Difference between revisions of "Sarangani News"

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<center>[[Sarangani, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Sarangani'''</font>]] - [[Sarangani Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
<center>[[Sarangani Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Sarangani'''</font>]] - [[Sarangani Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
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==Sarangani’s PPP housing project opens doors to first occupants==
==Comelec urges PWDs to register thru PWD lane==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=74035
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1671336798341
*Friday, January 27, 2012
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:by Beverly Paoyon
:by Catherine T. Apelacio




ALABEL, Sarangani, Jan 27 (PIA) ---The first-ever PPP (Public-Private Partnership) initiated housing project in Sarangani finally opened its doors to the first batch of occupants Tuesday (January 24) in time for the awarding of certificates of occupancy to 11 beneficiaries.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 12 (PIA)-- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here is hopeful there will be a big turnout of registration coming from persons with disabilities (PWDs) sector with the establishment of a PWD lane.  
Called as “The Capitol Residences”, it is the housing project of the provincial government, in joint venture with Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) and Sarangani Land and Development Corporation, which translates the commitment of provincial leaders to provide better shelter through medium grade but affordable housing facility for its employees.
The local government unit (LGU) –led housing project was implemented pursuant to Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) 7279 otherwise known as Urban Development and Housing Act in conjunction with Section 17 of RA 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
HDMF Chief Executive Officer Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe said there have been a lot of negotiations ongoing nationwide for the PPP housing program for the LGUs but she pointed out Sarangani’s project was yet the first ceremonial turn-over she witnessed.
“Una ko po itong (The Capitol Residences) napuntahan na tunay naman na nakatayo na ang mga bahay, tapos na ang land development, at may take-out na na labing-isang bahay,” Berberabe disclosed.
Berberabe said it was the first mandate of Vice President Jejomar Binay to Pag-IBIG, being the chairman of Pag-IBIG housing program, to conceptualize housing programs for LGUs which the latter supported with a campaign last year, but Berberabe said Sarangani implemented its own much ahead.
For his part, Governor Migs Dominguez said it was the “first time that the local government unit engages the first private-public partnership project especially in housing in the whole of Mindanao and maybe the whole Philippines.”
“A step towards providing innovations in utilizing partnership with the private sector to meet (our) developmental objectives finally today of abiding quality housing especially to our local government and national government employees,” Dominguez said.
The governor emphasized also that he wanted to leave the housing project as his legacy where all the beneficiaries “build families, will build noble communities.”
Dominguez, likewise, anticipated that The Capitol Residences could be a “template where other local government units or agencies of the government can follow as a progressive, innovative way of developing.”
This, according to Dominguez, will also signal the start of investment development that would “provide formal, decent and the best housing project in Sarangani and also become a little imperative for the city residents to look at where you can experience fresh air, where you can see Mt. Matutum and get the fresh breeze coming from Sarangani Bay.”
Dominguez, however, stressed that in this project it is not only the houses that will be made as the model of development but as well as the families that will grow there.
Atty. Wendel Avisado, secretary general of Housing and Development of the Office of the Vice President, noted this initiative of the provincial government as effective in encouraging employees in return to be more productive civil servants.
“Ang pagkakaroon ng kasiguruhan sa usaping pabahay ay mahalaga sa bawat pamilya,” Avisado said. He also pointed out “isa sa mga pangunahing karapatan ng bawat tao sa mundo ay magkaroon ng sariling lupa at bahay para sa kanyang pamilya.
Also during the ceremonial turnover was the signing of memorandum of understanding between Sarangani and its partners where part of the covenants agreed was the recoupment of the P6 million the provincial government spent in purchasing the 6-hectare housing area that would in turn earn the provincial government P33,334 per unit based on the one peso computation from the proceeds of the loan per take-out.
From the total 180 housing units to mortgage with HDMF, 11 beneficiaries constituted the first batch in which HDMF ceremonially turned over to the provincial government its monetary cash equivalent of P4.7 million as its share.
Per lot measures 210 square meters land area and 39.24 sq. meters floor area each unit, the advantage beneficiaries get compared to commercial housing units in cities which would range to an average of only 90 to 120 square meters. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


To facilitate the voter's registration of PWDs, Comelec-GenSan has brought its PWD lane to the barangays to make things easier for the differently-abled persons to register at their convenience.


The strategy, Comelec-GenSan said will encourage PWDs to get actively involved in the 2013 mid-term elections.


Based on its record, there has been registration already from the sector particularly coming from barangays City Heights, Buayan, Katangawan, Labangal, Fatima, and Calumpang. GenSan has 26 barangays.


According to Rexie Magsano from the Office of Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, the voter registration for PWDs focused on specific regions on monthly basis “to create awareness on PWDs right to suffrage and electoral reforms dealing with the accessibility of election related activities and information.”


He said Comelec is giving special priority to PWDs nationwide to be able to register without difficulty in their respective area. Comelec is also giving elderly and pregnant women special consideration during registration.


Last March 2012, the PWD voter registration focused in Visayas.


For Mindanao (Regions 9-13) the PWD voter registration has started last April 2012. Comelec GenSan and Sarangani started the special PWD registration in April.


Aside from the special registration, Comelec GenSan said they have actually started bringing their registration activity down the barangays since May of last year yet not just to cater the differently-abled individuals but also the general public, as a whole, who are qualified to vote.


==Marine experts tapped for rehab of Sarangani reef==
Magsano said a nationwide PWD voter registration shall be held in July 2012 to highlight the regional activities.  
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/01/26/marine-experts-tapped-for-rehab-of-sarangani-reef/
*January 26, 2012
:by Allen V. Estabillo


The Comelec offices in GenSan and Sarangani also underscored that PWDs can also register at their offices anytime today until October 31, the last day for registration through the PWD lane.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/25 January) – The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Sarangani province has tapped marine experts at the Mindanao State University (MSU) here to spearhead the rehabilitation and restoration of a critical reef along the Sarangani Bay that was rummaged by a foreign cargo vessel in May last year.
Both offices have urgently called PWDs or any Filipino citizen to come out and register as early as possible. (CTApelacio/PIA General Santos City)  
Prof. Concepcion Portugal, former dean of the MSU College of Fisheries here, said the PAMB assigned the college to draw out the plans and implementation mechanisms for the rehabilitation of the Bacud Reef, a portion of which was damaged following the grounding in the area for over a month last year of Panamanian-registered vessel M/V Double Prosperity.
She said the board initially set an annual funding of P2 million for the reef’s rehabilitation, which was projected to last for 10 years.
“We’ve done extensive research and studies on marine resources at the Sarangani Bay and we’ll mainly utilize them for the rehabilitation works,” Portugal said in an interview with a local television station.
Aside from the college’s marine biology and fishery experts, she said they will tap their students to assist in the reef’s rehabilitation, which would involve the installation of artificial reef domes and coral transplantation.
Ariel Ortiz, MSU College of Fisheries’ marine biology department head, said they were only waiting for the signing of a formal agreement with PAMB or the local government of Sarangani so they could begin the reef’s rehabilitation works.
But he cited that they initially reviewed some completed studies on the rehabilitation and restoration of Sarangani Bay’s marine resources that may be used for the project.
“We will come up with the details of the rehabilitation work once an official or formal agreement (with PAMB-Sarangani) is made,” he told MindaNews.
Bacud is an offshore reef situated seven kilometers off Kiamba town in Sarangani and covers an area of approximately 141,466 m2. It is one of the few sites in the Philippines where the endangered Mameng lives.
The area falls under NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System) through Presidential Proclamation Number 756 promulgated in 1996.
Marine experts had estimated that around 8,000 square meters of the Bacud Reef were damaged after bulk carrier M/V Double Prosperity, which measures 225 meters long and 32 meters wide, ran aground in the area on May 8 last year. Marine salvors managed to refloat the vessel after five weeks of operations.
The vessel, which was carrying 65,900 metric tons of coal, originated from Australia and was en route to India when it ran into the reef.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier pegged the amount of compensation for the damages on the Bacud Reef at P42 million. Represented by the provincial government, PAMB-Sarangani filed damage claims against the vessel’s owner Yano Kaiun Co. Ltd. of Japan before the Philippine Coast Guard’s Special Board of Marine Inquiry.
But the management board later agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the vessel’s owners for a total compensation package of P20 million.
Lawyer Arnel Zapatos, Sarangani legal officer, said in a statement that the compensation package “constitutes the P10 million representing the actual valuation of experts for the actual damage, and additional P10 million allotted for the rehabilitation of the damaged reef.”
He said the use of the out-of-court settlement or alternative dispute resolution mechanism under RA 9285 or the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 as the main legal strategy hastened the compensation of damages from the offending vessel.
“This case was first of its kind successfully prosecuted by (PAMB-Sarangani), and duly acknowledged by the DENR as the first anywhere in the Philippines. This is also the first case that had triumphantly taken compensation against a foreign merchant vessel, not doing business in the Philippines. This is also the first case of the largest foreign merchant vessel which ran aground in the area of Mindanao and the Visayas, which was successfully arrested by the Philippine Coast Guard using its protective authority on the environment,” he noted.
Zapatos added that PAMB-Sarangani signified to utilize the settlement payments to fund the rehabilitation works that would be undertaken by MSU’s College of Fisheries on the Bacud Reef. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)


==Tribal support==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349213/reading-centers
*January 25, 2012, 3:07pm
:by Joseph Jubelag




GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Tribal leaders in the Socsargen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos) area are pushing for the mining operations of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) in Tampakan, South Cotabato amid the existing ordinance approved by the provincial government that seeks to prohibit the open pit mining method within the province.


Fred Basino, indigenous peoples’ (IPs) representative to the Sarangani provincial council, said the Tampakan mining project is expected to bring economic opportunities to tribal communities within the Socsargen area. Basino decried the continued marginalization of IPs to pursue economic development in their communities.


==Pacquiao: ‘Man of the Decade’==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/pacquiao-man-of-the-decade/#.Txw46qX9nJc
*Jan 22nd, 2012
:by (ABS-CBN News)




Manila, Philippines – FILIPINO boxing champ and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao was recognized as “Man of the Decade” by People Asia and Philippines Star Media Group.


This recognition was given to the pound-for-pound king for his great contribution in the field of sports and his promise as a politician.
Aside from Pacquiao, other local celebrities who excelled in their corresponding fields were aptly recognized by the media organization.
People Asia and Philippines Star Media Group also gave “People of the Year” awards to several outstanding local personalities, including broadcast journalist Ted Failon, Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup, and Miss World 1st runner-up Gwendolyn Ruais.
Other awardees are Senator Edgardo Angara, Senator Miriam Santiago, Mel Tiangco, Henry Sy, Louie Ocampo, Jun de Leon, Evelyn Singson and National Artist Ben Cabrera.


==Phivolcs: Magnitude-5 quake jolts Sarangani area in Mindanao'==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/245263/news/regions/phivolcs-magnitude-5-quake-jolts-sarangani-area-in-mindanao
*January 21, 2012 8:45am
:by LBG, GMA News


==Manny Pacquiao graces Hollywood premiere of GMA Films' 'The Road'==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257852/pinoyabroad/gmainternational/manny-pacquiao-graces-hollywood-premiere-of-gma-films-the-road
*Friday, May 11, 2012
:by Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News


A magnitude-5.0 quake jolted the Sarangani province in Mindanao early Saturday morning, with the quake being felt in General Santos City.


The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was recorded at 6:50 a.m. and was tectonic in origin.
Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was one of the big name celebrities who showed up at the Hollywood premiere of GMA Films' horror movie "The Road," directed by Yam Laranas and starring Rhian Ramos and Marvin Agustin.


In its bulletin, it said the quake's epicenter was traced to 103 km southwest of Sarangani.
In a report on GMA News' "24 Oras" newscast, Pacquiao said: “It’s a good experience to be here and I’m supporting my friend Rhian and I love it."


Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity III in General Santos City. However, it said no damage or aftershock was expected from the quake.
Also at the premiere were the Kapuso stars who were part of the movie — Agustin, Ramos, Alden Richards, and Derrick Monasterio.


==Pacquiao hailed as 'Man of the Decade==
The movie, about a ghostly encounter on a deserted road in the woods, premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/01/19/12/pacquiao-hailed-man-decade
*01/19/2012 11:30 PM | Updated as of 01/19/2012 11:30 PM
In the "24 Oras" report, Ramos said: “The thing about all of the premieres that I go to, I remember and cherish them of course, in my heart. This though feels like it’s something that’s going to go down in history, as a Filipino.”
:by  abs-cbnNEWS.com
Agustin, on the other hand, said, “This is the first time, first ever Filipino film that will be shown commercially here in the States so we're very happy, we're very proud, I’m very proud to be part of this film.”


"The Road" is set in a supernatural universe. The story begins in 2008 when three teenagers disappear at night on a deserted road.


MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao was recognized as “Man of the Decade” by People Asia and Philippines Star Media Group.
Their disappearance triggers a reinvestigation of a 12-year-old murder that happened on the same road. As the investigation grows deeper, gruesome stories of abduction and murders surface.  


This recognition was given to the pound-for-pound king for his great contribution in the field of sports and his promise as a politician.
According to report of the news site the New York Times, "the dead are unquiet and the living are terrified in “The Road,” a powerfully atmospheric blend of ghostly encounters, horrific situations and missing-persons mysteries.
"As the film crawls backward in time and deep into haunted real estate and family sickness, the color palette becomes more dense and the themes more explicit," the report said.


Aside from Pacquiao, other local celebrities who excelled in their corresponding fields were aptly recognized by the media organization.
"Though not without flaws — the wrap-up is a little rocky — this grisly tale earns its scares the old-fashioned way: by making our spines crawl instead of our stomachs churn," it added.


People Asia and Philippines Star Media Group also gave “People of the Year” awards to several outstanding local personalities.
==Discover other beach resorts in Glan==
*Source: http://travel.mindanao.com/2012/05/discover-other-beach-resorts-in-glan/
*Thursday, May 10, 2012
:by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE


Included in the chosen few are broadcast journalist Ted Failon, Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup, and Miss World 1st runner-up Gwendolyn Ruais.


Other awardees are Senator Edgardo Angara, Senator Miriam Santiago, Mel Tiangco, Henry Sy, Louie Ocampo, Jun de Leon, Evelyn Singson and National Artist Ben Cabrera. – ABS-CBN News
GLAN, Sarangani (May 10, 2012) – From General Santos City on the way to Glan, there are other resorts to be discovered. In this photo, Warlito Tanedo, Sarangani Information Office photographer, takes a portrait of Kikai at the resort named after her in barangay Lago, Glan – the Kikai Resort. Aside from white sand beaches in Gumasa, Glan also offers black fine sand and white pebbled beach resorts lined with century-old mangrove trees along the stretch of barangay Kapatan to barangay Tango. These resorts also offer overnight accommodation. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . Come and enjoy Sarangani Bay Festival on May 18-19, 2012.


==Sarangani launches filariasis elimination campaign==
==Newest ecopark and beach resort opens in Sarangani==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=73120
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1671336538326
*Wednesday, January 18, 2012
*Wednesday, May 9, 2012
:by   CT Apelacio
:by Catherine T. Apelacio




GENERAL SANTOS CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Sarangani through its Provincial Health Office (PHO) is stepping up its campaign on the elimination of filariasis (lymphatic filariasis) in the entire province.
GLAN, Sarangani, May 9 (PIA) -- A new ecopark and beach resort has recently opened in Sarangani, adding to the growing list of tourist attractions in the province.  
On Monday, Jan. 16, the province launched its campaign at Nomoh Integrated School in Maasim town.
Funded by the Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated (SMI), the P1-million campaign will be implemented throughout the province, said the Provincial Information Office.
Governor Mig Dominguez said the province will continue to fight filariasis and other debilitating diseases stressing on the importance of partnership with other stakeholders—the national government agencies, non-governmental organizations and even the private sectors.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease.
The disease is caused by three species of worms, known as filariae. The three species are Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. The infection is usually manifested later in life, even if it was acquired during childhood.
Filariae are transmitted by mosquitoes with infective larvae. When a mosquito bites a human host, the parasites are deposited on the person’s skin which later enter the body and migrate to the lymphatic vessels, causing damage, swelling of the vessels and suffering.
WHO said the “disfiguring swelling of the legs and genital organs is a classic sign of late-stage disease” cause temporary or permanent disability of a person.
The lymphatic system contains immune cells called lymphocytes, which protect the body against harmful viruses and bacteria.
PHO said the infection can be treated with drugs unless such condition is already chronic and requires other types of treatment.
Drugs to combat filariasis include the combination of “either diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and albendazole, or ivermectin and albendazole or the regular use of DEC fortified salt can prevent occurrence of new infection and disease.”
Health officials said annual mass administration of the drug combination given for five years is the preferred course of treatment. The drugs are recommended to be given to “individuals at risk” such as those residing in filariasis-prone community whether they manifest symptoms or not.
In its report, the Department of Health said Filariasis is endemic in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.
Global statistics also show that “more than 1.3 billion people in 81 countries worldwide are threatened by lymphatic filariasis while over 120 million people are currently infected, with about 40 million disfigured and incapacitated by the disease.” (CTA/PIA General Santos City)


BelMar Eco Park and Beach Resort opened for business on Tuesday, May 8, in time for the May 18 to 19 Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach festival in Mindanao.


The resort is located in barangay Kapatan just along the national highway from General Santos City going to the town proper of Glan and to the white-sand beaches of Gumasa, main venue of Sarangani Bay Festival.


It boasts of a good view of prominent landmarks in Soccsksargen such as Sarangani Bay and Mt. Matutum.


BelMar, short for the owners’ names Annabelle and Marcelino, has a resto bar and coffee shop, pasalubong center which sells local products and delicacies, a recreation center and conference rooms.


Guests can enjoy snorkeling, boating and beach tour where century-old mangrove trees line the white-pebbled beachfront.


Right now, BelMar Ecopark and Beach Resort has a total of six overnight cottages, two air conditioned and four non-air conditioned rooms with a capacity of six persons per cottage. It also has a mini zoo and children’s park which makes the place ideal for visitors and guests of all ages.


“Today is a very memorable day for the tourism industry particularly in the tourism industry of Glan,” said municipal councilor Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz III, “the opening of BelMar means that Glan is really going high in terms of tourism.”


Ruiz, who is also the Sanggunian committee chair on tourism, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony assisted by owners Annabelle and Marcelino Tangaro Jr. during the resort’s opening program.


==Governor advocates renewed investment policies==
“I really appreciate the investment of Mr. and Mrs. Tangaro in our beloved municipality and I hope this will trigger more investments in our place,” Ruiz concluded.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348353/governor-advocates-renewed-investment-policies
*January 17, 2012, 3:08pm
:by  NONOY E. LACSON


The resort is managed by Annabelle and Marcelino who are presently living in General Santos City. Both were born and raised in Glan.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Philippines – Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez has expressed apprehension that in about 10 years, the country might lag again in Asia if the national government and the some local government units (LGUs) will continue to manifest mixed signals to prospective foreign investors.
“It is a dream come true for us. It just started with a simple plan and now here it is,” said Marcelino. “We immediately started the construction on October 28, 2011 after acquiring the property in July of the same year.”


“If the national and the local governments continue to be inconsistent in interpreting laws that affect investments, these investors will just turn to other countries,” Dominguez explained.
For more information about the resort, you may contact 09089297183. (PIO-Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


He was apparently reacting to queries on the possible effects of certain ordinances in several provinces that continue to threaten foreign investments, like mining.
==Flood, landslide alert up in Sarangani==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1671336288958
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
:by (PNA)
LDV/AVE


“The national government should once and for all say whether it is a ‘yes or a no’ to open-pit mining,” Dominguez said.


He said “we have to remember that we are among the hundreds of countries vying for these investments and the investors have the option to go elsewhere.”
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 8 (PNA) - Disaster response teams in Sarangani province have been placed on full alert in the wake of the sporadic heavy rains in the area since last week that already triggered flashfloods in two coastal municipalities.


Dominguez also said that in the mining industry alone, the move of certain provinces to come up with provincial ordinances that contradict a national law had apparently created a “negative image” for the country.
Ben Solarte, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said Tuesday their personnel have been closely monitoring the situation in identified landslide and flood-prone province due to the continuing rains triggered by a trough of low pressure area (LPA) affecting Mindanao.


“It is not about the environmental code, nor even about the mining industry, but about a provincial ordinance contradicting a national government policy,” he said.
“We advised our residents (in disaster-prone areas) to be alert and if possible, relocate to safer areas,” he said.


Dominguez also said that “this is not about a particular investor or that there are other investors more than willing to take its place but about how consistent our policies are.”
On Monday, five communities in Malapatan town were submerged in floodwaters due to the swelling of a river in the area.


“This is not even about mining at all but about how we treat our investors even in other industries,” he added.
The municipal government reported that floodwaters from the Tuyan River swept Puroks Pulot, Bagong Silang, Talisay, Chico and Pag-asa in Barangay Tuyan early Monday following the heavy rains in the area.


Dominguez also said that it is “wrong to assume that if a particular investor goes away, there are others who are willing to take its place.”
Mohamad Adir Harid, Tuyan barangay chair, said they already requested the immediate repair and expansion of the area’s drainage canals to resolve the perennial flooding there.


Investors will naturally go to countries where the laws and their interpretation are consistent, he said.
Last week, three residents of Barangay Tuyan were killed in a flashflood along the Tuyan River. The victims were reportedly crossing the river when they were swept by rampaging floodwaters coming from the upland area.


“Let the President or even the High Court, once and for all, resolve the issue if we will allow an open-pit mining or not,” he said.
In Alabel town, portions of Barangays Poblacion and Ladol were also flooded last week due to the swelling of a creek in the area at the height of the heavy rains.


In another development, after several years of suffering from flood waters in the far-flung village of Lucena in Bahbah, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, local residents in the area can now have a restful sleep because of the completed rehabilitation of Lucena Bridge, its approaches, and slope bank protection implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Based on a weather advisory issued Tuesday morning by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mindanao will continue to experience “mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms” due to the trough or extended region of LPA affecting the area.


Residents of Lucena, one of the progressive and rice granary community of Prosperidad are thankful to the government for easing their problem over the years.
Dante Ariola, senior weather forecaster of the Pagasa station here, said local residents should expect some rains in some parts of the area, especially in the afternoon.


They said they are worried each time it rains because stagnant water overflows from the bank, which allegedly contained larva that causes Schistosomiasis or bilharzias reportedly present in the locality.
“It’s important for those in the critical areas to prepare for possible floods and landslides that may be triggered by the continuing rains,” he said.


To address the problem, the DPWH’s Agusan del Sur 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) mobilized its technical personnel to help the local residents, in an effort to avert more casualties due to flooding and other diseases cause by flood waters.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 12 had identified the coastal areas of six of Sarangani’s seven municipalities as prone to flooding during the rainy season.


Last October 13, 2011, the rehabilitation of the Lucena Bridge approaches and slope bank protection was started funded under the DPWH Lump Sum for Calendar Year 2011.
Among the area’s identified in the MGB’s flood hazard map as highly vulnerable to flooding were portions of the coastal villages of Maitum, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, Alabel and Malapatan towns as well as several low-lying areas in Malungon town.


An allocation of P18 million was released to the DPWH’s Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO under the supervision of District Engineer Jaime T. Bernat Sr. as an answer to the increasing concern on health and safety of the populace. (With a report from Mike U. Crismundo)
MGB-Region 12 said the flood and landslide-prone areas were Baliton, Burias and Margus Grande quadrangles in Glan; Kling, Lebe and Lumuyon quadrangles in Kiamba; Kraan quadrangle in Maitum; and Lun Grande quadrangle in Malapatan.


==Sarangani poorest families receive cash assistance==
==5,000 incoming grade-schoolers to undergo reading program==
*Source: http://news.mindanao.com/2012/01/sarangani-poorest-families-receive-cash-assistance/
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1671336288958
*JANUARY 14, 2012
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE
:by (Beverly Paoyon-PIO Sarangani/PIA 12)




ALABEL, Sarangani (January 13, 2012) – Sarangani released cash grants on Thursday (January 12) to augment the income of the poorest families in barangay Domolok thru the conditional cash transfer (CCT) project, a local initiative patterned after the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government.
ALABEL, Sarangani, May 7 (PIA) -- Around 5,000 incoming Grades 2 and 3 pupils from all over Sarangani are set to undergo a 15-day remedial reading program to prepare them for the opening of classes in June.  
4Ps is a poverty alleviation strategy which provides poor families cash assistance for the health and education needs of their children 0-14 years old.
A total of 268 families each received a P500 monthly assistance covering July, August, and September 2011. This first release entitled each beneficiary the sum of P1,500.
Governor Migs Dominguez urged beneficiaries to religiously submit to the conditions required of them like sending their children to pre-schools and for pregnant women to avail of the pre-natal services in barangay health centers.
Community affairs officer Rene Punzalan explained among the seven towns of Sarangani, only Alabel was not covered by the 4Ps program which prompted the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to initiate local intervention using the Community-Based Management System (CBMS) as a tool to identify the poorest families.
CBMS is an organized process of data collection and processing at the local level and of integration of data in local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring.
CBMS identified the barangays of Alegria, Domolok, Datal Anggas, and Paraiso with the most numbered constituents that fall below the poverty threshold.
A social welfare indicator revalidated the level of well-being of the 1,261 households of these barangays which revealed that 1,199 or 95 percent did not meet the minimum household income. In short, “these households could hardly eat three meals a day,” Punzalan said.
Punzalan, however, pointed out only the remaining five percent or 62 households that belong to the “subsistence” level have met the required daily meals, family bonding, and participated in the community development activities.
Punzalan said this initiative became a convergence task of PSWDO, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Provincial Agriculturist’s Office in responding to the basic needs in the communities.
Basic requirements like pre-school education and health services are among the conditions that have to be met under CCT.
Punzalan said beneficiaries would also be provided poverty reduction interventions such as family development sessions, organization of parent leaders, provision of livelihood trainings and assistance, provision of sanitary toilet, potable water supply, and enrolment to PhilHealth “to ensure that communities are resilient and capable” when they will be out of CCT’s list. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani.


==Sarangani poorest families receive cash assistance==
The “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” was designed by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program of Governor Migs Dominguez to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in reducing the number of “frustrated readers” in the province.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=72463
*Friday, January 13, 2012
:by  Beverly Paoyon


Frustrated readers are those who can identify words but have inadequate or no comprehension at all.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Jan 13 (PIA) -- Sarangani released cash grants on Thursday (January 12) to augment the income of the poorest families in barangay Domolok thru the conditional cash transfer (CCT) project, a local initiative patterned after the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government.
More than 1,000 youth volunteers or “big brothers and big sisters” fondly called as “kuyas” and “ates” will help the 288 teachers this year in mentoring and conducting read-along sessions.  
4Ps is a poverty alleviation strategy which provides poor families cash assistance for the health and education needs of their children 0-14 years old.
A total of 268 families each received a P500 monthly assistance covering July, August, and September 2011. This first release entitled each beneficiary the sum of P1,500.
Governor Migs Dominguez urged beneficiaries to religiously submit to the conditions required of them like sending their children to pre-schools and for pregnant women to avail of the pre-natal services in barangay health centers.
Community affairs officer Rene Punzalan explained among the seven towns of Sarangani, only Alabel was not covered by the 4Ps program which prompted the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to initiate local intervention using the Community-Based Management System (CBMS) as a tool to identify the poorest families.
CBMS is an organized process of data collection and processing at the local level and of integration of data in local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring.
CBMS identified the barangays of Alegria, Domolok, Datal Anggas, and Paraiso with the most numbered constituents that fall below the poverty threshold.
A social welfare indicator revalidated the level of well-being of the 1,261 households of these barangays which revealed that 1,199 or 95 percent did not meet the minimum household income.
In short, “these households could hardly eat three meals a day,” Punzalan said.
Punzalan, however, pointed out only the remaining five percent or 62 households that belong to the “subsistence” level have met the required daily meals, family bonding, and participated in the community development activities.
Punzalan said this initiative became a convergence task of PSWDO, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Provincial Agriculturist’s Office in responding to the basic needs in the communities.
Basic requirements like pre-school education and health services are among the conditions that have to be met under CCT.
Punzalan said beneficiaries would also be provided poverty reduction interventions such as family development sessions, organization of parent leaders, provision of livelihood trainings and assistance, provision of sanitary toilet, potable water supply, and enrolment to PhilHealth “to ensure that communities are resilient and capable” when they will be out of CCT’s list. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)


==Glan earns ‘Seal of Good Housekeeping’==
Three volunteers from Thailand and one from Turkey are also joining the youth this year from the American Field Service Organization, an organization which provides future leaders exchange program to promote global citizenship.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=72190
*Thursday, January 12, 2012
:by  PIA Press Release


Nuth Sonthipanyahul, 16, from Bangkok, and three other foreign youth volunteers do their share through storytelling and teaching children to read.


GLAN, Sarangani, Jan 12 (PIA) -- In recognition of its exemplary performance in governance, transparency and accountability, the local government unit (LGU) of Glan has been chosen as one of recipients of the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) awards of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“It is tiring but fun. It’s good to make them (children) happy,” Sonthipanyahul said.  
A mechanism that recognizes good performance, the SGH is given to LGUs that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, sound fiscal management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization, transparency and accountability, and giving value to performance management.
An SGH award means that a recipient LGU has religiously complied with all the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act as well as the Full Disclosure Policy of the DILG with regard to project implementation and financial transactions.
Aside from topping the standards on full disclosure and transparency, LGU-Glan bagged the award because of its “no adverse findings” from the Commission on Audit, and because of the efficiency in the implementation of its programs and projects.
A P1 million incentive from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) is usually given to the best performing LGUs, but, for one reason or another, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had decided to up the PCF incentive for Glan to P2 million, according to Zorayda Grafilo-Labos, chief, DILG-Glan.
“Surely, this is something for Glan to be proud of and another feather in the cap of the administration of Mayor Victor James Yap, Sr.,” she said.
She said the incentive is in line with the Millennium Development Goals for the implementation of priority projects designed to boost tourism and local economic development as well as comply with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
For tourism and local economic development, the projects include school buildings, rural health units, health centers and birthing facilities, roads, bridges, tourism facilities, irrigation systems, post harvest facilities, cold storage facilities, ports and wharves and other economic infrastructures.
On the other hand, projects--such as flood control, reforestation, solid waste management facilities, storm drainage and related flood protection---are on tap for Adaptation to Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness. (GLAN INFO & NEWS SERVICE/PIA GENERAL SANTOS CITY)


==7th BIMP-EAGA athletics set==
However, he observed quite a disparity of the children like those in Jose Warlito Berba Primary School they visited in sitio Kityan Gamay in Malungon.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347717/7th-bimpeaga-athletics-set
*January 11, 2012, 4:19pm
:by  ALI G. MACABALANG


“In the city everyone has food, has money to buy their own food but here, they don’t have,” he said.


“They have to walk like four kilometers five kilometers a day and then they have nothing to eat and the school is just made of wood and they study under the trees, something like that. It’s very bad.”


When asked what he wanted to contribute to these children, he said it should be “education” and teaching them to speak “English because if you can speak English you can go anywhere around the world. You give them more opportunity to work and have a better future.”


GEN. SANTOS CITY, Philippines – The 7th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines- East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) friendship sports competition is set here this week, even as local officials hailed the athletic intramurals as a big boost to the development tourism potentials in Region 12.
“Children are the future of everything. If you give them good life then they will be good,” Sonthipanyahul added.  


According to Ricardo Garcia, Philippine Sports Commission chair, the local government units of this city and nearby Sarangani province jointly host the 2012 BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, the latest in a series of seven episodes.
Elif Gurcinar, an 18-year-old youth volunteer from Turkey, said that more interventions from the government are needed, “because some of the schools are really bad. Classrooms are not enough. Not enough materials.”


Garcia said the event is set for official launching Thursday with athletes from the BIMP-EAGA bracing for the Marathon Friendship Run later this week.
She said SBB is a laudable intervention of Sarangani to help its slow readers and, “a lot of volunteers are also coming to assist the children. It’s very helpful in their pronunciation. We teach them also English words and letters and how to pronounce them correctly. We also read stories with actions because sometimes they could not understand.”


The event has been inspired by the recent launching of the country’s tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” by the Department of Tourism (DoT). The DoT website boosts: ”Wherever you go in the Philippines, it’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable.”
Malungon Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Earl Jared Galvez said, “I observed that these children wish to become volunteers themselves volunteers when they grow up like their big brothers and big sisters.”  


According to the PSC, which is organizing the event, BIMP-EAGA countries will each have a team of six runners – four males and two females – for the 42-km marathon.
Galvez recounted, “Our experience here is more difficult because we have to climb some mountains, cross several rivers, experienced falling from motorcycles, and almost falling into ravines several times but the overall feeling of helping the children is heart-warming.”


Hundreds of runners from General Santos and elsewhere in Mindanao are likewise prospected to take part in the 3k, 5k and 10k fun runs that will be open to men and women athletes, a PSC report posted in the Mindanews.com online network said.
At least, he said, the youth are involved not only in sports activities but also with SBB where, “we are able to touch their (children) lives,” by helping them how to read.  


Mindanao Development Authority Chair Luwalhati Antonino hailed the event, saying “the Philippines is honored to host the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Run as we endeavor to strengthen our relations within the sub-region through sports development.”
He then hoped that a few years from now, “no Grade 2 and 3 would be frustrated readers” and that SBB would no longer teach remedial reading classes but would instead focus teaching children advanced lessons to hone knowledge and skills of these children.  


Antonino, concurrent EAGA singing minister, said that heads of delegations and senior sports officials from the four countries are coming to Mindanao with their pools of athletes for the friendly run along the stretch of GenSan to Alabel, Sarangani and back.
Jenneth Ruta, a Grade 1 teacher holding SBB class in Lun Padidu Elementary School in Malapatan said “It’s very difficult to deal with those pupils because some of my pupils cannot identify letters in the alphabet.”


Gen. Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene A. Dominguez and World Boxing Champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao are set attend the opening rites on Thursday and grace the succeeding games.
To address this, Ruta said she conducted a one-on-one approach with the kids just to make them read.  


Aside from Sarangani and General Santos, Region 12 is also composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
“During my first day, I started with the alphabet, then the sounds, before I was able to make them read words,” Ruta noted.  


Meanwhile, officials and residents of the adjacent Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are wondering why their 22-year-old region now headed by Presidential caretaker Mujiv Hataman is not playing role in the BIMP-EAGA intramurals.
SBB is very helpful because students are not only taught to read but also to develop their comprehension skills, she said.  


The BIMP-EAGA was created in 1994 on instigation of then President Fidel Ramos to strengthen cooperation among Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with the goal of spawning increased investments, trade and tourism within this sub-region of the ASEAN. Ramos in a speech had cited the four-nation cooperation as a chance for ARMM to avail of.
QUEST program manager Annalie Edday said, “Reading comprehension makes the difference between a passing and a failing grade in school. It is one of the most crucial skills for children to master.”


Past ARMM officials revived last year the long-stalled trading between Muslim Filipino traders and their counterparts in Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, starting initially with trade voyages to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.
“By Grade 3, children can probably comprehend simple texts but need to work on more advanced comprehension, including summarizing and analysis,” Edday said.  


By reading frequently, she said, is one of the “most effective things children can do to improve reading comprehension in Grade 3, but there are enrichment activities to make frequent reading more powerful.”


“Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” is a whole day remedial reading program from April 17 to May 8 implemented in partnership with the DepEd, QUEST, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Alcantara Foundation. The rest of the sponsors this year are Synergia Foundation, Sagittarius Mining Corp. and World Vision.


Palawan and Compostela Valley are replicating Sarangani Big Bother in their own provinces to jumpstart their education reform program.


==Floods kill three, level crops in Sarangani, South Cotabato==
*Source: http://www.mindanaotimes.net/floods-kill-three-level-crops-in-sarangani-south-cotabato/
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:by Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews




GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Three persons were killed while close to 30 hectares of farmlands were devastated as flashfloods hit anew several villages in three municipalities in Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces in the last three days.


Len Bartolome, OCD-12 civil defense officer, said the floods, which affected the towns of Malapatan and Alabel in Sarangani as well as Banga town in South Cotabato, were triggered by sporadic heavy rains in the area since Tuesday.


==Sarangani capitol women employees receive HPV vaccine dose==
On May 1, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Malapatan town in Sarangani province reported that three residents of Barangay Tuyan were killed following a flashflood along the Tuyan River.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=71543
*Saturday, January 07, 2012
:by  CT Apelacio


The victims were reportedly crossing the river when they were swept by rampaging floodwaters coming from the upland area.


The remains of victims Lel Londong, 18, and Bating Masalon, 15, were earlier recovered in a nearby village but the third victim, identified as eight-year-old Jason Londong, has remained missing.


On Wednesday night, floodwaters submerged portions of Barangays Ladol and Poblacion in Alabel, Sarangani due to the swelling of a creek in the area.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Jan 7 (PIA) -- Every woman is a potential risk of getting cervical cancer.
The affected areas covered four puroks that were also hit by flashfloods earlier last month due to the overflowing of the Molo Creek.
Thus, 510 provincial capitol women employees here have received a vaccine on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to protect them from contracting the dreadful disease.
The total number of clients, said Jermine Allan Parreño, population project officer of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), also included members of Sarangani Provincial Gender and Development Council (PGADC) and all members of the technical working group.
PGADC sponsored the massive provincial capitol vaccination as part of the GAD program year-end activity for 2011. The female employees received their first dose on December 5 last year. The second dose started Thursday and ended Friday (Jan 6). The third dose will be given on July 6.
According to Glaxo Smith Kline, in the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second leading killer cancer for women. Worldwide, a woman dies of cervical cancer every 2 minutes.
“That’s why women need the vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer. A study pointed out that eight of 10 women get HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer,” Parreño stressed adding 12 of Filipino women die everyday from the disease.
He described the virus as common that can be acquired from a public toilet or elsewhere “so you see the infection is not necessarily sexual.”
According to Glaxo, HPV can easily be transmitted and may be acquired through a skin-to-skin genital contact even stressing that “condom usage” alone cannot give maximum protection from being exposed to HPV.
Meanwhile, Josefina Velasco, PGAD focal person said the undertaking was very relevant as GAD program is all about protection and upholding the rights of women.
One way to contribute to that upholding of women’s rights is to ensure that our active working women here in the provincial capitol are protected from cervical cancer.
“Pwede naman i-prevent kaya gawin na natin hanggang maaga sa pamamagitan ng programang ito at pagbibigay ng bakuna,” Velasco told PIA General Santos City.
HPV has at least 30 types, 15 of which are cancer-causing, however, it is HPV types 16 and 18 that “account for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases” worldwide.
When asked of the importance of the vaccine, Parreño said HPV vaccine targets the two most common cancer-causing types (16 and 18) that infect Filipino women every minute.
Since, it is common HPV infection can happen at any given time and age, he said.
Sexually active women are the most vulnerable sector as the risk may be present all their lifetime. The risk even gets higher as women get older. So women 26 years and older have a lot to gain from the vaccination, he added.
Parreño also said women can still avail of the vaccine even if they have already acquired HPV but the vaccine can not offer any curative benefit and will not change an existing cervical condition. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)


==Pacquiao buys land for calamity victims==
In Banga town, flashfloods also swept Barangays Kusan and Lambingi on Wednesday afternoon, a belated report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of South Cotabato said.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/01/05/pacquiao-buys-land-calamity-victims-198948
* Thursday, January 5, 2012
:by  sunstar.com.ph


Isidro Janita, PDRRMC chief, said the floods destroyed 26.7 hectares of cornfield in Barangay Lambingi as well as various properties and infrastructure in Barangay Kusan.


He said 12 farmers from Lambingi and two families from Kusan were directly affected by the calamity, which left an initial estimated damage of P200,000.


Janita added that the municipal government of Banga and the PDRRMC have conducted damage and needs assessment in the area as well as sought assistance for the victims from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 12.


BOXING icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao bought land in the province for calamity victims in General Santos City.
=Pacman remains as richest solon==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1681336095936
*Saturday, May 5, 2012
:by Ben R. Rosario


Pacquiao's public information officer Rose Tamayo told Bombo Radyo that the lawmaker bought a two-hectare land in Tango, Glan town.


The land will be given to 180 families living in Tango, which was hit by calamity last year.
Manila, Philippines – World boxing hero Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao earned about P218 million last year to retain his title as the richest congressman with a total net worth of P1,352,689.980 last year.
Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano’s income dropped by P24,764 to remain as the poorest congressman. He reported a net worth of P46,947 against his 2010 total of P75,711.


Tamayo said the money used by Pacquiao in buying the land came from his own pocket. (Sunnex)
These were gathered from the summary of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) submitted by 284 congressmen who beat the deadline for the submission of the document last Monday.
Many of the lawmakers who occupied the Top 10 richest House member in 2010 upped their incomes for 2011.
Among them were Reps.
Imelda Romualdez Marcos (KBL, Ilocos Norte), from P623 million to P932,800,000; House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr., from P283,291,016 to P726,218,220, and Alfredo Benitez (NPC, Negros Occidental) P624,847,943 to P686,152,015. They were ranked No. 2 to 4 among the wealthiest lawmakers in the country.
The difference of some P444 million in Belmonte’s net worth makes him the biggest earning lawmaker in 2011.
Former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo became poorer as she submitted a net worth of P131,642,291.26. She claimed a wealth remainder of P137,922,797 during the preceding year.
Rounding up the Top 10 richest solons were Reps. Julio Ledesma (NPC, Negros Occidental), P555,069,000; Martin Romualdez (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Leyte), P474,111,941; Augusto Syjuco (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Iloilo), P302,075,651; Henry Cojuangco (NPC, Tarlac), P200,639,175; Rodolfo Farinas (NP, Ilocos Norte), P195,780,000; and House Minority Leader Danilo E. Suarez of Quezon, P179,534,628.


