Soldiers as models

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 15, 2010) – Lt. Col. Edgardo De Leon, commander of 73rd Infantry Battalion, encourages full participation of the 200 pre-selected out-of-school youth from Sarangani and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat to the four-day Youth Leadership Summit organized by the Philippine Army through the 1st Mechanized Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Youth Leadership Summit

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 15, 2010) – Kalinaw (peace) program manager Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda explains the program overview of the four-day Youth Leadership Summit participated in by 200 pre-selected out-of-school youth from Sarangani and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat organized by the Philippine Army through the 1st Mechanized Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Migs and USAID

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez meets United States Agency for International Development (USAID) chief operation officer Alonzo Fulgham at the turn-over ceremony of a USAID-funded village bridge Tuesday, September 14. Both shared their successes in bringing peace and development to formerly conflict-affected areas through partnerships. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridge project by USAID

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – United States Agency for International Development (USAID) chief operation officer Alonzo Fulgham, mission director Gloria Steele and Governor Migs Dominguez lead officials in the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the turn-over of Biao barangay bridge project from the USAID Tuesday, September 14, which provides access of four other remote villages to the town proper. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

In quest for lasting peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez recalls the assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the past years as a symbol of commitment in fostering peace to Sarangani at the turn-over ceremony of a USAID-funded village bridge Tuesday, September 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Meeting people

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon introduces residents to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) chief operation officer Alonzo Fulgham and Wanchin Tan-Defino at the turn-over ceremony of a USAID-funded bridge project Tuesday, September 14. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

USAID chief operation officer

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Alonzo Fulgham, chief operation officer of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), tells of the successes in partnerships and thanking the local government at the turn-over ceremony of Biao barangay bridge project Tuesday, September 14, amounting to USD19,000 from the agency and a 25% (USD4,000)counterpart from the provincial and municipal government. Seated from left are Mayor Alfonso Singcoy, Governor Migs Dominguez, USAID mission director Gloria Steele, Vice Mayor Jinal Panayaman, and Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thumbs up river tubing

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) - Sports Unlimited hosts Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson show their satisfaction after experiencing their first whitewater river tubing at Pangi River in barangay New La Union. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

River tubing

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Sports Unlimited co-host Marc Nelson enjoys the whitewater river tubing adventure at Pangi River. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

River ride by Sports Unlimited

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2020) - Sports Unlimited hosts Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson and other guests stop at mid-stream while negotiating the 1.6-kilometer whitewater river tubing at Pangi River, barangay New La Union during the weekend. Sports Unlimited, a sports program of ABS-CBN, features different kinds of sports, as well as ordinary and prominent sports figures. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

The river guides

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – River guides cheer with Sports Unlimited hosts Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson after finishing the 1.6-kilometer whitewater tubing experience during the weekend. (Beth Palma Gil/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fresh veggies and fruits

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) - Visitors buy fresh vegetables and fruits at the Barangay Bagsakan Center (trading post) in Wali, the government program of providing affordable commodities to low-income families in the countryside. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay Bagsakan Center

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Vice Mayor Tito Balazon (3rd from left) is assisted by Board Member Limuel Gacula (4th) during the ribbon cutting ceremony of Wali Barangay Bagsakan Center (trading post) on September 10. This is the fourth Barangay Bagsakan Center in Maitum, the government program of providing affordable commodities to low-income families in the countryside. The Barangay Bagsakan Program brings to the reach of poor families fresh agricultural products that are offered at farm-gate prices, lower than prevailing market price at the locality. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay Health Center

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Mayor Jose Zamorro (holding the ribbon), barangay councilor Hasim Benito (right) and Barangay Captain Elian Benito during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly rehabilitated Barangay Health Center and ceremonial turn-over of livelihood projects from SPECTRUM at the Multi Purpose Hall of Bangsa Moro Development Association in barangay Pananag Monday, September 13. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Joel Pinos)

