Exit

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – "Commander Miguel Rene A. Dominguez" follows the exit of colors after his Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking Ceremony Friday, July 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Commander Dominguez

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez wears his uniform as "Commander Miguel Rene A. Dominguez" being a newly commissioned Philippine Navy reservist officer at his Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking ceremony Friday, July 18. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Acceptance speech

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives his acceptance speech of rekindling the spirit of volunteerism. "Commander Miguel Rene A. Dominguez" becomes a newly commissioned Philippine Navy reservist officer at his Donning of Rank and Oath-Taking ceremony Friday, July 18, at the provincial gym. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor proposes Tahuna-Glan trade hub

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GLAN, Sarangani Province (July 18, 2008) - Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. has disclosed he is negotiating with the Indonesian consulate general to transfer the Tahuna-Davao trading point to Tahuna–Glan.

Now that the P18 million rehabilitation of Glan limited international port was done, Yap said the proposed trading point is more accessible.

"Indonesia is much nearer to Glan," Yap said.

Yap, who made the remarks in his State of the Municipality's Address on Tuesday (July 15), said "this (Tahuna-Glan) will be the entry and exit point" of ships from Indonesia.

His proposal has already been agreed with by representatives of different Philippine agencies and authorities, the mayor stressed.

Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, Security (CIQS) services activated in 2006 to support the then proposed Glan-Tahuna shipping route will have its own office in Glan.

The mayor said the CIQS office would accommodate those coming from Indonesia and to legalize the trading with them.

According to Yap the Indonesian consulate general has agreed to inform its foreign affairs department for support to this agenda.

"With this, we can create new jobs and business for the people of Glan," Yap said.

Glan, with its neighboring municipalities Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani formed an economic cluster in 2004 to foster economic relations within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

The cluster called JAGS-CT (Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle) forged in 2006 a sisterhood agreement with Sangihe Regency of Indonesia to promote better partnership and cooperation.

The JAGS-CT, Yap said, has bridged JAGS (Jose Abad Santos, Glan, and Sarangani) municipalities with Indonesia thru exchange visits of officials between the two regions. (BCP/Sarangani Information Office)

Reading corner

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Victoria Tagum mentors Grade I pupils in their new "reading corner" set up by Smart Communications. The upland school is a private institution ran by the Tboli of Falel Community Foundation with an operational cost of $500 dollars a month from the First People Foundation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

new books

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) - Falel elementary pupils enjoy reading their new books Thursday, 17. Smart Communications donated a "reading corner" for Grade I pupils and text and reading books for Grade I to Grade VI. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Class picture

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) - Falel Elementary School pupils are joined by Smart Communications personnel headed by Haydee Bernabe (2nd from right, back row) for a class picture Thursday, July 17. The upland school at sitio Falel, barangay Tamadang, is a private school operated by the Tboli of Falel Community Foundation. It has an operational cost of $500 a month funded by First People Foundation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace dialogue

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez (2nd from left) talks to Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari on the local government's initiatives on peace and development and improvement of the quality of life of his constituents at the Symposium-cum-Dialogue on Peace, Unity and Development in Mindanao at the municipal gymnasium Wednesday, July 16. Misuari vowed to help in maintaining peace not only in Sarangani but in the whole of Mindanao. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace advocate

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez responds to Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari on the call for peace in Mindanao, with hopes that dialogue would bring peace for Mindanao that will start in Sarangani. Misuari attended the Symposium-cum-Dialogue on Peace, Unity and Development in Mindanao at the municipal gymnasium Wednesday, July 16. (Photo by Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Misuari in Sarangani

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2008) – Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari addresses residents in Malapatan during the Symposium-cum-Dialogue on Peace, Unity and Development in Mindanao at the municipal gymnasium Wednesday, July 16, and vowed to help in maintaining peace not only in Sarangani but in the whole of Mindanao. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang /SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Build for peace

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez (2nd from right) signs a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with (from extreme right) Alcantara Foundation, Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez, European Union's Habitat For Humanity (HFH) assistant project manager Pedro Macorol and HFH-General Santos City chairman Leonardo Teves Tuesday, July 15, for the Build for Peace in Mindanao Project. HFH aims to construct and rebuild 600 houses in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ulirang Barangay

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – World boxing champ Manny Pacquiao joins Mayor Reynaldo Constatino (4th from left) in awarding the Ulirang Barangay to Malandag with P100,000 check and Lower Mainit with P75,000 check Tuesday, July 15. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SOMA