==Sarangani town spurns mining, strengthens tourism development==
==3,000 couples join mass wedding in Malungon, Sarangani==
*Source: http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/01/sarangani-town-spurns-mining-strengthens-tourism-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sarangani-town-spurns-mining-strengthens-tourism-development
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1681336095936
* Jan 4, 2012  
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:by   (PNA)
:by (PGFruylan with reports from MIO Malungon-PIA 12, Sarangani)
FFC/AVE




MALUNGON, Sarangani, May 4 (PIA) -- Around 3,000 couples have already been wed through the “Kasalan ng Bayan” as part of the weekly ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ program of the local government.


Reports from the Municipal Information Office (MIO), Local Civil Registrar Lydia Erasmo revealed that the number of “live-in” couples getting married from the 31 barangays in the area has increased because of the intensified campaign of the administration on the importance of matrimony and the benefits they could get from the local government.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) – Officials of the coastal municipality of Glan in Sarangani province declared the entire town as off limits to mining ventures as they made a big push for the development of the area’s famed white sand beaches and other eco-tourism resources into a multimillion industry within the next decade.
Mayor Reynaldo Constantino repeatedly explained that a lot of benefits can be enjoyed by “live-in couples” from the municipal government if they get married such as free education, PhilHealth medical assistance, livelihood and other programs for the family members.  
Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. made the declaration after the local government formally adopted the newly-completed Glan Tourism Master Plan as anchor of the town’s socio-economic development initiatives.
“Mining will eventually destroy our fine white beaches and other potential tourist spots. So, either we go into tourism or none at all,” he said in a statement.
The mayor disclosed that there had been suggestions and moves to let mining companies come in to the area but stressed that he had “put his foot down” on them.
“We in the local government believe that tourism remains our best bet for economic development and prosperity, and mining will defeat our purpose because of its potential damage to the environment,” Yap said.
Glan is home to the world-class Gumasa white sand beaches, scenic waterfalls and other potential eco-tourism and adventure spots.
The town’s famed beaches had been adopted by the Regional Development Council of Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao as among the region’s tourism anchors.
Aside from its tourism resources, the town also hosts significant mineral resources such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, limestone, shale, among others.
Based on the Region 12 updated mining tenement profile prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 12, seven companies have applied to mine the town’s mineral resources.
The mayor said Glan’s 100-page tourism master plan was completed last month after almost a year of development by a technical working group (TWG) commissioned by the local government.
He said the Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC) was mainly responsible for the formulation of the plan, with the TWG providing the data and other vital inputs.
It was also assisted by the Asia Foundation and the Notre Dame Business Research Cooperative Foundation, Inc., he said.
Yap said the tourism master plan will mainly help guide the local government on how to go about in developing the local tourism industry in a most systematic and judicious manner.
“Our approach to tourism development should be one of sustained growth and at the same time protect our environment and other equally vital components of the local economy—agriculture, fishing, livestock, etc.,” the mayor said.
Jonallier Perez, MTC secretary and master plan consultant, challenged the local government to implement the plan to the letter and ensure the private sector’s active involvement in its initiatives.
“It should be private-public partnership in action,” Perez stressed.
Glan Vice Mayor Vivien Yap, who headed the TWG, said they will push for the immediate creation of the town’s Municipal Tourism Office as part of the master plan’s implementation.
“Tourism will also get bigger appropriations and other incentives from the local government,” she added. (PNA)
FFC/AVE
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==A starry night in Sarangani==
Constantino clarified that the only requirement of the municipal government to avail of the different programs is to present the marriage contract or marriage certificate of the wedded couple as he encouraged other unmarried partners to take advantage of the said program for the benefit of their family.  
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=764269&publicationSubCategoryId=70
* January 03, 2012 12:00 AM
:by  The Philippine Star


“Kasalan ng Bayan” is one of the services of the local government for the residents of the municipality where Constantino, along with other representatives from different agencies of the government visit even the remote areas of the town to deliver basic public services especially to the least served people in Malungon.


==Sarangani town wants more power==
*Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/4707-sarangani-town-wants-more-power
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:by EDWIN ESPEJO


MANILA, Philippines - It was a starry, starry night in Sarangani province as it recently celebrated its 19th foundation anniversary and ninth MunaTo Festival. Opening the festivities were Sarangani Rep. and World Boxing Organization welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao and Philippine Councilors’ League national president Alma Moreno who led the launch of the hot air lanterns along with Gov. Miguel Dominguez and provincial officials to symbolize the quest for peace and greater progress.


Also spicing up the festival were Dingdong Dantes and Rochelle Pangilinan at the Pearl of Sarangani beauty pageant, and an evening rock concert featuring Cueshé. GMA Kapuso Network was a major supporter of the event.


Carved out of South Cotabato in 1992,  Sarangani is a vital component of the Soccsksargen growth corridor with its vibrant fishing and agro-industrial sectors. Endowed with a rich pre-colonial history and nature’s wonders, it is a melting pot which embraces the Blaan, Tagakaolo, Tboli, Manobo, Ubo, Kalagan and Moro indigenous cultures.
SARANGANI, Mindanao - The municipal council of Alabel has asked the Department of Energy (DoE) to order the National Power Corp (Napocor) and the National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) to give it priority in the dispatch of the electricity generated by the 55-megawatt Southern Philippine Power Corporation (SPPC) amid continuing power supply load curtailment being implemented by South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II).


The Alcantara-built and operated bunker-fired SPPC is located in Baluntay village in Alabel, Sarangani.


SPPC went on commercial stream in 1998 under the build-operate-own (BOO) scheme, but all power supply it is generating is already contracted to Napocor. Its supply contract with Napocor will end in 2016.


In a resolution unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council), the local legislative body cited Section 5(i) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7638, otherwise known as Department of Energy Act of 1992, which allows the host town to get 25 percent of the available capacity generated by SPPC in times of energy shortage.


Alabel and the rest of Sarangani, along with General Santos City and the South Cotabato towns of Tupi and Polomolok, are under the distribution franchise of Socotecto II.


Councilor Joel Aton said Alabel, capitol town of Sarangani, has an average monthly consumption of 1,953,500 kilowatt hour.


Aton said DoE has sent word it will dispatch personnel for technical evaluation.


Preferential treatment


Socoteco II resorted into daily rotational brownouts of up to four hours following advice of reduced supply from Napocor.


Socoteco II manager for institutional service department Geronimo Desesto said supply from Napocor went further down from 75 MW to 45 MW in April, prompting the cooperative to purchase a total of 30 MW additional power supply from Therma Marine Inc.


==Sarangani town spurns mining, strengthens tourism development==
Alabel is among a growing number of local government unit demanding preferential treatment from power plants located in their areas.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=395642
*January 2, 2012, 7:24 pm
:by  (PNA)
FFC/AVE


Last month, Kidapawan threatened to launch protest actions if their demand for power supply from the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation is not met.


Kidapawan, which is experiencing brownouts of up to eight hours daily, is host to the 110 MW Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) – Officials of the coastal municipality of Glan in Sarangani province declared the entire town as off limits to mining ventures as they made a big push for the development of the area’s famed white sand beaches and other eco-tourism resources into a multimillion industry within the next decade.
Last month, President Benigno Aquino III attended the Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City which tackled the worsening power crisis in the island.


Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. made the declaration after the local government formally adopted the newly-completed Glan Tourism Master Plan as anchor of the town’s socio-economic development initiatives.
The President however told Mindanao residents they will have to pay more for steady power supply.


“Mining will eventually destroy our fine white beaches and other potential tourist spots. So, either we go into tourism or none at all,” he said in a statement.
Mindanao’s actual and available capacity is now down to less than 1,200 MW, or some 170 MW less than the peak demand of 1,350 MW.


The mayor disclosed that there had been suggestions and moves to let mining companies come in to the area but stressed that he had “put his foot down” on them.
The deficit in power supply has been blamed on antiquated and poorly maintain hydro-electric power plants and the sale of other Napocor generating assets that included the two power barges to Therma Marine. Power Barges 117 and 118 have a combined capacity of 200 MW. - Rappler.com


“We in the local government believe that tourism remains our best bet for economic development and prosperity, and mining will defeat our purpose because of its potential damage to the environment,” Yap said.
==Sarangani Bay Fest features Zumba Beach Party on May 19==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1671335938981
*Wednesday, May 2, 2012
:by (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/PIA GENERAL SANTOS CITY)


Glan is home to the world-class Gumasa white sand beaches, scenic waterfalls and other potential eco-tourism and adventure spots.


The town’s famed beaches had been adopted by the Regional Development Council of Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao as among the region’s tourism anchors.
GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, May 2 (PIA) -- The first SarBay Fest Zumba Beach Party is set on May 19, Saturday at Gumasa in Glan, to be conducted by licensed Zumba fitness instructors Vicky Javier and John Ri Romero both of the Beefit Gym and Aerobics from Davao City.  


Aside from its tourism resources, the town also hosts significant mineral resources such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, limestone, shale, among others.
“Come and join the inaugural staging of the world’s phenomenal fitness program in the biggest beach party here in Mindanao,” said Javier, also a member of the Zumba Instructors Network.  


Based on the Region 12 updated mining tenement profile prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 12, seven companies have applied to mine the town’s mineral resources.
It is a two-hour, non-stop fitness program that is mainly sponsored by the provincial government of Sarangani under Gov. Migs Dominguez and supported also by the office of Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao.  


The mayor said Glan’s 100-page tourism master plan was completed last month after almost a year of development by a technical working group (TWG) commissioned by the local government.
Expected to join are 100 fitness buffs coming from Davao City, General Santos City, and Sarangani Province.  


He said the Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC) was mainly responsible for the formulation of the plan, with the TWG providing the data and other vital inputs.
“Aside that it is a good exercise, you will really enjoy dancing to the Zumba music and dance steps,” said Romero, also a hip-hop and modern dance instructor.  


It was also assisted by the Asia Foundation and the Notre Dame Business Research Cooperative Foundation, Inc., he said.
Registration fee is only P200 with free giveaways, certificate and raffle.  


Yap said the tourism master plan will mainly help guide the local government on how to go about in developing the local tourism industry in a most systematic and judicious manner.
The first SarBay Fest Zumba Beach Party is one of the big events of Sarangani Bay Festival on May 18 and 19.  


“Our approach to tourism development should be one of sustained growth and at the same time protect our environment and other equally vital components of the local economy—agriculture, fishing, livestock, etc.,” the mayor said.
SarBay Fest, the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, kicks off with the 15-kilometer swim-across-the-bay, dubbed as “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” on May 18.


Jonallier Perez, MTC secretary and master plan consultant, challenged the local government to implement the plan to the letter and ensure the private sector’s active involvement in its initiatives.
==Pacquiao lone billionaire in House of millionaires==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/185343/pacquiao-lone-billionaire-in-house-of-millionaires
*Tuesday, May 1, 2012
:by  Gil C. Cabacungan


“It should be private-public partnership in action,” Perez stressed.


Glan Vice Mayor Vivien Yap, who headed the TWG, said they will push for the immediate creation of the town’s Municipal Tourism Office as part of the master plan’s implementation.
For the second year running, Manny Pacquiao—the man with the golden fists—has won the distinction of being the richest among the 287 mostly millionaire members of the Philippine House of Representatives.
Ricardo Bering, chief of the House’s record management section, said this was based on the 2011 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filed before the deadline on Monday by the House members.
“His net worth even increased last year. He is still the richest here,” Bering said of the Sarangani representative, whose powerful fists have won him eight boxing division titles and worldwide fame.
Bering said Pacquiao, who claimed  a personal fortune of P1.134 billion in his 2010 SALN, reported an increase in his net worth in 2011. Bering declined to give exact figures since House leaders have not given the go-signal for the public disclosure of the SALNs.
Lone billionaire
Based on the 2010 SALNs, Pacquiao was the richest member of the House last year—and the only billionaire in the chamber.
His assets then consisted of P397.933 million in real properties and P736.3 million in personal and other properties. He had no liabilities.
In contrast, Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano was the poorest lawmaker,  with a net worth of P75, 711.
Pacquiao was reported to have earned at least $15 million each from his fights with Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011, aside from his earnings from commercial endorsements, businesses and as a member of Congress.
Increased scrutiny
Pacquiao’s increasing wealth is expected to highlight further the supposed steep plunge in his tax payments, which media reports said fell from P100 million in 2008 to only P7 million in 2009.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed charges against Pacquiao for his alleged failure to submit proper documents on his earnings. Pacquiao has  questioned the filing of the case, saying it was baseless.
House Secretary General Marilyn B. Yap said that almost 100 percent of the House members had filed their SALNs as of 5 p.m. yesterday. Yap said her staff would validate the SALNs before releasing information to the public.
Yap also said she had noticed a marked increase in the net worth reported by lawmakers in the face of increased scrutiny by the public and media as a result of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in connection with his assets.
More conscious now
“Our members have become more conscious of the SALN. That’s why they have made an effort to make a complete report this time,” said Yap.
Pacquiao topped the list of 10 richest House members last year.
That list included Negros Occidental Representative Alberto Benitez, who was worth P624.847 million; Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos, who was worth P623.6 million; Negros Occidental Representative Julio Ledesma, P555.069 million; and Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, worth P475.611 million.
Also in the top 10 were Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco, worth P294.602 million; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., worth P283.291 million; Tarlac Representative Enrique Cojuangco, P199.593 million; Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, P195.78 million; and Iloilo Representative Ferjenel Biron, P165.996 million.
Former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the 17th richest representative with a net worth of P140.212 million.
Aquino’s assets
Malacañang on Monday said President Benigno Aquino III and almost all of the members of his Cabinet had filed their SALNs.
“We expect all of them to comply with the deadline,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, adding that Mr. Aquino filed his SALN on April 24.
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. have also filed their SALNs.
In his SALN for 2010, Mr. Aquino declared a net worth of P54.9 million. This represented a P4.8-million increase from the previous year. Mr. Aquino has said the increase in his income came from his share of the property owned by his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino.
Corona’s SALN
Lacierda said the Palace was hopeful that Corona, whose ouster from the Supreme Court is being supported by Malacañang, would disclose his SALN as promised by the Chief Justice’s lawyers.
“We certainly hope so because that would be in compliance with the constitutional provision on disclosure and filing of SALNs,” Lacierda said.
He said he would be interested in taking a look at Corona’s SALN.


“Tourism will also get bigger appropriations and other incentives from the local government,” she added.
==50 swimmers set for “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012”==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1671335764579
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:by  (Jun Ramos /PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Village head in Sarangani survives attack==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/118625/village-head-in-sarangani-survives-attack
*1:27 pm | Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
:by  Aquiles Z. Zonio
Inquirer Mindanao


GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, April 30 (PIA) --Ten teams will vie for the top honors and cash prizes during the “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” otherwise known through the years as Swim-Across-the-Bay, the opening salvo of the May 18-19 Sarangani Bay Festival (SarBay Fest).


For the 15-kilometer swim across Sarangani Bay, a mass will start at 5:00 am from Kamanga Beach, Maasim to Reycon Beach in Tango, Glan on May 18.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – The head of the village of Talos in Malungon, Sarangani province, was wounded in an attack by a lone gunman Tuesday evening, police said Wednesday.
“Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” is open to all swimmers (amateur and professionals) with minimum age of 14. A group of five swimmers comprises a team.  
Joey Espinosa, 39, was on his way home from the village center around 10 p.m. when attacked, according to Chief Inspector Alvin Martin, Malungon police chief.
“He sustained two bullet wounds and was immediately rushed to a hospital in General Santos,” Martin said.
He said police investigators were still trying to find out what type of weapon the gunman used as well as the assailant’s identity and motive.


==Co-op secures exclusive power supply deal with Sarangani Energy==
The registration fee of P2,000 per team covers boat rental and gasoline. Deadline for registration is on May 4, 5:00 pm, at the office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office at the Capitol in Alabel (look for Nemrad Butil (083) 5082267, 09163232397 or 09306534953).
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=762326
*December 27, 2011 12:00 AM
:by  The Philippine Star


The first three teams to reach the finish line at Reycon Beach in Tango, Glan shall be declared winners with the 1st prize of P50,000, 2nd prize – P35,000, and 3rd prize – 25,000, all with medals and trophies. All finishers shall be awarded with the medal of “Invaders” and consolation cash prize of P6,000 each team.


“Ten teams are sure to compete for the 15-kilometer swim,” said organizer Nemrad Butil.


POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato, Philippines  – Intermittent brownouts hit parts of Mindanao at random daily because many of the hydro-electric power plants that supply 80 percent of Mindanao’s electricity have started to bog down due to heavy silting and old age. Privatization is also expected to take its toll as electricity rates become more expensive as new owners try to recover huge investments in rehabilitating these plants.
Butil disclosed the Gensan Torpedoes are deploying three teams, Koronadal City has two teams, while some teams are composed of local swimmers from Tinoto and Kamanga, Maasim.  


“The power cooperative began looking for new sources of electricity after the entire island of Mindanao experienced half-day power outages in the summer of 2010 due to the El Niño phenomenon which depleted the hydroelectric power sources that supply more than half of Mindanao’s electrical capacity. Customers of Socoteco 2 experienced daily power outages averaging nine hours a day from March to April 2010,” Socoteco 2 general manager Rodolfo G. Ocat said.
“University varsity swimmers from Manila and Davao are also joining the teams of Koronadal and Gensan,” Butil said. “This year a team from a Manila triathlon club might join.”  


Residents of Tupi and Polomolok towns in South Cotabato noted these conditions as they expressed support for the power supply agreement that Socoteco 2 secured from the Alcantara Group’s Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC) which requires the power company to supply 70 percent of the erlectricity from its first 100-megawatt coal-fired thermal power plant in Alabel, Sarangani exclusively to Socoteco 2’s one-million residential and business customers.
Butil said the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police–Maritime, Red Cross, and teams from provincial and municipal government offices shall assist as perimeter boat marshals.  


Ocat noted that in a letter dated Aug. 10, 2011, the state-owned National Power Corp. informed Socoteco 2’s management that due to the uncertainty of the power situation in Mindanao, it could not commit to provide SOCOTECO 2 with the agreed upon allocation of power supply.
During its debut on May 18, 2006, only three teams out of six finished the swim across Sarangani Bay.


He disclosed that from Socoteco 2’s current requirement of 100,000 kilowatts, Napocor could now only allocate an average of 72,900 kilowatts per hour to the power cooperative. Socoteco 2 anticipates that the Napocor will further reduce power allocation due to continued privatization of Napocor assets and rising demand in Mindanao, thus ensuring daily brownouts to occur in ther region by 2014.
==SPES-TWSP convergence program to cover 21 LGUs in Region 12==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611335668078
*Sunday, April 29, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles


Earlier, residents of the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan in Sarangani province also threw their support for the power sales agreement with SEC.


Bonifacio Alegre, a resident of Alabel, said Socoteco 2 ensured their town would not go through the daily brownouts predicted in 2014 for the rest of Mindanao because of its initiative to negotiate a power sales agreement with power producers.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- A total of 21 municipalities in three provinces of Soccsksargen region will benefit from the initial implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Convergence Program on poverty alleviation.  


Rex Machan, president of the barangay secretary’s association of Polomolok, turned over to SOCOTECO 2 a report from a Mindanao energy forum conducted by the Golden State College of General Santos and the UP Los Banos College of Economics and Management Alumni Foundation, calling for the establishment of stable power generation sources for Mindanao.
The program brings together DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) to provide training and employment opportunities to the marginalized sector of the society, especially the out-of-school youth (OSY).  


==Sarangani Capitol flooded with donations for Sendong victims==
Based on a list provided by the office of DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla last Friday, the SPES-TWSP Convergence Program will cover 11 municipalities in North Cotabato, eight in Sultan Kudarat, and two in Sarangani.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69368
*Friday, December 23, 2011
:by  Beverly Paoyon


In North Cotabato, beneficiary OSYs should come from Aleosan, Midsayap, Tulunan, Alamada, Arakan, Banisilan, Kabacan, Libungan, Magpet, Matalam, and President Roxas.


Interested and qualified OSYs in Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, Colombio, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, Lebak, and Senator Ninoy Aquino municipalities of Sultan Kudarat may also avail of the training and employment program.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Dump trucks full of donated goods have been continuously arriving in the Capitol gym from drop off points across Sarangani province and General Santos City.
On May 1, the program will be launched in General Santos City for the municipalities of Malungon and Alabel in Saragani Province where the first 42 scholarship grantees come from.  
More donors rushed their relief goods to the gym Wednesday evening (December 21), filling the entrance with hundreds of sacks of used clothing and boxes of food.
“Thank you Socsargen for all the donations,” said Governor Migs Dominguez. “Two trucks have left full of food and clothes. I’ve requested for more trucks from Fast Cargo. Keep it coming.”
As of Thursday morning (December 22), donations were still pouring in. At least three more ten-wheeler trucks are needed to load the cargo for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, said Ben Solarte, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
Solarte said the public’s response to Governor Migs Dominguez’ call for donations was “overwhelming,” that PDRRMO volunteers were being dwarfed by the stockpile of donated relief goods for Sendong victims.
The pouring in of donations from cash, rice, canned goods to other basic needs for the relief operation started on Monday after the governor convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to respond to the calamity wrought by Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao.
As of mid-day Wednesday (December 21), total donations reached to 251 sacks of rice, 150 gallons and 35 cases of mineral water, 166 cases sardines, 207 boxes infant milk, and a box of medicines.
Other donations include used clothing, footwear, bags, kitchen ware, tooth paste, toothbrush, etc.
The Fast Cargo transport corporation, which dispatched two cargo wing vans for the first trip, had also volunteered to transport the remaining goods.
Solarte said the goods are delivered to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in Region 10 while other supplies will be delivered to Xavier University.
On Tuesday (December 20), Solarte said Sarangani had also sent its medical team to assist in the conduct of the medical mission in Region 10.
The Sarangani Quick Response Team (QRT) and medical team headed by Dr. Roel Cagape were in barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City for a medical mission and feeding program for children.
The Sarangani QRT and medical team have been serving Cagayan de Oro barangays beginning Wednesday (December 22). (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Technical personnel participate in software training on Rapid Emergency Damage Assessment==
Director Mantilla said more municipalities may be included in the coming months.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=68981
*Wednesday, December 21, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release


“We have requested for the inclusion of the municipalities of Lake Sebu, T’boli and Sto. Niño in South Cotabato,” Director Mantilla said, adding that they are now awaiting approval of this by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.


Under the program, beneficiary OSYs who “may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment or child labor,” will undergo mandated 20 to 52 days of technical vocational training in TESDA-identified institutions.


ALABEL, Sarangani, December 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) conducted a Rapid Emergency Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software training for some 74 technical personnel of the local government units of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces, its municipalities and the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.
As in the original SPES program, DOLE will pay each beneficiary 40 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for every day of training.  
The output of the four-day software training held recently at Alabel, Sarangani, according to Office of Civil Defense director Lita Enok, enabled the participants comprising of engineers and planning officers of the aforementioned local government units to develop programs of geo-hazard maps of their areas.
PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said the REDAS software can simulate earthquake hazards such as ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides and tsunami.
Solidum disclosed that although REDAS was originally conceived for use in earthquake hazard and risk assessment, other multi-hazard maps including hydro meteorological hazards such as floods, storm surge and rain-induced landslides are already incorporated into the software and can likewise be displayed by users.
"Aside from the hazard maps, we have also developed a risk database (schools, bridges, barangay halls, hospitals, etc.) and are also included in the software package," Solidum said.
REDAS was developed by PHIVOLCS as a tool for emergency preparedness and more importantly for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the local development planning process. (OTSUDARIAPIA 12).


==Donations pour in Sarangani for CDO, Iligan flood victims==
The amount, according to the program guidelines, may be used as a training allowance or as capital to purchase the OSY’s starter kit.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=68881
*Tuesday, December 20, 2011
:by Serafin N. Ramos Jr.


More than 400 scholarship slots may be opened in Soccsksargen Region this year for OSYs interested in techvoc trainings that will be identified by TESDA 12. The program is open to OSY’s between 15 to 25 years old, whose family income (including his, if any) does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six, as determined by the National Economic Development Authority.


Applicants should have reached high school level to be able to participate in the program.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Dec 20 (PIA) -- Donations are pouring in at the Capitol gym drop off point from simple folk to office workers, bringing in boxes of water, canned goods and bags of used clothing and rice.
Interested individuals need to submit to the nearest DOLE or TESDA office the needed documents. For more information, you may refer to the nearest DOLE Field Office or Public Employment Service Office or provincial/district office of TESDA. (DED-PIA 12)
An auto mechanic offered P20 cash while a donor from General Santos City gave P3,000. Alsons employees raised P80,000.
The stockpile of rice, bottled water, used clothing and food keeps growing by the hour since Governor Migs Dominguez issued the call for a relief operation on Monday (December 19).
On Tuesday afternoon (December 20) a truck with 50 sacks of rice from the municipal government of Maitum arrived.
As the rice was being unloaded, people are walking in with what they have – sardines, noodles, tooth paste, tooth brush.
Madaris azatids have collected 17 sacks of used clothing already and still collecting until the drop off center closes Thursday.
All public schools have become drop off points too for more donations.
The relief goods will be delivered to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan three days before Christmas Day.
The Sarangani Information Office has called off its Christmas fete for the press in deference to the tragedy.
In nearby General Santos City, Paula Astoriaga packed used clothing from her foster sons Cocoy and Jun as she responded to the public service announcement over a local radio station here that the provincial government of Sarangani and the Red Cross in General Santos City are accepting donations for the flood victims.
On Monday (December 19), Governor Dominguez convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) to respond to the calamity in Northern Mindanao.
“This calamity requires action not only from the national government but from other LGUs (local government units) as well,” Dominguez told the council. “We have called on different organizations, media networks to establish collections centers.”
A medical team from Sarangani has left for Cagayan de Oro to work in an evacuation center.
A non-government organization has pledged to deliver at least 25 caskets.
The governor said the call for action received commitments from the municipalities that already pledged at least 180 sacks of rice.
“The private sector and different tuna canneries (in General Santos City) are putting their stocks together,” Dominguez said.
The PDRRMC has approved a resolution to donate P500,000-worth of rice, sardines, mats and blankets.
These include 200 sacks of rice, 100 boxes of sardines, 230 boxes of bottled water and 300 pieces blankets.
This is not the first time that Sarangani was responding to a calamity in other places.
“We’ve been doing this. We’ve been sending relief assistance to Bicol. We have also responded by sending a Quick Response Team to save lives in Leyte. We’ve also been assisting LGUs like Cotabato City during the flood so it’s not new to us,” Dominguez said. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Pacquiao celebrates star-studded birthday==
==Rep. Pacquiao lauds success of Glan cattle project==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/19/11/pacquiao-celebrates-star-studded-birthday
*Source: http://mannypacquiao.com/news/rep-pacquiao-lauds-success-of-glan-cattle-project
*12/19/2011 3:27 PM | Updated as of 12/19/2011 3:27 PM
*Saturday, April 28, 2012
:by  abs-cbnNEWS.com
by  Nonong Baliao




Glan, Sarangani Parovince———World Boxing Champ and Sarangani lone district Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao has expressed elation with the success of his P8-million cattle dispersal project in this municipality.
In a statement, the first-term congressman lauded the local government unit (LGU), headed by Mayor Victor James B.  Yap, Sr., for helping him bring the project under his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to a successful implementation.
“Despite the slings and arrows and brickbats thrown their way, the local officials of Glan, led by my good friend and staunch political ally, brother Tata Yap, have proved themselves up to the task and worthy of my support,” said the congressman, who is deep in training up north for his next title bout in the United States on June 9.
The project, started in 2010, was the subject of a lot of controversy whipped up by a disinformation campaign launched by a vested group out to drive a wedge between the congressman and Mayor Yap in an apparent bid to wrest political control in the next elections. But the records and statistics are incontrovertible.
Two years into the project implementation, the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Mrs. Virgie Musa, has come out with a definitive report showing that all 14 barangay beneficiaries have received their respective allocations.
According to the report, all but 13 of the 188 cows that had already been dispersed to a corresponding number of individual recipients are alive and in good condition, and only 13 had either died or could not be accounted for.
This town was a recipient of the 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping Award given to LGUs which have religiously complied with all the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act as well as the Full Disclosure Policy of the Department of Interior and Local Government with regard to project implementation and financial transactions.
“Simply put, there were no overpricing and other purported irregularities in the purchase and distribution of the cattle as being peddled by our political detractors,” said Mayor Yap, this year’s “Gawad Sikap” awardee as one of the most outstanding municipal mayors of the Philippines.
Most of the cows are already ripe for breeding, and under an agreement with the local government, which shouldered the transport cost and other ancillary expenses, the first calves will be farmed out to other beneficiaries.
“The individual recipients may keep the mother cow until the next breed, which they may keep, but will then have to return the mother cow to the LGU for re-dispersal, and so forth, down the line,” said Mrs. Musa.
A parallel project–this time involving the distribution of  “pakura” fishing boats to 108 small fishermen in the town’s 16 coastal barangays–has also gone through its initial phase.
“Our poverty alleviation program is right on track, thanks to Congressman Manny and other like-minded officials who truly care for our people in Glan. Other similar projects, designed to generate jobs and provide livelihood, are either in the works or already being implemented as I speak,” said Mayor Yap.


MANILA, Philippines – Boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao celebrated his 33rd birthday with over a thousand guests in his hometown of General Santos City over the weekend.


Aside from his wife Jinkee, mother Dionesia and his four kids, a number of celebrities were also spotted in Pacquiao's birthday party. Among them were Cesar Montano, Sunshine Cruz, Giselle Sanchez, Bayani Agbayani and Benjie Paras.


The Pacman also had a lineup of guest entertainers to liven up the festivities including Gino Padilla, Bugoy Drilon and Jose Mari Chan.


Jinkee also took the opportunity to reaffirm her love for her husband.


Pacquiao, for his part, said he is thankful for the many blessings he has received.


"Happy ako dahil marami akong kaibigan at tumibay ang relationship ko kay God," he said. -- ANC


==MILF protests arrest of political officer, son in Sarangani==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/242025/news/nation/milf-protests-arrest-of-political-officer-son-in-sarangani
*December 18, 2011 8:58am
:by  LBG, GMA News






The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has protested the warrantless arrest of its political officer and his son in Sarangani province last December 14.
MILF Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) head Said Sheik signed the complaint, said an article on the MILF website Sunday.
While the article did not identify the MILF member, it described him as an "MILF town official" and a political officer.
It also identified the arrested MILF official's son as Muhar Udda, a member of the 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
The MILF CCCH asked its government counterpart to act immediately on this complaint and work on its request for the release of Udda without further delay.
The complaint, addressed to government CCCH's chairperson Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, said the MILF official and Muhar Udda were arrested without an arrest warrant in Barangay Lagundi, Kiamba, Sarangani province.
According to the MILF, Muhar Udda was allegedly tagged as the owner of an M-14 rifle found in their house.
In the letter, Sheik said composite troops of the 73rd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police – Region 12 raided the house of the MILF town political official, "in blatant violation of the spirit of the current peace negotiation and the ceasefire between state forces and MILF fighters."
Sheik added Muhar Udda is loyal to MILF chairman Al Haj Murad.
"The letter further stressed that both the raid and the arrest were blatant violations of the existing ceasefire accord between the Government of the Philippines and MILF, pursuant to Section 3, Article 1 of the Implementing Operational Guidelines Government of the Republic of the Philippines-MILF Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities (AGCH), and the Implementing Guidelines of the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Agreement on Peace of 2001, particularly paragraphs 3.2.2," the MILF said.
Also, it said these violations committed by the government forces seriously undermine the sincerity of the government in the peace process and negotiation with the MILF.
Presently, Udda is detained at the PNP Headquarters at Camp Lyra in General Santos City. — LBG, GMA News


==DILG to award Sarangani with “Seal of Good Housekeeping”==
==GEM-USAID turns over trading facility to Malapatan, Sarangani==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=68458
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1671335430552
*Friday, December 16, 2011
*Friday, April 27, 2012
:by www.mb.com.ph
:by (CTA/PIA General Santos City)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) turned over Thursday approximately P2-M worth of trading facility to the municipal government of Malapatan in Sarangani Province.
USAID Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman led the turn-over of the facility to Malapatan municipal government. This will be used by Balungis Women’s Association who specializes in weaving as prime beneficiary of the project.
Aeschliman was assisted by Senator Loren Legarda, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of Mindanao Development Authority and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez.
USAID also turned over six handlooms and other related weaving materials to the association.
Aeschliman said USAID projects in Mindanao are designed to help accelerate economic growth in the conflict-affected areas of the region in support of the Philippine government’s peace and development initiatives.
The construction of the trading center stemmed from the municipal government of Malapatan and the women’s association asking the assistance of USAID because they “did not have an appropriate facility in which to display and sell their woven products.”
Thus, the USAID-GEM Program “constructed a trading center that now serves as a dedicated space for weaving, displaying and selling the woven fabrics.”
About 67 percent of the project cost was funded by USAID while the remaining fund was respectively shared by the municipal and provincial governments of Malapatan and Sarangani.
Dubbed Balungis Trading Center, the facility aims to help organize production and sales of the products of women and other woven produce in the area.
The agency will also organize a workshop on product design, packaging and marketing for the women weavers, USAID-GEM told PIA General Santos City.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the woven products of Balungis women’s association are also being eyed for promotion to fashion designers in Cebu and Manila.
In her message, Senator Legarda who is chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, commended “weaving communities in the country for preserving the tradition of weaving as she encouraged local governments to support such initiatives.”
“To the members of the Balungis Women’s Association, I laud you for keeping the tradition of weaving alive, for passing on the skill to your children, and for choosing this industry to be part of your daily living,” she told the women’s association, whose 25 members are wives and relatives of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants.
Legarda also enjoined the local governments to support the weaving industry to preserve and safeguard the Filipino heritage bringing it into “full bloom again.”
Meanwhile Governor Migs Dominguez also expressed his appreciation to USAID-GEM for supporting the women’s association of Malapatan urging the beneficiary to maximize the use of the facility and make extra effort to double their production.
To date, USAID has constructed more than 1,400 infrastructure projects in Mindanao and will be adding approximately 150 more by the end of 2012.
The continuing pouring in of projects in conflict-ravaged area in Mindanao, USAID said show the sustained commitment both of the Philippine and U.S. governments to promote peace and development in the region.


==Present tax records, Pacquiao told==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/present-tax-records-pacquiao-told/#.T5kObLMzDQA
*Thursday, April 26, 2012
:by  Jun Ramirez


ALABEL, Sarangani, Dec 16 (PIA)-- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conferred to Sarangani Province a “Seal of Good Housekeeping Award” with Php10 million cash incentive.
Taking pride of the award, Governor Migs Dominguez said it is in recognition of the province’s “exemplary performance in governance, transparency, and accountability.”
Carmen Hijara, DILG technical staff said that in the fund guidelines the cash incentive can only be spent purposely for any infrastructure project that would help facilitate the country’s commitment to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
She said the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award is spelled out under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-83 "to aggressively scale up interventions to elevate the practice of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance into an institutionalized status.”
Hijara pointed out the awarding initiative of the department is aimed at boosting local government units or LGUs’ efforts to excel in good governance involving four areas: good planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and giving value to performance monitoring.
This way, LGUs will be motivated to observe and uphold good governance at all cost, she told PIA General Santos City.
Earlier, Sarangani Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit made mention of the award during a project assessment and planning workshop for Gender and Development (GAD) citing the milestone, which she described not only a big help in terms of funding but also a proof that the provincial government officials of Sarangani have been dispensing the kind of governance that people really wanted to see from their officials.
As vital requirement under the Seal award, Gov. Dominguez on Tuesday (December 13) submitted a document shortlisting some 2012 project profiles that are responsive to MDGs attainment.
Among those were “the P3.465-million improvement/rehabilitation or construction of 13 day-care centers across the province in pursuit of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) being the foundation of its “Education Revolution!” campaign to include other UNICEF-supported projects such as the Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP).”
When asked why Sarangani, Hijara said the provincial government was able to meet the vital requirement under the Seal which is specifically “the full disclosure of budget and finances, assets” among others.
The awarding schedule, according to her, is yet to be announced soon. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)


Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) urged boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday to present his 2010 tax records and avoid protracted court battles.
Cotabato Revenue Regional Director Rozel Lozares exhorted the boxing icon to heed his request so he can concentrate on
his training for his fight against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, United States in June.
Lozares said Pacquiao need not personally present his financial statements as they can be sumitted through his lawyer or accountant.
He said the criminal complaint will be dropped as soon as Pacquiao submits the documents. It was learned that a lawyer of Pacquiao has met Cotabato revenue officials but he did not bring his client’s records.
Lozares said the Cotabato prosecutor’s office has yet to set the preliminary investigation of the contempt charges he filed against Pacquiao. The charges arose from Pacquiao’s alleged refusal to present his books of accounts and for ignoring the subpoena that the BIR issued against him.
Pacquiao’s lawyers, however, argued that their client did not receive such subpoena.




Line 636: Line 537:




==13 dead, 34 hurt in Sarangani, Negros mishaps==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/344926/tribal-school
*December 15, 2011, 2:59pm
:by  www.mb.com.ph




==PCG defended 'M/Y Sarangani' from harassment -- Nolcom chief==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46760-PCG-defended-MY-Sarangani-from-harassment-Nolcom-chief.html
*Wednesday, April 25. 2012
:by  (PNA)
DCT/scs/PFN


ALABEL, Sarangani (PIA) – The province of Sarangani has earned the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award in recognition of its exemplary performance in governance, transparency, and accountability.


The award also entitles Sarangani to avail of the Performance Challenge Fund in the amount of P10 million as financial incentive to support the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
MANILA — Despite being outnumbered and outsized by its foreign counterparts, the Philippine Coast Guard's "BRP Pampanga" (SAR-003) valiantly defended a National Museum-hired yacht against harassment at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal by Chinese vessels, Northern Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said on Tuesday.
Alcantara explained that this took place on April 14 when an unidentified Chinese vessel approached the "M/Y Sarangani" and demanded that the Filipino ship stop its mission which was to conduct an archeological survey in Panatag Shoal.
"Upon receiving word of the harassment, BRP Pampanga positioned itself at the mouth of Panatag Shoal and thereby demonstrated to the Chinese vessels that it is willing to protect the M/Y Sarangani," the Nolcom chief said.
Due to the efforts of BRP Pampanga, the M/Y Sarangani was able to complete its mission and departed from the area on April 20.
"I think they were well taken care of by our Coast Guard when they were out there," Alcantara said.


Marife Tenorio of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said the province will avail of the incentive in the form of project grant, but stressed that objectives of the projects should be aligned with the MDGs.
==Region 12 high-risk to climate change impact==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/04/22/region-12-high-risk-to-climate-change-impact/
*Sunday| April 22, 2012
:by Bong S. Sarmiento


==Sarangani activates Inter-Agency Council against Human Trafficking==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68092
*Wednesday, December 14, 2011
:by  CT Apelacio


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/21 April) — Southwestern Mindanao is highly at risk in a changing climate condition, with increased rainfall and rising sea levels, an official warned on Friday.
Herlita G. Caraan, National Statistical Coordination BoardRegion 12 chief, said that more rainfall, an increase in temperature and rising sea level would hit the area in the medium term (2020-2050).
In a fact sheet, NSCB-12 warned of worse flooding, landslide and storm surges affecting hundreds of villages in the region as a result of climate change.
Based on a mid-range scenario simulations by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), rainfall in Region 12 was predicted to increase in 2020 by as much as 14.8 percent and 15.6 percent by2050.
The increased rainfall was projected to happen during the north-east monsoon season (December to February) and during the transition of seasons from September to November.
“These periods will be wetter and with potential for increased flooding, storm surge and landslide,” Caraan said.
According to the geo-hazard maps from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau, at least 300 barangays in the region are high-risk to flooding as they are located near major river tributaries and low land zones.
TheMGB-12 also classified some 200 villages in elevated areas and those near sloppy areas as high-risk to landslides.
Forty-eight coastal villages are vulnerable to storm surges while 26 other have high potential for tsunami, it added.
Region12, also called the SOCCSKSARGEN region, consists of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
Temperatures are expected to increase across all four seasons though it would be much hotter during the summer season (March to May) across all provinces in the region, theNSCB-12 said.
PAGASA further projected an annual mean temperature increase from the observed baseline by 0.9oC to 1.3oC in 2020 and from 1.9oC to 2.5oC in 2050 in Region 12, it said.
Health authorities have warned that warmer temperatures would result to increase risks to infectious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis.
“More people will be vulnerable to cholera as algal blooms may occur more frequently. Red tide in coastal waters will become more frequent and widespread,”the report said.


