Atty. Arnel Casanova, Executive Director of Asia Society in demonstrating to the students how astronauts use the sleeping bag in space in her lectures Monday, August 16, as part of NASA Science Caravan. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Astronaut trainer Sabrina Singh

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 16, 2010) – National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut trainer and space suit system engineer Sabrina Singh gives a lecture on space suits to pupils of Malapatan CentralElementary School Monday, August 16. The team brought in by Asia Society,Alcantara Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development and the provincial government of Sarangani, is touring the country to show school children demonstrations on space subjects to encourage them to love their studies. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Men from NASA and Asia Society

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 16, 2010) – Adam Gilmore, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) division chief of space shuttle program, and Asia Society Executive Director Arnel Casanova inflate an air-filled astronaut as suit system engineer Sabrina Singh prepares more visual aids for the day’s lecture and demonstration to pupils of Malapatan Central Elementary School Monday, August 16. The NASA team was brought in byAsia Society, Alcantara Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development and the provincial government ofSarangani.*(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

NASA division chief Adam Gilmore

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 16, 2010) – Pupils of Malapatan CentralElementary School listen to Adam Gilmore, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) division chief of space shuttle program, as hedelivers a lecture and video presentation on the works of NASA Monday,August 16, and encourage school children to love their studies and dream big. The NASA team was brought in by Asia Society, Alcantara Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development and the provincial government of Sarangani.* (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Space suit

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 16, 2010) *– Pupils of Malapatan Central Elementary School are curious of the real space suit used by astronauts inspace. This is one of the visual aids of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) team brought in by Asia Society, Alcantara Foundation,the United States Agency for International Development and the provincial government of Sarangani. The NASA team gave lectures and demonstrations to the school children of Malapatan Central Elementary School Monday, August16. *(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

What is it in the outer space

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 16, 2010)* – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) division chief of the space shuttle program AdamGilmore gives a video presentation of a space mission to school children of Malapatan Central Elementary School Monday, August 16. The NASA team was brought in by Asia Society, Alcantara Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development and the provincial government of Sarangani.*(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rep. Pacquiao and fellow solons dive in Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 16, 2010) - Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao gears up as he prepares to dive at Lemlunay Diving Resort Saturday, August 14, with his visitors and fellow congressmen, from left, Congressman Cesar Jalosjos of 3rd district of Zamboanga del Norte and Congressman Leo Ocampos of 2nd district of Misamis Occidental. Unlike other dive spots where you have to take a boat,Lemlunay offers a majestic view and abundant marine wildlife as soon as you step down the stairs. It also offers a variety of dive sites nearby to make each dive unique and interesting. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao takes new adventure

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 15, 2010) - Sarangani Congressman MannyPacquiao navigates with his guides the 1.6-kilometer white watertubing ride in barangay New La Union Saturday, August 14. Theadventure was once described as “nothing like this in the country” byformer Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao promotes river tubing adventure

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 15, 2010) - Sarangani Congressman MannyPacquiao with friends and visitors dare the breathtaking 1.6-kilometer river tubing adventure in barangay New La Union Saturday, August 14.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Executive and Legislative caucus

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 13, 2010) - Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez (right) holds a caucus with his legislators, from left, Board Member Limuel Gacula, Board Member Abdulracman Pangolima and Board Member Elmer de Peralta during the Joint Executive and Legislative Agenda 2011-2013 Formulation and Annual Investment Program 2011 workshop Friday, July 13, at Phela Grande Hotel. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tourists

MAITUM, Sarangani (August 13, 2010) - Arnelito Ramirez, tourism assistant, orients some 80 college students from Mindanao Polytechnic College, Inc. of General Santos City, who are in Maitum to visit tourism spots like Maitum Diorama, Pawikan Nesting Site, and try the famous river tubing in New La Union. (MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE/Afren de Guzman)

Statement of Gov. Migs Dominguez: Good faith and strong resolve needed in peace talks

Today, I urge both President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino and the MoroIslamic Liberation Front (MILF) to begin in earnest the resumption ofthe peace stalled talks to put an end to the Mindanao conflict.

No one has suffered the most in this internecine war than the peopleof Mindanao and the whole island is crying for peace.But peace must be founded on justice, equality and mutual respect foreach and everyone’s political and religious beliefs. And it should not be at the expense of dismemberment of Mindanao’s territory.

