MOA for excellence

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Partners sign the memorandum of agreement for the establishment of the Center for Technical Excellence, a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Tuesday, February 16, in Mangelen Integrated School. From left are Mayor Jojo Lopez, Governor Migs Dominguez, Schools Division Superintendent Deborah Adrales, DepEd Regional representative Shirley Bulusan, lot donor and teacher Mohmen Mangelen, TESDA provincial director Loenora Guilioreza, and Southern Philippines Power Corporation plant manager Bernardo Zamora. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Plaque of appreciation

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Donor and teacher Mohmen Mangelen receives a plaque of appreciation from Governor Migs Dominguez with schools division superintendent Deborah Adrales, for donating a one-hectare lot for the Center of Technical Excellence (CTC) during its groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, February 16. The CTC is a joint project of the Conal Holdings Corporation, Department of Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Town culminates festival of love and unity

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Sarangani’s “Island of Paradise” culminated its week-long celebration of love and good governance on Valentine’s Day.

The town is on its 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival. Timpuyog is the local term for unity among the Kiambans.

“Let us strive to unite ourselves as Kiambans and aspire to have a better life with this,” Mayor Rommel Tomas Falgui said.

This year is dubbed as “Maging Kiambayani, Makipag-Kiambayanihan”. Kiambayani is a yearly award whose recipients are students, teachers, public servants, professionals and workers nominated from different sectors as good examples of the community.

“It’s exciting and the feeling is great. I always take trials as challenges in my life,” Kiambayani awardee Mildred Ramos, a principal, said.

“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat kay Mayor Rom dahil binigyan nya ng pagkakataon ang tribu na magkaroon ng magandang pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng hanapbuhay sa amin,” municipal councilor and tribal representative Jaime Fado said.

Kiamba was created as a municipality by virtue of Executive Order 82 issued by President Manual Roxas on February 14, 1947. Its aborigines are the Tagabili, now called the Tbolis, and Ilocanos from Luzon who found their love for agriculture here.

Kiamba is called the province’s paradise island because of its captivating views and greeneries, waterfalls, marine sanctuary and eco-cultural tourism.

Governor Migs Dominguez said “Mayor Rom is the best performing mayor in Sarangani.” In just more than two years, Falgui has implemented more than P300 million worth of infrastructure and livelihood projects to the town’s far-flung communities.

“More important than the present, we always aim for our better future. We can only achieve this with the passion and commitment of our leaders,” Governor Dominguez said.

The provincial campaign for better education QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) supports the municipal government’s Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) with its 1:1 pupil-workbook ratio for Grades I and II. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog flavor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) - A child sips a cup of flavored fruit shake as thousands of spectators witness the culmination program of the town's 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog moment

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Roland Jumawan, a photographer from Mindanao Daily Mirror, tries to capture one of the day’s best moments for his entry to the first Timpuyog Festival Photo Contest during the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog performers

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – A contingent of students perform at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog vendor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) - A vendor sells sorts of valentine presents at the kiosk as thousands of spectators witness the culmination program of the town's 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Winning photographer

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Davao Camera Club member and photographer Jesus Tinapay checks his camera for his entry to the town’s first photo contest “Ang Kiamba Ngayon” at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Abaca products

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui and FIDA regional director Engr. Ramon Branzuela inspect a variety of abaca products, the town’s One Town One Product (OTOP) during the agri fair. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Agri fair

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – (From left to right) Mayor Rom Falgui, FIDA regional director Engr. Ramon Branzuela, municipal councilors Eva Villamor and Janet Pabayo open the agri fair 2010 highlighting the town’s agricultural bounty. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Culinary arts

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 16, 2010) – Chef Gerry Arbis, owner of Gerardo’s School of Culinary Arts and Cake Decorating, renders free cooking lessons initiated by Mayor Rom Falgui to create livelihood and entrepreneurship. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/ Abner P. Arzaga)

Best performing mayor

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives his keynote speech for Kiamba’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6thTimpuyog Festival and congratulates Mayor Rommel Tomas Falgui as “best performing mayor of Sarangani” at the festival’s culmination Sunday,February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Short consultation