Farm-to-market road

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Vice Mayor Tito Balazon emphasizes the importance of the Zion-Batian farm-to-market road (FMR). "This FMR will greatly help farmers from Batian and Zion in transporting their products to the poblacion. May this FMR inspire you (farmers) to produce more because you will no longer be burdened by the difficulty of bringing down your produce," the vice mayor said. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Road to Zion

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Board Members Limuel Gacula (extreme left) and Bryan Reganit (2nd from left) lead the groundbreaking of the Zion-Batian farm-to-market road. This is financed by Mindanao Rural Development Program-World Bank (50%), co-financed by Department of Agriculture (40%), and provincial and municipal local government units (10%). Total cost is approximately P12,679.60, with a length of 6.32 kilometers. Contractor is FFJJ Construction with a working calendar days of 305. (Beth Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Zamorro

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 14, 2010) – Mayor Jose Zamorro delivers his opening remarks before the Pananag Women’s Organization members during the ceremonial turn-over of livelihood projects from SPECTRUM at the Multi Purpose Hall of Bangsa Moro Development Association in barangay Pananag Monday, September 13. The turn-over included the Botika sa Barangay, Bigasan ng Bayan and newly rehabilitated Barangay Health Center with birthing place. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Joel Pinos)

Hasten government transactions

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez,flanked by DTI assistant regional director Dorecita De Lima (left) and provincial director Nenita Barroso, answers a question from the media after the launching of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) at the press conference Monday, September 13, and stresses to do away with the negative culture of making a“follow up” on government transactions. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

One-stop shop for business

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) – Officials unveil the“One-stop shop” tarpaulin at the flag ceremony Monday, September 13,as the provincial trade and industry launches the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) in partnership with other national agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue,Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Home Development Mutual Fund-Pag-IBIG, SocialSecurity System, and Philippine Health Insurance Company. From left are DTI provincial director Nenita Barroso, DILG provincial director Flor Limpin, Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias, DTI assistant regional director Dorecita De Lima, and Board Member Hermie Galzote.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor's commitment of support

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez affixes his signature as commitment of support for the “One-stop shop” National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) at its launching Monday, September 13. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Commitment of support

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) – Trade and industry assistant regional director Dorecita De Lima affirms her support to the“One-stop shop” National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) by affixing her signature during the launching ceremony Monday, September 13. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

5 NPA rebels surrender to Rep. Pacquiao

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) - Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrender to Sarangani local government before Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao Thursday, September 9, at the Capitol. They are (from right) Benson S. Labinon, 30; Pidring Mapuno, 38; Bernard Matugol, 41; Felbert U. Ontic, 28; and Mamerto Booc Bartulaba, 50; all from Glan. They also turned in their firearms which include a Garand rifle, one caliber M1 Carbine, a Springfield , one hand grenade and two caliber 38 pistols. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Pacquiao

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010)- “Taos puso nating binibigyan ng pag-asa para mamuhay ng payapa kasama ang ating mga kababayan,” Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao told the five New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees during a press conference at Sarangani Capitol Thursday, September 9. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Immediate assistance

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) - Five New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees receive a sack of rice and box of cannned goods each as immediate assistance from Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao Thursday, September 9, at Sarangani Capitol. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

NPA surrenders firearm

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 13, 2010) - Bernard B. Matungol, 42, of barangay E. Alegado in Glan surrenders his Garand rifle to Sarangani Representative Emmanuel Pacquiao at Sarangani Capitol Thursday, September 9. (Ritchie Tongo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Governor Steve

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives his message during the inaugural ceremony of the P30-million public market as he lauded the Alabel Public Market as one of the cleanest markets in the whole province Thursday, September 9. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Inaugural ceremony

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon together with Mayor Corazon Grafilo (3rd from right)and other municipal and barangay officials lead the ribbon cutting rites for the newly concreted Marang Street going to Quirino at barangay Poblacion Thursday, September 9. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Alabel Public Market

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon leads the ribbon cutting and inaugural ceremony of Alabel Public Market together with Mayor Corazon Grafilo (center) and other municipal and barangay officials at barangay Poblacion in celebration of the 39th Foundation Anniversary and 9th Kasadyaan Festival Thursday, September 9. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RitchieTongo)