I call on President Aquino to clearly lay down government policies and directions in dealing with the MILF and the armed conflict in the island, with primacy in involving Mindanaoans in the actual peace process.

I urge wider consultation and participation of people in Mindanao in the peace negotiations.

I believe our government must now go beyond lip service and deal squarely with the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao.

President Aquino should now go beyond one-liners on the Mindanao conflict like he did during his first State of the Nation Address.

As chief executive of a local government unit in Mindanao, I would rather see more Mindanaoans in strategic executive branches ingovernment to bring genuine development and good governance closer tothe people in the island.

As a resident born and raised in Mindanao, I would rather seegovernment break the barrier of prejudice against its people. We deserve equal treatment if not make up attention after centuries ofnational neglect.

I also appeal to both the government and the MILF panels to be circumspect in issuing statements that would only stoke the flames of hatred and war.

The peace process must be built around good faith and sincere efforts to bring peace in the island.

Governor Migs Dominguez
Sarangani

Motion for environmental protection

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2010) – Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez urge municipal mayors in the province to reforest five hectares per barangay in their respective municipalities for environmental protection through a municipal ordinance. Provincial and municipal officials attended the provincial development summit at the Phela Grande Convention Center Thursday, August 5. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2010) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez and Congressman Manny Pacquiao react to the rationale presented by the provincial planning office during the Sarangani Development Summit Thursday, August 5. The summit, attended by provincial and municipal officials, is in line with the goal of the governor of promoting transparent, responsive and accountable governance. Sarangani’s seven municipalities presented their priority development thrusts to address poverty problems determined by the Community-Based Management System. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

For Sarangani development

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2010) – “Gov, I’m with you,” as Sarangani lone district Rep. Manny Pacquiao said in his message to the Sarangani Development Summit Thursday, August 5, at Phela Grande Convention Center. Pacquiao stressed to forge cooperation among local leaders and urged communities to learn to make livelihood projects. Sarangani’s seven municipalities presented their priority development thrusts to address poverty problems determined by the Community-Based Management System. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Insights for Sarangani development

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2010) – As Congressman Manny Paquiao listens intently to the presentation, Governor Migs Dominguez shares his insights with Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino during the Sarangani Development Summit Thursday, August 5. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Development Summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (August 5, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives his opening remarks and stresses to focus resources, unify efforts, evaluate priorities in solving poverty problems as determined by Community-Based Management System “in order to solve the problems of tomorrow today” at the Sarangani Development Summit Thursday, August 5, attended by provincial and municipal leaders. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Volunteer nurse

Alabel, Sarangani (August 03, 2010) – Kareen D. Gevera, a volunteer nurse from Alabel, checks the vital signs of patients from the municipalities of Alabel and Malapatan during the conduct of a medical mission at provincial gym Tuesday, August 3. Over 600 patients were served by Keum Kwang medical team from Korea, local doctors, Mindanao Tribal Mission and the provincial government of Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Vice Governor Steve

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with senior citizens queuing for free medicine at provincial gymnasium during a Korean medical and dental mission Tuesday, August 3. Over 600 patients from Alabel and Malapatan benefited from the said event. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

The interpreter

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Loradelle Solarte of the Vice Governor’s Office assists Dr. Chung Sung Beom, a Korean doctor, in taking patients’ cases during a medical mission held at Capitol gym Tuesday, August 3, in partnership with 42 Korean Volunteers and the provincial government of Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Korean's team orientation

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Asma Akmad, representative of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, welcomes and orients the delegates of Keum Kwang medical team from Korea for the medical and dental mission headed by their team leader Rev. Choi Yang Ho (right, partly hidden) at the Capitol gymnasium. The Korean medical mission is in partnership with Mindanao Tribal Mission headed by Pastor Jun Malon, Hearts and Brains, Inc., Dr. Joy Ampodia’s team, AFP Medical/Dental team, Pharmacists and Nurses, Municipal Health Office of Alabel and Malapatan and the provincial government of Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño

Korean haircutter

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Kim Soon Jung, a member of Keum Kwang Medical Team from Korea, cuts the hair of a woman as one of the services in a medical and dental mission at the provincial gym, Tuesday, August 3. The mission also gave free face painting and manicure. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Korean Doctor