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez makes a short conversation with a community leader with Mayor Rom Falgui and Board Member Nicanor Ballan (standing) at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Drum and lyre champion

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Members of Kiamba Central Elementary School Drum and Lyre performs at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Festival move

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Contingent of James L.Chiongbian National High School gives an intermission number at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Kasalan ng Bayan

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon attends the “Grand Kasalan ng Bayan” (mass wedding) at Maasim Gymnasium, Sunday February 14, where 485 couples wed in celebration also of Valentine’s Day. (Romina C. Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ronda Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Spectators skim the news on Kiambalita, the town’s monthly paper produced by Kiamba News and Information Center, that chronicles the local government’s performance at the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination day Sunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog message

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 15, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui gives aninspirational message of Kiambayanihan, the town’s local initiativesof exalting the town’s leaders of good values, at the town’s 62ndFoundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival culmination daySunday, February 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The 2010 Miss Kiamba

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 13, 2010) – Diana Mae Estreller (left) reacts as she is declared Miss Kiamba 2010 with 1st Runner Up Laurice Corrine Rosa during the pageant night held at the Kiamba Civic Center as Kiambans celebrate their 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Miss Kiamba candidates

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – The ten finalist do their colorful production number as they vie for the crown of Miss Kiamba Saturday, February 13. The ladies were meticulously evaluated by a panel of judges via electronic selection. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Miss Kiamba 2010

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Miss Kiamba 2010 Diana Mae Estreller reveals her most captivating swimwear pose that captured everyone particularly the panel of judges during the pageant night held at the Kiamba Civic Center as Kiambans mark their 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Mayor Rom on stage

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui delivers his welcome address as the town celebrates its 10th day of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival held at Kiamba Civic Center Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Kiamba beauties

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – The three lovely young beauty titlists pose for a souvenir shot Saturday, February 13. 2nd Runner Up Meah Pearl Dejiga (left), the newly-crowned Miss Kiamba Diana Mae Estreller (center), and 1st Runner Up Laurice Corrine Rosa won over seven other candidates. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Firedance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – The 2009 Miss Kiamba Marjorie Buhisan displays her fearless act while performing the firedance during the search for Miss Kiamba 2010 Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Best in gown

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Unleashing her gorgeous looks, Miss Kiamba 2010 Diana Mae Estreller also garners the “Best in Gown” title at the pageant night held at the Kiamba Civic Center in celebration of Kiamba’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

2009 crown turn-over

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 14, 2010) – Kiamba beauty titlist of 2009 bids farewell during the crown turn-over to the next beauty titlists as the town celebrates its 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival at the Kiamba Civic Center Saturday, February 13. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Cocoy Sexcion)

Cultural Day

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (left), named Datu Benwu (supreme datu) by the tribal community, extends his demsu (blessing) to the chieftains to strengthen unity in every tribe during the Cultural Day celebration Thursday, February 11. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Chieftains

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – Tribal chieftains from different barangays celebrate the Cultural Day highlighting old traditions during the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary Thursday, February 11. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Kiambayani 2010

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – In behalf of the awardees, public school teacher Karen V. Betonio expresses her gratitude to her family, teachers and students for recognizing their effort during the 2010 Kiambayani Awards at the Municipal Hall lobby Thursday, February 11. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Kiambayani 2010 Awardees

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (center) poses with the 2010 Kiambayani Awardees. The recipients are students, teachers, public servants, professionals and workers nominated from different sectors. The awards illustrate the town fiesta theme, “Maging KIAMBAYANI, Makipag Kiambayanihan.” (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Kulintang players

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – Muslim women display their skill in playing the Kulintang during the Cultural Day at the municipal kiosk Tuesday, February 11, as part of the town’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary celebration. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Local photographer

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) - A local photographer who is covering the ongoing Timpuyog Festival waits for the sun to set Wednesday, February 10. Photographers from the province and neighboring General Santos City are coming for the Timpuyog Festival photo contest. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Singing champ

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) - Felix Calixton, the 1st placer, does his best to the top of his voice during the Kiamba Singing Idol-Season 3 at the Kiamba Civic Center in celebration of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Wednesday, February 10. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Rowdy Embolodi)

Gasless

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 12, 2010) – Bikers pass a ricefield in sitio Ub-bog Thursday, February 11, in barangay Badtasan. Kiamba is known for its "Kiamba rice". (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Comelec says Chiongbian is true Sarangan

QUESTIONS on the issue of residency of businessman Roy Chiongbian by the latter’s opponent political party in Sarangani Province will finally be stopped after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) indirectly claimed that Chiongbian is a true Sarangan by rejecting the disqualification case filed by the People’s Champ Movement, Manny Pacquiao’s political party.