For rising seawater, the NSCB-12, citing a Greenpeace report titled “The Philippines: A Climate Hotspot,“ said that an estimated 11,664,000 square meters of land in Region 12 will be vulnerable to a one-meter sea level rise.
Areas most likely to be affected are coastal areas in Sarangani, SultanKudarat, General Santos City, including Cotabato City as 70 percent of the city’s total land area is below sea level, the NSCB-12 said.
Ronald Flores, executive director of the Office of Civil Defense, urged the local government units in Region12 to put up their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMO).
The OCD has been conducting regional consultation for LGUs to effectively implement Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of 2010. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec 14 (PIA)-- The Sarangani Provincial Gender and Development Council (PGADC) thru the Provincial Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (PIACaT) is strengthening its campaign against human rights violation and trafficking as the year gets to its end.
==Mendoza: Why Pacquiao left Noynoy to join Binay==
The activation of PIACaT in the province has been established “with council resolution through a Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-06-09.”
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2012/04/21/mendoza-why-pacquiao-left-noynoy-join-binay-217360
PIACaT is being lodged with the PGADC being the one that has a mandatory fund of 5 percent of the total amount of the General Fund of the province. For the next year, PGADC has a projected allocation of more or less P29 million.
*Saturday, April 21, 2012
Fiscal Vicente Felipe Velasco, provincial prosecutor and PIACaT chairperson said the council is bent on implementing RA 9208 otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 together with other partner government agencies.
:by  Al S. Mendoza
“The Sarangani PIACaT takes off its campaign on human rights protection and abuses to avert the escalating activities on human trafficking,” he told media at a press conference Monday.
According to him, human trafficking may be in the form of sex and domestic slavery, child abuse, illegal recruitment and proliferation of prohibited drugs.
Velasco asked the participation of all stakeholders to include the media to help the council dispense its mandate as he acknowledged the problem of trafficking in women and children to be “alarming.”
Meanwhile, Police Senior Inspector Delia Cadorna, also Women and Children’s Concerns Desk Officer of Sarangani Police Provincial Office said there are at least “105 recorded victims of trafficking from the seven municipalities” of Sarangani since 2005.
“The victims cut across all ages and genders whose recruiters offer better lives and work abroad but only to find themselves victims,” she said.
She also lamented that police find it difficult to even bring the case to courtroom since “there is difficulty in getting witnesses and victims are afraid to risk their lives to come out and expose their perpetrators.”
Sarangani Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit, committee chair on family, women and children and co-chair of PGADC, said the provincial government is doing its best from providing funds for programs to expanding opportunities for the people in the hope they do away with illegal activities.
She said the province has also sought the participation and support of various multi-sectoral stakeholders to the anti-human trafficking campaign to forge a more cohesive and collective efforts.
PIACaT is composed of key national government agencies such as the Prosecutor’s Office, the Dept.of Social Welfare and Development, Dept. of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCFRW), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and their provincial and municipal counterparts; the private sectors, NGOs, and religious organizations.
Sister Susan Bolanio, executive director of the Oblates of Notre Dame Hesed Foundation and member of PIACaT representing the religious group also urged the media to be actively involved in the campaign.
Asked if being a human trafficker or drug courier a result of sheer poverty, Sister Susan simply cited that it is value that really dictates the action of a certain person. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)


==Task Force created to oversee implementation of Lake Sebu-Maitum Ecology Road Devt Project==
*Source: http://www.southcotabatonews.com/2011/12/lake-sebu-maitum-ecology-road-devt.html
*Monday, December 12, 2011
:by  ilonggo news, lake sebu, pia 12, press release


FROM Lakas to NP, LP and now UNA. Those are the four political parties thus far for Manny Pacquiao.


Does that make Pacquiao a turncoat, a political butterfly?


The creation of Task Force Lake Sebu-Maitum Ecology Road Development Project will showcase the institutionalization of the convergence of services and efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of the project while protecting and conserving the environment.
The last Lakas stalwart was Ate Glue, the former president now serving as a representative from Pampanga.


The project is one of the Kilos Abante Infrastructure projects of Region XII for 2011 to 2016 which if completed, would directly link the existing Cotabato-Surallah-Koronadal-General Santos Arterial Road in South Cotabato province and the Sarangani-Sultan Kudarat Coastal Road in Sarangani province.
During her nine-year reign at the Palace, Ate Glue’s regular visitor was Pacquiao.


The road is expected to provide shorter link between the coastal towns of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat to the regional center in Koronadal City via Lake Sebu and Surallah towns in South Cotabato.
It became almost customary for Pacquiao to drop by Ate Glue’s old residence by the
riverbanks every time he came home from a conquest overseas.


Importantly, the road will facilitate the movement of people, goods and services between rural communities in the upland areas of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces.
When he first ran for congressman in GenSan in 2007, Pacquiao was under the Lakas banner.


Likewise, the tourist destinations in the areas of Lake Sebu, Maitum and adjacent tourist places will also become more accessible.
Unfortunately, he lost to Darlene Antonino-Custodio.


In Regional Development Council Resolution Number 125, series of 2011, the abovementioned project was adopted and the task force was created.
Pacquiao next aimed his political guns in Sarangani, the land of birth of his wife, Jinkee.


The Task Force is chaired by South Cotabato governor Arthur Pingoy, Jr. and co-chaired by Sarangani governor Miguel Rene Dominguez.
In 2010, he won the lone congressional seat in Sarangani, running under Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party.


The members comprise of InfraCom chairman Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr. and the regional directors of DPWH, DENR, NEDA, NCIP, EMB and DOT. Also included are the mayors of Lake Sebu and Maitum; Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) for Allah Valley Protected Landscape, district engineers of both South Cotabato and Sarangani and three (3) private sector representatives from RDC XII.
But Villar lost to Noynoy Aquino, the standard bearer of the Liberal Party.


==RDC XII supports increase of allowable local travel expenses of government employees==
Not long after, Pacquiao switched camps again, moving over to Noynoy’s LP.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=67329
*Saturday, December 10, 2011
:by PIA Press Release


Observers said, Pacquiao “is so young, but so wise already to the ways of the political arena.”


You want political survival, you seek to secure favors from the powerful, join the ruling party: LP.


ALABEL, Sarangani, December 10, (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council, SoCCSKSarGen region or region XII threw its support to the resolution of RDC VII or Visayas region requesting President Aquino for the adjustment of the local travel expenses of government employees.
But, alas, the Noynoy-PacMan romance would prove to be short-lived.
In its 36th regular meeting on December 7, in this municipality, the RDC XII members approved the recommendation of the regional social development committee to support the RDC VII resolution number 33, series of 2011 signed in September, 2011 requesting the President through the Travel Rates Committee to increase the local travel expenses from P800 to P1,900.
The P800 rate, according to the resolution is inadequate considering the price increases and the decline of the peso purchasing power since 2004 and in anticipation of upward adjustments in the next five (5) years.
The Administrative Code of 1987, particularly Section 72, provides for the per diems of government officials and employees on official travel. Pursuant to the said provision, several executive orders have been issued prescribing the rules and regulations and the rates of allowance for official travel of government personnel.
On the other hand, Section 17 of Executive Order 248 issued in 1995 provided for the automatic rate adjustment should the prevailing rates become inadequate five (5) years after the issuance of the executive order.
In 2004, Executive Order 298 was issued providing for a new rate of allowable travel expenses for official travel effective 2004 and since then, no other issuances have been released, the resolution stated. (OTSUDARIA/PIA 12)


==RDC XII approves draft executive order on clearance re-imposition of island to island transshipment of motor vehicles==
Just very recently, Vice President Jojo Binay said Pacquiao has joined the UNA (United Nationalist Alliance).
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=67329
*Friday, December 09, 2011
:by PIA Press Release


UNA is an alliance forged between the PDP-Laban (Binay’s party when he defeated Mar Roxas for vice president in 2010) and Erap’s PMP (Partido ng Masang Pilipino).


“PacMan is our gubernatorial bet in Sarangani in the 2013 election,” said Binay, the UNA chieftain who is highly-touted as running for president in 2016.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council, region XII, extended its support to a Malacanang drafted executive order for the re-imposition of clearance requirement for the transfer of motor vehicles from one island to another through ferry or other similar transshipment services.
Pacquiao’s fans have asked me: What might have prompted PacMan to bolt Noynoy’s LP?
After complying with the recommendations of conducting consultations with concerned agencies and local government units and secure the LGUs endorsement, the draft executive order finally earned the approval of the RDC XII members during its 36th regular meeting held yesterday at the Montana Resort, Alabel, Sarangani.
Police Senior Superintendent Jaime Macarilay of the PNP- Highway Patrol Group, region XII quoting then Chief PNP director-general Raul Bacalzo said the discontinuance of the PNP transshipment clearance on May 11, 2004 through a directive of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has resulted in the proliferation of car theft incidents. This has enabled the syndicates to use the situation to freely transport the stolen goods to other parts of the country, the HPG head added.
The draft executive order states that Section 11 of Republic Act 8539 or the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, provides for the imposition of PNP clearance for shipment of motor vehicles, engines, engine blocks, chassis or body from one island to another through ferry services.
The proposed executive order directs the Philippine National Police to continue enforcing the requirement for owners and operators of inter-island or any water transportation with launches, boats, vessels or ships to submit a report to the PNP within seven (7) days on all motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, engine blocks, chassis or bodies transported by their vessels. (OTSUDARIA/PIA 12)


==126 bags of illegally-extracted gold ores seized in Sarangani==
I have a guess: PacMan felt he didn’t get any help from Noynoy regarding the boxing icon’s recent row with the taxman.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=390831
*December 7, 2011, 6:24 pm
:by (PNA)
LAP/LAM/AVE/RSS


You might probably say, “What a flimsy reason.”


Excuse me, but to a guy like Pacquiao, friendship is really “walang iwanan,” or BFF if you will, as in “Best Friends Forever.”


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) - Authorities have seized some 126 sacks of illegally-extracted gold ores that were reportedly sourced from the mineral-rich mountains of Sarangani Province.
The masa would almost always think that way.


1st Lt. Ferdinand Ragos, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion’s (IB) Charlie Company, said Wednesday the gold ores were intercepted on Tuesday at their checkpoint in Barangay Tambilil, Kiamba town in Sarangani.
==5 foreign vessels enter shoal==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=798783&publicationSubCategoryId=63
*April 20, 2012 12:00 AM
:by  Alexis Romero


“It was loaded in an Isuzu Elf truck with closed aluminum container…[They failed] to show any permit to the inspecting troops,” Ragos said in a report to Lt. Col. Adolfo Espuelas, 73rd IB commanding officer.


The truck containing the illegal gold ores was apprehended at around 1:15 am, and was allegedly owned by local businessman Bong Acquia, according to the report obtained by the Philippines News Agency.
MANILA, Philippines - Three foreign vessels and two small boats have been spotted in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in addition to the two Chinese maritime vessels involved in a standoff with a lone Philippine Coast Guard ship.


Acquia could not be immediately reached for comment.
Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said the three foreign vessels were sighted on Wednesday, the same day Philippine-commissioned vessel MT Sarangani left the area after conducting an archaeological survey. The vessel left Wednesday night.


The gold ores came from Sitio Kaffugan in Barangay New La Union, Maitum town, and were bound to a ball mill plant in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Tambilil in Kiamba town, Ragos said.
Meanwhile, the current impasse has little or no effect on Filipino workers in China, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.


Those who transported the mineral ores were identified as Jose Rene Farrales, Rofredo Bontong and Daerbz Generalao, the report said.
“I think it’s the quality of our workers there who, despite political tensions, are just continuing their work,” Baldoz said.


Ragos said he already informed the local police of Kiamba and the community environment and natural resources officer about the incident.
“A summary report submitted to me said there are three vessels but these are not Filipino vessels. There are also outrigger boats outside and inside the lagoon,” Alcantara reported. He said they could not tell whether the small boats were of local or foreign origin. Alcantara clarified that the departure of the vessel had nothing to do with China’s demand for Philippine ships to leave the shoal.


Early this year, the Sarangani provincial government ordered the closure of the illegal mining site in Sitio Kaffugan for lack of permits.
“Perhaps their research has been completed. The ship was just commissioned by the National Museum,” he said.


A joint police and military detachment were ordered established in the mining site to prevent further activities.
It was the National Historical Commission of the Philippines which commissioned the Sarangani. Its passengers included nine French nationals and three employees of the National Museum.


But it has been pulled out for still unknown reasons.
Alcantara stressed, however, the situation in the area was stable and no unusual incidents were reported.


In a follow-up operation, Ragos led a 16-man military foot patrol to Sitio Kaffugan, jumping off from their detachment at around 4 a.m on Tuesday.
Masinloc, Zambales Mayor Desiree Edora said Zambales fishermen were now avoiding Panatag Shoal for fear of getting harassed or arrested by the Chinese or caught in an armed confrontation between Chinese and Filipino forces.


They arrived in the mining site at around 10:30 am.
“My secretary interviewed the fishermen and it’s been a while since they sailed there because they are afraid that a confrontation might ensue,” she told dzMM radio reporter Edwin Sevidal.


Two persons were apprehended, namely Carmelo Flang, 27, and Felixberto Loyao, 21, both residents of Sitio Banate in Barangay New La Union, Ragos said.
Edora said they have yet to coordinate with the military or the Foreign Affairs department regarding the matter.


“They were caught in the act packing mineral ores,” the military official said, adding they turned them over to Maitum police station for detention and further investigation.
Panatag Shoal is 124 nautical miles from Zambales and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which China is a signatory.


==6 fishing vessels sink off Sarangani==
On April 8, eight Chinese fishing vessels were spotted in the shoal, prompting the Navy to send its largest warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar to the area to check on the vessels.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/06/11/6-fishing-vessels-sink-sarangani
*12/06/2011 2:51 PM | Updated as of 12/06/2011 2:51 PM
:by report from Noel Alamar, dzMM


The ship reached the shoal on April 10 and its crew boarded the fishing vessels where they found live sharks, corals, and giant clams.


But before the Filipino sailors could arrest the fishermen and seize their catch, two Chinese “surveillance” ships arrived and stopped them. The fishing boats were able to flee with their illegal harvests.


MANILA, Philippines – Six fishing vessels sank off the shore of Sarangani province due to strong winds and waves, a coast guard official said Tuesday.
The Del Pilar eventually left the area to replenish supplies and was replaced by the smaller and lightly armed BRP Pampanga of the coast guard.


General Santos City Coast Guard Commander Melver Anibersaryo said 5 of the fishing vessels sank off the coast of Barangay Tali-ap, Maasim town. One of the vessels was FBCA Wilfredo.
Aside from the Chinese ships, an aircraft – also believed to be Chinese – had reportedly buzzed a Filipino fishing vessel.


The other vessel sank in the waters of Sitio Dumon, Barangay Pangyan, Glan.
Baldoz, meanwhile, recalled that Filipino workers felt no backlash even after the Rizal Park hostage tragedy in August 2010 that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead. The incident briefly soured relations between the Philippines and China.


Fishing vessel operator Edwin Pagador and 3 others were rescued from the FBCA Peter.
Labor department records show there are 26,772 Filipino workers in China, mostly doctors and professionals.


Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the other missing fishermen, whose names have not been released.
“We don’t send that many OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) to China. They are mostly going there as tourists and try their luck to gain employment and just convert their visas into working visas upon getting jobs,” she added.


==13 killed in Sarangani road accident==
Encouraging
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/240303/news/regions/13-killed-in-sarangani-road-accident
*December 5, 2011 12:00pm
:by ANDREO CALONZO, GMA News


At Malacañang, Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said President Aquino had a chance meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing to whom he expressed his feeling of satisfaction that both sides were willing to talk to resolve the issue.


“He told her that it was encouraging that both sides continue to talk,” Carandang said.


World boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao on Monday was officially elevated to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the reserve force of the Philippine Army.
Chinese embassy spokesman Zhang Hua, for his part, said his country prefers friendly consultations over discussing the issue before a United Nations-backed tribunal.
Army chief Major General Emmanuel Bautista donned the rank insignia on Pacquiao in a ceremony on Monday morning at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In his acceptance speech, Pacquiao defended his being promoted to the rank despite his lack of a college degree.
“Obviously, I am not trained for military operations, but it should be emphasized that reservists, are by their truest nature, civilian professionals first and military personnel second… Congressman Pacquiao is fairly entitled with the rank of lieutenant colonel,” he said.
He also vowed “to win [his] few more fights and bring honor to our country” after receiving his higher rank.
For his part, Major Harold Cabunoc, Army spokesperson, also maintained the legitimacy of Pacquiao’s commissionship to lieutenant colonel.
“His commissionship was based on the provisions of Section 44 of Republic Act 7077 which provides that ‘elected officials and presidential appointees may be commissioned into the Reserve Force subject to the existing AFP rules and regulations’,” he said in a separate statement.
Pacquiao in the military
Last September, President Benigno Aquino III, through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., approved Pacquiao’s commissionship to lieutenant colonel based on recommendation from Army officials.
Pacquiao was first enlisted in the Army reserve force with the rank of sergeant on April 1, 2006 on the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Alexander Yano, who used to be a brigade commander in Sarangani. Yano served as Armed Forces chief before retiring in 2009.


Six months after his enlistment, Pacquiao was promoted to the next rank of technical sergeant and on Oct. 7, 2007, and then he was promoted to master sergeant. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant on May 4, 2009.
“We want friendly efforts to solve it,” Hua told The STAR.


Military officials had reservations on promoting him to the officers’ rank as this requires a college degree.
Sen. Francis Escudero, meanwhile, said he supports proposals for the Philippines to have a joint exploration with China in the disputed islands in Palawan.


However, Pacquiao’s honorary doctorate degree on humanities conferred by the Southwestern University in Cebu on Feb. 18, 2009, served the purpose, and also his election as Sarangani congressman in May last year. - VVP, GMA News
Escudero stressed that issues involving the Panatag Shoal and the West Philippine Sea should be resolved through diplomatic means.


==13 killed in Sarangani road accident==
Escudero recognized that Congress has the power to allow the administration to launch a war against China, but it is not choosing that option.
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/240303/news/regions/13-killed-in-sarangani-road-accident
*December 2, 2011 7:21am
:by LBG, GMA News


“Somebody asked me the question on why Congress is not doing anything. I know we have the sole power to declare war. The reason why Congress is quiet on it (is) because we don’t want to declare war,” Escudero said.


Come budget deliberations, Escudero said he expects explanations from defense and foreign affairs officials about the developments on the maritime disputes.


At least 13 people were reported killed in a road accident involving a van and a truck in Sarangani province Thursday.
“I think the briefings will come during the budget deliberations and then we have more information with respect to the actions that the government has taken through the international organizations that we have brought this matter up with,” the senator said.


Six of the 13 were killed instantly after the L300-type van driven by Eulogio Rivera hit the truck, radio dzBB reported early Friday.
Escudero recommended that both China and the Philippines should agree on joint exploration. He said profits may be shared equally or the Philippines may bat for a bigger share. He said there is no reason to fight over areas that might yield no oil or gas or minerals.


Police have taken Rivera into custody as they investigate the cause of the accident.
He said accusing China of bullying is only worsening the problem.


A separate report on Radyo Mo Nationwide (RMN) said the fatalities included pastors of a religious group and members of their families.
“I think the President was being factual when he made the statement in connection with our position in relation to China,” Escudero said.


The RMN report identified some of the fatalities as Pastor Gilbert Constantino, his wife Alice and child Nikke; Pastor Rodolfo Acejo and his wife; Pastor Ricky Magallanes and wife Gigi; Pastor Real Ilugsong and wife Annie; Pastor Arnod Cabredo and wife Liza; and one Gen Martinez and child Arvie.
He said the Philippines has ordered only two new aircraft while China has more than 2,000. – With Christina Mendez, Pia Lee-Brago, Sheila Crisostomo


Four people were also injured in the accident, the RMN report said.
==Sarangani Launches Mahin Summer Festet==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/178517/ex-sarangani-governor-6-others-charged-with-graft
*April 19, 2012, 4:35pm
:by  newsinfo.inquirer.net


An initial investigation showed the victims were riding the van that collided with a trailer truck in Panamin village in Malungon town in Sarangani.


The RMN report said the pastors belonged to Victory Chapel in General Santos City.
GLAN, Sarangani (PIA) — Glan’s Mahin Festival kicks off vacation fun in Sarangani with another series of summer activities that would climax with a sunset-to-sunrise beach party in the famed Sarangani Bay Fest next month to be held in the white sands of Gumasa.


The victims were reportedly on their way to a Christmas party when the driver of their van failed to see the early warning devices of the truck.
The successful maiden celebration of Mahin Festival last year triggered expectations of a bigger crowd to the three-day festivity which started yesterday, April 19, until April 21.


==‘Hot’ lumber seized in Sarangani==
Lumba sa Kabayo (horse race), Palupad Tabanog (kite flying), Bangkarera (boat race), Pintados (body painting), beach volleyball and football, Bikini Open, concerts (featuring Blakdyak) and fireworks display are the lined-up activities that are certain to fire up the excitement of local folks.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=389497
*December 1, 2011, 4:25 pm
:by  (PNA)  
FFC/AVE/RSS


Yesterday’s events were held at The Grove Beach in barangay Tango while in the next two days, it will be at the Coco Beach in Gumasa.


Mahin is a festival unique to the town of Glan which brings back traditional beach activities the townsfolk have been fond of doing since then like horse racing at the shoreline.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 1 (PNA) – Government forces have seized a truck load of alleged illegally-cut hardwood that was reportedly sourced from the critical forests of Kiamba town in Sarangani province.
==Ex-Sarangani governor, 6 others charged with graft==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/178517/ex-sarangani-governor-6-others-charged-with-graft
*5:12 am | Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
:by    Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer


1Lt. Ferdinand Ragos, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company, said Thursday an estimated 7,500 to 8,000 board feet of lumber, with a market value of P160,000, were apprehended by their unit at a checkpoint in Barangay Tambilil.


He said the illegally-cut lumber was loaded in a 10-wheeler truck, which is now impounded at the Charlie Company camp.
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against former Sarangani Governor Miguel Escobar and six other provincial officials for the questionable purchase of 30,000 textbooks without public bidding.
Escobar was charged for approving two textbook purchases, involving 15,000 books for each transaction, in 2002 and 2003.
Charged with Escobar for the first purchase was Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Hermelo Latoja, who acted as the attorney in fact for textbook supplier Institute for Youth Volunteers Service and Early Childhood Development Inc.
For the second purchase, charged along with Escobar and Latoja were Committee on Awards members Teresa Alvarado, Wahid Diama, Sittiehawa Marohomsalic, Cesar Cagang and Vivencia Telesforo.
The Sarangani officials have denied the allegations against them in their respective counteraffidavits.
Sarangani province first bought 15,000 copies of the textbook ABC My Practice Book I in November 2002 for P1.5 million, and bought 15,000 copies of ABC My Practice Book II in June 2003.
The 2002 transaction was considered an emergency purchase, which was why the textbooks were bought directly from the supplier.
But Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said the emergency purchase was unjustified.


Ragos said that they seized the lumber after flagging down the truck at their checkpoint.
==Sarangani hills ideal for paragliding, say experts==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/04/17/sarangani-hills-ideal-for-paragliding-say-experts/
*Tuesday| April 17, 2012
:by  Allen V. Estabillo


“They were able to present a transport permit but it appears to be recycled,” Ragos said.


He said the transport permit was issued on November 10 and valid only until November 16, records showed.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/16 April) — Paragliding experts are promoting Sarangani province’s hilly landscape as a prime spot for the aerial adventure sport.


The military official said they also became suspicious when the permit showed that the lumbers were composed of Falcata and Mahogany species.
French national Armand Dard, a visiting professional paragliding instructor, said they found the hills straddling the Sarangani Bay, especially those located in the coastal villages of Maasim town, as a first-rate paragliding flight site.
“This is my second time in the Philippines and my first time in Sarangani. Last year I did some paragliding in Carmona, Cavite and also in Boracay but this place, which I discovered one month ago is a better flight site,” Dard said.
Dard and a newly-organized team of local paragliders have so far tried out the hills along a ranch owned by the San Andres Fishing Industries (SAFI) in barangay Seguil in Maasim, which is about 30 minutes away from this city.
“It has comfortable takeoff and landing sites. Its big landing site is comfortable for beginners and you can fly almost every day,” he said in a report released by the Sarangani Information Office.
Dard has been conducting international-standard paragliding trainings to members of the newly-formed Sarangani Paragliding Club.
Michelle Solon, Region 12 tourism council chairperson, said they now consider paragliding as “the next big thing” in the region.
Region 12, which also known as the Soccsksargen Region, covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.


Falcata is not known to thrive here and also we’ve found there are Lawaan and other unknown hardwood species loaded in the truck, he added.
“What is the next big thing in Region 12? We are crossing our fingers — I believe in a heartbeat, it’s going to be paragliding in Sarangani,” she said.
“Who said there is no wind around Sarangani Bay? On the contrary, there is enough wind!” added Solon, who had tried sky sports paragliding.
Joseph Oncada, vice president of Sarangani Paragliding Club said they started paragliding in the area in September last year.
“To those who want to become pilots, or just want to experience flying in tandem, we offer training and tandem flights,” Oncada said.
For a short flight, which is about 10 minutes, enthusiasts will need to cough up P2,300 and around P3,000 for a 15 to 20-minute flight, he said.
On May 18, Oncada said the Sarangani Paragliding Club will have a paragliding accuracy competition as part of the upcoming celebration of the two-day Sarangani Bay Festival. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)


The source of the seized lumber in Sitio Kaawil, Barangay Tambilil is about 10 kilometers from the Charlie Company headquarters.


“The roar of chainsaws could even be heard sometimes in our camp,” Ragos said.


In a follow-up operation in the forest, soldiers recovered 41 pieces of hard wood species measuring 2,000 board feet, he said.


These are now strewn along the highway also fronting the Charlie Company’s headquarters.


The alleged illegal loggers were identified as Jack Osama and Susing Sulang, both residents of this town, Ragos said.


Amelia Wahid, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer, has set a hearing on Friday for the seized lumbers to determine the culpability of the suspects.


==Sarangani probes dumping of tons of spoiled tuna==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=753275
*November 29, 2011 03:36 PM
:by  philstar.com






GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The provincial government of Sarangani province has launched an investigation into the dumping over the weekend of an estimated 20 tons of decaying tuna along the Sarangani Bay.
==Palawan, Comval replicate Sarangani Big Brother==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1671334558968
*Monday 16th of April 2012
:by  (Beverly C. Paoyon and Serafin N. Ramos Jr./PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


Rolando Tuballes, Sarangani environment and natural resources officer, said Tuesday loads of the rotten tuna were washed into the shores of three villages in Maasim starting on Monday, polluting a significant portion of its municipal waters.


He said the dumped tuna were initially seen drifting near the shores of Barangay Kanalo and were later swept to nearby Barangays Pananag and Lumatil.
ALABEL, Sarangani, April 16 (PIA) -- Sarangani Big Brother (SBB) “Reading is Fun!” enters its “Season 5” this week with two provinces replicating the program this year.  


Tuballes said some of the dumped tuna, which weighed as much as nine kilos each, were carried by a huge fish net that had been abandoned in the area.
SBB “Reading is Fun!” is a 15-day reading program run by the provincial government’s Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program designed to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve reading skills of “frustration readers” among incoming Grade 2 and 3 pupils.  


“The smell was so bad in the area right now and there’s a possibility that the decomposing fish might contaminate the immediate waters,” he said.
“Frustration readers” are those who can identify words but have inadequate or no comprehension at all.  


Tuballes said they were still determining where the rotten fish came from but cited that they could have been unloaded by a fishing vessel that passed by the area.
The activity is a whole day remedial reading program from April 17 to May 8 implemented in partnership with the DepEd, QUEST, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Alcantara Foundation.  


He said the volume of the dumped tuna, which were composed mostly of Skipjack and Bonito, clearly shows that it was from commercial fishing operations.
QUEST recently held two days of training for teachers who will conduct the reading classes. Each of the 309 teachers will handle an ideal class size of 35 pupils.  


The official said they initially coordinated with maritime agencies and fishery regulatory offices based in this city to help look into the incident.
During the training, Governor Migs Dominguez thanked the teachers for their “passion and commitment” to make SBB successful.  


He said they initially advised residents of the affected villages to bury the rotten tuna that had been washed ashore to prevent possible health-related hazards.
“Let’s remember the first time we make them (children) read,” Dominguez told the teachers as he stressed the importance of continuously motivating children to learn to read.  


Jumbra Tama, Kanalo barangay chair, said the local government of Maasim has dispatched a backhoe to their village to help retrieve and bury the rotten tuna.
Compostela Valley Province also sent nine youth leaders and 12 teachers to join the training as they would replicate SBB starting this summer vacation which would be called “Summer Big Brother: Reading is Fun! Season 1”.  


He said they initially asked the municipal council of Maasim to investigate the incident and initiate the necessary legal actions against the owners of the dumped tuna.
After a series of benchmarking of local officials, DepEd officials and private sector in Sarangani which was arranged by Alcantara Foundation, Compostela Valley decided to replicate QUEST. Comval started with an Education Summit last January.  


“They should be held accountable for this because it has put our health and livelihood at risk here,” he said.
Palawan was also set to launch this month its Palawan Big Brother, patterned after SBB.  


Maasim Vice Mayor Utto Salem Cutan assured that the local government will take appropriate actions on the matter, especially against the owner of the dumped fish.
In early March, QUEST program manager Annalie Edday was instructed by Governor Dominguez to email the activities of QUEST to Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra because he was interested to replicate QUEST.  


He said they received initial information that the supposed owner of the still unidentified fishing vessel and the fish net that carried the decaying fish was from this city.- PNA
A QUEST team led by Edday flew to Palawan on March 19-22 to present QUEST and help Palawan organize its education reform program.  


==Milkfish fry released in Sarangani==
This summer, Palawan will have its PBB (Palawan Big Brother: Reading is Fun! Season 1).  
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/11/28/construction-of-200-mw-coal-power-plant-in-sarangani-begins/
*Monday| November 28, 2011
:by  Bong S. Sarmiento


“PBB is the kickoff project of the Palawan education reform program,” Edday said.


In Sarangani, Edday noted the improvement in the performance of the “frustration readers” after they have completed the reading program.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY  (MindaNews/27 November) — It’s all systems go for the controversial Alcantara-led coal power plant project in a world-class diving spot in nearby Maasim, Sarangani, with groundbreaking rites held last Friday.
“I am so happy that they feel the sense of belongingness as they enrolled in the next grade,” Edday said.  
Tomas I. Alcantara, chair and president of Alsons Consolidated Resources (ACR), led the groundbreaking rites for the $450 million coal-fired power plant, the first phase z100 megawatts (MW) targeted for completion by 2014.
Alcantara said the entire project will generate about 200 MW of “safe, reliable and affordable energy” to the people of Socsargen (South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City) and the rest of Mindanao and will provide employment to at least 500 workers during the construction period. Around 150 workers will be hired when the plant goes on stream, with preference for local residents, he added.
The power plant will employ modern and world-class equipment and technology to ensure “minimal environmental impact,” he said.
Religious, civil and militant organizations and environmental groups are opposing the coal power plant citing adverse effects on health and the environment.
Last year, the opposition gained international support with the sailing of Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace’s advocacy ship, in Maasim town.
Alcantara said that as part of the company’s commitment to protect and enrich the ecosystem of Sarangani Bay, they would continue restocking or dispersing various species of fish produced in the nurseries of an affiliate company.
“This is our effort to ensure the continued health of our waters and the protection of the livelihood of our fisherfolk who are dependent on our municipal waters,” he said.
The newly created Sarangani Energy Corporation will pursue the coal power plant project. The project was issued an environmental compliance certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2009.
Joseph Nocos, Conal Holdings Corp. Vice President, had earlier said the second phase of the coal power project would begin a year after the completion of the first phase.
The first phase is slated for completion in 36 months or late 2014, when Mindanao is projected to have a supply shortfall, he said.
Conal Holdings is 60% owned by the publicly listed ACR and the rest by the Electricity Generating Public Co. Ltd. or EGCO, Thailand’s largest power producer.
Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez, an Alcantara scion, has thrown his support to the coal power plant project, noting this could be a “magnet of investment” for other industries in the area.
Several months ago, company officials announced that a power supply agreement with the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative 2 (Socoteco-2) had been reached.
Under the power supply deal, Sarangani Energy will provide a dedicated supply of 70-MW to the Socotecto-2 which serves this city, the whole of Sarangani and parts of South Cotabato. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)


==Milkfish fry released in Sarangani==
She said every year different modules are used in the summer classes as additional inputs are being introduced.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342767/milkfish-fry-released-sarangani
*November 27, 2011, 5:23pm
:by  MARVYN N. BENANING


QUEST also designed a volunteer program to tap youth volunteers who will assist teachers in facilitating the activities from the modules.


“Teaching young children to read is the most critical educational priority facing the province,” Edday said. She explained SBB “will help schools and children uplift their performance in reading.”


MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of milkfish fingerlings were released on Friday in a marine sanctuary in Maasim, Sarangani, by an aquaculture company to produce more breeders.
“By teaching all children to read well by the end of the third grade, we will ensure that all students that advance to later grades are well prepared to achieve their full academic potential,” Edday added.  


In ceremonies held in Barangay Lem Lunay, Alcantara Group president and chief executive Tomas Alcantara said a subsidiary, Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. (FHI), nurtured the fingerlings in inland ponds using sabalo breeders that have grown to as long as 1.2 meters.
Edday said SBB was successful in helping DepED eliminate the frustration and instructional readers among incoming Grade 2 and 3 pupils.  


Fisheries experts said that in the wild, some sabalo can live for as long as 50 years, with the median at 32 years, and grow to about two meters.
“For years it has produced good result; for 4 years, this program has engaged 855 teacher volunteers, 2,166 youth volunteers and has made 17,983 pupils better readers,” Edday disclosed.  


Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. (FHI) also produces fry and fingerlings for grouper or lapu-lapu, pampano or pomfret, sea bass or apahap, cobia and snappers or maya-maya and had produced about 6.3 billion bangus fry since 1997.
“We are happy that we have numerous volunteers from General Santos City, seven scholars of American Field Studies and one German volunteer this year,” Edday reported about the SBB volunteers training.  


With 12,000 spawners subsisting on naturally formulated feeds from Taiwan, Jaime Montalvo, who presides over fish processing, said the company can produce up to 1.2 billion milkfish fry every year, or about half of what the bangus industry needs annually.
The program was first thought to make “reading as fun,” said Edday, “but since there are quite a number of frustration readers so we made SBB season 4 as a remedial reading program.”


By expanding the number of spawners, the conglomerate can actually produce up to 2 billion milkfish fry in a year.
SBB was launched in 2008 in which Governor Dominguez said the first concern then was how to harness the spirit of volunteerism among the youth “to be able to make them contribute in the community.”


Ramon Macaraig, chief of the technical division of the processing unit, said the Alcantara Group has 362 ponds, 57,062 sq m of cages and a 40-hectare finfish hatchery and a fish processing plant in Alabel, the capital of Sarangani.
“Masarap makatulong bumasa at buksan ang mga mata ng mga bata and teach them to dream big!,” Dominguez told the volunteers in Alabel during the volunteers training last year.  


“Sarangani Bay teems with different fish species and we hope to expand the number of breeders to supply the needs of aquaculture companies and fishpond owners in Luzon,” Alcantara said.
For the past three years, SBB became a channel in unifying the school’s community and utilizing the collective efforts of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of the province.  


Earlier, the Alcantara Group also supplied millions of bangus fingerlings to fish cage operators in Taal Lake and in hatcheries in Quezon, along with fishpond operators in Pangasinan hit hard by fish kills.
The governor has pointed out that “success lies in education. It opens up boundaries we think impossible. Education from elementary to high school up to college will ensure better future.”


It has also engaged in planting mangrove species in Sarangani Bay to encourage the spawning of more fish species and put in plane artificial reef domes to shelter marine resources.
In 2011, QUEST pre-test and post-test results showed a 55 percent increase of the pupils’ reading level from “frustration readers” (36%) to the right reading level (91%) and were ready to enter Grade 3.  


Alcantara noted that further down the bay, large schools of fish travel in what he described as a marine superhighway that the government wants to maintain.
Every year, the reading skills of pupils were improving because of Sarangani Big Brother. SBB has become successful through volunteer youth and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan.  


The Alcantaras have been into aquaculture since 1987 through the Sarangani Aqua Resources, Inc. (SARI), long before the Department of Agriculture (DA) found out the need to engage more in managed fisheries rather than depend on capture fisheries.
“SBB taught me to become someone - to be a builder of this nation. I learned to embrace the beauty of imparting knowledge,” volunteer John Logos Guiang from Maitum town said.  


They ventured into hatcheries and bangus culture since taking over the ponds formerly owned by Dole in 1994.
During its second season of Sarangani Big Brother “Reading is Fun!” one of the youth volunteers in Maasim Elementary School was Aimee Aragon, then a 15-year old incoming first year college student.  


Protecting Sarangani Bay is crucial to the Alcantara Group since it is home to breeders, with fishermen claiming that it teems with milkfish, with millions of spawners literally turning the bay white when they swim across the waters.
“I am blessed to be given the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences for the little children like I was, and I’m very happy to be an ‘Ate’ (big sister) for them,” Aragon said.  


The quality of the milkfish spawners in inland ponds of the group depends on marine sabalo and to approximate the taste of the bangus produced for the local and foreign markets, the right mix of seawater and freshwater from the Maribulan River in Alabel is maintained.
The Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) launched the month-long reading program in the summer of 2008 among elementary pupils while instilling the value of volunteerism among “mentors”.  


==Alsons investing additional $200 million==
Right from SBB’s first season, Alcantara Foundation has already been one of the partners together with the SK, DepEd and the local government in the implementation of the program.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342645/alsons-investing-additional-200-million
*November 26, 2011, 1:43am
:by  MYRNA M. VELASCO


The rest of the sponsors this year are Synergia Foundation, Sagittarius Mining Corp. and World Vision.


=='Respect Pacman's decision to join PDP-Laban'==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=797118&publicationSubCategoryId=63
*April 15, 2012 12:00 AM
:by Evelyn Macairan


MAASIM, Sarangani — The power generation arm of the Alcantaraowned Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. will invest additional $200 million for the second phase of the coal-fed power plant it will be constructing here.


That will be on top of the $280 million already announced by the Alsons power group for the project’s first phase which will have 100 megawatt capacity and is targeted on stream by mid-2014. The second phase will have the same capacity and will likely contribute to Mindanao grid’s supply by 2015.
MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic Church official asked the public yesterday to respect the decision of Sarangani representative and boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to join the political party Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.


“Our investment for phase 2 will be lower because we already gained economies of scale from the first phase … we already have the coal yard, jetty and other facilities. We are targeting construction of phase 2 six months after,” Alsons power group chief executive officer Tirso G. Santillan Jr. said.
Marbel South, Cotabato Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said Pacquiao is old enough to make decisions on his own.


At least 70 megawatts of the power plant’s capacity had already been committed to South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) via a 25-year power sales agreement (PSA).
“Pacman is mature and intelligent. Respect his decision,” Gutierrez said.


Santillan noted that the offered rate to the electric cooperative-offtaker is at P5.95 per kilowatt hour (kWh). “It is still subject to approval by the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission),” he emphasized.
Sarangani province is one of the areas under the Diocese of Marbel, South Cotabato, which the bishop heads.


Upon the plant’s commercial operation in 2014, it is expected that this will drive down the blended rate of Socoteco II by more than P1.00 per kilowatt hour (kWh) as it will replace part of the capacity being drawn now from a diesel-fired facility.
Gutierrez said his statement stems from his concern about the faith and morals of people, rather than politics.


Socoteco II general manager Rudy Ocat noted that their demand will continuously grow in the next three years, hence, they contracted for 70 megawatts of the plant’s initial capacity.
Pacquiao was earlier reported to be leaving the Liberal Party of President Aquino to join Binay’s camp.


According to Joseph Nocos, vice president for business development of the project’s corporate vehicle Sarangani Energy Corporation, the customers will be shielded from unwarranted cost impacts because of the procurement strategy they employed for the project, primarily for their coal supply contract with an Indonesian supplier
The 33-year-old boxer-turned-legislator is reportedly being groomed to be the PDP-Laban’s gubernatorial candidate in Sarangani in next year’s elections.


==Munato Fest==
Pacquiao might take his oath as party member of PDP-Laban before his next fight with Timothy Bradley in June.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342586/munato-fest
*November 25, 2011, 5:22pm
:by  mb.com.ph


==Sarangani good site for paragliding==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334373192
*Saturday 14th of April 2012
:by Cocoy Sexcion




ALABEL, Sarangani, Philippines (PIA) – The MunaTo Festival opened the four-day festivity the other day in a combined cultural and adventure concept to launch the trademark “Sarangani, your adventure.”
MAASIM, Sarangani, April 14 (PIA) -- Sarangani is a good flying site for paragliding said Armand Dard, a French national and a visiting paragliding professional instructor.  


The MunaTo Festival kicked-off Thursday and culminates on November 27.
"This is my second time in the Philippines and my first time in Sarangani. Last year I did some paragliding in Carmona, Cavite and also in Boracay but this place which I discovered one month ago is a better flight site,” Dard said.  


Board Member Eleonor Saguiguit said this is to promote the province to be “the tourism hub” in this part of Mindanao.
The flying site is located at SAFI Ranch 1 in barangay Seguil, less than 30 minutes drive from General Santos City.  


“We want something that is grand, something that would surpass the previous festivals. And we decided that it will be a different event (this year) to launch the Sarangani brand,” Saguiguit said.
The flight site is overlooking Sarangani Bay.  


“While we celebrate, we want to promote tourism and opportunities for investments,” she added.
“It has comfortable take off and landing sites,” Dard noted. “It also has big landing site comfortable for beginners and you can fly almost everyday."


She also disclosed that “Sarangani as a tourism hub has already taken off.”
Dard is conducting paragliding international standard trainings to members of the newly-formed Sarangani Paragliding Club.  


Acting Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC) coordinator Larry Asparin disclosed that tourist arrivals in the province have been increasing since 2005.
“You ask what is the next big thing in Region 12, we are crossing our fingers -- but I believe in a heartbeat, it’s going to be Paragliding in Sarangani. It is definitely a number 1 for fun!” said an exuberant Michelle Solon, chair of the Regional Tourism Council.  


==MunaTo 2011 launches “Sarangani, your adventure” brand==
“Who said there is no wind around Sarangani Bay? On the contrary there is enough wind!” added Solon who has tried sky sports paragliding.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=65530
*Thursday, November 24, 2011
:by  Beverly C. Paoyon


Joseph Oncada, vice president of Sarangani Paragliding Club said they started paragliding in September last year, “and this is the newest sport in the country."