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Dr. Chung Sung Beom of Keum Kwang Team from Korea examines a patient from Alabel during the medical outreach activity at the Capitol Tuesday, August 3, in partnership with Mindanao Tribal Mission headed by Pastor Jun Malon, Hearts and Brains, Inc., Dr. Joy Ampodia’s team, AFP Medical/Dental team, Pharmacists and Nurses, Municipal Health Office of Alabel and Malapatan and the provincial government of Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Korean Artist

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – A student from Alabel National High School enjoys face painting from Kim Hyejin, a Korean artist, in line with the medical mission of Keum Kwang Team from Korea and the provincial government of Sarangani. Around 600 beneficiaries availed of free medical and dental services. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Dentist

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Dr. Laudencio Mendoza performs during the medical mission in partnership with Keum Kwang Team from Korea and the provincial government of Sarangani. This aims to give basic services to the people of Sarangani and strengthen partnership with foreign donors. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Dental technicians

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Dental technicians of Keum Kwang Team prepare dentures for Persons With Disability in the medical and dental mission in partnership with Mindanao Tribal Mission headed by Pastor Jun Malon, Hearts and Brains, Inc., Dr. Joy Ampodia’s team, AFP Medical/Dental team, Pharmacists and Nurses, Municipal Health Office of Alabel and Malapatan and the provincial government of Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Korean Medical Team

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Members of Korean Medical Team prepare medicines for the medical outreach activity at provincial gym Tuesday, August 3. 42 Korean volunteers joined the mission in partnership with local volunteer nurses and doctors for over 600 patients from the municipalities of Malapatan and Alabel. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Patient

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – A patient greets Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon to express his gratitude during the Korean medical mission Tuesday, August 3, spearheaded by the Vice Governor’s Office in partnership with the municipal and provincial social welfare offices and health offices, General Santos City’s Heart and Brains Inc., and SOCSARGEN County Hospital through medical director Romeo Teves. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical mission and church leaders

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Virgilio Clark Tobias shares a moment with Pastor Son In Seong (middle) and Jun Malon who made the coming of the Korean medical mission Keum Kwang Team whose members are also their churchgoers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Korean medical mission

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Members of the Keum Kwang Team, with the staff from the Vice Governor’s Office busy facilitating patients during the Korean medical mission Tuesday, August 3, at the Capitol gym. The medical team distributed medicines, conduct medical and dental check up to 600 Sarangani patients for the day. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fixing dentures

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – A doctor fixes a denture for a Sarangani patient during the Korean medical mission Tuesday, August 3, at the Capitol gym facilitated by the Vice Governor’s Office. The team targets to serve 600 patients province wide. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dentures

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Members of the Keum Kwang Team process dentures for Sarangani patients during the Korean medical mission Tuesday, August 3, at the Capitol gym facilitated by the Vice Governor’s Office. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Employees mourn as old town hall burns

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Municipal employees mourned as fire razed on Tuesday (August 3) the old municipal building that had been the seat of governance for 38 years.

The old building was established during the time of its first municipal government under Mayor Jaime Arizalita.

“Back to nothing,” human resource management officer Alejandra Sison said.

Sison said records in the different departments can never be recovered anymore.

“Aside from appointment records that the Civil Service Office has, we are back to zero. These include unconsumed leaves for monetization and other earned benefits by the employees for so many years,” Sison said.

According to a police report, the fire broke out 3:30am at the Comelec office and spread towards the other offices in the old municipal hall.

The adjacent health center was also razed just minutes after the fire started to engulf the building.

Fire trucks from General Santos City, 37 kilometers away from the Maasim Poblacion, and Kiamba municipality, arrived at 4:15am. Members of the Philippine Army’s 73rd IB, barangay defense force and civilian auxiliaries assisted in putting out the fire.

“The fire has already engulfed the whole structure when we arrived so we just contained it so as not to spread to the other buildings,” Sr. Insp. Renel Belonio said.

Belonio estimated the cost of infrastructural damage at P5 million.

“The fire allegedly started at the Comelec office but we are still conducting a thorough investigation as to the cause of fire,” Belonio said.

Belonio said the absence of water source for fighting fire near the building made it hard for them to stop the fire. He said the existing two overhead water tanks were not designed for firefighting.