The decision of the Comelec is now drawing reasons for people to think and question the boxing champ’s residency, he being a resident of General Santos City for several years. It is also known to many that he ran for Congress in the province of South Cotabato in the 2007 polls.

Ely Galang, a resident of Barangay Labangal in General Santos, expressed her opinion regarding the filing of case by Pacquiao’s group and the decision of the Comelec.

"Dapat lang nga ibasura ang kaso, dapat gani si Pacquiao ang kasuhan sa mga Chiongbian, kwestiyunon ang iyang residency kay sauna dinhi sa South Cotabato man siya nagdagan pero napildi unya karon, gabalhin siya sa Sarangani, asa ba gyud siya," she said.

Barangay Labangal is where Pacquiao spent his childhood years and where he was first discovered to have a talent in boxing.

On February 10, the Comelec, through its six-page Resolution stated that “the petition for disqualification filed by petitioner People’s Champ Party against Roy Chiongbian is hereby denied for lack of merit.”

The Resolution was signed by Commissioners Armando C. Velasco, Gregorio Y. Larrazabal, and Presiding Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento.

In an interview, Chiongbian said he is confident from the very start that he will win the case. "Sinabi ko na sa inyo noon, as expected mananalo tayo because we have a very weak case atsaka tingin nga ng mga lawyers namin it's a nuisance case. Sabi ko nga, ang parents ko ang nagserve dito, sila ang nagtukod ng probinsiya natin, tapos how can I not be a resident here," Chiongbian said.

Chiongbian, who has not thrown any offensive words against PCM party, said his purpose of running in Congress in Sarangani is to continue the legacy of his parents."I never stopped going around (the province). Ang sabi nga namin, andito kami para maka-serve, yun lang naman ang purpose namin, so hopefully with this, wala ng hindrance," he said.

On the other hand, Chiongbian's nephew, Steve Solon, the incumbent Vice Governor of Sarangani, said they were very happy regarding the decision of the Comelec."Alam niyo, sukad-sukad, parati silang nag-aatake sa partido namin, kami wala kaming ginagawa, so kami happy kami na nabasura ang disqualification case kay Roy Chiongbian. Siguro nahibaw-an pud sa mga tao nga si Roy gikan g'yud sa Sarangani," Solon asserted.

Solon further said that the filing of disqualification case by the PCM camp against Chiongbian can have a negative impact to the (PCM) party."Negative pa para sa kadtong nag-file (og kaso) kasi hindi harap-harapan ang pag-opensa nila. Ang sa amoa lang, straight campaign lang mi kay kung naa na pud sila'y i-isyu sa amoa, bahala na ang mga abogado, serbisyo lang ang sa amoa."

Delia Patlingrao, kagawad in Barangay Bales, in the municipality of Maasim, said she knows that the case filed against Chiongbian will be junked."Bisan pa man sa sugod, nagtuo ko nga mabasura sa Comelec ang kaso kay sa akong nahibal-an, kumpleto man ang ebidensiya ni Chiongbian nga nagpamatuod nga siya taga-Kiamba g'yud," Patlingrao said.

"Nalipay ko kay gibasura sa Comelec ang kaso. Naluoy ko kay Roy Chiongbian kay siya man ang biktima ani nga isyu, gilabayan siya og dili mao nga isyu pero makit-an g'yud nato nga maayo siya nga tawo kay wala g'yud siya mipagawas og pulong nga makadaut sa pikas," Virgie Zapra, resident of Barangay Bales in Maasim, shared.