"To those who want to become pilots, or just want to experience flying in tandem, we offer training and tandem flights," Oncada said.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- MunaTo Festival opened the four-day festivity today in a combined cultural and adventure concept to launch the trademark, “Sarangani, your adventure.”
A short flight or a maximum of 10-minute flight would cost P2,300. “For a long flight or 15 to 20-minute flight, we charge P3,000," Oncada added.  
Board Member Eleonor “Nene” Saguiguit said this is to promote the province to be “the tourism hub” in this part of Mindanao.
MunaTo Festival kicked-off today and culminates on November 27.
“We want something that is grand, something that would surpass the previous festivals. And we decided that it will be a different event (this year) to launch the Sarangani brand,” Saguiguit said.
“While we celebrate, gusto nating i-promote and ating turismo and opportunities for investments,” she added.
She disclosed that “Sarangani as a tourism hub has already taken off .”
Acting Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC) coordinator Larry Asparin reveals tourist arrivals have been increasing since 2005.
An increase of tourist arrivals has been noted from the 16,080 in 2009 to 26,100 in 2010 as reported by the STIPC.
The “Sarangani, your adventure” brand would create a name recall for Sarangani “as we wanted to make a mark in the tourism industry right now,” Asparin said.
Asparin also pointed out tourism employment was rising as tourism activities in Sarangani were picking up too. “It encompasses basically all sectors, even fisherfolk and the transport sector, among others.” (PIO-Sarangani/PIA-General Santos City)


==UNICEF-donated horses ensure pre-school education in Sarangani hinterlands==
Oncada said the Sarangani Paragliding Club will also have a paragliding accuracy competition on May 18 in time for Sarangani Bay Festival.. (DED-PIA 12/CSexcion/Sarangani Information Office)
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=65399
*Wednesday, November 23, 2011
:by  BEVERLY C. PAOYON


==Land Bank relocates Alabel branch to Sarangani==
*Source: http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2012/04/13/6257017.htm
*April 13, 2012]
:by John Anthony Concepcion




ALABEL, Sarangani, November 23 (PIA) -- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated additional 13 horses to ease transport in holding home-based pre-school education in the hinterlands of Sarangani.
Apr 13, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Land Bank of the Philippines has relocated its Alabel branch to a more spacious facility at the Provincial Capitol Complex of Sarangani, to expand its network.
This is the second batch after the distribution of 10 horses in February this year for the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the province.
Home-based education for 3-5 year old children is commonly conducted in Sarangani’s relatively rural and upland communities where pre-school facilities are lacking because of geographical distance and where supervised neighborhood play (SNP) workers usually take a half-day walk just to reach these areas.
Racquel Panal, assistant provincial social welfare and development officer, hoped this would also increase the number of children to benefit especially in remote communities “wherein services are very mean already at halos hindi na maabot ng ating mga service providers (barely reached by service providers).”
Mila Labuan would take a four-hour motorcycle ride everyday to reach the site of her assignment in sitio Amlitos, barangay Kihan in Mapalatan. With the horse given her now, she said it would be easier for her to reach the site and can attend whenever there would be meetings at the Poblacion.
“Karon nga naa na ECCD materials, patuonon gyud nako ang mga bata kay naa na sila magamit (Now the kids have ECCD materials to learn from),” because before she would just make her own improvised learning materials for the 60 children she is teaching.
The total 110 SNP sites established at far-flung barangays in Sarangani cater to more than 4,000 disadvantaged children mostly from the indigenous people.
The horses were turned-over with complete accessories like saddle, nylon rope and native horse backpacks where SNP workers would use to carry ECCD package for their classes like toys, reading and art materials, musical instruments, toothbrush, and utensils.
Board Member Hermie Galzote said this strategy (ECCD on horse) would be an effective motivation in providing “services to our children particularly to the lumads (IPs).”
Daan Suyan barangay councilor Fatima Hidalgo said the horse is a big boost in educating the children being the future leaders of our nation.
“Ang atong gobyerno naga tan-aw gyud diay sa kalisod sa atong lugar labi na sa mga bukid nga lugar. Dili nato ikalilong, kinahanglanon nato ni siya ilabi na sa atong mga bata nga gataas ang quality sa education karon (The local government is indeed sincere in poverty alleviation especially in the hinterlands. It cannot be denied that we need such programs for quality education),” she said.
The horses that were turned-over on Monday (November 21) benefited barangays Paraiso and Pag-asa of Alabel, barangays Daan Suyan, Lun Padidu, Kihan, Kinam, and Libi of Malapatan, and barangay Panamin of Malungon. (PIO-Sarangani/PIA-GeneralSsantos City)


==Pacquiao looking forward to going to province==
"LANDBANK's strategic network expansion is consistent with our thrust to provide banking services to the unbanked and underserved areas in continuous pursuit of countryside development," said LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda E. Pico.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/22/11/pacquiao-looking-forward-going-province
*11/22/2011 7:07 PM | Updated as of 11/22/2011 7:07 PM
:by  RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News


LANDBANK first established its presence in Alabel in 1996 with its first branch at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium. Among the clients of the branch are the local government of Alabel, the provincial government of Sarangani, and the neighboring municipalities of Malapatan, Glan, and some barangays of Malungon, along with rural bank and micro and SME clients.


"This forms part of our financial inclusion program which we are aggressively pursuing as we hope to bring banking services closer to underserved and unbanked areas. This will likewise benefit the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries since they will no longer need to travel out of their towns to withdraw their cash grants," said LANDBANK President Pico.


MANILA, Philippines - Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao is looking forward to going home to his province.
The MOU was signed by Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino, Rural Bank of Kiamba President Teresa Falgui, and LANDBANK First vice president for Mindanao Branches Joselito Gutierrez, for the installation of automated teller machines (ATMs) in the six other municipalities of Sarangani, namely Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, Malungon, and Maitum.


He said on Tuesday that he’s now going to focus on his work in Congress, focusing on the bills now on the agenda.
http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon


He declined to talk about any possible future plans.
==‘BIR is right going after Pacquiao’==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/175693/%E2%80%98bir-is-right-going-after-pacquiao%E2%80%99
*7:58 pm | Thursday, April 12th, 2012
:by  Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net


The World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion won a controversial majority decision over Mexican challenger Juan Manuel Marquez last November 13 in Las Vegas.


Pacquiao was expected to easily defeat Marquez in their third bout, but his performance disappointed many of his fans.


==Tribal council leads watershed project==
MANILA, Philippines—Following the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s filing of the tax evasion case against its former poster boy, boxing icon and Representative Manny Pacquiao, half of INQUIRER.net readers think it was only the right thing to do.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=64969
In a poll conducted between March 29 and April 12, 51.73 percent or 2,682 answered “BIR is only right to go after Pacquiao” to the question, “What do you think of the BIR’s tax case against Manny Pacquiao?”
*Monday, November 21, 2011
However, 32.15 percent or 1,667 thought it could be talked over by answering “BIR and Pacquiao should settle the case amicably.”
:by  Cocoy Sexcion
Meanwhile, 16.12 percent or 836 voted that “Pacquiao is right in calling the BIR move as harassment.”
In March, the BIR filed a tax evasion case against Pacquiao, for his alleged failure to submit complete tax records for the year 2010.
It said that Pacquiao ignored summons issued by the BIR office in Central Mindanao asking him to explain his failure to submit complete tax documents.
Pacquiao cried foul over the case, claiming that it was “without basis” and a form of harassment.
“The institution of the case against me is plain and simple harassment.  Contrary to public perception, I am not charged with Tax Evasion or Tax Fraud.  That is farther from the truth. Over the years as a boxer, a product endorser and a businessman,” he said in a statement.
Pacquiao said the BIR violated its own rules when it served the subpoena to a person unknown to him. He also asked why the BIR served the subpoena in General Santos City when he is now a resident of Sarangani.
The boxing sensation, who topped the taxpayer’s list in 2008, made a 30-second television commercial for BIR in 2009 reminding citizens to pay their taxes.








MAASIM, Sarangani, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Governor Migs Dominguez, Mayor Jose Zamorro and Joel Aton of Sarangani Energy Corporation turned over seedlings to the Municipal Tribal Council here for distribution to indigenous people (IP) families living in the upland barangays of Nomoh, Kablacan and Amsipit.
The seedlings would be planted to boost the watershed development program of the municipality.
In turnover rites Monday (November 21) at the municipal grounds during the flag raising ceremony, officials said thousands of seedlings were set for planting this year.
“For the remaining months of this year, we will be distributing a total of 17,500 seedlings of rubber, coconut, jackfruit and coffee to 50 families from Barangays Nomoh, Amsipit and Kablacan,” said Joel Aton, project assurance manager of Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC).
“This is part of the commitment of Sarangani Energy Corporation to rehabilitate watersheds and to provide livelihood support to Maasim highlanders and tribal communities and each family will receive seedlings good for one hectare which can provide an added income of around P3,000 to P5,000 pesos a month upon reaching its productive stage,” Aton added.
The project was supported by the provincial and municipal government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police, 73rd Infantry Battalion and Alcantara Foundation.
“I know this project will change the life of our people. The tribal people will cooperate and support this project because we know that this project will give us some livelihood and at the same time will help us restore all the forests that are gone in the mountain,” Municipal Tribal Council chief Benjamin Donato said.
Mayor Jose Zamorro also urged his constituents to plant trees.
“Supposed to be, we Maasimians are the ones who should initiate this reforestation project. This is everybody’s concern. For me, the only solution to the problem of global warming is plant more trees. So I thank SEC for this project,” the mayor said.
On the other hand, Vice Mayor Utto Salem Cutan appealed to those who are against the construction of the 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Sarangani Energy
Corporation in Maasim set for its groundbreaking this November 25, to just give them a chance to welcome and embrace investments and development for their municipality. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Marina suspends 9 cargo, passenger ships==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=749884
*November 20, 2011 12:00 AM
:by  Evelyn Macairan The Philippine Star








Marina suspends 9 cargo, passenger ships
By Evelyn Macairan The Philippine Star Updated November 20, 2011 12:00 AM 0 comment to this post
MANILA, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) yesterday suspended nine Superferry vessels after one of its ships figured in a collision that caused the death of a fisherman and injured six others in Sarangani province Friday morning.


Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said Marina issued a voyage suspension order against the Superferry fleet that is owned by the Negros Navigation-Aboitiz Transport System.


This includes the passenger and cargo ships M/V Superferry 20, M/V Superferry 1, M/V Superferry 2, M/V Superferry 5, M/V Superferry 12, M/V Superferry 21, M/V Cebu Ferry 1, M/V Cebu Ferry 2 and M/V Cebu Ferry 3.
==PNoy PREEMPTS ENERGY SUMMIT, APPROVED MORE COAL-POWERED PLANTS==
*Source: http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl111735.htm
*APRIL 11, 2012
:by John Anthony Concepcion


“The respondent Aboitiz Transport System Corp. was directed to coordinate with the Maritime Safety Office of Marina for the immediate conduct of additional ISM (International Safety Management) audit and re-inspection of said ships,” added Ricafrente.


He said the Seafarer’s Identification Record Book, commonly called the seaman’s book and the Qualification Document of the officers and crew of M/V Superferry 20 and the ship’s safety certificates were also cancelled until further orders.
DAVAO CITY, APRIL 11, 2012 (MANILA STANDARD) Written by Christine F. Herrera - Critics bare ‘midnight deals’ on coal power plants


Marina set the hearing on the maritime mishap on Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.
President Benigno Aquino III has approved “midnight deals” to build more coal-fired plants in Mindanao days ahead of an Energy Summit here, locking the island into a dirty source of power for decades, lawmakers and environmentalists said Monday.


Initial information reaching the PCG showed that at around 11:45 p.m. of Nov. 17, the F/B San Jose Bayanihan was navigating to Balot Island from General Santos City when hit by M/V Superferry 20 that had just left Makar Wharf and was enroute to Manila via Zamboanga City.
“The Mindanao Energy Summit was supposed to give the stakeholders options for short- and long-term solutions to the power crisis, but no option is being offered because the contracts for coal are already a done deal,” Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said.


At that time, the PCG General Santos station was conducting maritime patrol and saw the fishermen on water.
“Is there a conspiracy to ram fossil-fuel power as the solution? Would this not reduce the power summit to a farce, giving Mindanao consumers no choice but to stick to more expensive, dirty, non-renewable power?”


The lone fatality was identified as 60-year-old Giovanni Buntong, who was hit by a debris from the destroyed boat.
Von Hernandez, Greenpeace Southeast Asia executive director, said environmental compliance certificates were hastily approved for the coal plants despite opposition from the communities in Mindanao.


Those injured were the boat captain Mendoza, 52; Rex Bulawin, 28; Marjus Iramis, 20; Joseph Tiones, 20; Regalado Sender, 19; and Bryan Inero, 17.
“The hasty approval … confirms earlier suspicions that pro-coal business interests were out to capitalize on the current crisis to railroad government approval of such environmentally sensitive projects that should have undergone better scrutiny,” Hernandez said.


==Ferry rams fishing trawler off Sarangani==
Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones, who comes from Cotabato, urged Congress to exercise its oversight powers to review the deals.
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/11622-ferry-rams-fishing-trawler-off-sarangani
* Saturday, November 19, 2011
:by  Al Jacinto


At a pre-summit conference last week, Energy Undersecretary Josephine Patricia Asirit said some 700 megawatts would be generated from the coal-fired power plants and that the 100-megawatt Iligan diesel plant owned by the Alcantaras would be revived pending clearance from the Audit Commission.


Asirit said Mindanao had a daily demand of 1,200 megawatts and a shortfall of 100 megawatts, and that demand was growing at 50 megawatts yearly. Some 1,400 megawatts would be in the pipelines for Mindanao from October 2012 to 2014.


ZAMBOANGA CITY: One fisherman was missing, presumed dead and seven others were injured after a ferry rammed their boat before dawn Friday off Maasim town in the province of Sarangani, police said.
Asirit identified the coal-fired projects as a 200-megawatt coal-fired plant by Conal Holdings of the Alcantaras in 2014, a 200-megawatt coal-fired plant by STEAG in the last quarter of 2014, a 300-megawatt coal-fired plant by Therma South of the Aboitizes in 2014, and a 15-megawatt oil-based plant by EEI Power Corp. in October 2012.
Police said the mishap occurred at around 1 a.m. while the Superferry was sailing for Manila. It said the missing fisherman was identified as Jovani Buntong. The other crewmembers were rushed to a hospital.


Other reports said the fishermen were fixing their engine near the port when the ferry rammed their trawler. The vessel did not stop despite the mishap and continued sailing leaving behind the trawler in total wreck and its crew on their own.
The 50-megawatt Mt. Apo 3 geothermal plant and a 5-megawatt wind farm would also be operational by 2014 and 2015, respectively.


The ship’s owner, Aboitiz SuperFerry, did not give any statement about the mishap.
Providing extra power would be the eight-megawatt Cabulig hydroelectric plant by Minergy, a 35-megawatt biomass facility by Green Power Bukidnon in 2013, the 225-megawatt Agus 3 hydroelectric plant by Lanao Hydropower Development Corp. in 2015, the 20-megawatt Tagoloan hydroelectric plant by Mindanao Hydro Power Corp. in 2016, and the 12-megawatt Tamugan hydroelectric plant by Hedcor in 2018.


==Fishermen killed, 6 rescued as passenger vessel rams banca off Sarangani Bay==
Asirit said coal and diesel would make up the region’s base load because of the unreliability and seasonality of the hydrothermal plants.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=386792
*November 18, 2011, 1:33 pm
:by  (PNA)
FFC/AVE


Only 350 megawatts was approved for geothermal and other renewable energy sources.


Coal, power barges and diesel cost P9 a kilowatt hour compared with P2 for hydroelectric power and P2.80 for geothermal power.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 18 (PNA) – A fisherman was killed while six others were injured when a passing SuperFerry passenger vessel run over a motorized banca off the Sarangani Bay early Friday.
Citing Asirit’s presentation at the pre-summit conference, Hernandez said the Energy Department had confirmed that four coal plants and one coal power plant expansion were in the pipeline for Mindanao.


Supt. Edgard Cuanan, regional chief of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Maritime Group 12, said M/V SuperFerry 20 was cruising around three miles off the coasts of Barangay Tinoto in Maasim town in Sarangani when it rammed the motorized boat San Jose Bayanihan at around 1 a.m.
“One of the plans [was] approved early this week, ironically, with a promise from the President to expedite the construction process of the harmful facility. Last November 2011, the government gave the go-signal for a coal plant in Sarangani, and before that in July, [President Aquino] was guest of honor in the inauguration of another coal facility in the Visayas.


The motorized banca, which has seven fishermen onboard, was totally wrecked after it was hit by the SuperFerry vessel, he said.
“Should the other projects in Mindanao push through, President Aquino’s administration would have approved more coal plants than any of his predecessors.”


Cuanan said six of the seven fishermen, who were all residents of this city, were immediately rescued by patrol boat of the PNP Maritime Group 12.
“With this midnight approval, the government has succeeded in creating a truly agonizing Holy Week scenario for the people of Mindanao, replete with episodes of sacrifice, false prophets, and public betrayal.”


He said fisherman Giovanni Buntong, 60, initially went missing but was found dead by local rescuers at around 3 a.m. Buntong was a former chair of Purok Malok in Barangay Labangal here.
Hernandez reminded the President of his campaign promise to support the development of renewable energy and to phase out coal-fired power plants.


The official said the six fishermen who were identified as Joseph Gediones, Bryan Enero, Marjun Kirames, Junito Mendoza, Regalado Caceller and Rex Polawing are currently being treated at the city district hospital here for various injuries.
“We thought this administration would approach this problem with a greater measure of integrity and sophistication,” Hernandez said.


Mendoza, the boat’s skipper, said in an interview with a local radio station that they were preparing to fish in the area when they were suddenly hit by the passing M/V SuperFerry 20.
“On the contrary, he has allowed coal pushers in his team to overturn his pledge as evidenced by the [Energy Department’s] existing plans to build an unprecedented number of coal plants during his term. The President should be advised that each coal plant he builds edges out the opportunity for the people of this country to harness clean and renewable power.”


He said the collision totally destroyed their boat and fishing gear.
Greenpeace claims there is no such things as “clean coal plants,” and that there were no commercially available technologies that could remove mercury, a deadly neurotoxin that accumulates in the environment and in the food chain, or carbon dioxide, which causes climate change.


“We immediately tried to swim towards the shore but we were rescued by the patrolling boat of the PNP Maritime Group,” Mendoza said in the vernacular.
Casiño, meanwhile, said he had learned that in an April 4 pre-summit meeting in Davao, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras ordered Mindanao’s electric cooperatives to buy expensive power from the privatized power barges at P14 a kilowatt hour, with the government shouldering P9 per kilowatt hour.


Cuanan said that prior to the incident, their patrolling personnel sent out light and sound signals to fishing boats in the area to warn them about the passing passenger vessel.
Almendras, he said, also reportedly ordered local government officials to immediately approve the environmental compliance certificates for at least two new coal-fired power plants in Mindanao.


“It appears that the fishermen were not familiar with the basic warning signals about the coming ship,” he said.
“If that is the case, then the power summit would just be a rubber stamp... which forces consumers to pay an additional 50 to 80 centavos per kilowatt hour for their electricity due to the manipulations of favored private power generators like Therma Marine Inc. owned by the Aboitizes, ” Casiño said.


The official said they were still determining whether M/V SuperFerry 20, which left the Makar wharf here shortly before midnight Thursday, also gave out warning signals before the collision.
He said he found it strange that the government was willing to subsidize diesel power at P9 a kilowatt hour when it would be cheaper and more sustainable to subsidize solar and other renewable energy sources.


He said the vessel, which is owned and operated by Aboitiz Transport System, was en route to Manila when the incident happened.
Asirit told the pre-summit conference that power rate increases were inevitable.


Cuanan pointed out that their personnel have been regularly warning local fishermen regarding the passing vessels but they usually ignore them.
“What makes Mindanao different from Visayas and Luzon is its rich potential for renewable energy, from solar, hydro, geothermal to biomass. Why not tap these instead of the more expensive and dirty fossil fuel technologies?” Casiño said.


He some fishermen would even attempt to race down the bigger vessels and try to cross their path.
Also on Monday, administration Senator Serge Osmeña III chided the electric cooperatives for opposing the privatization of the government-owned plants on the island, saying it was mandated by law. He his view that the people of Mindanao had been enjoying subsidies for too long.


“Most of these fishermen are really hard-headed. We’ve been giving them the necessary warnings but they deliberately refuse to heed them,” he said.
“The Mindanao cooperatives have their own version of the economic law of supply and demand,” Osmeña, chairman of the Joint Congressional Power Commission, told the Manila Standard in a text message.


==All systems go for Sarangani’s MunaTo Festival==
“They demand subsidized electricity and the rest of the country must supply. What about the rest of the population who have been paying market rates for almost 10 years?”
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r11&id=64492
*Thursday, November 17, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release


The senator was reacting to the position paper submitted by the 33-member Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, which urges the government to forgo plans to sell its power plants in Mindanao to prevent a spike in energy prices.


Osmeña said the privatization of government-owned plants was mandated by law to attract the private sector to enter the power generation business.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- Organizers of the upcoming 19th MunaTo Festival said preparations are all set for the extravaganza of cultural events, exhibits, and crowd-drawing competitions guaranteed to stir excitement over this year’s celebration.
“Private owners do not and cannot afford to compete with government, which can operate at a loss,” he said.
MunaTo Festival is a celebration honoring the first people and leaders of Sarangani.
MunaTo was derived from the native vernacular meaning “unang tao” or “first people”, the early inhabitants of Sarangani who passed on a rich cultural heritage.
MunaTo also refers to the makers of the 2000-year old anthropomorphic burial jars discovered in Maitum that are now in the National Museum.
As a tribute to the pioneering leaders of the province, MunaTo is a celebration of their efforts to spur development in Sarangani which is sustained up to this day.
Sarangani is rich with the local culture and tradition of the Blaan, Tboli, Manobo, Ubo, Kalagan, and Muslim tribes who succeeded in preserving the cultural heritage and the craftsmanship that are reflective of their respective culture.
This year’s festival is set on November 24-27 with activities lined up to showcase Sarangani’s “history, culture and resources.”
Acting coordinator of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center (STIPC) Larry Asparin anticipated that “sounds and colors” with a festive mood would dominate the forthcoming MunaTo.
He expected a huge attendance this year compared to the previous celebrations because activities were properly screened to attract more people.
A considerable increase of tourists has been noted from the 16,080 in 2009 to 26,100 in 2010 as reported by the STIPC.
MunaTo Fun Run: “A Run Against Global Warming” from the Capitol grounds to barangay Maribulan in Alabel would open up the festival. Male and female runners of all ages are invited to join with prizes at stake for both male and female categories of P1,000 - 1st prize, P750 for 2nd prize, and P500 for the 3rd prize.
A hero’s welcome for the internationally acclaimed boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao from his recent victory in Las Vegas would also be staged on November 24.
The street dance on November 26 is an open competition which the organizer proposed bigger prizes this time of P100,000; P75,000 and P50,000 respectively for the champion, 1st and 2nd placers. A P12,000 consolation prizes would also be given.
The cheerdance competition, dubbed as “Sayaw Hugyaw sa Kalinaw”, is giving away prizes of P45,000; P30,000 and P20,000 for the champion, 1st and 2nd and a consolation of P10,000 each for the non-winning entries.
Other events worth watching are the cultural exhibits, Fabli Gu Ni (municipal showcase), Photo Exhibit, Moro Pagingadan and Kadtigi sa Kapangiluto (Moro Cottages and Traditional Delicacies), Wall Climbing, Zip Line, Karnabal sa Kapitolyo, Pearl of Sarangani Pageant, Motocross, Eco-Trek, Battle of the Bands, concert featuring Cueshe, street party and fireworks display. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)


==JeepneEd drives through Sarangani schools==
==Last 2 Pacquiao fights fail to impress Ariza==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=64255
*Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/39983/last-2-pacquiao-fights-fail-to-impress-ariza
*Wednesday, November 16, 2011
*10:06 pm | Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
:by  Beverly Paoyon
:by  Romina S. Austria
Philippine Daily Inquirer




Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach said he is far from impressed with the Filipino ring superstar’s two fights last year.
And the last thing Alex Ariza wants is an unprepared Pacquiao battling the unbeaten American Timothy Bradley on June 9 for the Sarangani congressman’s WBO welterweight belt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“We can’t have a bad camp,” Ariza told boxingscene.com. “(Pacquiao’s) physical conditioning is very important. This must happen all the way.”
Pacquiao will defend his WBO title for the fourth time against the unpredictable Bradley, with the Ring magazine’s pound-for-pound king heavily favored to bag his 55th professional victory in 60 fights.
The eight-division world champion prevailed via ho-hum unanimous decisions over Joshua Clottey in March 2010 and Shane Mosley in May 2011 before besting Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time via an unpopular majority decision six months later.
“He’s (Bradley) a high-volume puncher who’ll come forward,” Ariza said. “Bradley’s not a technical guy like Marquez. He fights somewhat like Manny. That’s why I think it’ll be an explosive fight.”
Ariza said Pacquiao, who has started light training in Manila and General Santos City, runs the risk of losing focus for his clash with Bradley because of his various activities outside the ring.
The Colombian conditioning guru also said starting camp on April 16 in Baguio City could be “a little late” for Pacquiao even though he sees a hungrier, more motivated Pacman this time.
“It’s up to Manny how he’d prepare against Bradley,” Ariza said, adding he knows Pacquiao wants to prove something in his coming fight.
Meanwhile, world junior welterweight contender Ruslan Provodnikov (21-1, 14 KOs) will join Pacquiao’s training camp in Baguio. The Russian is expected to arrive in the country on April 22.
Provodnikov will travel back to Los Angeles with Pacquiao and head trainer Freddie Roach in early May to continue training at the Wild Card Gym.
Despite his apprehensions, Ariza said he is confident the Pacquiao-Bradley bout will be a short one.
“Manny’s competitive spirit will take over,” Ariza said. “How he trains will impact on how he does against Bradley.
“If he trains properly, Manny could blow that guy away in less than five rounds.”


ALABEL, Sarangani, Nov 16 (PIA) -- JeepneED, a mobile science laboratory that runs on used vegetable oil, was launched Nov. 14 to provide an outdoor learning area equipped with 10 netbooks, 3G hub for internet connectivity, and basic science materials.
==Sarangani floods affect 100 families==
Sarangani is JeepneED’s pilot site for this first-ever science mobile and technology laboratory in the country.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/09/12/sarangani-floods-affect-100-families
Governor Migs Dominguez said JeepneED had rightly chosen Sarangani as its pilot site because communities here are “hungry for innovation, hungry for development, and most importantly hungry for new opportunities that come their way.”
*04/09/2012 6:13 PM | Updated as of 04/09/2012 6:42 PM
JeepneED is “not only to deliver opportunities through a laboratory on wheels. However the real message here is, we have to continuously innovate,” he added.
:by  Jay Dayupay and Rhea Lara, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN
Shaina Tantuico, JeepneED co-founder, said the project sought to address gaps of science teaching methods in public schools where teachers usually resort to lectures only due to unavailability of resource materials and other exposure activities.
Tantuico said the mobile laboratory would stir students’ interest to discover new things from indigenous materials. She said these learning activities can be integrated into the students lessons in schools.
Students from grades five, six, and first year high school in some public schools in Sarangani has already benefited from this program. JeepneEd has started serving Malandag Elementary School in Malungon, Alegria Elementary School in Alabel, Rogaya Integrated School and Mangelen Integrated School in Maasim. Lamlifew Elementary School is also among the pilot community sites. JeepneEd plans to expand to other schools in Sarangani.
JeepneED is a Philippine-based non profit program that partnered with Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) and Condrado Alcantara Foundation, Inc. to address deficiencies of science laboratories and teaching methods in Sarangani.
All activities generated from the mobile laboratory will be based on the competencies of teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd). JeepneED supports teachers by providing appropriate resources to be integrated in their curriculum.
Tantuico said the very small solution can really affect students’ performance throughout time based on research. She said the access to books and internet and an effective mentor will make a good support system.
“How we can make these solutions to as many students as possible and the easiest answer was to put it on wheels,” Tantuico said.
She said science was chosen because it “connects us to something both academic and vocational, something that is book-based but also creative and it also connects mathematics and literacy and with all that in a truck that runs on used vegetable oil.”
The mobile laboratory runs an average of eight kilometers per one liter of used vegetable oil.
Erika Pineda, another co-founder of JeepneED, said the P5 per week fee from a student would cover the cost of materials for repairs and future upgrades of the mobile laboratory.
“The five pesos allows us to build a system for sustainability so hopefully next year with 2,000 students at five pesos per week a simple JeepneEd will run without any outside donors,” he said.
With the help of QUEST and DepEd, “we will be able to reinvest our resources in making more interventions for quality education,” Pineda said.
DepEd superintendent Allan Farnaso said JeepneEd is “one ingenuity-thinking innovation and effort that serves us Sarangans and that we can do better than what we have already accomplished.”
Farnaso said most of the schools in the province lack equipment for laboratory.
Jenielyn Lariosa, JeepneED facilitator, said “one good thing about having hands-on activity is that students have this retention.”
“When we first had this experiment and then we came back a week after, the students still remember what they did and what they learn. With that retention makita natin yong learning sa mga activities that they do.” (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Most Recent News WORK ON US$450MLN PHILIPPINE POWER PLANT TO BEGIN SOON: CONAL==
*Source: http://www.citiadr.idmanagedsolutions.com/news/global_story.idms?type=scrolling&ID_NEWS=212035568
*: 11/15/2011 00:53:20
:by  (PNA) ms


MANILA, Philippines – More than 100 families in Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani province were affected by floods triggered by strong rains last Saturday.


Raging floodwaters inundated Purok 4, Sitio Cogonal and Purok Tagumpay, prompting several residents to flee their homes.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, The Philippines, Nov 15, 2011 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX News Network) -- The ground works on a 200 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant
Around 50 hectares of agricultural products were also destroyed.
the Philippine town in Sarangani are set to begin within the
next few weeks, with a formal groundbreaking slated for
November 25, a company official said.


Joseph Nocos, Conal Holdings Corp. vice president, told
In Barangay Kawas, motorists were stranded due to an impassible bridge.
reporters the groundbreaking for the US$450 million coal-fired
power plant, which will be pursued by affiliate Sarangani
Energy Corp., is a step to making the project a reality.


"It signals the start of the actual implementation of the
Road repairs are ongoing.
[coal-fueled plant] project," he said in a press briefing.


He estimated the construction of the first phase, which
The residents have returned to their homes but they fear that more rains in the coming days will trigger floods anew.
includes 100 MW, would be completed in 36 months or later in
2014, at a time when Mindanao is projected to have a supply
shortfall.


The second phase, which would cover the remaining 100 MW,
==Police rescue two abducted security guards in Sarangani==
would follow after an interval of 12 months or a year, Nocos
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/254194/news/regions/police-rescue-two-abducted-security-guards-in-sarangani
said, adding the coal needs of the power plant will be imported
*April 8, 2012 9:37am
from Kalimantan in Indonesia.
:by  LBG, GMA News


Conal Holdings is 60 per cent owned by the publicly-listed
Alsons Consolidated Resources (PSE:ACR) and the rest held by
the Electricity Generating Public Co. Ltd. (EGCO), Thailand's
largest power producer.


==Sarangani readies hero's welcome for Pacquiao==
Local authorities on Saturday rescued in Sarangani province two abducted security guards, a police report said.
*Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/238440/regions/sarangani-readies-heros-welcome-for-pacquiao
*11/14/2011 | 09:22 AM
:by  RSJ, GMA News


Mark Lantin and Daniel Bolunos were released unharmed by their captors on Saturday morning, some 29 hours after they were abducted by armed men at the Rosa Farm, Sitio Nakolel, Barangay Lago in Glan town at 4 a.m. on Good Friday.


Reports reaching Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Nicanor Bartolome from Central Mindanao said a crisis management committee – composed of personnel from Glan Municipal Police Station, Sarangani Police Provincial Police Office, Regional Intelligence Division and local government authorities – was convened immediately to secure the safe release of the captives.


A hero's welcome awaits Filipino boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao following his latest win over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas Sunday [Manila time].
At the same time, PNP units had conducted operations to limit the movement of the abductors within a smaller area.


In Sarangani, Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez said they have started making preparations to welcome Pacquiao home, government-run dzRB radio reported.
Chief Supt Benjardi Mantele, PNP Regional Director in Central Mindanao, said the two victims were brought to Barangay Congan before their abductors were prompted to release the victims unconditionally due to police pressure.


Dominguez indicated the welcome may coincide with the MunaTo Festival on November 25, the report added.
==Mindanao farmers get tractors, threshers from gov’t==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/173113/mindanao-farmers-get-tractors-threshers-from-gov%E2%80%99t
*7:43 pm | Saturday, April 7th, 2012
:by  Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer


The GoSarangani.com website said MunaTo is a cultural festival commemorating the “First people" of Sarangani province.


"Sarangani was made into a separate province only in 1992, however, the findings of the anthropologic burial jars in Maitum proves community life as early as 500 BC. This is a festival that embraces the different Indigenous People of Sarangani and their heritage," it said.
MANILA, Philippines—Farmers in Mindanao have received nmearly P21 million worth of farm equipment from the Department of Agriculture intended to help them produce more crops and earn more money.
The department said in a news release that it recently awarded 177 pieces of farm machinery and equipment, such as tractors and threshers, to farmers’ groups and irrigators’ associations in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) Region.
The DA shouldered the bulk of the cost of the equipment through the farm mechanization component of its Food Staple Sufficiency Program. Under the program, the DA paid for 85 percent of the cost, while the beneficiaries shouldered the remaining 15 percent.
Assistant Agriculture Secretary Dante Delima said another set of farm machines and equipment was scheduled to be awarded to another batch of farmers in August this year.
Delima, who was present in the recent turnover to the beneficiaries, called on the farmers to maximize the use of their new equipment in their field preparation, planting, harvesting and other farm operations so that these would be faster and more efficient.
He also said they should take care of the machines, which are meant to increase their production and income.
DA Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the department would create a team to monitor the farmers and irrigators groups to ensure they are using the new equipment efficiently and are seeing to their maintenance.
The bulk of the machines and equipment went to 126 farmers’ groups. They received five units of four-wheel drive tractors, 112 hand tractors, and 37 rice threshers, collectively worth P18.5 million.
Five outstanding irrigators’ associations received nine hand tractors, seven hermetic cocoons, and seven portable dryers, which are worth P2.43 million.


Pacquiao registered the latest victory in his storied boxing career with a win over Marquez in Las Vegas.
==Pacquiao steps aside for the true Champ==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/04/06/12/pacquiao-steps-aside-true-champ
*04/06/2012 12:47 PM | Updated as of 04/06/2012 12:47 PM
:by www.abs-cbnnews.com


It was the third meeting in the ring between Pacquiao and Marquez since 2004. Their first meeting ended up in a controversial draw, while the second ended in a split decision in favor of the General Santos City native.


==DA pushing for RoRo expansion in Sarangani==
MANILA, Philippines – Core members and volunteers of ABS-CBN Christian Fellowship were still busy setting up for the 7 p.m. March 29 fellowship when I received a phone call at 4:30 pm from our guest speaker. “Malapit na kami diyan sa ABS,” Sarangani Congressman and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao said.
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/11/08/da-pushing-for-roro-expansion-in-sarangani/utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=da-pushes-opening-of-roro-route-in-sarangani-province
* Tuesday| November 8, 2011
:by  Allen V. Estabillo


“Huh? Ang aga niyo,” I answer.


“OK lang,” he said. “Gusto ko i-testing iyong Powerpoint presentation ko.”


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/7 Nov) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is working for the expansion of the Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) transport system in the coastal municipality of Glan in Sarangani province in a bid to facilitate the shipment of quality vegetable products from various parts of Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao.
In less than 5 minutes, a convoy of 4-5 vehicles pulled up the driveway of the ABS-CBN compound bringing the members of Barangay Pacquiao - Manny dressed in a suit, Jinkee in a gorgeous yellow lace dress, their 4 kids, Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queenie and their yayas, his security detail, executive assistant Stephanie, and Pastor Jeric Soriano.
Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato agriculture officer, said the DA central office pushed for such move as part of its ongoing efforts to develop several parts of Region 12 and the neighboring areas as the country’s next “vegetable basket.”
“With a RoRo facility in place, we can easily ship out our vegetable products from the region to other domestic markets and at a cheaper price,” he said.
Legaste said the establishment of the RoRo facilities and route in Glan will mainly link up local producers and shippers of fresh and processed vegetables to major markets in the country.
“It will improve our market opportunities and our capacity in terms of vegetable production,” he said. The official said it will benefit thousands of vegetable farmers in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas in the region who are currently facing problems with the high costs of shipping agricultural through the existing routes run by commercial vessels.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region had been also pushing for the opening of a RoRo route in the region.
Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
Legaste said the existing RoRo routes only cover portions of northern, western and eastern Mindanao through the “western and central shipping highways.”
The western highway starts in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte and goes off to Dumaguete City, Bacolod City, Iloilo, Caticlan and Roxas City in the Visayas; and, Mindoro and Batangas in Luzon. The central highway covers Cagayan de Oro City and Balingoan, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin in Mindanao; Bohol and Cebu in Visayas; and, Masbate and Camarines Sur in Luzon.
“Our nearest markets are Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City but the volume that we move is quite limited considering distance of these areas,” Legaste said.
South Cotabato is presently considered as among the top producers of high-quality vegetables in the southern and central Mindanao area.
Mall chain Robinsons and several other supermarkets in the area retail vegetables produced in Barangay Miasong in Tupi, South Cotabato.
Aside from Tupi town, which has an estimated 300 hectares of established high altitude vegetable production area, the provincial government of South Cotabato has been also developing another 300 hectares of vegetable area in the upland village of Ned in Lake Sebu town.
The province produces high-value vegetables such as asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, white potato, radish, carrots, among others.
It is also a top producer of “pinakbet-type” vegetables such as eggplant, squash, okra, amplaya and string beans. Legaste said at least 30 percent of vegetables currently in South Cotabato are consumed while the rest goes to various markets in the region and the neighboring areas. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)


==DA pushes opening of RoRo route in Sarangani province==
A crowd quickly gathers when word of his arrival spread. ABS-CBN employees left their workstations to stare, get a picture or shake the hand of the 8-division boxing champ. Even the kids are greeted with cheers and well-wishes. Manny obliges the fans while slowly working his way to the Dolphy Theater.
*Source: http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2011/11/da-pushes-opening-of-roro-route-in-sarangani-province/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=da-pushes-opening-of-roro-route-in-sarangani-province
* Nov 7, 2011


Once there, Manny introduced the Pacquiao Word Worship team, led by his wife Jinkee, his staff, security and some friends. All of them are wearing Team Pacquiao T-shirts. The team practice their line-up of praise and worship songs such as Power of Your Love, Here We Are, Shine Jesus Shine, and Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat.


Manny briefly goes through his presentation with Pastor Jeric who has been intensely teaching the Sarangani congressman. He gives Pacquiao the nod – he’s good to go. Before the service, the organizers gather as a group and say a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to empower the speaker, the musicians and everyone involved.


Packed theatre


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 7 (PNA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is working on the expansion of the Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) transport system in the coastal municipality of Glan in Sarangani province in a bid to facilitate the shipment of quality vegetable products from various parts of Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao.
The Dolphy Theatre is packed even before the fellowship starts. The worshippers come out and lead the people in worship before I formally introduce the Pacman on stage. He started off by greeting everyone with his big smile.
Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato agriculture officer, said the DA central office pushed for such move as part of its ongoing efforts to develop several parts of Region 12 and the neighboring areas as the country’s next “vegetable basket.”
“With a RoRo facility in place, we can easily ship out our vegetable products from the region to other domestic markets and at a cheaper price,” he said.
Legaste said the establishment of the RoRo facilities and route in Glan will mainly link up local producers and shippers of fresh and processed vegetables to major markets in the country.
He said it will benefit thousands of vegetable farmers in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas in the region who are currently facing problems with the high costs of shipping agricultural through the existing routes run by commercial vessels.
Legaste said the existing RoRo routes only cover portions of northern, western and eastern Mindanao through the “western and central shipping highways.”
The western highway starts in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte and goes off to Dumaguete City, Bacolod City, Iloilo, Caticlan and Roxas City in the Visayas; and, Mindoro and Batangas in Luzon.
The central highway covers Cagayan de Oro City and Balingoan, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin in Mindanao; Bohol and Cebu in Visayas; and, Masbate and Camarines Sur in Luzon.
South Cotabato is presently considered as among the top producers of high-quality vegetables in the southern and central Mindanao area.
Mall chain Robinsons and several other supermarkets in the area retail vegetables produced in Barangay Miasong in Tupi, South Cotabato.
Aside from Tupi town, which has an estimated 300 hectares of established high altitude vegetable production area, the provincial government of South Cotabato has been also developing another 300 hectares of vegetable area in the upland village of Ned in Lake Sebu town.
Legaste said at least 30 percent of vegetables currently in South Cotabato are consumed while the rest goes to various markets, among them Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City. (PNA)


==Missing Sarangani woman's body found in septic tank==
“Kumain na ba kayo? (Have you eaten?)” he asked, earning a chuckle from the audience.
*Source: http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/49697/missing-sarangani-womans-body-found-in-septic-tank
*Nov 2, 2011 - 5:14am


Manny then encouraged them with a Bible verse. “OK lang. Sabi sa Biblia, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”


Pacquiao then shared his dream where he heard God speaking to him: “Anak , bakit ka lumayo sa akin? (My child, why have you gone astray?)”


Manny did go astray as his boxing career soared.