Market visit

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2010) – Vice Governor SteveChiongbian Solon talks to vendors at the public market of Alabel afterinaugurating the P30-million public market in time for the 39thFoundation Anniversary and 9th Kasadyaan Festival of the municipalityThursday, September 9. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Ritchie Tongo)

Provincial nursery

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 9, 2010) - About 6,000 coffee seedlings propagated by the provincial government will be delivered to barangay Salaysay in Marilog District, Davao City for the reforestation project which Smart Communications also supports. This is part of the commitment of the province to the SMART-SARANGANI 450 hectares reforestation project. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turn over of food supplies

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 9, 2010) - Jocelyn Lambac Kanda and Ustadz Abdul Bayan of Kalinaw Sarangani Unit turn over part of the food supplies to inmate Talib Sambaga for their iftar Wednesday,September 8, at the provincial jail. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Importance of Ramadan

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 9, 2010) - Ustadz Abdul Bayan explains the importance of Ramadan to 33 Muslim inmates inside the provincial jail Wednesday, September 8, during the distribution of food supplies for their iftar. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food supplies for Iftar

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 9, 2010) - A Muslim inmate of the Sarangani Provincial Jail expresses his thanks to Kalinaw Sarangani Unit under the Office of the Governor for giving them food suppliesWednesday, September 8, for their iftar or an evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. 33 Muslim inmates inside the provincial jail are observing Ramadan.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Dialogue on barangay infrastructure projects

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez emphasizes on the province’s “philosophy of counter parting” in order for projects to be successful at the dialogue on Growth with Equity in Mindanao - Barangay Infrastructure Projects (GEM-BIP) Development and Implementation in Sarangani Tuesday, September 7, at the conference room attended by municipal and GEM-BIP officials. (RominaRabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kasadyaan trade fair

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) – A resident buys sea grass or the locally known guso at the opening of the trade fair Tuesday,September 7, for the town’s 39th Foundation Anniversary and 9thKasadyaan Festival week-long celebration that will culminate on Friday, September 10. The trade fair exhibits Alabel’s agri-products and aquaculture, its one town one product. (Warlito Tańedo/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Smart volunteers

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) - Smart Communications personnel join the tree planting activity Tuesday, September 7, at Kalminda village, barangay Lun masla. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE)

Reforestation project

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) - A volunteer from the community transports coffee seedlings donated by Smart Communications during the tree planting activity Tuesday, September 7, in Kalminda village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PENRO volunteers

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) - PENRO workers join the treeplanting activity Tuesday, September 7, in Kalminda village, barangayLun Masla. Smart Communications provided the rubber and coffee seedlings as part of its 500-hectare reforestation project in the province. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Army for environment

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 7, 2010) - A member of the PhilippineArmy’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Light Armor Division, looksfor a perfect spot to plant a coffee seedling during the tree plantingactivity organized by Smart Communications and Provincial Environmentand Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Tuesday, September 7, in Kalmindavillage, barangay Lun Masla. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Releasing of Doves

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 6, 2010) – Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2nd left) joins Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio (center), Congressman Jun Acharon (right), ABC President Cerilo Forones (2nd right) and city administrator Atty. Jong Gonzales (left) in commemorating the 42nd charter Anniversary of General Santos City on September 5. Gensan’s cityhood was authored by the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian, grandfather of Vice Governor Solon. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Richie Tongo)

Flag Raising

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 6, 2010) – Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio (left) leads the flag raising ceremony together with Congressman Jun Acharon (right) and Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon for the 42nd charter anniversary of General Santos and in commemoration of its cityhood authored by the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Richie Tongo)

Father of General Santos City

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 6, 2010) – The late Congressman James L. Chiongbian’s picture frame (topmost) is shown in a gallery at the General Santos City Hall together with other pioneering officials of the city. It is in honor of the late congressman as the father of General Santos City as he authored Republic Act No. 5412 for the cityhood of Gensan. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Richie Tongo)

SarGen celebrates 110th Civil Service Anniversary

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010)* – Thousands of government employees and officials in Sarangani and General Santos City (SarGen) marked the 110thanniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission Monday morning (September 6) with an opening parade at the Capitol ground.