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino delivers his State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) during the Sangguniang Bayan special session Tuesday, July 15, at the municipal gym. Constantino highlighted economic and social development programs in the municipality, improvement in the quality of education, and tapping its eco-tourism potentials. The day is the town's culmination of its 39th Founding Anniversary. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pacquiao

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – World boxing champ Manny Pacquiao gives an inspirational message Tuesday, July 15, after the State of the Municipality Address by his close friend Mayor Reynaldo Constantino and the town's 39th Founding Anniversary. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Greetings

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – Cecile Dominguez (left), executive director of Alcantara Foundation, Inc., and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao exchange greetings at the town's celebration of its 39th Founding Anniversary Tuesday, July 15. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Buddies

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – World boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Reynaldo Constantino exchange views after the mayor delivered his State of the Municipality Address at the town's 39th Foundation Anniversary Tuesday, July 15. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Alcantara Foundation

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) – Alcantara Foundation, Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez in a speech Tuesday, July 15, challenges the local government but stands as a partner to local officials in achieving quality education. Malungon is celebrating its foundation anniversary. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Peace in Mindanao

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 16, 2008) - Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari (right) talks with Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez and Malapatan Mayor Aida Singcoy (left) in a meeting at the mayor's office Wednesday, July 16, before attending a Symposium-cum-Dialogue on Peace, Unity and Development in Mindanao at the municipal gymnasium. Misuari vowed to help in maintaining peace not only in Sarangani but in the whole of Mindanao. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Books for barangays

GLAN, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) - Members of the Sangguniang Bayan and Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. (2nd from right) prepare for the ceremonial distribution Tuesday, July 15, of instructional materials like Webster's Universal Dictionary and Thesaurus to public schools and barangay officials. The distribution coincides with Mayor Yap's delivery of his State of the Municipality Address before a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan. In his speech, Mayor Yap underscores the JAGS-Cooperation Triangle he formed with the mayors of Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani (JAGS) in southern Philippines paving the way for better relations with Indonesia. (Photo by Bobbby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Farm package

GLAN, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) - Governor Migs Dominguez (extreme left) and Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. hand over a bag of certified corn seeds and fertilizers from the Philippine Coconut Authority to a farmer-beneficiary Tuesday, July 15. The farm package aims to boost crop production, as the local government also distributed 70 sacks of corn seeds, two sacks zinc sulphate, 69 fish nets and 576 bottles of herbicide. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gawad Kalinga agreement

GLAN, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) – Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. (right) signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Tuesday, July 15, with Rene Rieta, regional coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. for the resettlement and housing program in Glan. The MOA-signing coincides with Mayor Yap's delivery of his State of the Municipality Address before a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malungon's Busagan Falls

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) – The trip or trek to Busagan Falls is challenging to backpackers and dirt bike riders alike who wish to explore interior mountains in barangay J.P. Laurel, Malungon, the only landlocked municipality in Sarangani province. (File photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Launching program

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) - Guests and locals wait for the formal launching of Busagan Falls Nature and Adventure Park at sitio Sabangan, barangay J.P. Laurel Monday, July 14, as groups of mountaineers from different places join the plant-a-tree movement while enjoying mountain treks. The Malungon Tourism Investment and Promotions, Inc. also hosted a long table banquet, adventure games and tribal Olympics. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Adventure park

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2008) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino (extreme right) leads Manny Pacquiao's adviser Mike Koncz (4th from right) with his kids as they arrive in sitio Sabangan, barangay J.P. Laurel for the launching of Busagan Falls Nature and Adventure Park, Monday, July 14. The Municipality of Malungon, where Pacquiao chairs the Municipal Tourism Council, is celebrating its 39th foundation anniversary with promotion of tourism sites. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Japanese, Korean investors on Sarangani biofuel venture

By Beverly C. Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 14, 2008) - Japanese and Korean investors are setting up a joint venture with a local firm to produce biofuel.

"It's a new business venture whose desire is to grow and process jatropha plant or locally known as 'tuba-tuba'," said Rey Cadorna, representative of SAFI Agro Industries, Inc..

Called Sarangani Bio Corporation (SBC), it is a joint venture corporation between SAFI Agro Industries, Inc. and "some Japanese and Korean investors," he said.

The foreign investors and SAFI (San Andres Fishing Industries, Inc.) executives presented the project to provincial officials Friday (July 11) at the Provincial Capitol.