ABS-CBNNews.com reports that the body of 51-year-old Sarangani province resident Nimpha Dahay was found stuffed into a septic tank in her home. Dahay had been reported missing on April 4. The authorities discovered her body on October 29. (The report did not reveal what led them to search the septic tank.)
“Umiinom, sugal, bar, babae...,” he said
According to the report, Dahay's children thought that she "merely left home after having an argument with their father Fermin." In fact, when Danay's son Jerold said he was going to search for her, the 58-year-old Fermin dissuaded him by saying that the effort would just be "a waste of money." Fermin has been tagged as the prime suspect for Danay's murder.
Fermin is currently jailed at the Sarangani Provincial Jail for " previous rape and murder charges."


==IP month celebration in Sarangani promotes tribal rights==
He then added: “That old Manny Pacquiao is gone and the new Manny Pacquiao has come.”
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=61785
*Sunday, October 30, 2011
:by  Beverly Paoyon


‘I didn’t understand the Bible’


ALABEL, Sarangani, Oct 30 (PIA) -– Sarangani celebrated Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month this year purposely to recognize, protect and promote the rights of IPs within the agenda of national unity and development in relation to the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371).
Manny attributes his spiritual awakening and transformation after truly discovering the author and subject of the Bible, Jesus Christ.
The celebration recognized particularly cultural artist achievers, IP outstanding teachers, and the partners of Sarangani Province in its IP program for their contribution to the continuing advocacy on the preservation and promotion of indigenous knowledge system, technology and best practices of the Sarangani IPs.
Annalie Edday, a pure-blooded Blaan who spearheads Quality Education for Sarangani Today as program manager, was among the awardees.
The office of the Indigenous People’s Development Program (IPDP) explained Edday was awarded being an IP professional “who enthusiastically and genuinely inclined to bring value and larger positive impact to her fellow Blaans by engaging herself in bringing quality in the uplands wherein IPs reside.”
In 2008, Edday was among the youth representatives of the Philippines to the International Youth Forum conducted by the Initiatives of Change in Indonesia.
In 2009, she underwent five-week leadership training in the United States being one of the top three Young Mindanao Leaders chosen by the US Department of State. In the same year, she represented the Philippines in the International Youth Exchange Program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Edday is again one of the top nine young leaders of the country as conferred by AsiaSociety to represent the Philippines to the International Summit in New Delhi, Indianext month.
Edday challenged her tribe “to encourage more leaders and advocates and to encourage as well children to be proud being IPs.”
“We do look forward that from now on wala nay batang IPs nga mangayo ug bugas, wala nay tigulang nga mamatay nalang sa sakit nga wala nakatilaw ug paracetamol, ug wala nay IPs nga dili atimanon sa mga ospital (there will no more be IP children who will beg for rice, no more old and sick IP who will die eventually without having to experience medication even taking paracetamol, and no more IPs brought to hospitals unattended),” Edday hoped as she lamented the plight of her tribe.
“Everyone of us has a right to quality of life. Let us stand up to put integrity for our tribe,” she said.
The event on Friday (October 28) dubbed as “National Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Day” was in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Provincial Tribal Council (PTC) pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 issued in 2009 declaring October as the Indigenous Peoples' Month.
This celebration comes with a manifesto of support from the Sarangani Indigenous Peoples Professionals Association, Inc., PTC, tribal elders, ministers, women, and youth, IP elected officials and mandatory representatives, local government officials, and non-government organizations pursuant to the mandate of the Philippine Constitution and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.
As stated in the manifesto, it “faithfully and conscientiously recognize, promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities, IPs to their ancestral lands, rights to self-governance and empowerment, rights to social justice and human rights and cultural integrity to ensure social and cultural integrity.”
It also committed “to support and bear the faith to preserve our (IP) customary laws, traditional rights, peace building mechanism and processes, compatible with the framework of national unity and development.” (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)


==“Let us protect our peace gains” – Kalinaw Sarangani==
He said he repented from his sin, rededicated his life to Jesus and went on a quest to learn as much as he could about his Savior and how to get closer to God.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=61678
*Saturday, October 29, 2011
:by PIA Press Release


“When I first read the Bible, I couldn’t understand it. I wanted a bible study in the morning and in the afternoon. I felt my day wasn’t complete if I didn’t read the Bible,” he shares.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Oct 29, (PIA) -- Kalinaw Sarangani, the province’s peace and development program under the Office of the Governor, has urged Sarangani constituents to “protect our peace gains” in the wake of recent skirmishes in Basilan and ambushes in Lanao Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Kalinaw Sarangani program manager, echoed the call of Gov. Migs Dominguez for the people “to participate in protecting the gains of our peace efforts and insulate the province from incidents in other places in Mindanao.” Kanda said the governor was calling on “all sectors to help in strengthening the awareness of the communities and remind all of each one’s stake and importance in protecting peace gains.” Kalinaw Sarangani Program has initiated peace orientations on the updates of the GPH-MILF peace talks. It was conducted with barangay captains, provincial board members, and some municipal officials of the municipality of Maasim on September 9. The same orientation was conducted for barangay officials of Kiamba on September 11; municipal and barangay officials, religious sector, police and military and the International Monitoring Team in the municipality of Maitum on September 28. More than 300 community members of barangay Katubao, Kiambaon October 18 and some 200 residents of barangay Tuyan, Malapatan on October 22 were briefed by Kalinaw Sarangani on the ongoing peace talks. Recently, Kanda joined a two-hour local radio program in the orientation on the GPH-MILF peace process. Kanda identified the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum as “conflict affected and conflict vulnerable areas of the province.” “The Provincial Government sees the need that the community members in these areas need to be informed of the recent and accurate updates on the peace process to avoid negative speculations that may result to unnecessary panic and discomfort to the people,” Kanda pointed out. The peace orientation included briefings on the proposals presented by the GPH and MILF panels – the Final Working Draft on Comprehensive Compact or the Sub-state proposal and the Three-for-1 Solution. The community members, on the other hand, were encouraged to actively take part in seeking a common ground, and influence both parties and their local counterparts to pursue the peace process and work forward in achieving the common goal of genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao. “The program urges everyone not to be apathetic about this very important and sensitive issue, hence, be vigilant, refrain from generating negative speculations that might jeopardize the peace process, stand strong in protecting the peace gains and insulate the province from incidents in other places of Mindanao,” Kanda said. Moreover, the Sarangani provincial government urges both parties, GPH and MILF, “to go back to the negotiating table. Treat each other as partners rather than adversaries, and to develop a working draft from the two draft proposals currently on the table and to arrive at a mutually acceptable working draft in resolving the Mindanao conflict.” Kanda said “this draft should have a clear outcome based on the real needs of the Bangsamoro and the people of Mindanao.” Sarangani has seven municipalities with identified 50 Peace and Development Communities (PDCs). This week, massive peace orientations were slated to continue the initiatives started in informing the people of Sarangani. “Likewise, the Local Monitoring Team and the IMT are working hand in hand with the provincial government in monitoring our peace situation,” Kanda added. The orientation schedules are: Oct. 25, 9am. - with the Lupong Tagapamayapa members of Upper Suyan, Patag, Lun Padidu, Daan Suyan and Kinam in Malapatan; Oct. 26, 9am. – with PDC Kihan during their barangay assembly; Oct. 27 – with PDC Malabod, Lupong Tagapamayapa and barangay officials; Oct. 28, 2pm. – with barangay Baluntay Officials, women and religious sector in Alabel; Oct. 29, 8:30am, - at Datal Tampal; and 1pm. - with community members of PDC Lun Padidu during their barangay assembly. Orientations will also be held on Nov. 3, 9:30am. – at Mindupok barangay hall with community members and the International Monitoring Team; Nov. 4, 8:30am. – at Burias, 1:30pm. at Baliton (Glan); and Nov. 8, - PDC Nalus with the community and barangay officials. In December 2009, Kalinaw Sarangani Program received in Malacanang the Galing Pook national award for innovative governance on peace and development. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)
Manny moved on to his presentation and for the next 45 minutes, he shared how the Word of God, when read, meditated and followed, turned his life around.


==“Let us protect our peace gains” – Kalinaw Sarangani==
The Pacman shared one Bible verse that made an impact on his life. Joshua 1:8 “Keep this book of the Law always in your lips. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=61678
*Saturday, October 29, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release


“The Bible is spiritual food that feeds your Spirit man,” Manny explained.


ALABEL, Sarangani, Oct 29, (PIA) -- Kalinaw Sarangani, the province’s peace and development program under the Office of the Governor, has urged Sarangani constituents to “protect our peace gains” in the wake of recent skirmishes in Basilan and ambushes in Lanao Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.
“The old Manny, when tempting thoughts would come to me, I had no power to say ‘No.’ Now I do,” he added.
Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Kalinaw Sarangani program manager, echoed the call of Gov. Migs Dominguez for the people “to participate in protecting the gains of our peace efforts and insulate the province from incidents in other places in Mindanao.”
Kanda said the governor was calling on “all sectors to help in strengthening the awareness of the communities and remind all of each one’s stake and importance in protecting peace gains.”
Kalinaw Sarangani Program has initiated peace orientations on the updates of the GPH-MILF peace talks. It was conducted with barangay captains, provincial board members, and some municipal officials of the municipality of Maasim on September 9.
The same orientation was conducted for barangay officials of Kiamba on September 11; municipal and barangay officials, religious sector, police and military and the International Monitoring Team in the municipality of Maitum on September 28.
More than 300 community members of barangay Katubao, Kiambaon October 18 and some 200 residents of barangay Tuyan, Malapatan on October 22 were briefed by Kalinaw Sarangani on the ongoing peace talks.
Recently, Kanda joined a two-hour local radio program in the orientation on the GPH-MILF peace process.
Kanda identified the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum as “conflict affected and conflict vulnerable areas of the province.”
“The Provincial Government sees the need that the community members in these areas need to be informed of the recent and accurate updates on the peace process to avoid negative speculations that may result to unnecessary panic and discomfort to the people,” Kanda pointed out.
The peace orientation included briefings on the proposals presented by the GPH and MILF panels – the Final Working Draft on Comprehensive Compact or the Sub-state proposal and the Three-for-1 Solution. The community members, on the other hand, were encouraged to actively take part in seeking a common ground, and influence both parties and their local counterparts to pursue the peace process and work forward in achieving the common goal of genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao.
“The program urges everyone not to be apathetic about this very important and sensitive issue, hence, be vigilant, refrain from generating negative speculations that might jeopardize the peace process, stand strong in protecting the peace gains and insulate the province from incidents in other places of Mindanao,” Kanda said.
Moreover, the Sarangani provincial government urges both parties, GPH and MILF, “to go back to the negotiating table. Treat each other as partners rather than adversaries, and to develop a working draft from the two draft proposals currently on the table and to arrive at a mutually acceptable working draft in resolving the Mindanao conflict.”
Kanda said “this draft should have a clear outcome based on the real needs of the Bangsamoro and the people of Mindanao.”
Sarangani has seven municipalities with identified 50 Peace and Development Communities (PDCs).
This week, massive peace orientations were slated to continue the initiatives started in informing the people of Sarangani.
“Likewise, the Local Monitoring Team and the IMT are working hand in hand with the provincial government in monitoring our peace situation,” Kanda added.
The orientation schedules are: Oct. 25, 9am. - with the Lupong Tagapamayapa members of Upper Suyan, Patag, Lun Padidu, Daan Suyan and Kinam in Malapatan; Oct. 26, 9am. – with PDC Kihan during their barangay assembly; Oct. 27 – with PDC Malabod, Lupong Tagapamayapa and barangay officials; Oct. 28, 2pm. – with barangay Baluntay Officials, women and religious sector in Alabel; Oct. 29, 8:30am, - at Datal Tampal; and 1pm. - with community members of PDC Lun Padidu during their barangay assembly.
Orientations will also be held on Nov. 3, 9:30am. – at Mindupok barangay hall with community members and the International Monitoring Team; Nov. 4, 8:30am. – at Burias, 1:30pm. at Baliton (Glan); and Nov. 8, - PDC Nalus with the community and barangay officials.
In December 2009, Kalinaw Sarangani Program received in Malacanang the Galing Pook national award for innovative governance on peace and development. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


==Glan public market gets a makeover==
Turning point
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=61563
*Friday, October 28, 2011
:by  PIA Press Release


It was 4 months ago when Manny declared inside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles that he wanted to turn his life around. He hasn’t looked back since.


GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 28 (PIA) -— The new year will usher in another milestone for the municipal public market, which saw a major makeover in 2011 with the construction of an ice-maker and other additional facilities for both vendors and consumers.
Pastor Rice Brooks in Las Vegas shared to him about the Word of God one week before his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao fell in love with God, and everyday after, I could see his eyes sparkle whenever he learned a new truth and precept.
Starting in February next year, the road shoulders around the public market will be concreted at the cost of P1.2 million and will serve as a permanent space for Maranaw vendors, who will be provided with uniformly designed stalls to prevent the area from turning into an “eyesore.”
The local government has also set aside P2 million for the concreting of the interior road system to enable vendors to bring in their goods faster and at much lesser costs. The fish vendors will also be provided with a storage room to keep the newly renovated wet market “wet but clean.”
But the centerpiece project is the proposed P8 million two-storey foodcourt that will feature all the amenities of a modern cafeteria not unlike those found at shopping malls in the big towns and cities.
“Our modernization program should really start in earnest sooner not later if we hope to keep up with the changing times.” And it should start with our show window, the public market, said Mayor Victor James “Tata” B. Yap, Sr.
The construction of the foodcourt will be jointly bankrolled by the office of Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao, Gov. Migs Dominguez and the local government.
Mayor Yap made the announcement on Thursday, October 27, at a meeting with over 400 market vendors at the Municipal Conference Hall, where he endorsed the candidacy of Barangay Captain and former councilor Joselito “Jongjong” Escobar for the board of directors of Socoteco 11, representing Glan.
“The board director should be an ally, not an enemy, of the administration, because, whether we like it or not, he or she can be a force for good or evil. That’s why I am appealing to you to vote for Barangay Captain Escobar,” said Mayor Yap.
The Socoteco 11 election, slated on Sunday, October 30, is also being contested by ex-Mayor Enrique “Yoyong” Yap, Jr. and retired police officer Bonjing Lara. (Glan Info and News Service/PIA General Santos City)


==Ex-vice mayor of Sarangani town slain==
He glued himself to the Bible and prayer, and rededicated himself to his family. Round by round, he pounded away at his old habits. Today, Manny walks around with his iPad equipped with Bible apps. He also shares pages of Bible verses he has memorized.
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/83945/ex-vice-mayor-of-sarangani-town-slain
*3:11 pm | Thursday, October 27th, 2011
:by  Aquiles Z. Zonio
Inquirer Mindanao


“Marami na akong mga weapon!” he exclaims to everyone who’s listening.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—A former vice mayor of Massim, Sarangani province was shot dead by a lone assailant near the town hall there around 9 a.m. Thursday, the authorities said.
Pastor Jeric Soriano said Manny has carried his discipline in boxing training to his study of the Word of God.
Sawab Pangolima, 64, died while being rushed to a hospital, according to incumbent Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan.
He said that based on police investigation, personal grudge was the motive behind the killing of Pangolima, who served as Massim vice mayor from 2007-2011.
“Our initial finding was that the shooting was motivated by a personal grudge. Sort of a family feud,” he said.
Senior Superintendent Florendo Quidilla, Sarangani police chief, said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing.
“The suspect was arrested during … pursuit operation. He is now under the custody of the Maasim police,” Quidilla said.
Meanwhile, a civilian agent of the Army’s Joint Task Force Gensan and his female companion were injured during a shooting incident here Wednesday evening.
Police investigators said Angelito Batan, 35, and Sherilyn Cercardo, 37, were on their way home with several others when attacked in Barangay Lagao by two men riding in tandem on a motorbike around 10 p.m.
The injured victims were rushed to private hospitals here for treatment.
The police said the motive and the identity of the perpetrators were still being ascertained.


==Smart way of living for tribal women==
“He is extremely diligent and determined,” he said.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/10/25/smart-way-living-tribal-women-186936
*Tuesday, October 25, 2011
:by Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper


Pacquiao said another one of his favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”


LIFE is not easy for a group of B'laan women in Sitio Bolol Kilot, a fishing village identified as one of the sacred sites in Alabel town, Sarangani Province.
He explained: “Dati dasal ako ng dasal. Simba ako every Sunday pero Monday to Saturday lahat ng kalokohan ginagawa ko. Hindi natin maloloko ang Panginoon.”


Every day, they tend to the kids and keep house while waiting for their husbands, fathers or brothers to come home from fishing, never quite certain if earnings from the day's catch will be enough to sustain the needs of the whole family.
His wife, Jinkee, was all smiles as she listened to her husband preach for the first time.


Hence, many of them are members of the Bolol Kilot Tribal Women Association, which, with the help of the Provincial Government's Indigenous People's Development Program (IPDP), is a registered organization of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
“Ang Holy Spirit na kay Manny na talaga. Happy ako at lahat kaming pamilya. Ang saya na talaga,” he said.


They want to contribute to the family income, and with the help of Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), it looks like they have found a new livelihood.
Bible studies in his Manila and General Santos City homes are frequent. Pacquiao also likes to listen to an audio bible with portable speakers in his vehicle.


"The partnership with Smart involves an assimilation of traditional custom and contemporary material," IPDP project development officer Toto Terando said.
In his sermon, Pacquiao is stretching his arms wide to the audience.


"The B'laan women will use their skills in weaving to create colorful bags and souvenir items using old tarpaulins," he added.
“God loves us so much. That’s why he even died for us.’


Smart is engaged in a nationwide effort to manage and transform post marketing wastes through community-based up-cycling initiatives under Kabalikat sa Kalikasan, the company's CSR program for the environment.
“Famous athletes like Jeremy Lin, Tim Tebow and now Manny Pacquiao are all sharing about God. Why me? Because the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is near.”


This is a conscious response of company to the government's call for the implementation of Solid Waste Management (SWM).
Dig deep into the Word


Almost half of the 70 members of the association have already undergone whole-day training on Solid Waste Management by Binggirl Clemente of Earthday Network Philippines, a non-government organization that advocates ecological awareness.
Pacquiao ended his sermon by bowing down in prayer and asking all who want to begin a new life with Jesus to join in.


This was followed by a three-day workshop on basic bag making and design by Siony Adam of the Malapatan Association of Sarangani Producers. After the training, the women were able to produce 25 woven tarpaulin bags ready for display.
‘Lord, maraming salamat sa iyong pag-ibig.  Sorry sa lahat ng kasalanan ko. I give my life to you Jesus. The old is gone, the new me has come. Thank you. I love you, God,” he said.


To boost the association’s livelihood program, Smart donated an industrial sewing machine and plastic sealer. The group will also continue to receive old tarpaulins from Smart so that they will have a steady supply of material for their new trade.
He then joins his group in singing a couple more of his favorite praise and worship songs.


The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of the Provincial Trade and Industry Office will help the association market the products.
“Diva for the Lord” Dulce belted out a powerful number while Pastor Jesse Dedel prayed over the Pacquiao family, encouraging Manny to press on till the end.


An interagency financial management training and action planning will also be given to the association in order to sustain the livelihood program.
Celebrities and top management attended the fellowship but the night did not belong to them. In the end, even the 8-division world boxing champion stepped aside to give glory to the true champion – the Lord Jesus Christ.


Smart's tarpaulin bag-making initiative is aligned with the local government of Alabel’s pro-earth program starting with its "No Plastic" campaign that encourages the locals to use containers made of corn husks in the public markets.
Pacquiao also encouraged Filipinos to dig deep into the Holy Scripture during Holy Week.


Smart is also working with the provincial government on the restoration of a 200-hectare forestland within the watershed of Alabel. The town's Calminda watershed is the biggest in Sarangani Province.
“Dig deep and truly have a life changing experience with God by committing to read His Word and obeying it. He has a solution for every situation and nothing is impossible with God,” he said. “Believe! Don’t live in unbelief.”


==Glan Vice Mayor is this year’s GAWAD awardee==
Pacquiao has said before that he plans to retire soon since he has nothing left to prove inside the ring. Indeed, his boxing conquests may soon come to an end but his new journey of victory in Christ is just beginning.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=60490
*Saturday, October 22, 2011
:by GLAN Info and News Service


==Go Gumasa for the biggest beach party this summer - Asian Correspondent==
*Source: http://cebusandman.typepad.com/philippines_travel_news/2012/04/go-gumasa-for-the-biggest-beach-party-this-summer-asian-correspondent-1.html
*April 5, 2012 at 7:27 AM
:by  COCOY SEXCION


GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 22 (PIA) -- A national awards-giving body has chosen Dr. Vivien B. Yap as this year’s Best Municipal Vice Mayor of the Philippines.
Yap was cited by the Gawad League of Vice Mayors Information and Research Services for her “exemplary achievements in the pursuit of her chosen career both in politics and in the field of medicine, where she demonstrated exceptional quality of leadership, imbued with lofty idealism, courage and impeccable record in public service, thereby contributing much to the socio-economic development of Glan and the uplift of the living condition of her constituents.”
The awarding ceremony for this year’s Gawad LVM awards was held at the Manila Hotel last September 17, but due to unavoidable circumstances, Yap was unable to attend and receive the Plaque of Recognition in person.
“I’m not really at ease being put on the spot, in the limelight, just because I am doing what I am supposed to do, in the first place,” she said.
Yap is the author of a special ordinance declaring every April of the year as Mahin Festival Month in Glan, adding a new dimension to the beach festival craze now spreading all over the region.
She also helped craft, among other major ordinances and resolutions, the new Local Tax Code, which substantially cut down business and license fees but at the same time expanded the town’s tax base with more investments and businesses opening up because of the lower taxes.
She had been a barangay captain and an ex-officio provincial board member, aside from being a practicing physician doing mostly charitable work, before she was elected as the town’s second highest official in the May 2010 elections. (GLAN Info and News Service/PIA General Santos City)


==Water in Brgy. Tinoto unsafe for drinking==
Tired of the maddening crowd of Boracay? The crash commercialism of Panglao? Or the prohibitive and princely price tag of El Nido?
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=60127
Save your bed and dine budget and get more adventurous.
*Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pack those bags and fly farther south for a summer retreat where one gets the most rural of the setting, yet lusts for one of nature’s few remaining unspoiled beauties.
:PIA Press Release
Welcome to Gumasa in Sarangani, home to Mindanao’s biggest beach party – the Sarangani Bay Festival.


Crossing the 15-kilometer Sarangani Bay channel


TINOTO, Maasim, Sarangani, October 20 (PIA) -- Provincial health officer Dr. Antonio Yasana today declared all sources of water within barangay Tinoto “not fit for drinking purposes.”
It is in this part of Mindanao where you can still frolic in the most powdery white sands, watch beach volley and soccer, build sand castles, snorkel and skinny dip in crystal-clear sea waters and party all night long. On the side, shout your hearts out as you cheer for your favorite 5-man relay team swim and race against many others in the shark-infested Sarangani Bay, a distance of 15 kilometers across the channel. (Don’t worry. The sheer number of sea crafts, swimmers and spectators are driving those sharks away.) Oh, lest you forget, watch dolphins playfully swim with the human tankers at a safe distance. When there are no sharks, there are dolphins, period.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jose Zamorro said a municipal vehicle was already shuttling containers of drinking water from the poblacion to the diarrhea-stricken village.
Gumasa, they say, is what Boracay was 25 years ago when the world-known tourist destination was not yet, well, as crowded as it is today. When being in with the Boracay beach crowd means spending half a year’s salary for a Metro Manila minimum wage earner for a two night stay good for two.
All drinking water hauled to the village will continue water treatment using “Waterine Solution” for drinking purposes until the situation has been totally stabilized.
You can spend half of that and stay in Gumasa for four days. That’s practically more than half the price tag of Boracay! But, dig this. You can happily bring home along with you the bragging rights of telling friends when you grow those grey hairs that you were there in Gumasa when one can practically own the place by his or her lonesome during off seasons. That is one of life’s priceless moments and memories.
“The situation is manageable, meaning we are addressing the needs of the community,” said Yasana. “We do not want that there will be more (diarrhea) cases that will be happening.”
Just ask Supreme Court administrator Midas Marquez who was at the bay festival two years ago and was seen tightly clasping a bottle of ice cold San Mig Lights while watching Cueshe live on stage. Or Tina Muñoz Palma who had her moment with youthful Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez along the beach front one breezy and cloudy afternoon the year before.
On Monday, Dr. Jaileen Milar, municipal health officer, reported that diarrhea cases started to occur on October 11 with one diarrhea death reported on the same date. Another two deaths were reported on October 15 and 16 and the cases of diarrhea escalated to 46.
Talkback host and Bantay Bata mover Tina Muñoz Palma of ANC and ABS-CBN Foundation with Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez
On Tuesday, the total number of cases reached 254 but mostly outpatient due to “mild presentation” of the illness. As of today, Milar said only 18 diarrhea patients were admitted at Maasim Municipal Hospital.
Fishing is the main livelihood of the people in barangay Tinoto. Their water source is from two peddling tankers coming from Bawing, General Santos City and Siguel, and two local water systems.
At a meeting presided over by Yasana this morning, an internal crisis committee (ICC) was created to plan and implement “immediate actions” even as the diarrhea outbreak subsided.
Yasana told the ICC that the existing water source in Tinoto can be used for washing and laundry only and not even for washing dishes or kitchen utensils.
“What is definite is that all the water sources are infected, contaminated with coliform bacteria,” Yasana said, based on initial result of microbiological test of Tinoto’s water sources.
Health workers were continuing surveillance in the village. “We have enough drug supplies. So as of the moment, what I can say is that the situation is manageable,” Yasana said.
Yasana also recommended the construction of a communal toilet. He said there were “no sanitary toilets among the majority of the residents with no proper waste disposal.”
“Most of the patients interviewed do not practice simple and proper hygiene practices such as handwashing,” Yasana said. “Many were observed to have dirty long nails.”
The village has been declared under a state of calamity for the barangay government to use its 5-percent calamity fund.
The ICC would meet again Thursday to discuss civil works for the rehabilitation of water system and construction of communal toilet. (Sarangani Information Office/PIA GeneralSantos City)


==Sarangani eyes leaked reservoir pipelines in diarrhea outbreak==
Dominguez said the late Filipino rock icon Karl Roy once suddenly popped out from the crowd and went upstage to jam with the local band. Eric Gancio of the lamented and missed Yano band is a regular performer here. Eric is a friend of the governor. Recent Pinoy Big Brother fourth placer Paco Evangelista is also a regular at the bay festival.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=380263
Sarbay, as organizers have coined it, now proudly owns the tag as Mindanao’s biggest beach party and Gumasa is the resident host of Sarangani Bay Festival.
*October 19, 2011, 2:24 pm
:by (PNA)
LDV/AVE


The festival itself has become the province’s great leveler – where a farmhand can rub elbows with celebrities. Where Sarangani’s officials are part of the crowd – not the crowd.
“I think we can claim it has become the bigger beach party in the country where people party literally from sundown to sunrise,” the governor said.
Dominguez said, last year, the bay festival was able to attract 35,000 local tourists – up from 6,000 in 2006.
Have you seen your vice governor break dance on stage in your place? Try Gumasa.
The bay festival was one of the first activity concepts pushed by Dominguez immediately after he was elected governor of the province for the first time in 2004.
Sarangani province however shares the bay with nearby General Santos City. (Sarangani six coastal towns are evenly separated by Gensan) After failed attempts to jointly host Sarbay with General Santos, Dominguez gave his signal to proceed with the concept that has now become a buzzword in Mindanao.
Mindanao today. The world tomorrow.
This year’s Sarangani Bay Festival has been shortened to two days – May 18-19. This should give visitors enough time to enjoy the serenity of the place and explore other places before and after Sarbay.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct. 19 (PNA) – Health authorities in Sarangani are eyeing the leaks in the damaged pipelines of a village reservoir as possibly behind the water contamination that caused a diarrhea outbreak in a coastal community in Maasim town during the past several days.
Side tours
The bay fest is adventure enough but if one wants to extend his stay, he or she can para-glide and get an eagle eye’s view of the blue waters of Sarangani Bay. The Tan brothers of SAFII Group of Companies are offering this latest craze to hit Sarangani.


Dr. Antonio Yasaña, Sarangani health officer, said Wednesday they found numerous leaks in the pipelines of the village’s reservoir that could have triggered the contamination of the drinking water of hundreds of households in Barangay Tinoto in Maasim since last week.
Lemlunay's infiniti pool


Yasaña and provincial sanitary engineer Ruben Pelones were dispatched to the area earlier this week by Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez to investigate the cause of the outbreak, which already caused the death of three children.
If one is a dive enthusiast and wants to explore the earth’s remaining frontier, there is the Lemlunay Dive Resort operated by the Partridge family in Tinoto Maasim, also in Sarangani. The Tinoto Wall is dubbed as one of the best dive spots in Mindanao. The wall drops more than 500 feet you can almost “see” the abyss. Lemlunay also offers world-class accommodation with an infiniti pool to drool for.


As of Wednesday morning, the Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Maasim reported the number of residents who were affected by the outbreak so far reached 254.
Rep. Manny Pacquiao shooting the La Union rapids


It said 54 of the victims were still confined at the Maasim District Hospital but were already in stable condition.
If security arrangement can be made, a trek into the hidden waterfalls of Kiamba town or a visit to one of the pre-historic burial caves of Maitum will be a big bonus.


In an ocular inspection, provincial and municipal health and sanitary personnel found out that the damaged pipeline that runs from Barangay Tinoto’s reservoir passes through a dried up creek that usually gets flooded following heavy rains.
Nalus Falls in Kiamba


A portion of the creek, which showed traces of dumped household and human wastes, reportedly gets flooded with sea water during high tide, submerging the leaked pipelines.
But you can still wet your butt in white-water rubber-tubing adventure in La Union, Maitum. Sarangani Rep. Manny once said the 1.5 kilometer stretch of rapids ride was one like he never had before. Unfortunately, until Manny retires from boxing, you will not get to see him at the festival as he often fights during the month.


“The water pipelines coming from the water reservoir harbor damages/leaks, which theoretically might be the cause of contamination that caused the diarrhea outbreak,” an evaluation report released by the Sarangani health office said.
How to get there and some tips


Yasaña said they initially recommended the immediate repair and rehabilitation of the village’s reservoir’s damaged pipelines to stop the water contamination.
Travel light. You do not have to dress up and bring your costly gears. After all, Gumasa is a backpacker’s ultimate paradise. Book a flight from your place of origin to General Santos City. There are at least four flights daily from Manila and back and two flights from Cebu on some days.
Taxis at the airport are available. Drivers however are not keen on using the taxi meter, though. Haggle with them. Airport to downtown fare should not be more than P300.
You can ask the driver where to bring you to the hotel or inn that best suits your taste or budget. Don’t look for 5-star accommodation. There is none yet in the city. You can make arrangements with the hotel front desk for transfer accommodation to one of the beach resorts in Gumasa. If you are to join the bay festival, an outdoor carry-on portable tent is advisable if you cannot have prior bookings.
You may inquire with event organizers at stipc@yahoo.com or call Telefax (083) 508-5230 or 508-5244.


He said they directed village officials to strictly impose proper waste disposal in the area and work for the immediate construction of communal toilets in each purok or cluster of houses.
==From being No. 1 taxpayer in 2008, Pacquiao slides to 135th spot in 2010==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/253833/news/nation/from-being-no-1-taxpayer-in-2008-pacquiao-slides-to-135th-spot-in-2010
*April 4, 2012 2:35pm
:by KBK/VS, GMA News


“These are immediate solutions that should be addressed to prevent a similar problem in the future,” the health official said.


Dr. Jaileen Milar, Maasim MHO chief, said they are set to inspect the village’s reservoir to check the quality of the facility and its stored water.
From being number one in 2008, Sarangani Rep. and world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao slid to the 135th spot among the country’s Top 500 individual taxpayers in 2010, latest data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) showed.


The MHO earlier submitted the water samples from the area for laboratory tests but the results were not yet available.
Pacquiao, who is currently at loggerheads with the BIR, paid only P9,190,691 in taxes in 2010 despite having a taxable income of P504.5 million, the bureau said.


“We continued with the treatment of the affected residents and also took some rectal swabs just to rule out cholera. But I doubt whether this was caused by cholera because the manifestations of the illness was not that much intense,” she said.
In 2008, Pacquiao paid over P125 million, making him the top taxpayer for that year.


In the meantime, Barangay Tinoto chair Rajik Kudarat said they continued rationing potable water to the affected households pending proper clearance of the area’s water supplies.
The eight-time world champion is currently facing a criminal case for obstructing a tax investigation into his earnings, a case that he said has cost him a fortune in endorsements.


The office of Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao earlier commissioned a truck to supply potable water to the affected residents from the Pacquiao-owned Pacman water treatment and refilling facility.
The case was filed by the BIR last February after Pacquiao allegedly failed to submit proper documents about his earnings from boxing matches and his numerous commercial endorsements.


==Diarrhea outbreak hits Sarangani==
The BIR, through the agency’s regional director Rozil Lozares, issued a Letter of Authority to the boxing icon requiring him to submit documents regarding his earnings. Pacquiao allegedly failed to comply.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/18/11/diarrhea-outbreak-hits-sarangani
* 10/18/2011 7:16 PM
:by Report from Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN SOKSARGEN


The BIR wants to investigate Pacquiao’s 33 tax records, including his annual income tax return in 2010, his book of accounts, list of assets, as well as his earnings from his fights against Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey.


MANILA, Philippines – Diarrhea cases in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani have reached 254, health officials said.
GMA News Online called Pacquiao's business manager Rex "Wakee" Salud over the phone, but the boxing champ's camp is still to issue an official statement as of this posting.


The outbreak has left 3 children dead, while 54 others remain hospitalized.
Pacquiao’s tax payments substantially declined to some P7 million in 2009 from P125 million in 2008–a drastic drop that got the bureau curious.


According to an official report by the provincial health office, the village's leaking water pipelines may have been the cause of contamination, which led to the outbreak.
Pacquiao has vowed to fight the case in court and accused the BIR of singling him out for harassment.


Together with barangay officials, an ABS-CBN News team discovered one damaged pipeline measuring about 100 meters long.
According to the latest BIR list, businessman Vicente Lao was the top taxpayer for 2010. He had a taxable income of P235 million that year and paid taxes of P75 million.


Authorities said the pipeline becomes submerged in floodwaters during strong rains.
After Lao, businessman Rolando Hortaleza placed second with P69.665 million in taxes. Filmmaker Carlo J. Caparas, once the subject of a tax case filed by the BIR, came in third with P65.670 million in taxes.


Aside from animal feces in the vicinity of the pipeline, human feces were also found in the area.
For non-individual taxpayers, communications giant Smart Communications topped the list with P11.456 billion for 2010. Other top corporate taxpayers were Chevron Malampaya LLC (P4.378 billion) and Shell Philippines Exploration (P4.327 billion).


The barangay chairman of Barangay Tinoto Rajik Kudarat, however, said the pipeline does not belong to the village.
Nestle and San Miguel placed fourth and fifth, with P4.277 billion and P4.206 billion, respectively.


“Gusto naming ipaayos ito, pero hindi naman ito sa amin. Dapat ‘yung may-ari nito, sila na ang mag-ayos,” said Kudarat.
==Journalist wants libel raps dismissed==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45853-Journalist-wants-libel-raps-dismissed.html
*Tuesday, April 3. 2012
:by  (PNA)
DCT/PTR


Health officials are recommending a common toilet area for the residents of Barangay Tinoto to monitor sanitation in the area.


Residents are also advised to boil drinking and cooking water to kill bacteria.
MANILA — A Mindanao-based journalist has sought the dismissal of the libel case filed against him by the alleged friend of world boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao.
In his 13-page counter-affidavit, Edwin Espejo, contributor for MindaNews and Asian Correspondent, said that "it is, therefore, imperative upon the fiscal or the judge as the case may be, to relieve the accused from the pain of going through a trial once it is ascertained that the evidence is insufficient to sustain a prima facie case or that no probable cause exists to form a sufficient belief as to the guilt of the accused."
Espejo is facing an P18-million libel case filed against him by Mohammad Aquia, former head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) in Central Mindanao.
In his article, Espejo allegedly mentioned Aquia as an accused of running a carjacking syndicate who sought refuge in Pacquiao's house in General Santos City to evade arrest.
The article was published online.
In his counter-affidavit, Espejo said that libel cannot be committed by means of the Internet pointing out that under Article 353, the definition of libel "did not comprehend the rise of the interface of advanced telecommunications technologies with the internet."
Espejo said that such deficiency is recognized by the Senate thus Senator Manuel Villar filed on Jan. 18, 2011 a bill penalizing internet libel.
He added that there is also no malice when he wrote the article because Aquia is a public figure and he does not know him personally.
Espejo, through his legal counsel Romel Bagares, director of the Center for International Law Philippines, said that a United Nations Committee on Human Rights report stated that criminal libel in the Philippines is contrary to the country's obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Likewise, Bagares also said that they have yet to receive summons from the Office of the City Prosecutor in General Santos about the alleged P75-million libel case filed by Pacquiao against Espejo.
"Our information is that Rep. Pacquiao filed his complaint together with Mr. Aquia," Bagares said.
"In any case we reiterate our earlier call on Rep. Pacquiao to take this opportunity to work with journalists in pressing for the decriminalization of libel in the country," he said.
"This is an opportune moment for Rep. Pacquiao to show solidarity with Filipino journalists," Bagares added.


Maasim’s sanitary inspector also assured residents that the area’s water reservoir will be inspected.
==Mindanao chambers look to strengthen role in investment facilitation==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45759-Mindanao-chambers-look-to-strengthen-role-in-investment-facilitation.html
*Monday, April 2. 2012
:by  zambotimes.com


==Malacañang defends promotion of Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/malacanang-defends-promotion-of-sarangani-rep-pacquiao/#.TpxC-Jv7gVA
*Oct 17th, 2011
:by Tempo




MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Malacanang defended the basis of the promotion of Sarangani Congressman and Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) reserve force amid criticisms from groups questioning his qualifications in earning the rank.
CEBU CITY-Chambers of commerce in Mindanao should take a stronger role in drawing trade and investment to their respective areas.
This was the consensus among the Mindanao chamber officials who attended a “cross-learning” seminar organized in Cebu City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.
The seminar drew executives from established chambers of commerce in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga, as well as from smaller, newer chambers, from the provinces of Sarangani and Surigao and the cities of Butuan, Pagadian and Kidapawan. Representatives from Naga, Iloilo, and Cebu business chambers also attended the activity.
Participants exchanged best practices on chamber revenue generation, policy advocacy, and trade and investment facilitation, focusing on the successful experience of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center.
“We are in the process of reviewing our city’s investment code, and it was particularly useful to learn more about Cebu’s highly focused approach,” said Raymund Salangsang, president of the General Santos City chamber.
“GenSan has well-established fisheries, agriculture and IT sectors that bring in business, but we really should distinguish between domestic and foreign investors and their differing requirements,” Salangsang said.
He also proposed a more subregional approach towards attracting investors.
“Some industries cannot be contained in just one city,” Salangsang said. “GenSan is already the commercial and transport hub for surrounding provinces, so why not help businesses to locate or expand there? It works out to everyone’s benefit.”
“We looked at our respective strengths rather than try to replicate what other cities are doing,” said Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.
“We are a small city in a highly agricultural area, with only a small wharf, but with established supply routes to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro,” Quisumbing pointed out.
“Rather than focus on direct exports, we studied how we fit into the supply chain,” Quisumbing said. “Given our large coconut production base, for example, there are opportunities for investors in coco semi-processing.”
The Mindanao chambers are currently working with local governments and national line agencies to develop investment databases for their respective areas.
This would include information on available raw materials, people support, costs of doing business, investment incentives, and other economic and market information.
“Some local governments are still not aware of the extent to which their chambers of commerce can help bring in investment,” said Quisumbing. “There has to be a good working relationship between the business community and government to make sure everyone is on the same investment track.”
Public-private collaboration is expected to be further bolstered by the recent agreement between PCCI and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to share resources and technical expertise to promote investment.
This builds on an earlier partnership agreement between the two organizations to jointly formulate policy recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of key economic sectors.
For chamber executives at the Cebu seminar, however, it was clear that a supportive policy framework will best succeed in attracting business to a particular area if its local stakeholders—both government and the private sector—work together to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages.


Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, during a regular press briefing at the Palace on Monday, said that there are corresponding ranks for government leaders who are also military reservists whether they are appointees or elected officials.
==Two Bible preachers: One unknown, the other famous==
“The position of Congressman Pacquiao, who was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, was due to his position as a congressman, yun po ang recommendation ng AFP…” Lacierda said.
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/253457/news/metromanila/two-bible-preachers-one-unknown-the-other-famous
“May mga basis po yan sa AFP… it was not for no other reasons that he (Pacquiao) was promoted, it was because of his position as congressman… and as a reservist and a congressman he is entitled to the position of Lieutenant Colonel,” Lacierda added.
*April 1, 2012 3:04am
When asked if Pacquiao was commissioned through “palakasan” system, Lacierda downplayed the idea as he stated the basis of the Filipino boxing champion’s promotion.
:by  EARL VICTOR L. ROSERO
“Wala pong palakasan, just to give you an example of the elected officials and their ranks… a senator, congressman, provincial governor… they have the rank of lieutenant colonel, presidential appointees, department secretaries, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals Justices and the members of the Constitutional Commission, the ambassador… they also have the rank of lieutenant colonel,” Lacierda said.
“Kapag undersecretary major po, MTC, RTC judges… major, ang city mayor po is also a lieutenant colonel if he is a mayor of a highly-urbanized city and then ang city vice mayor major din po, so there are corresponding ranks po to the positions that you have in government, so wala pong palakasan ito,” he further noted.
Lacierda said that criticisms on Pacquiao’s promotion by several groups may have stemmed from lack of the necessary information.
“I think hindi po na-explain ng maayos ito… that is the reason why may mga ganoong klaseng criticisms kung bakit ang laki ng promotion ni Congressman Pacquiao,” Lacierda said.
Pacquiao was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel from Senior Master Sergeant, which took effect last September 21, based on the recommendation of the Army.
Pacquiao was first enlisted in the Army reserve force with the rank of sergeant on April 1, 2006 on the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Alexander Yano, who used to be a brigade commander in Sarangani. Yano served as Armed Forces chief before retiring in 2009.
Six months after his enlistment, Pacquiao was promoted to the next rank of technical sergeant and on Oct. 7, 2007, then he was promoted to master sergeant. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant on May 4, 2009.