A total of 159 employees are now temporarily conducting offices at the municipal gymnasium a few meters from the burned building. Of this number, 144 are regular employees of the municipality.

“We mourn for the loss of this old building because for over three decades, it remained to be the seat of government of Maasim,” Bong Tuballes said. “All the departments are having their offices in this building until today despite our having a new municipal building.”

Tuballes is presently the municipal environment and natural resources officer and works at the municipal government for 18 years now.

Offices conducting operation in the old municipal building are the municipal social welfare, assessor’s office, accounting, agriculture, human resource, civil registrar, health, planning, treasurer’s office, licensing and Comelec.

With the smoking skeletal remains and ashes of government records, the employees managed to conduct their flag raising ceremony at 7:30am in front of the building led by Mayor Jose Zamorro.

“The more we unite as we are being challenged by this incident,” Zamorro said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turned to ashes

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – The old Y-shaped municipal building in aerial view after being consumed by fire before dawn Tuesday, August 3, which allegedly started at the Comelec office. 144 regular employees mourn for their permanent and current records and benefits which appointments and files other than recorded at the civil service office have no chance to be retrieved. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mourning employees

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – With the burned municipal building on the background, employees manage to have their flag raising ceremony Tuesday morning, August 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maasim old municipal hall on fire

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Few minutes after fire broke out around 3:30am allegedly from the Comelec office at the rear side of the old municipal building, fire engulfs the building erected in the late 1970s. Despite the adjacent new municipal building, the old municipal building remained to be the seat of governance of Maasim since all departments conducted their respective offices here. (Photo courtesy: Abner P. Arzaga/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fire contained

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – A fire fighter from Maitum contains the fire that engulfed the whole old municipal building which started before dawn of Tuesday, August 3. Authorities estimated the cost of damage at P5 million. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fire officer

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Fire officer Philip Chan from General Santos City fire department sorts documents and remains of the old municipal building that was razed by fire that broke out before dawn Tuesday, August 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Burned Comelec office

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 3, 2010) – Firemen from General Santos City contain a fire at the Comelec office where the fire allegedly started that turned the municipal building into ashes before dawn of Tuesday, August 3. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Quick Response Team

ALABEL ,Sarangani (August 2, 2010) – Sarangani Quick Response Team of 18 members with provincial action officer Meloy Latoja and staff of the provincial social welfare office pose after presenting their award at the Capitol Monday, August 2, after winning two events during the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition last week. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Disaster rescue champions

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 2, 2010) – Acting provincial administrator Vic Camacho and Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Benedicto Ruiz, with Board Members Virgilio Tobias and Hermie Galzote, hold the award won by Sarangani rescuers at the 1st Natonal Rescue and Disaster Response Competition July 26-31. The Sarangani Quick Response Team was declared champion in the building collapse event and 1st runner up in the water rescue event. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani rescuers win national tilt

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 2, 2010) – Sarangani Quick Response Team (QRT) was declared champion and 1st runner up at the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition in Albay last week.

The 18-man team won the building collapse event against three other competing teams and 1st runner up for the water rescue event.

“We have no actual training here in the building collapse rescue, but we did theoretical research and we made it,” team leader Jerry Jucaban said. “That’s one thing we learned from the competition.”

In 2004, Sarangani QRT was the only team of rescuers from Mindanao who volunteered for the retrieval of landslide victims in Ginsaugon, St. Bernard, in Leyte.

“Our rescuers learned a lot from the competition - mind, strength, and speed,” provincial action officer Hermelo Latoja said.

In the rough terrain event, none of the competing teams was declared winner because time lapsed and no team finished the race, though Sarangani team was leading.

Latoja said while on their way back to Sarangani, he received a disaster call from barangay Kihan due to a flash flood that occurred in the said barangay.

Disaster calls in the province are directed to Latoja through his mobile number 09209476056, or at the office of the provincial disaster coordinating council at 508 3024.

“The competition is to show to the world that the Philippines is always ready for disasters,” Latoja said.

“We would like to thank other organizations and municipal local government units for helping us in this competition.” Latoja said a volunteer member of the Sarangani QRT was the fastest swimmer among all players who joined the competition.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Virgilio Clark Tobias said Sarangani could have won the other two events if they had complete equipment.