Fishing competition

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (left) looks at a fisherman’s catch during the 1st Ramon T. Falgui fish catching competition Wednesday, February 10. About 100 fishermen-participants competed, honoring Mayor Rom’s father, Ramon Tomas, who is said to have pioneered Kiamba’s fishing industry during the early 70s. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Arrival

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Fishermen head back to shore with their catch during the 1st Ramon T. Falgui fish catching competition Wednesday, February 10. About 100 fishermen-participants competed for the first ever Ramon T. Falgui Fishing Festival honoring Mayor Rom’s father, Ramon Tomas, who is said to have pioneered Kiamba’s fishing industry during the early 70s. This year’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival highlight the marginalized fisher folks’ ingenuity in fish catching. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Departure

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Local fish catchers sail offshore as the 1st Ramon T. Falgui fish catching competition concludes Wednesday, February 10, an activity highlighting Kiamba’s 62nd Foundation Anniversary celebration and 6th Timpuyog Festival. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Project site visit

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (center) is briefed by municipal engineer Allan Español Wednesday, February 10, at the on-going municipal fishport project site in barangay Poblacion. With the local government’s effort in installing a municipal fishport, the fishing sector is now anticipating lesser input yet greater income for their industry. About P9 million was allocated for the first phase (site development), funded by Sarangani provincial government and Department of Agriculture’s SELAP (Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program), and is said to be completed early this year. Immediately afterwards, another 10 million will be allocated for the project’s second phase (market hall) which will be funded by the Philippine Fishport Development Authority. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Timpuyog sunset

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – A carroty nightfall view dramatically flaunts the splendor of the Celebes Sea Wednesday February 10, a delightful treat for tourists and feast-goers, not to mention lovers, who flooded in the heart of the town – painting it red – a few days before Valentines Day, as Kiamba commemorates its 62 years of beautiful, heroic and legendary romance. The town also celebrates its 6th Timpuyog Festival which will culminate on February 14. With this year’s anniversary theme: “Maging KIAMBAyani, Makipag-KIAMBAyanihan!”(Let us unite and be a hometown hero) people are called for a perpetual display of commendable character and keeping up the harmonious relationship and understanding among Christians, Muslims and indigenous people living together as one peaceful and progressive community. Timpuyog is an Ilocano word connoting unity. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Falgui with Councilor Villamor

KIAMBA, Sarangani, (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (standing left) listens to municipal councilor Eva Villamor as they discuss matters pertaining to Barangay Day of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Wednesday, February 10. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rom with Gen. Verzosa

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui walks with PNP chief Director Gen. Jesus Verzosa as they head towards the brand new Toyota PNP patrol car turned-over to the Kiamba Municipal Police Station during the 19th PNP Regional Command 12 anniversary Monday, February 8. Two years ago, the municipal police station of Kiamba also received a police mobile car thru the mayor’s initiative with the help of Governor Migs Dominguez and PNP 12 regional command. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

MOU signing

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui (right) signs the Memorandum of Understanding about the Gender Rights Advocacy Wednesday, February 10, as Sister Alice Original looks on prior to the celebration of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Brand new police car

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 11, 2010) – Mayor Rom Falgui poses with Kiamba PNP chief Alex Joe Orcajada beside the brand new mobile car turn over to Kiamba Municipal Police Station during the 19th PNP Regional Command 12 anniversary, Monday, February 8. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Abner P. Arzaga)

Sack Race

KIAMBA,Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Sack race participants do their best jump to claim the first prize during the celebration of Barangay Day of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Wednesday, February 10. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tipuyog Festival preparation

KIAMBA,Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – Colorful scenery of the Kiamba Municipal Plaza as the town prepares for the celebration of the 62nd Foundation Anniversary and 6th Timpuyog Festival Wednesday February 10. (Cocoy SexcionSARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Heroism and unity beckon this year's Timpuyog Festival

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 11, 2010) – A huge multitude of local and foreign tourists and feast-goers, not to mention lovers, are expected to flood in at the heart of the town – painting it red – on Valentine’s Day, February 14, commemorating the tri-people’s 62 years of beautiful, heroic and legendary romance.