==Soldier, NPA rebel killed in Sarangani clash==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/13/11/soldier-npa-rebel-killed-sarangani-clash
*10/13/2011 6:25 PM
:by abs-cbnNEWS.com




SARANGANI, Philippines - A communist New People's Army (NPA) rebel and a government trooper were killed in a gunbattle in Sarangani province on Thursday, the military said.
He boarded the air conditioned bus at the stop under the EDSA Cubao MRT station. Respectably dressed he was in leather shoes, black slacks, and light blue long-sleeved shirt complete with a necktie.He walked down the aisle, stood at the mid-section of the bus and then pulled out of his black bag – a Bible.
The unknown man, Jessie, spoke clearly though he did not or could not make eye contact with the other passengers – most of whom tried to ignore him but the sense of hearing cannot be shut down.


Troops belonging to the Philippine Army's 102nd Division Reconnaissance Company and 73rd Infantry Battalion were on patrol in Glan town when they enountered the NPA rebels in Datal Bukay village just before noon.
Some of the commuters had earphones on and preferred to look out the window. But every now and then some passengers would sneak a glance at him and seemed to listen.


An MG-520 attack helicopter reinforced the government troops, said Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military's Eastern Mindanao Command.
Gazing at the bus preacher evoked contrasting mental images of another man – world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao – who now adeptly quotes from the Bible by chapter and verses every time the opportunity presents itself.


The body of the slain rebel, who has yet to be identified, was later found in the area.
Evangelization on wheels


Soldiers also recovered an M-16 rifle, an M-14 rifle, a handheld radio, an improvised scanner, a Claymore mine, a grenade, a solar charger, and documents at the site.
The preacher on the bus would later identify himself to GMA News Online as Jesse Gannabon. He said he is a pastor-in-training of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ Fourth Watch with office in Marikina.


The name of the slain soldier has been withheld as his family has yet to be notified, Galon said.
Jesse spoke clearly though he did not or could not make eye contact with the other passengers – most of whom tried to ignore him but the sense of hearing cannot be shut down. Some had earphones on and preferred to look out the window.
But every now and then some passengers would sneak a glance at him and seemed to listen.


==Glan stages 12th Lubi-Lubi Festival==
Jessie’s preaching followed a three-part outline. First, he introduced why he was there. Then he cited a few Bible passages and endeavored to explain them. Lastly, he asked for donations.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=58694
*Tuesday, October 11, 2011
After his preaching, Jessie consented to an interview. He said he has been a missionary for three years now of the Pentecostal Fourth Watch.
:by PIA Press Release
As the interview proceeded, the other passengers were now intently listening.
He also said he did the preaching on the bus everyday, whole day from about 8 a.m. to late afternoon around 4 p.m.
Jessie said he preached because it was a commandment of God.


As the bus approached the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, he collected the envelopes he handed out, thanked the passengers, and got off the bus.
A new calling
Like the bus preacher, Pacquiao quotes the Bible quite often now. But unlike Jesse, Pacquiao has a weekly television variety show and hordes of media people following him every day.
So confident and inspired Pacquiao is about his new calling that he recently led a Bible sharing session on the premises of the GMA Network Center.


GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 11 (PIA)--The twelfth staging of the Lubi-Lubi sa Glan Festival last October 8, was a rousing success, with
Months ago, whenever he got to speak during Mass at Quiapo Church in Manila, he would just give profuse thanks and say that for every big problem, he “has a bigger God.”
previous Lubi-Lubi combined.
Throughout the week-long festivities, which hit the ground running on October 1, the festival area, particularly the party zone, was thronged with revelers out for a good time, and the kiosk operators and vendors had never it so good, making a killing from sales on foods, drinks and other fun items.
Now, the Pacman expertly throws not just punches, but also quick Bible quotes and some advice.
“The festival mood was unprecedented. People from all walks of life, from far and wide, turned up in almost all events we had put on for this year’s celebration. I promise you we will go one better next Lubi-Lubi,” said Mayor Victor James “Tata” Yap, Sr.
The festivities opened at 7 p.m., October 1, with a great basketball game at the Atty. Enrique D. Yap, Sr. Cultural Center, followed by a pop & rock concert at Plaza Rizal by the DXMD band.
He credits Jeric Soriano, a recently ordained pastor of the Alabang New Life Christian Center, for his being a “changed man” and his newfound love for learning from the Bible.
Day 2 and 3 saw two other great basketball matches and a Moro song and dance contest, which the town’s multi-ethnic public enjoyed to the
hilt.
Early morning of Day 4 was greeted with a fun run from the Municipal Ground to the Marker, where a Thanksgiving Mass was held, then back to the municipal gym at 7 p.m. for the Global Glanians Social Night, where they danced the night away. Another concert, featuring the town’s very own Glanians Band and sponsored by SMB/Coca-Cola, wrapped up Day 4.
October 5 was literally a red-letter day for the SK Federation of Board Member James P. Yap, which conducted a blood-letting at Glan Training Center between 8 a.m. and 12 noon. At 1 to 6 p.m., it was the turn of the senior citizens and the womenfolk for their own show and celebration.
Serving as finale for the day’s events was the hilarious DOBLE KARA & Hip-Hop Dance Contest conducted jointly by the SK Federation and Bombo Radyo at the Atty. Enrique D. Yap, Sr. Cultural
Center.
Day 6 and 7 came and went with amateur boxing, basketball and concert,on the one hand, and a safari photo contest, coco fun game, the much-awaited Mutya ng Glan and another concert, featuring the highly popular Alamid band, on the other.
On Day 8, Foundation Day, it was showtime, kicking off with a civic military parade at 7:30 a.m., followed by the spectacular Lubi-Lubi
street dancing, the basketball final, a disco concert and a dazzling fireworks display that had the crowd "star-gazing" until the wee hours
of the morning.
“The festival was beautiful while it lasted. We look forward to the next Lubi-Lubihan sa Glan,” said a visitor, who came all the way from
North Cotabato.
This only goes to show that the Lubi-Lubi sa Glan is here to stay.(Glan Information and News service/PIA General Santos City)


==MOA for $100-M waste-to-energy plant inked==
The Pacman was with Soriano on stage at the ordination last January.
*Source: MOA for $100-M waste-to-energy plant inked
*Wednesday, October 05, 2011
:by PIA Press Release
 
 
GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 5 (PIA) — The local government here has signed a memorandum of agreement with a big German ecological firm, which will put up a $100-million ultra-modern solid waste management and disposal plant at this burgeoning resort town in the south under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.
Herhof-German has agreed to construct and develop waste management disposal plant facilities using a highly reliable and safe technology from Germany called “Stabilat-R Method” of converting waste to energy.
The agreement also provides that Herhof will own, operate and maintain all Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Stabilat-R plant facilities that the company will develop here for municipal solid waste processing, waste-water treatment, sewage sludge, leachate treatment for landfills, methane/biogas extraction, hospital waste plant, thermal treatment of secondary fuels, gasification processes, anaerobic treatment and possible power-generation technologies or the so-called “EVA Power Plant.”
To ensure the successful operation of all its future facilities as well as help generate local employment here, the company will conduct employee training programs on maintenance, safety and over-all plant management and will only hire bona fide residents as workers and plant operators provided they are qualified in accordance with the Labor Code the Philippines.
The local government, on the other hand, will allow Herhof untrammeled use of its present landfill at Barangay Mudan for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years, as construction site of Phase 1 of the project at no cost to the company.
If the local government can bring in 1,000 tons of garbage daily at the six-hectare municipal dumpsite within two years from the signing of the agreement, an additional area of at least nine hectares will be provided to the company for its power plant facility under the same terms and conditions.
“This agreement could serve as a catalyst that will catapult Glan as the next boom town in Mindanao. Imagine the jobs, revenue and ancillary enterprises that a $100-million investment can generate,” said Mayor Victor James B. Yap, Sr., who signed the agreement on behalf of the local government.
When already in place, the project will also serve as a major revenue-earner in that other towns, cities or provinces can make use of the facilities for their own garbage disposal after paying the dumping charges or “tipping fees”, with the town and the company sharing the income equally.
With the minimum daily requirement of 1,000 tons of garbage in the bag because of the additional load from outside sources, the company will start Phase II of the project--the power plant facility, which will use treated and recycled garbage as fuel.
The agreement also provides that when the company recoups its investment after 25 years of operation, it shall turn over its facilities to the local government under the BOT scheme.
Signing for Herhof were William J. Lima, president of TIG Green Technology Mindanao; and Michael C. Jimenez, president of Zehira USA, LLC. (GLAN Information and News Service/PIA General Santos City)
 
==Philippine mango industry gets backing==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/336582/philippine-mango-industry-gets-backing
*October 4, 2011, 2:35pm
:by NONOY E. LACSON
 
 
GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Proseso Alcala guaranteed growers of Philippine mango with his department’s support as he graced the 13th National Mango Congress at Isla Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa.
 
“Rest assured that the DA (Department of Agriculture) will continue with support programs including the establishment and rehabilitation of nurseries and foundation scion grove, household and village processing assistance and crop
improvement especially for climate change adaptability,” Alcala told 322 registered delegates on Friday at the closing of the three-day mango congress here.
 
Alcala reported a seven percent growth in the annual production of mangoes in 2010 which was reportedly “prompted by the continuous flower induction in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region and all the Visayas regions.”
 
However, a decline of 5.3 percent during the early months this year was noted. He said this was caused by the changing weather conditions and the early rainy season which may have been triggered by climate change.
 
Last year, fresh mango exports reached 20,115 tons worth US$15.2 million. The country also exported dried and processed mangoes at 3,600 tons and 9,328 tons, respectively. The combined exports of fresh, dried, and processed mangoes last year earned a total of more than US$50 million, according to the Secretary.
 
Despite these figures, Alcala still noted a shortage in supply and urged growers and producers to plant more. He challenged them to surpass last year’s produce considering that the DA is working with the sector “in improving, handling and transport systems.”
 
Alcala valued the importance of this year’s congress theme, “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” to be relevantly timing with the huge demand for Philippine mango.
 
“I-ayos lamang po natin na matugunan po ang mga kailangan gawin ng industry upang patuloy na tangkilikin ng ibang bansa ang ating mangga. Ito po ay para sa inihahangad ng industry ng mangga sa pandaigdigang pamilihan at maging sa Pilipinas,” Alcala said.
 
Major mango producers in the country are Ilocos Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) area.
 
==Secretary Alcala assures support for Philippine mango industry==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=57257
* Monday, October 03, 2011
:by  Beverly Paoyon
 
 
GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, Oct 3 (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala guaranteed the Philippine mango industry with his department’s support as he graced the 13th National Mango Congress at Isla Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa.
“Rest assured that the DA (Department of Agriculture) will continue with support programs including the establishment and rehabilitation of nurseries and foundation scion grove, household and village processing assistance and crop improvement especially for climate change adaptability,” Alcala told the 322 delegates on September 30 at the end of the three-day congress.
Alcala reported a seven percent growth in the annual production of mangoes in 2010 which was reportedly “prompted by the continuous flower induction in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region and all the Visayas regions.”
However, a decline of 5.3 percent during the early months this year was noted. He said this was caused by the changing weather conditions and the early rainy season which may have been triggered by climate change.
Last year, fresh mango exports reached 20,115 tons worth US$15.2 million. The country also exported dried and processed mangoes at 3,600 tons and 9,328 tons, respectively. The combined exports of fresh, dried, and processed mangoes last year earned a total of more than US$50 million, according to the Secretary.
Despite these figures, Alcala still noted a shortage in supply and urged growers and producers to plant more. He challenged them to surpass last year’s produce considering that the DA is working with the sector “in improving handling and transport systems.”
Alcala valued the importance of this year’s congress theme, “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” to be relevantly timing with the huge demand for Philippine mango.
“I-ayos lamang po natin na matugunan po ang mga kailangan gawin ng industry upang patuloy na tangkilikin ng ibang bansa ang ating mangga. Ito po ay para sa inihahangad ng industry ng mangga sa pandaigdigang pamilihan at maging sa Pilipinas (We should arrange it in a way that we can address the needs of the industry, so other countries can continue supporting our mangoes. This is for the mango industry to position itself strong in the world and local market),”Alcala said.
Major mango producers in the country are Ilocos Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) area. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)
 
==Villagers in Sarangani build bridge in name of fallen son==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/336272/villagers-sarangani-build-bridge-name-fallen-son
* October 1, 2011, 4:37pm
:by MICK M. BASA
 
 
MALUNGON, Sarangani, Philippines -- Conquering the tip of one of the province's highest plains, the Lumad villagers in Sitio Sabangan spend three hours walking from the town towards where they are from, a neighborhood of Tagakaulo tribes some 600 meters above the ocean.
 
Some are fortunate enough and drive motorcycles that traverse through the rough terrain circling the mountain. The road gets tough when rain falls as it gets slippery for the wheels with the deadly mountain edge just around the corner.
 
It's the usual picture these indigenous peoples (IP) paint in this landlocked municipality in Sarangani.
 
When they reach their village, a wide river lies just before the first shanty sits at the other side of the ground. During rainy days, the river turns into a roaring torrent, something villagers worry about.
 
Fifteen-year-old Robert C. Dialuna, Jr. tried to cross the raging current earlier last year but was washed down by the deadly stream. His body was found three days later, Esterlina Dialuna, his mother, said.
 
Another 10-year-old school girl Darlene B. Tako fell just a few weeks ago, but was saved when she was seen clinging to a large rock downstream.
 
Finding a solution they believe they alone could solve, villagers here built a 26-meter bridge with the help of private funding and named it after the fallen boy whose memory still lingers a year after he passed away.
 
"It's amazing that people here can make their own bridge without anyone constructing it for them. We hope this could be replicated in other towns," said Jonathon Bentley-Stevens, president of Bentley House International, an organization that recently partnered with Belgium-based WeForest to plant 10 million trees in the province while those who plant it get livelihood for every seedling they grow.
 
==Philippine mango industry positioning “strongly” in world market==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=56891
* Friday, September 30, 2011
:by  James Konstantin Galvez
 
 
GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, Sept 30 (PIA)-- Mango industry players are positioning Philippine mango strongly in the world market by maximizing efficiency in the cost service and logistics areas, an industry officer said.
Virginia de la Fuente, president of the Philippine Mango Industry Foundation, Inc., also urged mango stakeholders – mango growers, contract sprayers/financiers, input suppliers, nursery operators, exporters/traders, processors and logistics providers to “unite and actively participate in all our advocacies and undertakings for the improvement of, if not to save our mango industry and position our Philippine mango strongly in the world market.”
She appealed to the Department of Agriculture to “empower and capacitate the mango industry associations and for any other industry association for that matter by consulting the industry leaders in planning exercises to prioritize and craft programs, providing reasonable grants to implement and achieve plans through the national organizations and instituting control mechanism.”
De la Fuente said Mindanao has the “potential” for mango production with SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City) having the largest number of hectarage and production.
“Because of this climate change I am now campaigning that mango production will be made here in Mindanao,” de la Fuente told delegates at the 13th National Mango Congress Wednesday (September 28).
“Mindanao produces only 35% of the total national production but we have the potential,” she said.
Sixty-five percent of the produce is coming from Pangasinan and the rest of Luzon.
In a message to the delegates, Rep. Manny Pacquiao said the mango congress is an indication for a stronger partnership to “heighten commitment to increase the competitiveness of the Philippine mango in world market and develop more production areas in Mindanao.”
Pacquiao also asked mango industry players “to maximize the production and export potentials of the Philippine mango industry. We will utilize this mango congress as a dynamic platform to learn as much as we can to ensure the strongest position in the world market.”
The three-day mango congress being held at world-class Isla Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa ends on September 30. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)
 
==Alcantaras plant 5,000 mangroves in Saranggani==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/8245-alcantaras-plant-5000-mangroves-in-saranggani
* Thursday, September 29, 2011
:by  James Konstantin Galvez
 
 
THE Philippines’ biggest producer of bangus fry planted 5,000 mangroves in Sarangani Bay as its contribution to the International Coastal Clean-up Month.
The Mindanao-based Alcantara group is engaged in aquaculture and agribusiness in Sarangani, power generation and power plant management in Sarangani and Zamboanga, and property development and services in other regions.
 
It has been an active player in the economic development of Mindanao and other regions for over 50 years. “The agri-business unit of the Alcantara group has been relying on Sarangani Bay, so in return, we would like to preserve and protect the bay not only for our benefit but for the benefit of the people in Sarangani as well,” said Richlie Lyndon Magtulis, executive director of Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc.
 
Hundreds of volunteers converged at Barangay Poblacion in Malapatan, Sarangani on September 16 to clean up the bay and plant 1,000 seedlings. “This activity is our contribution to the international coastal clean-up celebration and this is also part of the commitment of the Alcantara group of companies to plant 50,000 mangroves all around Sarangani Bay from 2011 to 2013,” said Magtulis.
 
Officers and personnel of different companies under the Alcantara group participated in the activity along with employees of the Sarangani provincial government, barangay officials, teachers and personnel of the Departments of Education, of Interior and Local Government, as well as the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Malapatan Police Station and social welfare beneficiaries.
 
==Pacquiao supports renaming of Sarangani capitol==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=731294
*September 27, 2011 12:00 AM
:by Rose Tamayo-Tesoro
 
 
BAGUIO CITY ,Philippines  – World boxing champion and Sarangani lone district Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao does not oppose the proposed renaming of the Sarangani Provincial Capitol as James L. Chiongbian Capitol Building in honor of the late congressman, who founded it.
 
“Okay naman sa akin at maganda naman ‘yung move,” said the boxing legend who is training here for his fight with Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.
 
The renaming of the provincial capitol, which is provided under Draft Ordinance No. 2011-7-08, said the provincial capitol is one of the prominent infrastructure programs initiated by the late congressman.
 
The Sarangani capitol building was erected in 1993 and inaugurated in 1996 during the incumbency of Chiongbian's wife Priscilla, as governor.
 
Sarangani was created as a new province from the third district of South Cotabato in 1992.
 
The draft ordinance said a space will also be provided outside the provincial capitol building for the institution of a statue, signage, memorabilia, and/or any landmarks representing the late congressman and his accomplishments not only for the province of Sarangani but also the whole Socsargen area
 
==Sarangani to adopt “JLC Capitol Building” tag==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=55943
*Friday, September 23, 2011
:by Friday, September 23, 2011
 
 
ALABEL, Sarangani, September 23 (PIA) – Sarangani will soon name the Sarangani Provincial Capitol as JLC Capitol Building in honor of its founder, the late Rep. James L. Chiongbian as soon as an ordinance calling for such is passed.
The ordinance drafted and jointly sponsored by Board Members Eugene Alzate, Cornelio Martinez, Elmer de Peralta, Alexander Bryan Reganit, Hermie Galzote, Eleanor Saguiguit, Virgilio Clark Tobias, Limuel Gacula, Benedicto Ruiz II, Abdulracman Pangolima, George Perrett, Arman Guili and Victor James Yap Jr. noted that other than the world-class coastal highway, the Provincial Capitol Building serves as a prominent feature of the province’s infrastructure development achieved under the initiative of the late Rep. Chiongbian.
Sarangani was created in 1992 as a new province from then the 3rd District of South Cotabato.
“As a new province at that time, Congressman James L. Chiongbian tirelessly accessed funds and implemented social and economic infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, bridges, flood control, school buildings, spring and water development, irrigation, municipal hospitals, sea walls and ports,” according to the draft ordinance.
“He granted scholarships to poor but deserving students of the province, provided livelihood programs and sponsored and co-sponsored hundreds of House bills with local and national applications.”
In addition, the ordinance stated that “enough space” would be provided “outside the main Provincial Capitol building for the institution of a statue, signage, memorabilia, and/or any landmarks representing the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian and his remarkable accomplishments for the Province of Sarangani and the whole SOCSARGEN area.”
The ordinance also provides for activities to be conducted honoring the deeds of the late Congressman during foundation anniversaries of the province, with appropriation to be included in the regular subsidy of the provincial government.
The Sarangani Provincial Employees Union through its president Anacleto Saya-ang has expressed support to the ordinance.
In a letter sent to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Saya-ang said “we in the Sarangani Provincial Employees Union (SPEU) are very much supportive to the draft ordinance of the honorable board members naming the main Provincial Capitol Building of the Provincial Government of Sarangani as Congressman James L. Chiongbian (JLC) Building.”
Aside from the creation of Sarangani as a province through Republic Act No. 7228, Congressman Chiongbian also authored Republic Act No. 5412 otherwise known as the Charter of General Santos City. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA
 
==Sarangani project==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/335271/sarangani-project
*September 22, 2011, 5:14pm
:by  JOSEPH JUBELAG
 
 
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — The ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., through its “Sagip Kapamilya” program and in partnership with the local government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will construct an P800,000 worth of school building in a hinterland village in Barangay Datal Tampal in Malungon, Sarangani.
 
The amount for the two-classroom school project will be provided by the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. while the AFP National Support Command (NADESCOM) and the 1002nd Army Brigade will undertake the construction of the building.
 
==Hundreds join coastal clean-up, mangrove planting==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=54859
*Sunday, September 18, 2011
:by Cocoy Sexcion
 
 
MALAPATAN, Sarangani, September 18 (PIA) -- Hundreds of volunteers gathered at the coast of barangay Poblacion for a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting and growing activity Friday (September 16) in observance of the month-long international coastal clean-up celebration.
“Today, we are going to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings. This activity is our contribution to the international coastal clean-up celebration and this is also part of the commitment of the Alcantara Group of Companies to plant 50,000 mangroves all around Sarangani Bay in the next three years from 2011 to 2013,” said Richlie Lyndon Magtulis, executive director of Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI).
“We are doing this because we are very dependent on Sarangani Bay for our businesses. For almost 50 years, the Agri Business Unit of the Alcantara Group has been relying on Sarangani Bay, so in return, we would like to preserve and protect the bay not only for our benefits but for the benefit of the people in Sarangani as well,” Magtulis added.
The event was spearheaded by CLAFI in partnership with the local government of Malapatan and provincial government of Sarangani through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. It was participated in by volunteers from Department of Education, Malapatan Police Station, 73rd Infantry Battalion, social welfare beneficiaries, Department of Interior and Local Government, and barangay officials and employees of the host barangay.
“This is all part of our campaign under the peace and development outreach program of the battalion. We are helping the LGUs and the community in the conduct of environmental protection,” said Lt. Nestor Valenzuela, commanding officer of the Alpha Company, 73rd IB.
“Rest assured that the 73rd IB will continue to support any activity with regards to preservation and protection of the environment,” he added.
In Sarangani, there are 27 different species of mangroves out of the 54 endemic in the whole country, said provincial environment employee Jopy Caneda in his briefing on mangroves and solid waste management.
He said that in Sarangani, 300,000 kilos of waste are generated everyday, 70 percent of which are biodegradable and almost 20 percent percent of those that are plastics are thrown in the bay.
“Since it’s coastal clean-up celebration, let’s manage our waste and start cleaning our bay,” Caneda said. (PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City/CTA)
 
==Sarangani town holds public dialogue on mining project==
*Source: http://208.184.76.173/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=727209
* September 15, 2011 12:00 AM
:by The Philippines Star
 
 
SARANGANI , Philippines – Malungon town in this province hosted the other day a public consultation and dialogue between more than 2,000 participants and the proponent of the Tampakan copper-gold project, which is set to be the biggest mine ever to operate in the country.
 
The public consultation is part of the regulatory process required of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), government contractor for the Tampakan mine, as it seeks an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for its mining project set to commence operation in 2016.
 
The transmission lines and pipelines, part of the key facilities for the Tampakan mine, will pass through Malungon town and SMI is required to obtain endorsement from the municipal government.
 
Malungon town is 37 kilometers north of General Santos City, the nearest city, and belongs to the province of Sarangani.
 
In an earlier interview with the local media, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said the local economy has already felt the initial benefits of the Tampakan mine in terms of livelihood and employment opportunities.
 
Constantino also emphasized that the project endorsement would come from the community itself with the municipal government merely “exercising” it.
 
“The people of Malungon will collectively decide if we will support this project or not,” he said.
 
For his part, Malungon Vice Mayor Benjamin Guilley encouraged the participants to use the activity as an opportunity to dialogue with the project proponent.
 
==Sarangani capitol building to be named after late Rep. James Chiongbian==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=372508
*September 14, 2011, 8:47 pm
:by(PNA) DCT/scs/AVE
 
 
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 14 (PNA) – Sarangani’s landmark provincial capitol building will soon be named in honor of the province’s “founding father,” the late Rep. James L. Chiongbian.
 
Sarangani board member Eugene Alzate said they passed an ordinance during its regular session on Tuesday officially naming the main building of the provincial capitol complex in the province’s capital town of Alabel as the James L. Chiongbian Building.
 
He said the move was mainly in recognition of the late lawmaker’s pioneering efforts that led to the establishment of Sarangani as a new province in 1992.
 
“History shows that our province was created through the initiative of Congressman Chiongbian so we deemed it appropriate to dedicate the provincial capitol building in his honor,” Alzate told reporters.
 
Sarangani was officially established as a new province on March 16, 1992 based on Republic Act No. 7228 authored by Chiongbian, who was then representative of South Cotabato’s third congressional district.
 
R.A. 7228 carved out seven municipalities under South Cotabato’s third district and created them as a new province.
 
Chiongbian later served as the first representative of Sarangani’s lone district and his wife Priscilla as its first provincial governor.
 
Alzate said while serving as Sarangani representative, Chiongbian lobbied for the allocation of P55 million out of the infrastructure funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of the provincial capitol building.
 
He said the late lawmaker was able to include the funding for the capitol building’s construction in the DPWH’s budget as a member then of the House of Representatives’ public works and appropriations committee.
 
The whitewashed Sarangani provincial capitol building is considered as among the primary landmarks and tourist attractions of the province.
 
The building has been dubbed the reenacted “White House” in southern Mindanao with its grand neo-classical design that was reminiscent of the American colonial era provincial capitols.
 
Meanwhile, Alzate said they have set the re-dedication and marking of the capitol building’s new name during the province’s 9th MunaTo Festival and 19th foundation anniversary celebration in November.
 
He said the upcoming event will serve as launch pad for Sarangani’s preparations for its 20th anniversary as a province next year.
 
==Mango growers seek market supremacy==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/7188-mango-growers-seek-market-supremacy
* Tuesday, September 13, 2011
:by JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL CORRESPONDENT
 
 
COTABATO CITY: Sarangani hosts the 13th National Mango Congress that will run from September 28 to 30, the conference lead organizer said on Monday.
 
Fred Dumasis, president of the Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Associations, Inc. said the gathering of mango growers aims to increase the competitiveness of Philippine mangoes in global markets.
 
“We would like to highlight this sub-region, especially Sarangani, as a viable location for off-season mango production,” Dumasis said.
 
The congress with the theme, “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market” will provide updates on export market requirements, the latest production technologies, and best production practices. It will also showcase areas in Mindanao with the potential for mango production.
 
Japan and Hong Kong remain the biggest buyers of Philippine mangoes, accounting for 51 and 31 percent, respectively, of mango exports, according to the recent report by the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit).
 
Other countries where Philippine mangoes have gained a market foothold are South Korea, the U.S.A., Singapore and China.
 
About 500 growers, processors, consolidators, exporters and ancillary service providers from across the country are expected to attend the congress, which will be held in the resort town of Glan in Sarangani Province, an emerging mango producer and tourist destination in Southern Mindanao, according to Dumasis.
 
Luzon remains the country’s primary producer of carabao mangoes, accounting for 64 percent of production, while Mindanao accounts for 23 percent, according to MinFruit.
 
Dumasis said that Mindanao’s contiguous production areas and agro-climatic conditions, particularly in the southern part of the region, make it an ideal location for year-round, typhoon-free mango production.
 
He also emphasized investment opportunities in mango industry support services, such as hot-water treatment and vapor heat treatment plants and packing houses.
 
The Mango Congress is supported by MinFruit, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
 
USAID, through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, has partnered with MinFruit and the DA to enhance the production methods used by fruit and vegetable farmers across Mindanao, while linking them with prospective local and foreign buyers.
 
The conference delegates are also expected to submit recommendations to the national government on how industry stakeholders and government agencies can work together to ensure the mango industry’s continued growth and expansion.
 
==Sarangani, Israel traders forge ties==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/09/12/sarangani-israel-traders-forge-ties/
* Monday| September 12, 2011
:by Bong S. Sarmiento
 
 
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/11 Sept) – Sarangani businessmen have forged a sisterhood pact with their Israeli counterparts on Friday in a bid to boost agriculture using the latter’s advanced technology.
The sisterhood pact was signed by the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SarCham) and the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP), the provincial information office reported.
It stipulated that Israel would be “the economic partner for the southern part of the Philippines in realizing a harmonious domestic and international trade and industry, specifically on agri- and aquamarine culture.”
Ferdinand Sarfati, ICCP executive director, said Israel has “one of the best technologies in the world specifically on agritech, the foremost among those they could offer aside from tourism.”
Israel is just the size of Palawan with 65 percent desert, he said, yet his country was still able to “export fruits, vegetables, and other things” to Europe and North America “by just actually utilizing 35 percent of (our) land area.” This, he explained, was what advancement in technologies could do.
ICCP president Josef Gueta said the bilateral relations with Sarangani could have potentials “for developing agriculture and tourism” in the area.
Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez noted the success of Israel in many fields of industries, which resulted in breakthroughs in technology, is an advantage not only for Sarangani but for the entire Region 12.
“The biggest challenge of Philippine agriculture today lies primarily on the ability to adapt to major trends especially in the use of technology, therefore, Sarangani would make the most out of the agreement with ICCP to “shift to cultural practice to adapting new technologies,” Dominguez said.
With effective partnerships and system technology transfer, he expressed hopes that Sarangani would soon be the “front door” for the rest of Mindanao.
SarCham president Cherrylin Marie Espinosa expressed optimism that partnering with ICCP would facilitate trade, industrial cooperation, and joint ventures in the future.
Nenita Barroso, Department of Trade and Industry director for Sarangani, said the sisterhood pact would also “increase foreign tourist arrivals and tourism investments in Region 12, generate livelihood projects and result to higher market share of Sarangani products.”
According to the sisterhood pact, core programs like symposia, seminars, workshops, and business conferences on agri and water technology would be initiated to commence first quarter next year.
These activities shall encourage participation from top agricultural players in SOCCSKSARGEN area, exporters, small and medium enterprise, and entrepreneurs.
SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos City, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
 
==Sarangani, Israel ties to advance agri-fishery tech==
*Source :http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=53533
*Saturday, September 10, 2011
:by Beverly Paoyon
 
ALABEL, Sarangani, Sept 10 (PIA-- The sisterhood agreement between Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SarCham) and Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP) would result to advancement on agri-fishery technology for Sarangani, a trade official said.
Engr. Nenita Barroso, trade and industry provincial director, added the sisterhood ties would “increase foreign tourist arrivals and tourism investments in the area (SOCCSKSARGEN), generate livelihood projects and result to higher market share of Sarangani products.”
SarCham and ICCP executives signed the sisterhood agreement on Friday (September 9) to expand opportunities for business and trade particularly on agriculture.
Ferdinand Sarfati, ICCP executive director, said Israel has “one of the best technologies in the world specifically on agritech,” the foremost among those they could offer aside from tourism.
Israel is just the size of Palawan with 65 percent desert, he said, yet his country was still able to “export fruits, vegetables, and other things” to Europe and North America “by just actually utilizing 35 percent of (our) land area.” This, he explained, was what advancement in technologies could do.
ICCP president Josef Gueta said the bilateral relations with Sarangani could have potentials “for developing agriculture and tourism” in the area.
Governor Migs Dominguez said the success of Israel in many fields of industries which resulted in breakthroughs in technology is an advantage not only for Sarangani but for the entire Region 12.
According to the governor, the “biggest challenge of Philippine agriculture today lies primarily on the ability to adapt to major trends especially in the use of
technology,” therefore, Sarangani would make the most out of the agreement with ICCP to “shift to cultural practice to adapting new technologies.”
With effective partnerships and system technology transfer, Dominguez was hoping that Sarangani would soon be the “front door” for the rest of Mindanao.
SarCham president Cherrylin Marie Espinosa expressed optimism that partnering with ICCP would facilitate trade, industrial cooperation, and joint ventures in the future.
The agreement stipulated that Israel would be “the economic partner for the southern part of the Philippines in realizing a harmonious domestic and international trade and industry by encouraging business to businessmen working and linkaging” specifically on agri- and aquamarine culture.
Core programs like symposia, seminars, workshops, and business conferences on agri and water technology would be initiated to commence first quarter next year. These activities shall encourage participation from top agricultural players in SOCCSKSARGEN area, exporters, small and medium enterprise, and entrepreneurs.
SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. (PIO Sarangani/CTA/PIA General Santos City)
 
==National Greening Program Launched in Sarangani==
*Source :http://ariellalisan.com/2011/09/07/national-greening-program-launched-in-sarangani/
*Wednesday, September 07, 2011
:by Ayel
 
 
ABOUT 200 trees were planted as representatives from different sectors gathered yesterday for the launching of the National Greening Program in Sarangani in Sitio Masasato, Bagacay, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
 
The tree-planting activity was pursuant to Executive Order 26  of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino that mandates the implementation of the National Greening Program to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“The program seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public land,” OIC Provincial Environment Officer Eduardo Saladero said during the briefing.
 
More than 150 participants composed of local government officials, representatives from various government agencies, and students from Alabel National Science High School planted coffee, mahogany, and narra trees in the one hectare of land, owned by former Barangay Captain of Bagacay, Bienvenido Torres.
 
“Aside from planting trees, we should also mitigate the problem of shifting cultivation or the kaingin system,” Environment Committee Chairman Eleonor Saguiguit said.
 
From the site of the tree-planting activity, several patches of land with burnt down vegetation can be seen.
“We are not only planting trees; we are growing trees,” Saladero explained. ”We have to make sure that these trees will not die.”
The local community will be tapped to take care of the trees and they will be recipients of the Conditional Cash Transfer of the Department of Social Welfare in return.
 
==Glan Police Station feted with national award==
*Source :http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r12&id=52858
*Tuesday, September 06, 2011
:by Jenefer Heneral


Pacquiao had also revealed that his home has become a venue for Bible study sessions with friends and neighbors in Sarangani province and General Santos City.
Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David of Pampanga has revealed that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has asked Pacquiao to be a Bible ambassador of the CBCP.
“Manny has always been very religious and we are happy that he is deepening his faith and his understanding of the Bible,” said David, who is chairman of the CBCP’s Commission on Biblical Apostolate.
“That’s why I asked him if he could partner with us in promoting the reading of the Bible among Catholics,” Bishop David also said. — GMA News


GLAN, Sarangani, September 6 (PIA) -- For bagging the Best Police Station of the Year award for 2010, the Glan Police Station is the current toast of the town.
arangani Archived News]]==
On Monday (September 5), the Barangay Council of Glan Poblacion, headed by Barangay Chairman Nazarius Wata, presented a resolution commending the Glan Police Station for being a national awardee as the Best Municipal Police Station for 2010.
The older news reports are kept [[Sarangani Archived News|here]]
“It is befitting to recognize the accomplishment of people who made outstanding performance that brought honor to this municipality… Said feat, as can only be attained with dedication and commitment… is worth emulating and befitting of commendation,” Resolution No. 0027, sponsored by Barangay Kagawad Jose Cania, Jr., read in part.
In a report, Chief Inspector Jaime Tabucon, Glan police chief, told Mayor Victor James “Tata” Yap, Sr. that he received the plaque of merit for the award from President Noynoy Aquino himself at Camp Crame in Quezon City last August 8 at the 110th Police Service Anniversary celebration.
Tabucon said the Glan Police was adjudged as Best Municipal Police Station in the entire country for its outstanding performance in the field of police operations and administration in line with the PNP’s Integrated Transformation Program, thereby contributing immeasurably to the attainment of the overall mission and objectives of the Philippine National Police.
“We are dedicating this award to Mayor Yap, who has been very supportive of all our peace and order programs and activities, particularly on community relations,” said Tabucon.
For his part, Yap said the authorities had been successful in crime prevention and law enforcement mainly because of the cooperation of the community, particularly the schools and non-government organizations, resulting in "a citizenry that is vigilant and aware of the goings-on in their community."
“I am particularly proud of this award because it came under my watch, in the first year of my administration at that,” said Yap as he praised Tabucon and the entire Glan police force for their “dedication to duty and service.”
But Yap said that because of the award, the Glan Police Station “has now an added responsibility to perform better and validate public perception that, indeed, Glan is one of the safest, if not the safest town, to live in in this part of the archipelago.”(GLAN Information Office/PIA General Santos City/CTA)

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Comelec urges PWDs to register thru PWD lane

by Catherine T. Apelacio


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 12 (PIA)-- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here is hopeful there will be a big turnout of registration coming from persons with disabilities (PWDs) sector with the establishment of a PWD lane.

To facilitate the voter's registration of PWDs, Comelec-GenSan has brought its PWD lane to the barangays to make things easier for the differently-abled persons to register at their convenience.

The strategy, Comelec-GenSan said will encourage PWDs to get actively involved in the 2013 mid-term elections.

Based on its record, there has been registration already from the sector particularly coming from barangays City Heights, Buayan, Katangawan, Labangal, Fatima, and Calumpang. GenSan has 26 barangays.

According to Rexie Magsano from the Office of Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, the voter registration for PWDs focused on specific regions on monthly basis “to create awareness on PWDs right to suffrage and electoral reforms dealing with the accessibility of election related activities and information.”

He said Comelec is giving special priority to PWDs nationwide to be able to register without difficulty in their respective area. Comelec is also giving elderly and pregnant women special consideration during registration.

Last March 2012, the PWD voter registration focused in Visayas.

For Mindanao (Regions 9-13) the PWD voter registration has started last April 2012. Comelec GenSan and Sarangani started the special PWD registration in April.

Aside from the special registration, Comelec GenSan said they have actually started bringing their registration activity down the barangays since May of last year yet not just to cater the differently-abled individuals but also the general public, as a whole, who are qualified to vote.

Magsano said a nationwide PWD voter registration shall be held in July 2012 to highlight the regional activities.

The Comelec offices in GenSan and Sarangani also underscored that PWDs can also register at their offices anytime today until October 31, the last day for registration through the PWD lane.

Both offices have urgently called PWDs or any Filipino citizen to come out and register as early as possible. (CTApelacio/PIA General Santos City)






Manny Pacquiao graces Hollywood premiere of GMA Films' 'The Road'

by Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News


Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was one of the big name celebrities who showed up at the Hollywood premiere of GMA Films' horror movie "The Road," directed by Yam Laranas and starring Rhian Ramos and Marvin Agustin.

In a report on GMA News' "24 Oras" newscast, Pacquiao said: “It’s a good experience to be here and I’m supporting my friend Rhian and I love it."

Also at the premiere were the Kapuso stars who were part of the movie — Agustin, Ramos, Alden Richards, and Derrick Monasterio.

The movie, about a ghostly encounter on a deserted road in the woods, premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).

In the "24 Oras" report, Ramos said: “The thing about all of the premieres that I go to, I remember and cherish them of course, in my heart. This though feels like it’s something that’s going to go down in history, as a Filipino.”

Agustin, on the other hand, said, “This is the first time, first ever Filipino film that will be shown commercially here in the States so we're very happy, we're very proud, I’m very proud to be part of this film.”

"The Road" is set in a supernatural universe. The story begins in 2008 when three teenagers disappear at night on a deserted road.

Their disappearance triggers a reinvestigation of a 12-year-old murder that happened on the same road. As the investigation grows deeper, gruesome stories of abduction and murders surface.

According to report of the news site the New York Times, "the dead are unquiet and the living are terrified in “The Road,” a powerfully atmospheric blend of ghostly encounters, horrific situations and missing-persons mysteries. "As the film crawls backward in time and deep into haunted real estate and family sickness, the color palette becomes more dense and the themes more explicit," the report said.

"Though not without flaws — the wrap-up is a little rocky — this grisly tale earns its scares the old-fashioned way: by making our spines crawl instead of our stomachs churn," it added.

Discover other beach resorts in Glan

by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE


GLAN, Sarangani (May 10, 2012) – From General Santos City on the way to Glan, there are other resorts to be discovered. In this photo, Warlito Tanedo, Sarangani Information Office photographer, takes a portrait of Kikai at the resort named after her in barangay Lago, Glan – the Kikai Resort. Aside from white sand beaches in Gumasa, Glan also offers black fine sand and white pebbled beach resorts lined with century-old mangrove trees along the stretch of barangay Kapatan to barangay Tango. These resorts also offer overnight accommodation. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . Come and enjoy Sarangani Bay Festival on May 18-19, 2012.

Newest ecopark and beach resort opens in Sarangani

by Catherine T. Apelacio


GLAN, Sarangani, May 9 (PIA) -- A new ecopark and beach resort has recently opened in Sarangani, adding to the growing list of tourist attractions in the province.

BelMar Eco Park and Beach Resort opened for business on Tuesday, May 8, in time for the May 18 to 19 Sarangani Bay Festival, the biggest beach festival in Mindanao.