SBC plans to acquire and grow 50,000 hectares of the biofuel crop jatropha, Cadorna disclosed.

He said SAFI has already prepared the pilot batch of jatropha seedlings a year ago for a 100-hectare land in Siguel, Maasim.

Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said the province and its people would gain benefits from private sector investments like the jatropha project.

He told the Japanese and Korean investors of the local government's policy of inviting more from the private sector to come in and venture in Sarangani.

After the clearing activity this month and as soon as the manpower requirement is established, Cadorna said the project would then go full implementation.

This venture would create jobs because "manpower will be coming from the local residents," Cadorna said.

Cadorna pointed out other benefits the locality would enjoy include school buildings and infrastructure projects the investors are working out as development support thru Official Development Assistance.

Cadorna explained his firm's (SAFI) role "is to put in the land but the production and other costs would be shouldered by the investors."

Cadorna said Region 12 is seen to have 695,150 hectares suitable for growing jatropha but the joint venture would first concentrate with the 50,000-hectare target in Sarangani.

He said tuba-tuba "can thrive even in marginal soils and are easy to grow and manage."

Unlike coconut or sugar cane, jatropha is not used as food so its use as biofuel will not affect human food supply.

"A hectare can produce 3,000 liters of crude jatropha oil which can be refined into 2,400 liters of biodiesel," Cadorna said.

Cadorna said "surplus production of biodiesel can easily be exported at competitive price because many developed economies will be interested to shift to biodiesel since it burns cleaner and it comes from renewable sources."

However, the demand for higher replacement would then depend on the competitiveness of jatropha oil.

He said it is cheaper at present to produce biodiesel from jatropha than to import petroleum diesel.

Aside from the cleaner air, patronizing biodiesel will also mean productive use of marginal lands, more jobs and less imports.

"With biofuel," Cadorna said "the Philippines can be self sufficient in energy supply."

He then stressed it is the "right policy from the government that is pro-environment, pro-people and pro-energy sufficiency that the future of tuba-tuba can be very promising." (BCP/Sarangani Information Office)

Poolside

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Ms. Malungon beauty pageant contestants pose at the poolside of Datal Bila Waterworld, a resort being developed for tourism near the foothills of Mt. Matutum. Waterworld's project launching Saturday, July 12, follows the opening of another multi-million project in Malungon, the Alferas Leisure and Business Park in barangay Nagpan along the General Santos-Davao national highway. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Spring-fed pool

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) and municipal councilor Ben Santos (right) inspect the spring water source of Datal Bila Waterworld's pool Saturday, July 12, during the project launching. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Stakeholders

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Business and tourism stakeholders from government and the private sector pose at the project launching Saturday, July 12, of Datal Bila Waterworld. The launch coincides with the July 9-15 celebration of Malungon's 39th foundation anniversary. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Waterworld

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Bird's eye view of Datal Bila Waterworld which has a total development area of 20 hectares, located in barangay Datal Bila and some 37 km. from poblacion Malungon. It can also be accessed from Polomolok, South Cotabato. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dr. Board Member

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Dr. Nick Ballan, a provincial board member, volunteers for residents of barangay Kalaong Friday, July 11, at the community outreach program of the municipal government. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Health care

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Dr. Antonio Yasana, provincial health officer, treats patients in barangay Kalaong Friday, July 11. It is part of the municipality's community outreach program where social services are directly delivered to villages in a regular basis. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Used clothing

MAITUM, Sarangani (July 13, 2008) – Municipal and barangay officials distribute used clothing to residents of barangay Kalaong Friday, July 11. Kalaong was one of the villages hardly hit by flashfloods recently. (Photo by Afren de Guzman/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bird flu preparedness

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 12, 2008) – Dr. Sam Animas (standing) presents the National Avian Influenza Preparedness Program in a workshop for Sarangani volunteers Friday, July 11, to draw attention in maintaining a bird flu-free Philippines with the slogan "Bird Flu: Kayang Iwasan, Kayang Labanan." (Photo by Jimmy Toribio/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Avian Influenza Task Force

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 12, 2008) – Members of Sarangani's Avian Influenza (AI) Task Force listen to Dr. Sam Animas (standing) as he presents the National AI Preparedness Program Friday, July 11, during the orientation on bird flu. The workshop aims to keep members of the task force more knowledgeable on bird flu and increase their skills in the implementation of a contingency plan. (Photo by Jimmy Toribio/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Drumseeder demo