This year’s theme is “In a RACE to serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible,Courteous and Effective Public Service”.

“It is time for us to reflect on our contribution in the nation building,”Governor Migs Dominguez said.“We know our challenges.

We probably have been left behind in strengtheningour government agencies so now let us ask ourselves what can we do in being called and in taking risks as public servants.”

“In our shoulders lies the future of our country.”

“To make sure that we are moving forward, as public servants, let us providethe right atmosphere for our people to prosper.”

“We must develop ourselves to enhance our services to the people,” General Santos City councilor Virginia Tiongson-Llido, representing city mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio, said.

“Let us always give our best; let us give our focus to positive attitude.These are indications that we are truly public servants,” Llido said.

Provincial administrator Vicente Camacho welcomed 35 contingents of thelocal government and national agencies and called them “development partners”.

“Today we are celebrating reforms and milestones as a result of our camaraderie and teamwork, the same teamwork which we have shown in the past,” Camacho said.

“Our celebration started this morning with the simultaneous flag raising ceremony nationwide,” Civil Service Commission provincial director for Sarangani-General Santos City field office Edna Mahinay said.

Some activities lined up for the month-long celebration are leaders’ forum,civil service honor awards by the Presidential Lingkod Bayan 2010, human resource officers health and wellness program, training on anti-red tape act (RA 9485), inter-agency sports fest, and quiz bee.

“Thank you for your full support by joining this celebration,” Sarangani human resource officer Sittiehawa Marohomsalic said.

Joining local and national agencies this year are: Bureau of NationalStatistics, Customs, BPI-Quarantine, BFP, BSP, BFAR, BJMP, Civilian Aviationof the Philippines, Comelec, DA, DAR, DepEd, DENR, LTO, DILG, DPWH, DTI,NSO, NLRC, Pag-Ibig, PCSO, PCA, PFDA, PIA, MARINA, PNP, PPA, Quedancor, SSS,TESDA, COA, RTC, Water Districts of General Santos City, Maasim and Malungon,Glan and General Santos City School of Arts and Trade, and Mindanao State University*.(Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)*

Public servants message

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez tells government employees of Sarangani and General Santos City to reflect on their contribution to nation building as public servants as they celebrate the 110th month-long anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission that started Monday, September 6, at the Capitol ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Opening parade

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – Personnel of the Civil Service Commission-Sarangani and General Santos City field office hold their banner as they lead local government employees in the opening parade Monday, September 6, in celebration of the Civil Service Commission’s 110th Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

leaders in physical fitness

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – National agencies and local government employees of Sarangani and General Santos City take the lead in a dance exercise at the opening ceremony of the 110th Civil Service Commission Anniversary month-long celebration Monday, September 6, at the Capitol gym. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Government employees contingent

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – National agencies and local government employees of Sarangani and General Santos City join the parade at the opening of the 110th Civil Service Commission Anniversary month-long celebration Monday, September 6, at the Capitol ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Generals do physical fitness

Alabel, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – Government employees of the General Santos City local government stretch as they perform some physical fitness at the at the opening ceremony of the 110th Civil Service Commission Anniversary Monday, September 6, at the Capitol ground. This year’s celebration is dubbed as “In a RACE to serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service”. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ensure prosperity for the people

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez urges government employees and local officials “to make sure that we are moving forward by providing the atmosphere where people can prosper” at the opening ceremony of the 110th Civil Service Commission Anniversary Monday, September 6, at the Capitol ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Awit ng Serbisyo Sibil

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 6, 2010) – Assistant department head and human resource officer Sittiehawa Marohomsalic (extreme right), with contingent from General Santos City local government, sings the Awit ng Sebisyo Sibil Monday, September 6, as the Civil Service Commission-Sarangani and General Santos City celebrates 110th national anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)