The resort is located in barangay Kapatan just along the national highway from General Santos City going to the town proper of Glan and to the white-sand beaches of Gumasa, main venue of Sarangani Bay Festival.

It boasts of a good view of prominent landmarks in Soccsksargen such as Sarangani Bay and Mt. Matutum.

BelMar, short for the owners’ names Annabelle and Marcelino, has a resto bar and coffee shop, pasalubong center which sells local products and delicacies, a recreation center and conference rooms.

Guests can enjoy snorkeling, boating and beach tour where century-old mangrove trees line the white-pebbled beachfront.

Right now, BelMar Ecopark and Beach Resort has a total of six overnight cottages, two air conditioned and four non-air conditioned rooms with a capacity of six persons per cottage. It also has a mini zoo and children’s park which makes the place ideal for visitors and guests of all ages.

“Today is a very memorable day for the tourism industry particularly in the tourism industry of Glan,” said municipal councilor Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz III, “the opening of BelMar means that Glan is really going high in terms of tourism.”

Ruiz, who is also the Sanggunian committee chair on tourism, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony assisted by owners Annabelle and Marcelino Tangaro Jr. during the resort’s opening program.

“I really appreciate the investment of Mr. and Mrs. Tangaro in our beloved municipality and I hope this will trigger more investments in our place,” Ruiz concluded.

The resort is managed by Annabelle and Marcelino who are presently living in General Santos City. Both were born and raised in Glan.

“It is a dream come true for us. It just started with a simple plan and now here it is,” said Marcelino. “We immediately started the construction on October 28, 2011 after acquiring the property in July of the same year.”

For more information about the resort, you may contact 09089297183. (PIO-Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)

Flood, landslide alert up in Sarangani

by (PNA)

LDV/AVE


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 8 (PNA) - Disaster response teams in Sarangani province have been placed on full alert in the wake of the sporadic heavy rains in the area since last week that already triggered flashfloods in two coastal municipalities.

Ben Solarte, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said Tuesday their personnel have been closely monitoring the situation in identified landslide and flood-prone province due to the continuing rains triggered by a trough of low pressure area (LPA) affecting Mindanao.

“We advised our residents (in disaster-prone areas) to be alert and if possible, relocate to safer areas,” he said.

On Monday, five communities in Malapatan town were submerged in floodwaters due to the swelling of a river in the area.

The municipal government reported that floodwaters from the Tuyan River swept Puroks Pulot, Bagong Silang, Talisay, Chico and Pag-asa in Barangay Tuyan early Monday following the heavy rains in the area.

Mohamad Adir Harid, Tuyan barangay chair, said they already requested the immediate repair and expansion of the area’s drainage canals to resolve the perennial flooding there.

Last week, three residents of Barangay Tuyan were killed in a flashflood along the Tuyan River. The victims were reportedly crossing the river when they were swept by rampaging floodwaters coming from the upland area.

In Alabel town, portions of Barangays Poblacion and Ladol were also flooded last week due to the swelling of a creek in the area at the height of the heavy rains.

Based on a weather advisory issued Tuesday morning by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mindanao will continue to experience “mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms” due to the trough or extended region of LPA affecting the area.

Dante Ariola, senior weather forecaster of the Pagasa station here, said local residents should expect some rains in some parts of the area, especially in the afternoon.

“It’s important for those in the critical areas to prepare for possible floods and landslides that may be triggered by the continuing rains,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 12 had identified the coastal areas of six of Sarangani’s seven municipalities as prone to flooding during the rainy season.

Among the area’s identified in the MGB’s flood hazard map as highly vulnerable to flooding were portions of the coastal villages of Maitum, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, Alabel and Malapatan towns as well as several low-lying areas in Malungon town.

MGB-Region 12 said the flood and landslide-prone areas were Baliton, Burias and Margus Grande quadrangles in Glan; Kling, Lebe and Lumuyon quadrangles in Kiamba; Kraan quadrangle in Maitum; and Lun Grande quadrangle in Malapatan.

5,000 incoming grade-schoolers to undergo reading program

by (Beverly Paoyon-PIO Sarangani/PIA 12)


ALABEL, Sarangani, May 7 (PIA) -- Around 5,000 incoming Grades 2 and 3 pupils from all over Sarangani are set to undergo a 15-day remedial reading program to prepare them for the opening of classes in June.

The “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” was designed by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program of Governor Migs Dominguez to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in reducing the number of “frustrated readers” in the province.

Frustrated readers are those who can identify words but have inadequate or no comprehension at all.

More than 1,000 youth volunteers or “big brothers and big sisters” fondly called as “kuyas” and “ates” will help the 288 teachers this year in mentoring and conducting read-along sessions.

Three volunteers from Thailand and one from Turkey are also joining the youth this year from the American Field Service Organization, an organization which provides future leaders exchange program to promote global citizenship.

Nuth Sonthipanyahul, 16, from Bangkok, and three other foreign youth volunteers do their share through storytelling and teaching children to read.

“It is tiring but fun. It’s good to make them (children) happy,” Sonthipanyahul said.

However, he observed quite a disparity of the children like those in Jose Warlito Berba Primary School they visited in sitio Kityan Gamay in Malungon.

“In the city everyone has food, has money to buy their own food but here, they don’t have,” he said.

“They have to walk like four kilometers five kilometers a day and then they have nothing to eat and the school is just made of wood and they study under the trees, something like that. It’s very bad.”

When asked what he wanted to contribute to these children, he said it should be “education” and teaching them to speak “English because if you can speak English you can go anywhere around the world. You give them more opportunity to work and have a better future.”

“Children are the future of everything. If you give them good life then they will be good,” Sonthipanyahul added.

Elif Gurcinar, an 18-year-old youth volunteer from Turkey, said that more interventions from the government are needed, “because some of the schools are really bad. Classrooms are not enough. Not enough materials.”

She said SBB is a laudable intervention of Sarangani to help its slow readers and, “a lot of volunteers are also coming to assist the children. It’s very helpful in their pronunciation. We teach them also English words and letters and how to pronounce them correctly. We also read stories with actions because sometimes they could not understand.”

Malungon Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Earl Jared Galvez said, “I observed that these children wish to become volunteers themselves volunteers when they grow up like their big brothers and big sisters.”

Galvez recounted, “Our experience here is more difficult because we have to climb some mountains, cross several rivers, experienced falling from motorcycles, and almost falling into ravines several times but the overall feeling of helping the children is heart-warming.”

At least, he said, the youth are involved not only in sports activities but also with SBB where, “we are able to touch their (children) lives,” by helping them how to read.

He then hoped that a few years from now, “no Grade 2 and 3 would be frustrated readers” and that SBB would no longer teach remedial reading classes but would instead focus teaching children advanced lessons to hone knowledge and skills of these children.

Jenneth Ruta, a Grade 1 teacher holding SBB class in Lun Padidu Elementary School in Malapatan said “It’s very difficult to deal with those pupils because some of my pupils cannot identify letters in the alphabet.”

To address this, Ruta said she conducted a one-on-one approach with the kids just to make them read.

“During my first day, I started with the alphabet, then the sounds, before I was able to make them read words,” Ruta noted.

SBB is very helpful because students are not only taught to read but also to develop their comprehension skills, she said.

QUEST program manager Annalie Edday said, “Reading comprehension makes the difference between a passing and a failing grade in school. It is one of the most crucial skills for children to master.”

“By Grade 3, children can probably comprehend simple texts but need to work on more advanced comprehension, including summarizing and analysis,” Edday said.

By reading frequently, she said, is one of the “most effective things children can do to improve reading comprehension in Grade 3, but there are enrichment activities to make frequent reading more powerful.”

“Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” is a whole day remedial reading program from April 17 to May 8 implemented in partnership with the DepEd, QUEST, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Alcantara Foundation. The rest of the sponsors this year are Synergia Foundation, Sagittarius Mining Corp. and World Vision.

Palawan and Compostela Valley are replicating Sarangani Big Bother in their own provinces to jumpstart their education reform program.

Floods kill three, level crops in Sarangani, South Cotabato

by Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews


GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Three persons were killed while close to 30 hectares of farmlands were devastated as flashfloods hit anew several villages in three municipalities in Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces in the last three days.

Len Bartolome, OCD-12 civil defense officer, said the floods, which affected the towns of Malapatan and Alabel in Sarangani as well as Banga town in South Cotabato, were triggered by sporadic heavy rains in the area since Tuesday.

On May 1, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Malapatan town in Sarangani province reported that three residents of Barangay Tuyan were killed following a flashflood along the Tuyan River.

The victims were reportedly crossing the river when they were swept by rampaging floodwaters coming from the upland area.

The remains of victims Lel Londong, 18, and Bating Masalon, 15, were earlier recovered in a nearby village but the third victim, identified as eight-year-old Jason Londong, has remained missing.

On Wednesday night, floodwaters submerged portions of Barangays Ladol and Poblacion in Alabel, Sarangani due to the swelling of a creek in the area.

The affected areas covered four puroks that were also hit by flashfloods earlier last month due to the overflowing of the Molo Creek.

In Banga town, flashfloods also swept Barangays Kusan and Lambingi on Wednesday afternoon, a belated report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of South Cotabato said.

Isidro Janita, PDRRMC chief, said the floods destroyed 26.7 hectares of cornfield in Barangay Lambingi as well as various properties and infrastructure in Barangay Kusan.

He said 12 farmers from Lambingi and two families from Kusan were directly affected by the calamity, which left an initial estimated damage of P200,000.

Janita added that the municipal government of Banga and the PDRRMC have conducted damage and needs assessment in the area as well as sought assistance for the victims from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 12.

Pacman remains as richest solon=

by Ben R. Rosario


Manila, Philippines – World boxing hero Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao earned about P218 million last year to retain his title as the richest congressman with a total net worth of P1,352,689.980 last year. Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano’s income dropped by P24,764 to remain as the poorest congressman. He reported a net worth of P46,947 against his 2010 total of P75,711.

These were gathered from the summary of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) submitted by 284 congressmen who beat the deadline for the submission of the document last Monday. Many of the lawmakers who occupied the Top 10 richest House member in 2010 upped their incomes for 2011. Among them were Reps. Imelda Romualdez Marcos (KBL, Ilocos Norte), from P623 million to P932,800,000; House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr., from P283,291,016 to P726,218,220, and Alfredo Benitez (NPC, Negros Occidental) P624,847,943 to P686,152,015. They were ranked No. 2 to 4 among the wealthiest lawmakers in the country. The difference of some P444 million in Belmonte’s net worth makes him the biggest earning lawmaker in 2011. Former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo became poorer as she submitted a net worth of P131,642,291.26. She claimed a wealth remainder of P137,922,797 during the preceding year. Rounding up the Top 10 richest solons were Reps. Julio Ledesma (NPC, Negros Occidental), P555,069,000; Martin Romualdez (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Leyte), P474,111,941; Augusto Syjuco (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Iloilo), P302,075,651; Henry Cojuangco (NPC, Tarlac), P200,639,175; Rodolfo Farinas (NP, Ilocos Norte), P195,780,000; and House Minority Leader Danilo E. Suarez of Quezon, P179,534,628.

3,000 couples join mass wedding in Malungon, Sarangani

by (PGFruylan with reports from MIO Malungon-PIA 12, Sarangani)


MALUNGON, Sarangani, May 4 (PIA) -- Around 3,000 couples have already been wed through the “Kasalan ng Bayan” as part of the weekly ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ program of the local government.

Reports from the Municipal Information Office (MIO), Local Civil Registrar Lydia Erasmo revealed that the number of “live-in” couples getting married from the 31 barangays in the area has increased because of the intensified campaign of the administration on the importance of matrimony and the benefits they could get from the local government.

Mayor Reynaldo Constantino repeatedly explained that a lot of benefits can be enjoyed by “live-in couples” from the municipal government if they get married such as free education, PhilHealth medical assistance, livelihood and other programs for the family members.

Constantino clarified that the only requirement of the municipal government to avail of the different programs is to present the marriage contract or marriage certificate of the wedded couple as he encouraged other unmarried partners to take advantage of the said program for the benefit of their family.

“Kasalan ng Bayan” is one of the services of the local government for the residents of the municipality where Constantino, along with other representatives from different agencies of the government visit even the remote areas of the town to deliver basic public services especially to the least served people in Malungon.

Sarangani town wants more power

by EDWIN ESPEJO


SARANGANI, Mindanao - The municipal council of Alabel has asked the Department of Energy (DoE) to order the National Power Corp (Napocor) and the National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) to give it priority in the dispatch of the electricity generated by the 55-megawatt Southern Philippine Power Corporation (SPPC) amid continuing power supply load curtailment being implemented by South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II).

The Alcantara-built and operated bunker-fired SPPC is located in Baluntay village in Alabel, Sarangani.

SPPC went on commercial stream in 1998 under the build-operate-own (BOO) scheme, but all power supply it is generating is already contracted to Napocor. Its supply contract with Napocor will end in 2016.

In a resolution unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council), the local legislative body cited Section 5(i) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7638, otherwise known as Department of Energy Act of 1992, which allows the host town to get 25 percent of the available capacity generated by SPPC in times of energy shortage.

Alabel and the rest of Sarangani, along with General Santos City and the South Cotabato towns of Tupi and Polomolok, are under the distribution franchise of Socotecto II.

Councilor Joel Aton said Alabel, capitol town of Sarangani, has an average monthly consumption of 1,953,500 kilowatt hour.

Aton said DoE has sent word it will dispatch personnel for technical evaluation.

Preferential treatment

Socoteco II resorted into daily rotational brownouts of up to four hours following advice of reduced supply from Napocor.

Socoteco II manager for institutional service department Geronimo Desesto said supply from Napocor went further down from 75 MW to 45 MW in April, prompting the cooperative to purchase a total of 30 MW additional power supply from Therma Marine Inc.

Alabel is among a growing number of local government unit demanding preferential treatment from power plants located in their areas.

Last month, Kidapawan threatened to launch protest actions if their demand for power supply from the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation is not met.

Kidapawan, which is experiencing brownouts of up to eight hours daily, is host to the 110 MW Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant.

Last month, President Benigno Aquino III attended the Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City which tackled the worsening power crisis in the island.

The President however told Mindanao residents they will have to pay more for steady power supply.

Mindanao’s actual and available capacity is now down to less than 1,200 MW, or some 170 MW less than the peak demand of 1,350 MW.

The deficit in power supply has been blamed on antiquated and poorly maintain hydro-electric power plants and the sale of other Napocor generating assets that included the two power barges to Therma Marine. Power Barges 117 and 118 have a combined capacity of 200 MW. - Rappler.com

Sarangani Bay Fest features Zumba Beach Party on May 19

by (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/PIA GENERAL SANTOS CITY)


GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, May 2 (PIA) -- The first SarBay Fest Zumba Beach Party is set on May 19, Saturday at Gumasa in Glan, to be conducted by licensed Zumba fitness instructors Vicky Javier and John Ri Romero both of the Beefit Gym and Aerobics from Davao City.

“Come and join the inaugural staging of the world’s phenomenal fitness program in the biggest beach party here in Mindanao,” said Javier, also a member of the Zumba Instructors Network.

It is a two-hour, non-stop fitness program that is mainly sponsored by the provincial government of Sarangani under Gov. Migs Dominguez and supported also by the office of Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao.

Expected to join are 100 fitness buffs coming from Davao City, General Santos City, and Sarangani Province.

“Aside that it is a good exercise, you will really enjoy dancing to the Zumba music and dance steps,” said Romero, also a hip-hop and modern dance instructor.

Registration fee is only P200 with free giveaways, certificate and raffle.

The first SarBay Fest Zumba Beach Party is one of the big events of Sarangani Bay Festival on May 18 and 19.

SarBay Fest, the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, kicks off with the 15-kilometer swim-across-the-bay, dubbed as “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” on May 18.

Pacquiao lone billionaire in House of millionaires

by Gil C. Cabacungan


For the second year running, Manny Pacquiao—the man with the golden fists—has won the distinction of being the richest among the 287 mostly millionaire members of the Philippine House of Representatives. Ricardo Bering, chief of the House’s record management section, said this was based on the 2011 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filed before the deadline on Monday by the House members. “His net worth even increased last year. He is still the richest here,” Bering said of the Sarangani representative, whose powerful fists have won him eight boxing division titles and worldwide fame. Bering said Pacquiao, who claimed a personal fortune of P1.134 billion in his 2010 SALN, reported an increase in his net worth in 2011. Bering declined to give exact figures since House leaders have not given the go-signal for the public disclosure of the SALNs. Lone billionaire Based on the 2010 SALNs, Pacquiao was the richest member of the House last year—and the only billionaire in the chamber. His assets then consisted of P397.933 million in real properties and P736.3 million in personal and other properties. He had no liabilities. In contrast, Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano was the poorest lawmaker, with a net worth of P75, 711. Pacquiao was reported to have earned at least $15 million each from his fights with Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011, aside from his earnings from commercial endorsements, businesses and as a member of Congress. Increased scrutiny Pacquiao’s increasing wealth is expected to highlight further the supposed steep plunge in his tax payments, which media reports said fell from P100 million in 2008 to only P7 million in 2009. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed charges against Pacquiao for his alleged failure to submit proper documents on his earnings. Pacquiao has questioned the filing of the case, saying it was baseless. House Secretary General Marilyn B. Yap said that almost 100 percent of the House members had filed their SALNs as of 5 p.m. yesterday. Yap said her staff would validate the SALNs before releasing information to the public. Yap also said she had noticed a marked increase in the net worth reported by lawmakers in the face of increased scrutiny by the public and media as a result of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in connection with his assets. More conscious now “Our members have become more conscious of the SALN. That’s why they have made an effort to make a complete report this time,” said Yap. Pacquiao topped the list of 10 richest House members last year. That list included Negros Occidental Representative Alberto Benitez, who was worth P624.847 million; Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos, who was worth P623.6 million; Negros Occidental Representative Julio Ledesma, P555.069 million; and Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, worth P475.611 million. Also in the top 10 were Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco, worth P294.602 million; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., worth P283.291 million; Tarlac Representative Enrique Cojuangco, P199.593 million; Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, P195.78 million; and Iloilo Representative Ferjenel Biron, P165.996 million. Former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the 17th richest representative with a net worth of P140.212 million. Aquino’s assets Malacañang on Monday said President Benigno Aquino III and almost all of the members of his Cabinet had filed their SALNs. “We expect all of them to comply with the deadline,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, adding that Mr. Aquino filed his SALN on April 24. Vice President Jejomar Binay and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. have also filed their SALNs. In his SALN for 2010, Mr. Aquino declared a net worth of P54.9 million. This represented a P4.8-million increase from the previous year. Mr. Aquino has said the increase in his income came from his share of the property owned by his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino. Corona’s SALN Lacierda said the Palace was hopeful that Corona, whose ouster from the Supreme Court is being supported by Malacañang, would disclose his SALN as promised by the Chief Justice’s lawyers. “We certainly hope so because that would be in compliance with the constitutional provision on disclosure and filing of SALNs,” Lacierda said. He said he would be interested in taking a look at Corona’s SALN.

50 swimmers set for “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012”

by (Jun Ramos /PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani, April 30 (PIA) --Ten teams will vie for the top honors and cash prizes during the “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” otherwise known through the years as Swim-Across-the-Bay, the opening salvo of the May 18-19 Sarangani Bay Festival (SarBay Fest).

For the 15-kilometer swim across Sarangani Bay, a mass will start at 5:00 am from Kamanga Beach, Maasim to Reycon Beach in Tango, Glan on May 18.

“Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” is open to all swimmers (amateur and professionals) with minimum age of 14. A group of five swimmers comprises a team.

The registration fee of P2,000 per team covers boat rental and gasoline. Deadline for registration is on May 4, 5:00 pm, at the office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office at the Capitol in Alabel (look for Nemrad Butil (083) 5082267, 09163232397 or 09306534953).

The first three teams to reach the finish line at Reycon Beach in Tango, Glan shall be declared winners with the 1st prize of P50,000, 2nd prize – P35,000, and 3rd prize – 25,000, all with medals and trophies. All finishers shall be awarded with the medal of “Invaders” and consolation cash prize of P6,000 each team.

“Ten teams are sure to compete for the 15-kilometer swim,” said organizer Nemrad Butil.

Butil disclosed the Gensan Torpedoes are deploying three teams, Koronadal City has two teams, while some teams are composed of local swimmers from Tinoto and Kamanga, Maasim.

“University varsity swimmers from Manila and Davao are also joining the teams of Koronadal and Gensan,” Butil said. “This year a team from a Manila triathlon club might join.”

Butil said the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police–Maritime, Red Cross, and teams from provincial and municipal government offices shall assist as perimeter boat marshals.

During its debut on May 18, 2006, only three teams out of six finished the swim across Sarangani Bay.

SPES-TWSP convergence program to cover 21 LGUs in Region 12

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- A total of 21 municipalities in three provinces of Soccsksargen region will benefit from the initial implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Convergence Program on poverty alleviation.

The program brings together DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) to provide training and employment opportunities to the marginalized sector of the society, especially the out-of-school youth (OSY).

Based on a list provided by the office of DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla last Friday, the SPES-TWSP Convergence Program will cover 11 municipalities in North Cotabato, eight in Sultan Kudarat, and two in Sarangani.

In North Cotabato, beneficiary OSYs should come from Aleosan, Midsayap, Tulunan, Alamada, Arakan, Banisilan, Kabacan, Libungan, Magpet, Matalam, and President Roxas.

Interested and qualified OSYs in Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, Colombio, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, Lebak, and Senator Ninoy Aquino municipalities of Sultan Kudarat may also avail of the training and employment program.

On May 1, the program will be launched in General Santos City for the municipalities of Malungon and Alabel in Saragani Province where the first 42 scholarship grantees come from.

Director Mantilla said more municipalities may be included in the coming months.

“We have requested for the inclusion of the municipalities of Lake Sebu, T’boli and Sto. Niño in South Cotabato,” Director Mantilla said, adding that they are now awaiting approval of this by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Under the program, beneficiary OSYs who “may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment or child labor,” will undergo mandated 20 to 52 days of technical vocational training in TESDA-identified institutions.

As in the original SPES program, DOLE will pay each beneficiary 40 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for every day of training.

The amount, according to the program guidelines, may be used as a training allowance or as capital to purchase the OSY’s starter kit.

More than 400 scholarship slots may be opened in Soccsksargen Region this year for OSYs interested in techvoc trainings that will be identified by TESDA 12. The program is open to OSY’s between 15 to 25 years old, whose family income (including his, if any) does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six, as determined by the National Economic Development Authority.

Applicants should have reached high school level to be able to participate in the program.

Interested individuals need to submit to the nearest DOLE or TESDA office the needed documents. For more information, you may refer to the nearest DOLE Field Office or Public Employment Service Office or provincial/district office of TESDA. (DED-PIA 12)

Rep. Pacquiao lauds success of Glan cattle project

by Nonong Baliao


Glan, Sarangani Parovince———World Boxing Champ and Sarangani lone district Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao has expressed elation with the success of his P8-million cattle dispersal project in this municipality. In a statement, the first-term congressman lauded the local government unit (LGU), headed by Mayor Victor James B. Yap, Sr., for helping him bring the project under his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to a successful implementation. “Despite the slings and arrows and brickbats thrown their way, the local officials of Glan, led by my good friend and staunch political ally, brother Tata Yap, have proved themselves up to the task and worthy of my support,” said the congressman, who is deep in training up north for his next title bout in the United States on June 9. The project, started in 2010, was the subject of a lot of controversy whipped up by a disinformation campaign launched by a vested group out to drive a wedge between the congressman and Mayor Yap in an apparent bid to wrest political control in the next elections. But the records and statistics are incontrovertible. Two years into the project implementation, the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Mrs. Virgie Musa, has come out with a definitive report showing that all 14 barangay beneficiaries have received their respective allocations. According to the report, all but 13 of the 188 cows that had already been dispersed to a corresponding number of individual recipients are alive and in good condition, and only 13 had either died or could not be accounted for. This town was a recipient of the 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping Award given to LGUs which have religiously complied with all the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act as well as the Full Disclosure Policy of the Department of Interior and Local Government with regard to project implementation and financial transactions. “Simply put, there were no overpricing and other purported irregularities in the purchase and distribution of the cattle as being peddled by our political detractors,” said Mayor Yap, this year’s “Gawad Sikap” awardee as one of the most outstanding municipal mayors of the Philippines. Most of the cows are already ripe for breeding, and under an agreement with the local government, which shouldered the transport cost and other ancillary expenses, the first calves will be farmed out to other beneficiaries. “The individual recipients may keep the mother cow until the next breed, which they may keep, but will then have to return the mother cow to the LGU for re-dispersal, and so forth, down the line,” said Mrs. Musa. A parallel project–this time involving the distribution of “pakura” fishing boats to 108 small fishermen in the town’s 16 coastal barangays–has also gone through its initial phase. “Our poverty alleviation program is right on track, thanks to Congressman Manny and other like-minded officials who truly care for our people in Glan. Other similar projects, designed to generate jobs and provide livelihood, are either in the works or already being implemented as I speak,” said Mayor Yap.






GEM-USAID turns over trading facility to Malapatan, Sarangani

by (CTA/PIA General Santos City)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) turned over Thursday approximately P2-M worth of trading facility to the municipal government of Malapatan in Sarangani Province. USAID Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman led the turn-over of the facility to Malapatan municipal government. This will be used by Balungis Women’s Association who specializes in weaving as prime beneficiary of the project. Aeschliman was assisted by Senator Loren Legarda, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of Mindanao Development Authority and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez. USAID also turned over six handlooms and other related weaving materials to the association. Aeschliman said USAID projects in Mindanao are designed to help accelerate economic growth in the conflict-affected areas of the region in support of the Philippine government’s peace and development initiatives. The construction of the trading center stemmed from the municipal government of Malapatan and the women’s association asking the assistance of USAID because they “did not have an appropriate facility in which to display and sell their woven products.” Thus, the USAID-GEM Program “constructed a trading center that now serves as a dedicated space for weaving, displaying and selling the woven fabrics.” About 67 percent of the project cost was funded by USAID while the remaining fund was respectively shared by the municipal and provincial governments of Malapatan and Sarangani. Dubbed Balungis Trading Center, the facility aims to help organize production and sales of the products of women and other woven produce in the area. The agency will also organize a workshop on product design, packaging and marketing for the women weavers, USAID-GEM told PIA General Santos City. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the woven products of Balungis women’s association are also being eyed for promotion to fashion designers in Cebu and Manila. In her message, Senator Legarda who is chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, commended “weaving communities in the country for preserving the tradition of weaving as she encouraged local governments to support such initiatives.” “To the members of the Balungis Women’s Association, I laud you for keeping the tradition of weaving alive, for passing on the skill to your children, and for choosing this industry to be part of your daily living,” she told the women’s association, whose 25 members are wives and relatives of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants. Legarda also enjoined the local governments to support the weaving industry to preserve and safeguard the Filipino heritage bringing it into “full bloom again.” Meanwhile Governor Migs Dominguez also expressed his appreciation to USAID-GEM for supporting the women’s association of Malapatan urging the beneficiary to maximize the use of the facility and make extra effort to double their production. To date, USAID has constructed more than 1,400 infrastructure projects in Mindanao and will be adding approximately 150 more by the end of 2012. The continuing pouring in of projects in conflict-ravaged area in Mindanao, USAID said show the sustained commitment both of the Philippine and U.S. governments to promote peace and development in the region.

Present tax records, Pacquiao told

by Jun Ramirez


Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) urged boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday to present his 2010 tax records and avoid protracted court battles. Cotabato Revenue Regional Director Rozel Lozares exhorted the boxing icon to heed his request so he can concentrate on his training for his fight against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, United States in June. Lozares said Pacquiao need not personally present his financial statements as they can be sumitted through his lawyer or accountant. He said the criminal complaint will be dropped as soon as Pacquiao submits the documents. It was learned that a lawyer of Pacquiao has met Cotabato revenue officials but he did not bring his client’s records. Lozares said the Cotabato prosecutor’s office has yet to set the preliminary investigation of the contempt charges he filed against Pacquiao. The charges arose from Pacquiao’s alleged refusal to present his books of accounts and for ignoring the subpoena that the BIR issued against him. Pacquiao’s lawyers, however, argued that their client did not receive such subpoena.






PCG defended 'M/Y Sarangani' from harassment -- Nolcom chief

by (PNA)

DCT/scs/PFN


MANILA — Despite being outnumbered and outsized by its foreign counterparts, the Philippine Coast Guard's "BRP Pampanga" (SAR-003) valiantly defended a National Museum-hired yacht against harassment at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal by Chinese vessels, Northern Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said on Tuesday. Alcantara explained that this took place on April 14 when an unidentified Chinese vessel approached the "M/Y Sarangani" and demanded that the Filipino ship stop its mission which was to conduct an archeological survey in Panatag Shoal. "Upon receiving word of the harassment, BRP Pampanga positioned itself at the mouth of Panatag Shoal and thereby demonstrated to the Chinese vessels that it is willing to protect the M/Y Sarangani," the Nolcom chief said. Due to the efforts of BRP Pampanga, the M/Y Sarangani was able to complete its mission and departed from the area on April 20. "I think they were well taken care of by our Coast Guard when they were out there," Alcantara said.

Region 12 high-risk to climate change impact

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/21 April) — Southwestern Mindanao is highly at risk in a changing climate condition, with increased rainfall and rising sea levels, an official warned on Friday. Herlita G. Caraan, National Statistical Coordination BoardRegion 12 chief, said that more rainfall, an increase in temperature and rising sea level would hit the area in the medium term (2020-2050). In a fact sheet, NSCB-12 warned of worse flooding, landslide and storm surges affecting hundreds of villages in the region as a result of climate change. Based on a mid-range scenario simulations by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), rainfall in Region 12 was predicted to increase in 2020 by as much as 14.8 percent and 15.6 percent by2050. The increased rainfall was projected to happen during the north-east monsoon season (December to February) and during the transition of seasons from September to November. “These periods will be wetter and with potential for increased flooding, storm surge and landslide,” Caraan said. According to the geo-hazard maps from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau, at least 300 barangays in the region are high-risk to flooding as they are located near major river tributaries and low land zones. TheMGB-12 also classified some 200 villages in elevated areas and those near sloppy areas as high-risk to landslides. Forty-eight coastal villages are vulnerable to storm surges while 26 other have high potential for tsunami, it added. Region12, also called the SOCCSKSARGEN region, consists of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Temperatures are expected to increase across all four seasons though it would be much hotter during the summer season (March to May) across all provinces in the region, theNSCB-12 said. PAGASA further projected an annual mean temperature increase from the observed baseline by 0.9oC to 1.3oC in 2020 and from 1.9oC to 2.5oC in 2050 in Region 12, it said. Health authorities have warned that warmer temperatures would result to increase risks to infectious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis. “More people will be vulnerable to cholera as algal blooms may occur more frequently. Red tide in coastal waters will become more frequent and widespread,”the report said.

For rising seawater, the NSCB-12, citing a Greenpeace report titled “The Philippines: A Climate Hotspot,“ said that an estimated 11,664,000 square meters of land in Region 12 will be vulnerable to a one-meter sea level rise. Areas most likely to be affected are coastal areas in Sarangani, SultanKudarat, General Santos City, including Cotabato City as 70 percent of the city’s total land area is below sea level, the NSCB-12 said. Ronald Flores, executive director of the Office of Civil Defense, urged the local government units in Region12 to put up their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMO). The OCD has been conducting regional consultation for LGUs to effectively implement Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of 2010. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

Mendoza: Why Pacquiao left Noynoy to join Binay

by Al S. Mendoza


FROM Lakas to NP, LP and now UNA. Those are the four political parties thus far for Manny Pacquiao.

Does that make Pacquiao a turncoat, a political butterfly?

The last Lakas stalwart was Ate Glue, the former president now serving as a representative from Pampanga.

During her nine-year reign at the Palace, Ate Glue’s regular visitor was Pacquiao.

It became almost customary for Pacquiao to drop by Ate Glue’s old residence by the riverbanks every time he came home from a conquest overseas.

When he first ran for congressman in GenSan in 2007, Pacquiao was under the Lakas banner.

Unfortunately, he lost to Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Pacquiao next aimed his political guns in Sarangani, the land of birth of his wife, Jinkee.

In 2010, he won the lone congressional seat in Sarangani, running under Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party.

But Villar lost to Noynoy Aquino, the standard bearer of the Liberal Party.

Not long after, Pacquiao switched camps again, moving over to Noynoy’s LP.

Observers said, Pacquiao “is so young, but so wise already to the ways of the political arena.”

You want political survival, you seek to secure favors from the powerful, join the ruling party: LP.

But, alas, the Noynoy-PacMan romance would prove to be short-lived.

Just very recently, Vice President Jojo Binay said Pacquiao has joined the UNA (United Nationalist Alliance).

UNA is an alliance forged between the PDP-Laban (Binay’s party when he defeated Mar Roxas for vice president in 2010) and Erap’s PMP (Partido ng Masang Pilipino).

“PacMan is our gubernatorial bet in Sarangani in the 2013 election,” said Binay, the UNA chieftain who is highly-touted as running for president in 2016.

Pacquiao’s fans have asked me: What might have prompted PacMan to bolt Noynoy’s LP?

I have a guess: PacMan felt he didn’t get any help from Noynoy regarding the boxing icon’s recent row with the taxman.

You might probably say, “What a flimsy reason.”

Excuse me, but to a guy like Pacquiao, friendship is really “walang iwanan,” or BFF if you will, as in “Best Friends Forever.”

The masa would almost always think that way.

5 foreign vessels enter shoal

by Alexis Romero


MANILA, Philippines - Three foreign vessels and two small boats have been spotted in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in addition to the two Chinese maritime vessels involved in a standoff with a lone Philippine Coast Guard ship.

Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said the three foreign vessels were sighted on Wednesday, the same day Philippine-commissioned vessel MT Sarangani left the area after conducting an archaeological survey. The vessel left Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the current impasse has little or no effect on Filipino workers in China, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

“I think it’s the quality of our workers there who, despite political tensions, are just continuing their work,” Baldoz said.

“A summary report submitted to me said there are three vessels but these are not Filipino vessels. There are also outrigger boats outside and inside the lagoon,” Alcantara reported. He said they could not tell whether the small boats were of local or foreign origin. Alcantara clarified that the departure of the vessel had nothing to do with China’s demand for Philippine ships to leave the shoal.

“Perhaps their research has been completed. The ship was just commissioned by the National Museum,” he said.

It was the National Historical Commission of the Philippines which commissioned the Sarangani. Its passengers included nine French nationals and three employees of the National Museum.

Alcantara stressed, however, the situation in the area was stable and no unusual incidents were reported.

Masinloc, Zambales Mayor Desiree Edora said Zambales fishermen were now avoiding Panatag Shoal for fear of getting harassed or arrested by the Chinese or caught in an armed confrontation between Chinese and Filipino forces.

“My secretary interviewed the fishermen and it’s been a while since they sailed there because they are afraid that a confrontation might ensue,” she told dzMM radio reporter Edwin Sevidal.

Edora said they have yet to coordinate with the military or the Foreign Affairs department regarding the matter.

Panatag Shoal is 124 nautical miles from Zambales and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which China is a signatory.

On April 8, eight Chinese fishing vessels were spotted in the shoal, prompting the Navy to send its largest warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar to the area to check on the vessels.

The ship reached the shoal on April 10 and its crew boarded the fishing vessels where they found live sharks, corals, and giant clams.

But before the Filipino sailors could arrest the fishermen and seize their catch, two Chinese “surveillance” ships arrived and stopped them. The fishing boats were able to flee with their illegal harvests.

The Del Pilar eventually left the area to replenish supplies and was replaced by the smaller and lightly armed BRP Pampanga of the coast guard.

Aside from the Chinese ships, an aircraft – also believed to be Chinese – had reportedly buzzed a Filipino fishing vessel.

Baldoz, meanwhile, recalled that Filipino workers felt no backlash even after the Rizal Park hostage tragedy in August 2010 that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead. The incident briefly soured relations between the Philippines and China.

Labor department records show there are 26,772 Filipino workers in China, mostly doctors and professionals.

“We don’t send that many OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) to China. They are mostly going there as tourists and try their luck to gain employment and just convert their visas into working visas upon getting jobs,” she added.

Encouraging

At Malacañang, Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said President Aquino had a chance meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing to whom he expressed his feeling of satisfaction that both sides were willing to talk to resolve the issue.

“He told her that it was encouraging that both sides continue to talk,” Carandang said.

Chinese embassy spokesman Zhang Hua, for his part, said his country prefers friendly consultations over discussing the issue before a United Nations-backed tribunal.

“We want friendly efforts to solve it,” Hua told The STAR.

Sen. Francis Escudero, meanwhile, said he supports proposals for the Philippines to have a joint exploration with China in the disputed islands in Palawan.

Escudero stressed that issues involving the Panatag Shoal and the West Philippine Sea should be resolved through diplomatic means.

Escudero recognized that Congress has the power to allow the administration to launch a war against China, but it is not choosing that option.

“Somebody asked me the question on why Congress is not doing anything. I know we have the sole power to declare war. The reason why Congress is quiet on it (is) because we don’t want to declare war,” Escudero said.

Come budget deliberations, Escudero said he expects explanations from defense and foreign affairs officials about the developments on the maritime disputes.

“I think the briefings will come during the budget deliberations and then we have more information with respect to the actions that the government has taken through the international organizations that we have brought this matter up with,” the senator said.

Escudero recommended that both China and the Philippines should agree on joint exploration. He said profits may be shared equally or the Philippines may bat for a bigger share. He said there is no reason to fight over areas that might yield no oil or gas or minerals.

He said accusing China of bullying is only worsening the problem.

“I think the President was being factual when he made the statement in connection with our position in relation to China,” Escudero said.

He said the Philippines has ordered only two new aircraft while China has more than 2,000. – With Christina Mendez, Pia Lee-Brago, Sheila Crisostomo

Sarangani Launches Mahin Summer Festet

by newsinfo.inquirer.net


GLAN, Sarangani (PIA) — Glan’s Mahin Festival kicks off vacation fun in Sarangani with another series of summer activities that would climax with a sunset-to-sunrise beach party in the famed Sarangani Bay Fest next month to be held in the white sands of Gumasa.

The successful maiden celebration of Mahin Festival last year triggered expectations of a bigger crowd to the three-day festivity which started yesterday, April 19, until April 21.

Lumba sa Kabayo (horse race), Palupad Tabanog (kite flying), Bangkarera (boat race), Pintados (body painting), beach volleyball and football, Bikini Open, concerts (featuring Blakdyak) and fireworks display are the lined-up activities that are certain to fire up the excitement of local folks.

Yesterday’s events were held at The Grove Beach in barangay Tango while in the next two days, it will be at the Coco Beach in Gumasa.

Mahin is a festival unique to the town of Glan which brings back traditional beach activities the townsfolk have been fond of doing since then like horse racing at the shoreline.

Ex-Sarangani governor, 6 others charged with graft

by Leila B. Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer


The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against former Sarangani Governor Miguel Escobar and six other provincial officials for the questionable purchase of 30,000 textbooks without public bidding. Escobar was charged for approving two textbook purchases, involving 15,000 books for each transaction, in 2002 and 2003. Charged with Escobar for the first purchase was Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Hermelo Latoja, who acted as the attorney in fact for textbook supplier Institute for Youth Volunteers Service and Early Childhood Development Inc. For the second purchase, charged along with Escobar and Latoja were Committee on Awards members Teresa Alvarado, Wahid Diama, Sittiehawa Marohomsalic, Cesar Cagang and Vivencia Telesforo. The Sarangani officials have denied the allegations against them in their respective counteraffidavits. Sarangani province first bought 15,000 copies of the textbook ABC My Practice Book I in November 2002 for P1.5 million, and bought 15,000 copies of ABC My Practice Book II in June 2003. The 2002 transaction was considered an emergency purchase, which was why the textbooks were bought directly from the supplier. But Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said the emergency purchase was unjustified.

Sarangani hills ideal for paragliding, say experts

by Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/16 April) — Paragliding experts are promoting Sarangani province’s hilly landscape as a prime spot for the aerial adventure sport.

French national Armand Dard, a visiting professional paragliding instructor, said they found the hills straddling the Sarangani Bay, especially those located in the coastal villages of Maasim town, as a first-rate paragliding flight site. “This is my second time in the Philippines and my first time in Sarangani. Last year I did some paragliding in Carmona, Cavite and also in Boracay but this place, which I discovered one month ago is a better flight site,” Dard said. Dard and a newly-organized team of local paragliders have so far tried out the hills along a ranch owned by the San Andres Fishing Industries (SAFI) in barangay Seguil in Maasim, which is about 30 minutes away from this city. “It has comfortable takeoff and landing sites. Its big landing site is comfortable for beginners and you can fly almost every day,” he said in a report released by the Sarangani Information Office. Dard has been conducting international-standard paragliding trainings to members of the newly-formed Sarangani Paragliding Club. Michelle Solon, Region 12 tourism council chairperson, said they now consider paragliding as “the next big thing” in the region. Region 12, which also known as the Soccsksargen Region, covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“What is the next big thing in Region 12? We are crossing our fingers — I believe in a heartbeat, it’s going to be paragliding in Sarangani,” she said. “Who said there is no wind around Sarangani Bay? On the contrary, there is enough wind!” added Solon, who had tried sky sports paragliding. Joseph Oncada, vice president of Sarangani Paragliding Club said they started paragliding in the area in September last year. “To those who want to become pilots, or just want to experience flying in tandem, we offer training and tandem flights,” Oncada said. For a short flight, which is about 10 minutes, enthusiasts will need to cough up P2,300 and around P3,000 for a 15 to 20-minute flight, he said. On May 18, Oncada said the Sarangani Paragliding Club will have a paragliding accuracy competition as part of the upcoming celebration of the two-day Sarangani Bay Festival. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)






Palawan, Comval replicate Sarangani Big Brother

by (Beverly C. Paoyon and Serafin N. Ramos Jr./PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)


ALABEL, Sarangani, April 16 (PIA) -- Sarangani Big Brother (SBB) “Reading is Fun!” enters its “Season 5” this week with two provinces replicating the program this year.