“I will do my best at the Sanggunian to provide our team the necessary tools and equipment you need,” Tobias said.

“These things affect our decision making which is very important in all situations.” (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATIN OFFICE)

Blood donor

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 28, 2010) – Donor Jomar Jalos, a contractual employee of the capitol, shows a bag of his blood during donors’ day at the provincial health office Wednesday, July 28, for the “New Blood for the World”. Scores of employees volunteered to donate blood in celebration of the blood donors’ month. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

USWAG Sarangani showcases private partnerships

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – “This celebration showcases our public-private partnership (towards progress)”, Governor Migs Dominguez said Tuesday, July 27 in a press conference sponsored by Globe Telecom.

Sarangani celebrates its 6th USWAG (United Towards Strong, Wealthy, and Globally Competitive) Sarangani during the week (July 27-August 1) with product exhibits at the Gaisano Mall.

USWAG is Sarangani’s local version of the national Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) week-long celebration.

In Sarangani, Globe has been assisting four of the province’s micro-enterprises that have shown remarkable growth in the last few months.

“We have big plans in SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City , Sultan Kudarat),” Globe regional area head Norma Zamora- Ribo said. “We are right now preparing for another roll-out with our broadband facilities.”

At the press conference, Ribo introduced WiMAX, Globe’s latest broadband technology in 4G signal and the first in the country.

Ribo said Globe plans to build 100 additional sites in Mindanao, 50 of these will be built in the region.

“We are here to make business and to help,” Ribo added.

“Development should start in the community like Ihan,” said Jeffrey Tarayao, corporate social responsibility head. Sitio Ihan Lumad Association (SILA) in Ihan is one of the four communities assisted by Globe who now produces handcrafted basketry, plates, mats, and picture frames from bamboo, abaca, nito and rattan.

SILA members are a group of outlaws who used to attack Globe facilities in the area.

“It was Governor Migs’ idea to spur development in Sarangani,” Tarayao said.

“It is the private sector that builds the economy. We are just providing opportunities where investments will thrive and for our people to improve their way of living,” Dominguez said.

The 6th USWAG Sarangani celebration is dubbed as “Tagumpay Mula sa Kahirapan”.

Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso said since 2005 until June this year, business registrants increased in an average of 28 percent every year.

“Consequently, there is an increase of employment for about 29 percent every year,” Barroso said.

“We just want to have alive and thriving business partnerships with the private sectors in the province,” Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry board chairman Bronx Hebrona said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridging communities

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez answers a question from the media as the other speakers react (from left) Globe Telecom corporate social responsibility head Jeffrey Tarayao, regional area head Norma Zamora- Ribo, DTI provincial director Nenita Barroso, and Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry board chairman Bronx Hebrona at the press conference sponsored by Globe Tuesday, July 27. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

USWAG food exhibit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – A saleslady tenders food sample to Governor Migs Dominguez of their product, JOEFRANS TUNA based in General Santos City at the opening of this year’s USWAG (United towards Strong, Wealthy And Globally Competitive) Sarangani Tuesday, July 27, at Gaisano Mall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Quality homemade products

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez checks labels of food products at the USWAG (United towards Strong, Wealthy And Globally Competitive) Sarangani six- day exhibit that started Tuesday, July 27, at Gaisano Mall. Thirty exhibitors from South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City joined this year’s business showcase. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Providing business opportunities

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez emphasizes partnerships between government and the private sectors in bringing development and improving lives in the communities at the USWAG (United towards Strong, Wealthy And Globally Competitive) Sarangani six- day exhibit that started Tuesday, July 27, at Gaisano Mall. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation for Globe

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez, with Vice- Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (right), gives a plaque of appreciation to Globe Telecom corporate social responsibility head Jeffrey Tarayao together with Globe officials from Sarangani Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council for helping the province’s micro-entrepreneurs after the press conference Tuesday, July 27, sponsored by Globe. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum food products

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 28, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez asks proprietress Nieda Ramos of Cresing’s Food Products, maker of organic rice coffee, about the health benefits of her products from Maitum at the first day of the United towards Strong, Wealthy And Globally Competitive (USWAG) Sarangani Exhibit Tuesday, July 27, at the Gaisano Mall to last on August 1. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)