The land was vastly barren then with resources unspoiled.

However, Christians, Muslims and tribal forebears, despite their diversity in tongue, belief and norms, combined their individual strength and shared one common vision in transforming the rough wilds into a rich and promising agricultural land.

Now, with the present government’s efficient and transparent leadership, Kiambans of today and tomorrow’s generation are proudly marching on to a destiny – a community of sustainable peace and progress.

With this year’s anniversary theme: “Maging KIAMBAyani, Makipag-KIAMBAyanihan!”(Let us unite and be a hometown hero) people are called for a perpetual display of commendable character and keeping up the harmonious relationship and understanding among Christians, Muslims and Lumads living together as one peaceful and progressive community.

“Pagsikapan natin na mapag-isa tayong mga Kiambans at magkaroon tayo ng mas angat na antas ng pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa, that is why we came up with this theme,” explained Mayor Rom Falgui.

Kiamba also celebrates its 6th Timpuyog Festival. Timpuyog is an Ilocano word connoting unity.

Kiamba was created a municipality in August 18, 1947 by virtue of Executive Order No. 82.

On February 4, various Christian and Muslim religious leaders have convened and gathered at least a thousand believers at the municipal kiosk, offering prayers through an interfaith service which officially opened the week-long festivity.

This year, the festivity also showcases the fisher folks’ ingenuity in fish-catching. About 100 fishermen-participants will compete for the first ever Ramon T. Falgui Fishing Festival, honoring Mayor Rom’s father, Ramon, who is said to have pioneered Kiamba’s fishing industry during the early 70s.

Binugsayay (a Visayan term for rowing) and the Bancarera (motorboat racing) are also included in competitions intended for the fisher folks.

Aqua-marine production besides agriculture is said to be the town’s main economic facet where 70% of its people’s source of living relies much on fishing activity. Accordingly, Kiamba shares 30% of sashimi grade tuna to the General Santos City fishport.

With the local government’s effort in installing a municipal fishport at the poblacion, the fishing sector is now anticipating lesser input yet greater income for their industry.

About P9 million was allocated for the first phase (site development), funded by Sarangani provincial government and Department of Agriculture’s SELAP (Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program), and is said to be completed early this year

Immediately afterwards, P10 million will be allocated for the project’s second phase (market hall) which will be funded by the Philippine Fishport Development Authority.

Meanwhile, five outstanding citizens will also be acknowledged on February 11.. Now on its second year, The Kiambayani Awards is the local government’s recognition to natives who brought regional, national, or international fame and honor and shared great contributions significant to the pride and progress of the municipality.

“This is a calling for all Kiambans to share a part of their lives, and go beyond an extra mile to help in taking part for the development of Kiamba,” said municipal councilor and Over-all Events Coordinator Eva Eramis-Villamor.

Also included in the selection are students from all levels who have shown exemplary performance in academics or extra and co-curricular activities such as sports, music and the arts.

On February 13 at 7pm, 10 young ladies of brain and beauty will vie for the crown as Miss Kiamba 2010.

Indeed, Timpuyog is a celebration of unity and brotherhood.

Sufficing to say, that it was the Kiambayanihan Spirit – by which people have inherited from their Kiambayani – the founding fathers, not only a township, but a paradise to cherish with. ( KIAMBA NEWS CENTER / Joel Pinos and Renan Garcia)

Former commander

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (February 10, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with former commander of a rebel group Elan Mangay during the peace dialogue with the indigenous people, Moro and Christian groups at purok Masbong, barangay Poblacion. The peace dialogue aims to settle and solve conflicts and issues among the three tribes in the community with 14 villages joining the peace process. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor's briefing

Malapatan, Sarangani (February 10, 2010) – Mayor Jorge Sambaga briefs Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon on the peace dialogue among the indigenous people, Moro and Christian groups held at purok Masbong, barangay Poblacion Sunday, February 7. Officials from Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and local government were also present. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Guardians Mindanao President

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 10, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon talks with Abiff Escobillo, president of Guardians Mindanao, during their 1st RUMGBI Guardians Mindanao Convention at Family Country Hotel Saturday, February 6. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)