GLAN, Sarangani (July 10, 2008) – A farmer uses a drumseeder during a demo by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Thursday, July 10, in barangay Baliton. The PhilRice-developed plastic drumseeder sows 20-60 kg. of pre-germinated seeds per hectare in straight lines instead of farmers manually broadcasting 80-150 kg. of seeds. PhilRice, thru Sangguniang Panlalawigan agriculture committee chair Board Member Rolando Octavio, is introducing to Sarangani farmers mechanization of rice farming. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Drumseeder

GLAN, Sarangani (July 10, 2008) – A farmer loads rice seeds into a drumseeder Thursday, July 10, during a demo in barangay Baliton. The Philippine Rice Research Institute, thru Sangguniang Panlalawigan agriculture committee chair Board Member Rolando Octavio, is introducing to Sarangani farmers mechanization of rice farming. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MOA-signing

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 8, 2008) – Officials sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on ecological solid management project Tuesday, July 8, between the provincial government and the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan and Maitum. Seated from left are Board Member Art Lawa, Governor Migs Dominguez, Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo, Malapatan Mayor Aida Singcoy and Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Solid waste management

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 8, 2008) - Governor Migs Dominguez delivers a welcome address where he urges the mayors to ban the use of plastic bags in their public markets. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani's Tres Marias

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 8, 2008) – Sarangani's Tres Marias (from left) – Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo, Malapatan Mayor Aida Singcoy, and Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett – sign the Memorandum of Agreement on ecological solid waste management project at the Capitol Tuesday, July 8, as Governor Migs Dominguez looks on. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Albay delivers P0.5M calamity aid

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 8, 2008) – Two board members from the province of Albay delivered on Monday (July 7) a P500,000 donation as calamity relief assistance to Sarangani province.

Governor Migs Dominguez received the cheque from Albay Board Members Harold Imperial and Carlwyn Baldo during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) 23rd regular session presided over by Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

Imperial said the assistance came in as manifestation of the spirit of sisterhood forged in 2005 between the two provinces.

"It is in this spirit of sisterhood and the goodwill of the people of Albay headed by Governor Joey Salceda that we offer our humble share for the benefit of Sarangani," Imperial said.

Imperial hoped the relief assistance "will somehow uplift the plight of the people of Sarangani" and will continue to promote lasting relationship between the two provinces.

The P.5-million donation to Sarangani is the biggest slice from the P1.3 million calamity aid Albay earmarked for the provinces of Sarangani, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Capiz that suffered from the massive destruction of typhoon Frank.

In 2006, Governor Dominguez certified urgent his request to the SP to appropriate P100,000 as Sarangani's donation to Albay province for evacuees fleeing Mayon volcano's danger zone. The SP quickly adopted on joint sponsorship the appropriation of P100,000 for the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Albay, chargeable to Sarangani's calamity fund.

"In the past three years, the province has always been one of the first to respond to many calamities" even outside Sarangani, Dominguez said.

The governor also thanked many nameless heroes who volunteered and came in to extend assistance and support during the recent calamity.

He told Albay representatives of the provincial government's plan to purchase a relocation site in Alabel town to be called Albay Village.

Albay Village would be the permanent manifestation of the support of the sisterhood and the assistance that Albay granted to Sarangani.

"As agreed, the local government unit of Alabel will buy 4.93 hectares worth P450,000 per hectare (as resettlement area for calamity victims)," according to Hermelo Latoja, provincial disaster action officer.

Latoja said the province "will take charge of site development worth P3 million, progressive type." "The P500,000 of Albay will form part of site development. The first one hectare out of 4.9 hectares will be called Albay Village in recognition of the assistance," Latoja added. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Innovative school program gains community support

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 8, 2008) – The municipal government has launched a school program and community workshop to make parents achieve better children education.

The program also responds to various problems encountered in providing quality education.

The Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) was launched Friday (July 4) by the local government with Synergeia Foundation.

The occasion was also the town's 1st Education Summit attended by 600 Grade 1 parent-participants of its 23 elementary schools from 19 barangays.

"Lack of classrooms, facilities, teachers, books, and malnutrition confront our dream for quality education," Mayor Rom Falgui said.

"We have only very few achievers we can count by our fingers. We cannot rely on our internal revenue allotment or support from the national government," the mayor disclosed. "These are not enough."

CLASSROM envisions a community that works hand-in-hand in delivering quality education and aims to improve the education system by providing financial and psychological support to the elementary pupils.

"Nagsisimula po ito sa isang napakagandang komunidad (It can all start in a beautiful community)," said Governor Migs Dominguez.

"Binibigay po namin ang magiging kinabukasan natin. Ito ang pwede nating gawin (We are giving you the best for our future. This is what we can do)"

Governor Dominguez emphasized that the local government encourages students to get into sports as a form of discipline for them to become globally competitive and develop self-esteem and the spirit of winning.

At the workshop, parents identify problems encountered by their children at school leading to their poor performance. Result shows these are mostly caused by lack of reading habits.

After the workshop, parents promised to help their children do homework.

"We promise to help our children do their homework, provide their school needs, and encourage them to spend more time reading," the parents said in a manifesto.

For his part, Mayor Falgui said "quality education is always in the development agenda of this administration and it remained a top priority of your municipal government."

He said quality education depends on quality educators which involves a strong parent support.

Local cooperative Kiambayanihan Incorporated extended scholarships to Falel Community Center Elementary School and Badtasan Dance Group of the indigenous Tboli children.

Smart Communications along with its Read-to-be-Smart school program for poor kids provided school supplies for the Falel Grade 1 pupils.

The Alcantara Foundation through executive director Cecile Dominguez delivered an P80,000 check as initial support to CLASSROM Project. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Homecoming

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 7, 2008) – Manny Pacquiao takes a victory ride to the city with (from left) his father Rosalio, Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, mother Dionisia, and Mayor Pedro Acharon upon his arrival at the General Santos City airport Monday (July 7). (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Boxing hero's mother

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 7, 2008) – Manny Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia, along with two friends, gives a handshake to an obvious fan of son Manny Pacquiao who is given a hero's welcome as he arrives at the General Santos City airport Monday, July 7. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani thanks Albay

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 7, 2008) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez delivers his word of response and thanksgiving to the Province of Albay in the presence of (from right) Board Members Harold Imperial and Carlwyn Baldo during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session Monday, July 7. The two provinces have sisterhood ties. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Albay calamity aid

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 7, 2008) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez receives a P500,000 cheque from Albay Board Members Harold Imperial and Carlwyn Baldo (3rd and 2nd from right, respectively) during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session Monday, July 7, as calamity relief assistance in the wake of typhoon Frank. Earlier, Albay Governor Joey Salceda sought a spending authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay to make the donation in the spirit of brotherhood of provinces. Also in photo, from left, are Sarangani Board Members Nene Santos, Julian Nineza, Nick Ballan, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Bong Butiong. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mangrove volunteers

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 6, 2008) – Volunteers plant mangrove seedlings Saturday, July 5, at Sapu cove in barangay Sapu Padidu. People from community should share their effort by not cutting mangrove trees for fuel or other uses and continue guarding the mangrove areas. (Photo Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mangrove protection

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 6, 2008) – A mother joins environmental stakeholders Saturday, July 5, in the drive to rehabilitate a mangrove forest to provide breeding ground for marine creatures and preserve the biodiversity of Sarangani Bay. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bakawan

MALAPATAN,Sarangani (July 6, 2008) - Cecile Dominguez (right), executive director of Alcantara Foundation, plants a mangrove seedling Saturday, July 5, during a community planting initiated by Alcantara Foundation at Sapu cove in barangay Sapu Padidu, Malapatan. Locally known as 'bakawan', mangroves maintain water quality in the shoreline. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Song of Commitment

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2008) – (From left) Councilor Eva Villamor, Mayor Rom Falgui, Alcantara Foundation executive director and Synergia Foundation representative Cecile Dominguez, and Schools District Superintendent Leticia Orodio, lead parents in singing the song of commitment at the 1st Education Summit and launching ceremony of the Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) Friday, July 4. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Education pact

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 6, 2008) – Partners forge their commitment through a Memorandum of Agreement to uplift the standard of education at the 1st Education Summit and launching ceremony of the Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) Friday, July 4. From left are Department of Education (DepED) District Superintendent Leticia Orodio, Alcantara Foundation executive director and Synergia Foundation representative Cecile Dominguez, Mayor Rom Falgui, and Kiambayanihan Incorporated president Erlinda Cudal. (Photo by Allan de Lima/KIAMBA NEWS AND INFORMATION CENTER)