SBB “Reading is Fun!” is a 15-day reading program run by the provincial government’s Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program designed to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve reading skills of “frustration readers” among incoming Grade 2 and 3 pupils.

“Frustration readers” are those who can identify words but have inadequate or no comprehension at all.

The activity is a whole day remedial reading program from April 17 to May 8 implemented in partnership with the DepEd, QUEST, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Alcantara Foundation.

QUEST recently held two days of training for teachers who will conduct the reading classes. Each of the 309 teachers will handle an ideal class size of 35 pupils.

During the training, Governor Migs Dominguez thanked the teachers for their “passion and commitment” to make SBB successful.

“Let’s remember the first time we make them (children) read,” Dominguez told the teachers as he stressed the importance of continuously motivating children to learn to read.

Compostela Valley Province also sent nine youth leaders and 12 teachers to join the training as they would replicate SBB starting this summer vacation which would be called “Summer Big Brother: Reading is Fun! Season 1”.

After a series of benchmarking of local officials, DepEd officials and private sector in Sarangani which was arranged by Alcantara Foundation, Compostela Valley decided to replicate QUEST. Comval started with an Education Summit last January.

Palawan was also set to launch this month its Palawan Big Brother, patterned after SBB.

In early March, QUEST program manager Annalie Edday was instructed by Governor Dominguez to email the activities of QUEST to Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra because he was interested to replicate QUEST.

A QUEST team led by Edday flew to Palawan on March 19-22 to present QUEST and help Palawan organize its education reform program.

This summer, Palawan will have its PBB (Palawan Big Brother: Reading is Fun! Season 1).

“PBB is the kickoff project of the Palawan education reform program,” Edday said.

In Sarangani, Edday noted the improvement in the performance of the “frustration readers” after they have completed the reading program.

“I am so happy that they feel the sense of belongingness as they enrolled in the next grade,” Edday said.

She said every year different modules are used in the summer classes as additional inputs are being introduced.

QUEST also designed a volunteer program to tap youth volunteers who will assist teachers in facilitating the activities from the modules.

“Teaching young children to read is the most critical educational priority facing the province,” Edday said. She explained SBB “will help schools and children uplift their performance in reading.”

“By teaching all children to read well by the end of the third grade, we will ensure that all students that advance to later grades are well prepared to achieve their full academic potential,” Edday added.

Edday said SBB was successful in helping DepED eliminate the frustration and instructional readers among incoming Grade 2 and 3 pupils.

“For years it has produced good result; for 4 years, this program has engaged 855 teacher volunteers, 2,166 youth volunteers and has made 17,983 pupils better readers,” Edday disclosed.

“We are happy that we have numerous volunteers from General Santos City, seven scholars of American Field Studies and one German volunteer this year,” Edday reported about the SBB volunteers training.

The program was first thought to make “reading as fun,” said Edday, “but since there are quite a number of frustration readers so we made SBB season 4 as a remedial reading program.”

SBB was launched in 2008 in which Governor Dominguez said the first concern then was how to harness the spirit of volunteerism among the youth “to be able to make them contribute in the community.”

“Masarap makatulong bumasa at buksan ang mga mata ng mga bata and teach them to dream big!,” Dominguez told the volunteers in Alabel during the volunteers training last year.

For the past three years, SBB became a channel in unifying the school’s community and utilizing the collective efforts of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of the province.

The governor has pointed out that “success lies in education. It opens up boundaries we think impossible. Education from elementary to high school up to college will ensure better future.”

In 2011, QUEST pre-test and post-test results showed a 55 percent increase of the pupils’ reading level from “frustration readers” (36%) to the right reading level (91%) and were ready to enter Grade 3.

Every year, the reading skills of pupils were improving because of Sarangani Big Brother. SBB has become successful through volunteer youth and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

“SBB taught me to become someone - to be a builder of this nation. I learned to embrace the beauty of imparting knowledge,” volunteer John Logos Guiang from Maitum town said.

During its second season of Sarangani Big Brother “Reading is Fun!” one of the youth volunteers in Maasim Elementary School was Aimee Aragon, then a 15-year old incoming first year college student.

“I am blessed to be given the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences for the little children like I was, and I’m very happy to be an ‘Ate’ (big sister) for them,” Aragon said.

The Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) launched the month-long reading program in the summer of 2008 among elementary pupils while instilling the value of volunteerism among “mentors”.

Right from SBB’s first season, Alcantara Foundation has already been one of the partners together with the SK, DepEd and the local government in the implementation of the program.

The rest of the sponsors this year are Synergia Foundation, Sagittarius Mining Corp. and World Vision.

'Respect Pacman's decision to join PDP-Laban'

by Evelyn Macairan


MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic Church official asked the public yesterday to respect the decision of Sarangani representative and boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to join the political party Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Marbel South, Cotabato Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said Pacquiao is old enough to make decisions on his own.

“Pacman is mature and intelligent. Respect his decision,” Gutierrez said.

Sarangani province is one of the areas under the Diocese of Marbel, South Cotabato, which the bishop heads.

Gutierrez said his statement stems from his concern about the faith and morals of people, rather than politics.

Pacquiao was earlier reported to be leaving the Liberal Party of President Aquino to join Binay’s camp.

The 33-year-old boxer-turned-legislator is reportedly being groomed to be the PDP-Laban’s gubernatorial candidate in Sarangani in next year’s elections.

Pacquiao might take his oath as party member of PDP-Laban before his next fight with Timothy Bradley in June.

Sarangani good site for paragliding

by Cocoy Sexcion


MAASIM, Sarangani, April 14 (PIA) -- Sarangani is a good flying site for paragliding said Armand Dard, a French national and a visiting paragliding professional instructor.

"This is my second time in the Philippines and my first time in Sarangani. Last year I did some paragliding in Carmona, Cavite and also in Boracay but this place which I discovered one month ago is a better flight site,” Dard said.

The flying site is located at SAFI Ranch 1 in barangay Seguil, less than 30 minutes drive from General Santos City.

The flight site is overlooking Sarangani Bay.

“It has comfortable take off and landing sites,” Dard noted. “It also has big landing site comfortable for beginners and you can fly almost everyday."

Dard is conducting paragliding international standard trainings to members of the newly-formed Sarangani Paragliding Club.

“You ask what is the next big thing in Region 12, we are crossing our fingers -- but I believe in a heartbeat, it’s going to be Paragliding in Sarangani. It is definitely a number 1 for fun!” said an exuberant Michelle Solon, chair of the Regional Tourism Council.

“Who said there is no wind around Sarangani Bay? On the contrary there is enough wind!” added Solon who has tried sky sports paragliding.

Joseph Oncada, vice president of Sarangani Paragliding Club said they started paragliding in September last year, “and this is the newest sport in the country."

"To those who want to become pilots, or just want to experience flying in tandem, we offer training and tandem flights," Oncada said.

A short flight or a maximum of 10-minute flight would cost P2,300. “For a long flight or 15 to 20-minute flight, we charge P3,000," Oncada added.

Oncada said the Sarangani Paragliding Club will also have a paragliding accuracy competition on May 18 in time for Sarangani Bay Festival.. (DED-PIA 12/CSexcion/Sarangani Information Office)

Land Bank relocates Alabel branch to Sarangani

by John Anthony Concepcion


Apr 13, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Land Bank of the Philippines has relocated its Alabel branch to a more spacious facility at the Provincial Capitol Complex of Sarangani, to expand its network.

"LANDBANK's strategic network expansion is consistent with our thrust to provide banking services to the unbanked and underserved areas in continuous pursuit of countryside development," said LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda E. Pico.

LANDBANK first established its presence in Alabel in 1996 with its first branch at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium. Among the clients of the branch are the local government of Alabel, the provincial government of Sarangani, and the neighboring municipalities of Malapatan, Glan, and some barangays of Malungon, along with rural bank and micro and SME clients.

"This forms part of our financial inclusion program which we are aggressively pursuing as we hope to bring banking services closer to underserved and unbanked areas. This will likewise benefit the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries since they will no longer need to travel out of their towns to withdraw their cash grants," said LANDBANK President Pico.

The MOU was signed by Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino, Rural Bank of Kiamba President Teresa Falgui, and LANDBANK First vice president for Mindanao Branches Joselito Gutierrez, for the installation of automated teller machines (ATMs) in the six other municipalities of Sarangani, namely Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, Malungon, and Maitum.

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‘BIR is right going after Pacquiao’

by Frances Mangosing

INQUIRER.net


MANILA, Philippines—Following the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s filing of the tax evasion case against its former poster boy, boxing icon and Representative Manny Pacquiao, half of INQUIRER.net readers think it was only the right thing to do. In a poll conducted between March 29 and April 12, 51.73 percent or 2,682 answered “BIR is only right to go after Pacquiao” to the question, “What do you think of the BIR’s tax case against Manny Pacquiao?” However, 32.15 percent or 1,667 thought it could be talked over by answering “BIR and Pacquiao should settle the case amicably.” Meanwhile, 16.12 percent or 836 voted that “Pacquiao is right in calling the BIR move as harassment.” In March, the BIR filed a tax evasion case against Pacquiao, for his alleged failure to submit complete tax records for the year 2010. It said that Pacquiao ignored summons issued by the BIR office in Central Mindanao asking him to explain his failure to submit complete tax documents. Pacquiao cried foul over the case, claiming that it was “without basis” and a form of harassment. “The institution of the case against me is plain and simple harassment. Contrary to public perception, I am not charged with Tax Evasion or Tax Fraud. That is farther from the truth. Over the years as a boxer, a product endorser and a businessman,” he said in a statement. Pacquiao said the BIR violated its own rules when it served the subpoena to a person unknown to him. He also asked why the BIR served the subpoena in General Santos City when he is now a resident of Sarangani. The boxing sensation, who topped the taxpayer’s list in 2008, made a 30-second television commercial for BIR in 2009 reminding citizens to pay their taxes.






PNoy PREEMPTS ENERGY SUMMIT, APPROVED MORE COAL-POWERED PLANTS

by John Anthony Concepcion


DAVAO CITY, APRIL 11, 2012 (MANILA STANDARD) Written by Christine F. Herrera - Critics bare ‘midnight deals’ on coal power plants

President Benigno Aquino III has approved “midnight deals” to build more coal-fired plants in Mindanao days ahead of an Energy Summit here, locking the island into a dirty source of power for decades, lawmakers and environmentalists said Monday.

“The Mindanao Energy Summit was supposed to give the stakeholders options for short- and long-term solutions to the power crisis, but no option is being offered because the contracts for coal are already a done deal,” Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said.

“Is there a conspiracy to ram fossil-fuel power as the solution? Would this not reduce the power summit to a farce, giving Mindanao consumers no choice but to stick to more expensive, dirty, non-renewable power?”

Von Hernandez, Greenpeace Southeast Asia executive director, said environmental compliance certificates were hastily approved for the coal plants despite opposition from the communities in Mindanao.

“The hasty approval … confirms earlier suspicions that pro-coal business interests were out to capitalize on the current crisis to railroad government approval of such environmentally sensitive projects that should have undergone better scrutiny,” Hernandez said.

Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones, who comes from Cotabato, urged Congress to exercise its oversight powers to review the deals.

At a pre-summit conference last week, Energy Undersecretary Josephine Patricia Asirit said some 700 megawatts would be generated from the coal-fired power plants and that the 100-megawatt Iligan diesel plant owned by the Alcantaras would be revived pending clearance from the Audit Commission.

Asirit said Mindanao had a daily demand of 1,200 megawatts and a shortfall of 100 megawatts, and that demand was growing at 50 megawatts yearly. Some 1,400 megawatts would be in the pipelines for Mindanao from October 2012 to 2014.

Asirit identified the coal-fired projects as a 200-megawatt coal-fired plant by Conal Holdings of the Alcantaras in 2014, a 200-megawatt coal-fired plant by STEAG in the last quarter of 2014, a 300-megawatt coal-fired plant by Therma South of the Aboitizes in 2014, and a 15-megawatt oil-based plant by EEI Power Corp. in October 2012.

The 50-megawatt Mt. Apo 3 geothermal plant and a 5-megawatt wind farm would also be operational by 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Providing extra power would be the eight-megawatt Cabulig hydroelectric plant by Minergy, a 35-megawatt biomass facility by Green Power Bukidnon in 2013, the 225-megawatt Agus 3 hydroelectric plant by Lanao Hydropower Development Corp. in 2015, the 20-megawatt Tagoloan hydroelectric plant by Mindanao Hydro Power Corp. in 2016, and the 12-megawatt Tamugan hydroelectric plant by Hedcor in 2018.

Asirit said coal and diesel would make up the region’s base load because of the unreliability and seasonality of the hydrothermal plants.

Only 350 megawatts was approved for geothermal and other renewable energy sources.

Coal, power barges and diesel cost P9 a kilowatt hour compared with P2 for hydroelectric power and P2.80 for geothermal power.

Citing Asirit’s presentation at the pre-summit conference, Hernandez said the Energy Department had confirmed that four coal plants and one coal power plant expansion were in the pipeline for Mindanao.

“One of the plans [was] approved early this week, ironically, with a promise from the President to expedite the construction process of the harmful facility. Last November 2011, the government gave the go-signal for a coal plant in Sarangani, and before that in July, [President Aquino] was guest of honor in the inauguration of another coal facility in the Visayas.

“Should the other projects in Mindanao push through, President Aquino’s administration would have approved more coal plants than any of his predecessors.”

“With this midnight approval, the government has succeeded in creating a truly agonizing Holy Week scenario for the people of Mindanao, replete with episodes of sacrifice, false prophets, and public betrayal.”

Hernandez reminded the President of his campaign promise to support the development of renewable energy and to phase out coal-fired power plants.

“We thought this administration would approach this problem with a greater measure of integrity and sophistication,” Hernandez said.

“On the contrary, he has allowed coal pushers in his team to overturn his pledge as evidenced by the [Energy Department’s] existing plans to build an unprecedented number of coal plants during his term. The President should be advised that each coal plant he builds edges out the opportunity for the people of this country to harness clean and renewable power.”

Greenpeace claims there is no such things as “clean coal plants,” and that there were no commercially available technologies that could remove mercury, a deadly neurotoxin that accumulates in the environment and in the food chain, or carbon dioxide, which causes climate change.

Casiño, meanwhile, said he had learned that in an April 4 pre-summit meeting in Davao, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras ordered Mindanao’s electric cooperatives to buy expensive power from the privatized power barges at P14 a kilowatt hour, with the government shouldering P9 per kilowatt hour.

Almendras, he said, also reportedly ordered local government officials to immediately approve the environmental compliance certificates for at least two new coal-fired power plants in Mindanao.

“If that is the case, then the power summit would just be a rubber stamp... which forces consumers to pay an additional 50 to 80 centavos per kilowatt hour for their electricity due to the manipulations of favored private power generators like Therma Marine Inc. owned by the Aboitizes, ” Casiño said.

He said he found it strange that the government was willing to subsidize diesel power at P9 a kilowatt hour when it would be cheaper and more sustainable to subsidize solar and other renewable energy sources.

Asirit told the pre-summit conference that power rate increases were inevitable.

“What makes Mindanao different from Visayas and Luzon is its rich potential for renewable energy, from solar, hydro, geothermal to biomass. Why not tap these instead of the more expensive and dirty fossil fuel technologies?” Casiño said.

Also on Monday, administration Senator Serge Osmeña III chided the electric cooperatives for opposing the privatization of the government-owned plants on the island, saying it was mandated by law. He his view that the people of Mindanao had been enjoying subsidies for too long.

“The Mindanao cooperatives have their own version of the economic law of supply and demand,” Osmeña, chairman of the Joint Congressional Power Commission, told the Manila Standard in a text message.

“They demand subsidized electricity and the rest of the country must supply. What about the rest of the population who have been paying market rates for almost 10 years?”

The senator was reacting to the position paper submitted by the 33-member Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, which urges the government to forgo plans to sell its power plants in Mindanao to prevent a spike in energy prices.

Osmeña said the privatization of government-owned plants was mandated by law to attract the private sector to enter the power generation business.

“Private owners do not and cannot afford to compete with government, which can operate at a loss,” he said.

Last 2 Pacquiao fights fail to impress Ariza

by Romina S. Austria

Philippine Daily Inquirer


Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach said he is far from impressed with the Filipino ring superstar’s two fights last year. And the last thing Alex Ariza wants is an unprepared Pacquiao battling the unbeaten American Timothy Bradley on June 9 for the Sarangani congressman’s WBO welterweight belt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “We can’t have a bad camp,” Ariza told boxingscene.com. “(Pacquiao’s) physical conditioning is very important. This must happen all the way.” Pacquiao will defend his WBO title for the fourth time against the unpredictable Bradley, with the Ring magazine’s pound-for-pound king heavily favored to bag his 55th professional victory in 60 fights. The eight-division world champion prevailed via ho-hum unanimous decisions over Joshua Clottey in March 2010 and Shane Mosley in May 2011 before besting Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time via an unpopular majority decision six months later. “He’s (Bradley) a high-volume puncher who’ll come forward,” Ariza said. “Bradley’s not a technical guy like Marquez. He fights somewhat like Manny. That’s why I think it’ll be an explosive fight.” Ariza said Pacquiao, who has started light training in Manila and General Santos City, runs the risk of losing focus for his clash with Bradley because of his various activities outside the ring. The Colombian conditioning guru also said starting camp on April 16 in Baguio City could be “a little late” for Pacquiao even though he sees a hungrier, more motivated Pacman this time. “It’s up to Manny how he’d prepare against Bradley,” Ariza said, adding he knows Pacquiao wants to prove something in his coming fight. Meanwhile, world junior welterweight contender Ruslan Provodnikov (21-1, 14 KOs) will join Pacquiao’s training camp in Baguio. The Russian is expected to arrive in the country on April 22. Provodnikov will travel back to Los Angeles with Pacquiao and head trainer Freddie Roach in early May to continue training at the Wild Card Gym. Despite his apprehensions, Ariza said he is confident the Pacquiao-Bradley bout will be a short one. “Manny’s competitive spirit will take over,” Ariza said. “How he trains will impact on how he does against Bradley. “If he trains properly, Manny could blow that guy away in less than five rounds.”

Sarangani floods affect 100 families

by Jay Dayupay and Rhea Lara, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN


MANILA, Philippines – More than 100 families in Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani province were affected by floods triggered by strong rains last Saturday.

Raging floodwaters inundated Purok 4, Sitio Cogonal and Purok Tagumpay, prompting several residents to flee their homes.

Around 50 hectares of agricultural products were also destroyed.

In Barangay Kawas, motorists were stranded due to an impassible bridge.

Road repairs are ongoing.

The residents have returned to their homes but they fear that more rains in the coming days will trigger floods anew.

Police rescue two abducted security guards in Sarangani

by LBG, GMA News


Local authorities on Saturday rescued in Sarangani province two abducted security guards, a police report said.

Mark Lantin and Daniel Bolunos were released unharmed by their captors on Saturday morning, some 29 hours after they were abducted by armed men at the Rosa Farm, Sitio Nakolel, Barangay Lago in Glan town at 4 a.m. on Good Friday.

Reports reaching Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Nicanor Bartolome from Central Mindanao said a crisis management committee – composed of personnel from Glan Municipal Police Station, Sarangani Police Provincial Police Office, Regional Intelligence Division and local government authorities – was convened immediately to secure the safe release of the captives.

At the same time, PNP units had conducted operations to limit the movement of the abductors within a smaller area.

Chief Supt Benjardi Mantele, PNP Regional Director in Central Mindanao, said the two victims were brought to Barangay Congan before their abductors were prompted to release the victims unconditionally due to police pressure.

Mindanao farmers get tractors, threshers from gov’t

by Leila B. Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines—Farmers in Mindanao have received nmearly P21 million worth of farm equipment from the Department of Agriculture intended to help them produce more crops and earn more money. The department said in a news release that it recently awarded 177 pieces of farm machinery and equipment, such as tractors and threshers, to farmers’ groups and irrigators’ associations in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) Region. The DA shouldered the bulk of the cost of the equipment through the farm mechanization component of its Food Staple Sufficiency Program. Under the program, the DA paid for 85 percent of the cost, while the beneficiaries shouldered the remaining 15 percent. Assistant Agriculture Secretary Dante Delima said another set of farm machines and equipment was scheduled to be awarded to another batch of farmers in August this year. Delima, who was present in the recent turnover to the beneficiaries, called on the farmers to maximize the use of their new equipment in their field preparation, planting, harvesting and other farm operations so that these would be faster and more efficient. He also said they should take care of the machines, which are meant to increase their production and income. DA Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the department would create a team to monitor the farmers and irrigators groups to ensure they are using the new equipment efficiently and are seeing to their maintenance. The bulk of the machines and equipment went to 126 farmers’ groups. They received five units of four-wheel drive tractors, 112 hand tractors, and 37 rice threshers, collectively worth P18.5 million. Five outstanding irrigators’ associations received nine hand tractors, seven hermetic cocoons, and seven portable dryers, which are worth P2.43 million.

Pacquiao steps aside for the true Champ

by www.abs-cbnnews.com


MANILA, Philippines – Core members and volunteers of ABS-CBN Christian Fellowship were still busy setting up for the 7 p.m. March 29 fellowship when I received a phone call at 4:30 pm from our guest speaker. “Malapit na kami diyan sa ABS,” Sarangani Congressman and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao said.

“Huh? Ang aga niyo,” I answer.

“OK lang,” he said. “Gusto ko i-testing iyong Powerpoint presentation ko.”

In less than 5 minutes, a convoy of 4-5 vehicles pulled up the driveway of the ABS-CBN compound bringing the members of Barangay Pacquiao - Manny dressed in a suit, Jinkee in a gorgeous yellow lace dress, their 4 kids, Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queenie and their yayas, his security detail, executive assistant Stephanie, and Pastor Jeric Soriano.

A crowd quickly gathers when word of his arrival spread. ABS-CBN employees left their workstations to stare, get a picture or shake the hand of the 8-division boxing champ. Even the kids are greeted with cheers and well-wishes. Manny obliges the fans while slowly working his way to the Dolphy Theater.

Once there, Manny introduced the Pacquiao Word Worship team, led by his wife Jinkee, his staff, security and some friends. All of them are wearing Team Pacquiao T-shirts. The team practice their line-up of praise and worship songs such as Power of Your Love, Here We Are, Shine Jesus Shine, and Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat.

Manny briefly goes through his presentation with Pastor Jeric who has been intensely teaching the Sarangani congressman. He gives Pacquiao the nod – he’s good to go. Before the service, the organizers gather as a group and say a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to empower the speaker, the musicians and everyone involved.

Packed theatre

The Dolphy Theatre is packed even before the fellowship starts. The worshippers come out and lead the people in worship before I formally introduce the Pacman on stage. He started off by greeting everyone with his big smile.

“Kumain na ba kayo? (Have you eaten?)” he asked, earning a chuckle from the audience.

Manny then encouraged them with a Bible verse. “OK lang. Sabi sa Biblia, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Pacquiao then shared his dream where he heard God speaking to him: “Anak , bakit ka lumayo sa akin? (My child, why have you gone astray?)”

Manny did go astray as his boxing career soared.

“Umiinom, sugal, bar, babae...,” he said

He then added: “That old Manny Pacquiao is gone and the new Manny Pacquiao has come.”

‘I didn’t understand the Bible’

Manny attributes his spiritual awakening and transformation after truly discovering the author and subject of the Bible, Jesus Christ.

He said he repented from his sin, rededicated his life to Jesus and went on a quest to learn as much as he could about his Savior and how to get closer to God.

“When I first read the Bible, I couldn’t understand it. I wanted a bible study in the morning and in the afternoon. I felt my day wasn’t complete if I didn’t read the Bible,” he shares.

Manny moved on to his presentation and for the next 45 minutes, he shared how the Word of God, when read, meditated and followed, turned his life around.

The Pacman shared one Bible verse that made an impact on his life. Joshua 1:8 “Keep this book of the Law always in your lips. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

“The Bible is spiritual food that feeds your Spirit man,” Manny explained.

“The old Manny, when tempting thoughts would come to me, I had no power to say ‘No.’ Now I do,” he added.

Turning point

It was 4 months ago when Manny declared inside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles that he wanted to turn his life around. He hasn’t looked back since.

Pastor Rice Brooks in Las Vegas shared to him about the Word of God one week before his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao fell in love with God, and everyday after, I could see his eyes sparkle whenever he learned a new truth and precept.

He glued himself to the Bible and prayer, and rededicated himself to his family. Round by round, he pounded away at his old habits. Today, Manny walks around with his iPad equipped with Bible apps. He also shares pages of Bible verses he has memorized.

“Marami na akong mga weapon!” he exclaims to everyone who’s listening.

Pastor Jeric Soriano said Manny has carried his discipline in boxing training to his study of the Word of God.

“He is extremely diligent and determined,” he said.

Pacquiao said another one of his favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

He explained: “Dati dasal ako ng dasal. Simba ako every Sunday pero Monday to Saturday lahat ng kalokohan ginagawa ko. Hindi natin maloloko ang Panginoon.”

His wife, Jinkee, was all smiles as she listened to her husband preach for the first time.

“Ang Holy Spirit na kay Manny na talaga. Happy ako at lahat kaming pamilya. Ang saya na talaga,” he said.

Bible studies in his Manila and General Santos City homes are frequent. Pacquiao also likes to listen to an audio bible with portable speakers in his vehicle.

In his sermon, Pacquiao is stretching his arms wide to the audience.

“God loves us so much. That’s why he even died for us.’

“Famous athletes like Jeremy Lin, Tim Tebow and now Manny Pacquiao are all sharing about God. Why me? Because the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is near.”

Dig deep into the Word

Pacquiao ended his sermon by bowing down in prayer and asking all who want to begin a new life with Jesus to join in.

‘Lord, maraming salamat sa iyong pag-ibig. Sorry sa lahat ng kasalanan ko. I give my life to you Jesus. The old is gone, the new me has come. Thank you. I love you, God,” he said.

He then joins his group in singing a couple more of his favorite praise and worship songs.

“Diva for the Lord” Dulce belted out a powerful number while Pastor Jesse Dedel prayed over the Pacquiao family, encouraging Manny to press on till the end.

Celebrities and top management attended the fellowship but the night did not belong to them. In the end, even the 8-division world boxing champion stepped aside to give glory to the true champion – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pacquiao also encouraged Filipinos to dig deep into the Holy Scripture during Holy Week.

“Dig deep and truly have a life changing experience with God by committing to read His Word and obeying it. He has a solution for every situation and nothing is impossible with God,” he said. “Believe! Don’t live in unbelief.”

Pacquiao has said before that he plans to retire soon since he has nothing left to prove inside the ring. Indeed, his boxing conquests may soon come to an end but his new journey of victory in Christ is just beginning.

Go Gumasa for the biggest beach party this summer - Asian Correspondent

by COCOY SEXCION


Tired of the maddening crowd of Boracay? The crash commercialism of Panglao? Or the prohibitive and princely price tag of El Nido? Save your bed and dine budget and get more adventurous. Pack those bags and fly farther south for a summer retreat where one gets the most rural of the setting, yet lusts for one of nature’s few remaining unspoiled beauties. Welcome to Gumasa in Sarangani, home to Mindanao’s biggest beach party – the Sarangani Bay Festival.

Crossing the 15-kilometer Sarangani Bay channel

It is in this part of Mindanao where you can still frolic in the most powdery white sands, watch beach volley and soccer, build sand castles, snorkel and skinny dip in crystal-clear sea waters and party all night long. On the side, shout your hearts out as you cheer for your favorite 5-man relay team swim and race against many others in the shark-infested Sarangani Bay, a distance of 15 kilometers across the channel. (Don’t worry. The sheer number of sea crafts, swimmers and spectators are driving those sharks away.) Oh, lest you forget, watch dolphins playfully swim with the human tankers at a safe distance. When there are no sharks, there are dolphins, period. Gumasa, they say, is what Boracay was 25 years ago when the world-known tourist destination was not yet, well, as crowded as it is today. When being in with the Boracay beach crowd means spending half a year’s salary for a Metro Manila minimum wage earner for a two night stay good for two. You can spend half of that and stay in Gumasa for four days. That’s practically more than half the price tag of Boracay! But, dig this. You can happily bring home along with you the bragging rights of telling friends when you grow those grey hairs that you were there in Gumasa when one can practically own the place by his or her lonesome during off seasons. That is one of life’s priceless moments and memories. Just ask Supreme Court administrator Midas Marquez who was at the bay festival two years ago and was seen tightly clasping a bottle of ice cold San Mig Lights while watching Cueshe live on stage. Or Tina Muñoz Palma who had her moment with youthful Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez along the beach front one breezy and cloudy afternoon the year before. Talkback host and Bantay Bata mover Tina Muñoz Palma of ANC and ABS-CBN Foundation with Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez

Dominguez said the late Filipino rock icon Karl Roy once suddenly popped out from the crowd and went upstage to jam with the local band. Eric Gancio of the lamented and missed Yano band is a regular performer here. Eric is a friend of the governor. Recent Pinoy Big Brother fourth placer Paco Evangelista is also a regular at the bay festival. Sarbay, as organizers have coined it, now proudly owns the tag as Mindanao’s biggest beach party and Gumasa is the resident host of Sarangani Bay Festival.

The festival itself has become the province’s great leveler – where a farmhand can rub elbows with celebrities. Where Sarangani’s officials are part of the crowd – not the crowd. “I think we can claim it has become the bigger beach party in the country where people party literally from sundown to sunrise,” the governor said. Dominguez said, last year, the bay festival was able to attract 35,000 local tourists – up from 6,000 in 2006. Have you seen your vice governor break dance on stage in your place? Try Gumasa. The bay festival was one of the first activity concepts pushed by Dominguez immediately after he was elected governor of the province for the first time in 2004. Sarangani province however shares the bay with nearby General Santos City. (Sarangani six coastal towns are evenly separated by Gensan) After failed attempts to jointly host Sarbay with General Santos, Dominguez gave his signal to proceed with the concept that has now become a buzzword in Mindanao. Mindanao today. The world tomorrow. This year’s Sarangani Bay Festival has been shortened to two days – May 18-19. This should give visitors enough time to enjoy the serenity of the place and explore other places before and after Sarbay.

Side tours The bay fest is adventure enough but if one wants to extend his stay, he or she can para-glide and get an eagle eye’s view of the blue waters of Sarangani Bay. The Tan brothers of SAFII Group of Companies are offering this latest craze to hit Sarangani.

Lemlunay's infiniti pool

If one is a dive enthusiast and wants to explore the earth’s remaining frontier, there is the Lemlunay Dive Resort operated by the Partridge family in Tinoto Maasim, also in Sarangani. The Tinoto Wall is dubbed as one of the best dive spots in Mindanao. The wall drops more than 500 feet you can almost “see” the abyss. Lemlunay also offers world-class accommodation with an infiniti pool to drool for.

Rep. Manny Pacquiao shooting the La Union rapids

If security arrangement can be made, a trek into the hidden waterfalls of Kiamba town or a visit to one of the pre-historic burial caves of Maitum will be a big bonus.

Nalus Falls in Kiamba

But you can still wet your butt in white-water rubber-tubing adventure in La Union, Maitum. Sarangani Rep. Manny once said the 1.5 kilometer stretch of rapids ride was one like he never had before. Unfortunately, until Manny retires from boxing, you will not get to see him at the festival as he often fights during the month.

How to get there and some tips

Travel light. You do not have to dress up and bring your costly gears. After all, Gumasa is a backpacker’s ultimate paradise. Book a flight from your place of origin to General Santos City. There are at least four flights daily from Manila and back and two flights from Cebu on some days. Taxis at the airport are available. Drivers however are not keen on using the taxi meter, though. Haggle with them. Airport to downtown fare should not be more than P300. You can ask the driver where to bring you to the hotel or inn that best suits your taste or budget. Don’t look for 5-star accommodation. There is none yet in the city. You can make arrangements with the hotel front desk for transfer accommodation to one of the beach resorts in Gumasa. If you are to join the bay festival, an outdoor carry-on portable tent is advisable if you cannot have prior bookings. You may inquire with event organizers at stipc@yahoo.com or call Telefax (083) 508-5230 or 508-5244.

From being No. 1 taxpayer in 2008, Pacquiao slides to 135th spot in 2010

by KBK/VS, GMA News


From being number one in 2008, Sarangani Rep. and world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao slid to the 135th spot among the country’s Top 500 individual taxpayers in 2010, latest data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) showed.

Pacquiao, who is currently at loggerheads with the BIR, paid only P9,190,691 in taxes in 2010 despite having a taxable income of P504.5 million, the bureau said.

In 2008, Pacquiao paid over P125 million, making him the top taxpayer for that year.

The eight-time world champion is currently facing a criminal case for obstructing a tax investigation into his earnings, a case that he said has cost him a fortune in endorsements.

The case was filed by the BIR last February after Pacquiao allegedly failed to submit proper documents about his earnings from boxing matches and his numerous commercial endorsements.

The BIR, through the agency’s regional director Rozil Lozares, issued a Letter of Authority to the boxing icon requiring him to submit documents regarding his earnings. Pacquiao allegedly failed to comply.

The BIR wants to investigate Pacquiao’s 33 tax records, including his annual income tax return in 2010, his book of accounts, list of assets, as well as his earnings from his fights against Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey.

GMA News Online called Pacquiao's business manager Rex "Wakee" Salud over the phone, but the boxing champ's camp is still to issue an official statement as of this posting.

Pacquiao’s tax payments substantially declined to some P7 million in 2009 from P125 million in 2008–a drastic drop that got the bureau curious.

Pacquiao has vowed to fight the case in court and accused the BIR of singling him out for harassment.

According to the latest BIR list, businessman Vicente Lao was the top taxpayer for 2010. He had a taxable income of P235 million that year and paid taxes of P75 million.

After Lao, businessman Rolando Hortaleza placed second with P69.665 million in taxes. Filmmaker Carlo J. Caparas, once the subject of a tax case filed by the BIR, came in third with P65.670 million in taxes.

For non-individual taxpayers, communications giant Smart Communications topped the list with P11.456 billion for 2010. Other top corporate taxpayers were Chevron Malampaya LLC (P4.378 billion) and Shell Philippines Exploration (P4.327 billion).

Nestle and San Miguel placed fourth and fifth, with P4.277 billion and P4.206 billion, respectively.

Journalist wants libel raps dismissed

by (PNA)

DCT/PTR


MANILA — A Mindanao-based journalist has sought the dismissal of the libel case filed against him by the alleged friend of world boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao. In his 13-page counter-affidavit, Edwin Espejo, contributor for MindaNews and Asian Correspondent, said that "it is, therefore, imperative upon the fiscal or the judge as the case may be, to relieve the accused from the pain of going through a trial once it is ascertained that the evidence is insufficient to sustain a prima facie case or that no probable cause exists to form a sufficient belief as to the guilt of the accused." Espejo is facing an P18-million libel case filed against him by Mohammad Aquia, former head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) in Central Mindanao. In his article, Espejo allegedly mentioned Aquia as an accused of running a carjacking syndicate who sought refuge in Pacquiao's house in General Santos City to evade arrest. The article was published online. In his counter-affidavit, Espejo said that libel cannot be committed by means of the Internet pointing out that under Article 353, the definition of libel "did not comprehend the rise of the interface of advanced telecommunications technologies with the internet." Espejo said that such deficiency is recognized by the Senate thus Senator Manuel Villar filed on Jan. 18, 2011 a bill penalizing internet libel. He added that there is also no malice when he wrote the article because Aquia is a public figure and he does not know him personally. Espejo, through his legal counsel Romel Bagares, director of the Center for International Law Philippines, said that a United Nations Committee on Human Rights report stated that criminal libel in the Philippines is contrary to the country's obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Likewise, Bagares also said that they have yet to receive summons from the Office of the City Prosecutor in General Santos about the alleged P75-million libel case filed by Pacquiao against Espejo. "Our information is that Rep. Pacquiao filed his complaint together with Mr. Aquia," Bagares said. "In any case we reiterate our earlier call on Rep. Pacquiao to take this opportunity to work with journalists in pressing for the decriminalization of libel in the country," he said. "This is an opportune moment for Rep. Pacquiao to show solidarity with Filipino journalists," Bagares added.

Mindanao chambers look to strengthen role in investment facilitation

by zambotimes.com


CEBU CITY-Chambers of commerce in Mindanao should take a stronger role in drawing trade and investment to their respective areas. This was the consensus among the Mindanao chamber officials who attended a “cross-learning” seminar organized in Cebu City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. The seminar drew executives from established chambers of commerce in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga, as well as from smaller, newer chambers, from the provinces of Sarangani and Surigao and the cities of Butuan, Pagadian and Kidapawan. Representatives from Naga, Iloilo, and Cebu business chambers also attended the activity. Participants exchanged best practices on chamber revenue generation, policy advocacy, and trade and investment facilitation, focusing on the successful experience of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center. “We are in the process of reviewing our city’s investment code, and it was particularly useful to learn more about Cebu’s highly focused approach,” said Raymund Salangsang, president of the General Santos City chamber. “GenSan has well-established fisheries, agriculture and IT sectors that bring in business, but we really should distinguish between domestic and foreign investors and their differing requirements,” Salangsang said. He also proposed a more subregional approach towards attracting investors. “Some industries cannot be contained in just one city,” Salangsang said. “GenSan is already the commercial and transport hub for surrounding provinces, so why not help businesses to locate or expand there? It works out to everyone’s benefit.” “We looked at our respective strengths rather than try to replicate what other cities are doing,” said Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. “We are a small city in a highly agricultural area, with only a small wharf, but with established supply routes to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro,” Quisumbing pointed out. “Rather than focus on direct exports, we studied how we fit into the supply chain,” Quisumbing said. “Given our large coconut production base, for example, there are opportunities for investors in coco semi-processing.” The Mindanao chambers are currently working with local governments and national line agencies to develop investment databases for their respective areas. This would include information on available raw materials, people support, costs of doing business, investment incentives, and other economic and market information. “Some local governments are still not aware of the extent to which their chambers of commerce can help bring in investment,” said Quisumbing. “There has to be a good working relationship between the business community and government to make sure everyone is on the same investment track.” Public-private collaboration is expected to be further bolstered by the recent agreement between PCCI and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to share resources and technical expertise to promote investment. This builds on an earlier partnership agreement between the two organizations to jointly formulate policy recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of key economic sectors. For chamber executives at the Cebu seminar, however, it was clear that a supportive policy framework will best succeed in attracting business to a particular area if its local stakeholders—both government and the private sector—work together to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages.

Two Bible preachers: One unknown, the other famous

by EARL VICTOR L. ROSERO


He boarded the air conditioned bus at the stop under the EDSA Cubao MRT station. Respectably dressed he was in leather shoes, black slacks, and light blue long-sleeved shirt complete with a necktie.He walked down the aisle, stood at the mid-section of the bus and then pulled out of his black bag – a Bible.

The unknown man, Jessie, spoke clearly though he did not or could not make eye contact with the other passengers – most of whom tried to ignore him but the sense of hearing cannot be shut down.

Some of the commuters had earphones on and preferred to look out the window. But every now and then some passengers would sneak a glance at him and seemed to listen.

Gazing at the bus preacher evoked contrasting mental images of another man – world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao – who now adeptly quotes from the Bible by chapter and verses every time the opportunity presents itself.

Evangelization on wheels

The preacher on the bus would later identify himself to GMA News Online as Jesse Gannabon. He said he is a pastor-in-training of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ Fourth Watch with office in Marikina.

Jesse spoke clearly though he did not or could not make eye contact with the other passengers – most of whom tried to ignore him but the sense of hearing cannot be shut down. Some had earphones on and preferred to look out the window.

But every now and then some passengers would sneak a glance at him and seemed to listen.

Jessie’s preaching followed a three-part outline. First, he introduced why he was there. Then he cited a few Bible passages and endeavored to explain them. Lastly, he asked for donations.

After his preaching, Jessie consented to an interview. He said he has been a missionary for three years now of the Pentecostal Fourth Watch.

As the interview proceeded, the other passengers were now intently listening.

He also said he did the preaching on the bus everyday, whole day from about 8 a.m. to late afternoon around 4 p.m.

Jessie said he preached because it was a commandment of God.

As the bus approached the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, he collected the envelopes he handed out, thanked the passengers, and got off the bus.

A new calling

Like the bus preacher, Pacquiao quotes the Bible quite often now. But unlike Jesse, Pacquiao has a weekly television variety show and hordes of media people following him every day.

So confident and inspired Pacquiao is about his new calling that he recently led a Bible sharing session on the premises of the GMA Network Center.

Months ago, whenever he got to speak during Mass at Quiapo Church in Manila, he would just give profuse thanks and say that for every big problem, he “has a bigger God.”

Now, the Pacman expertly throws not just punches, but also quick Bible quotes and some advice.

He credits Jeric Soriano, a recently ordained pastor of the Alabang New Life Christian Center, for his being a “changed man” and his newfound love for learning from the Bible.

The Pacman was with Soriano on stage at the ordination last January.

Pacquiao had also revealed that his home has become a venue for Bible study sessions with friends and neighbors in Sarangani province and General Santos City.

Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David of Pampanga has revealed that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has asked Pacquiao to be a Bible ambassador of the CBCP.

“Manny has always been very religious and we are happy that he is deepening his faith and his understanding of the Bible,” said David, who is chairman of the CBCP’s Commission on Biblical Apostolate.

“That’s why I asked him if he could partner with us in promoting the reading of the Bible among Catholics,” Bishop David also said. — GMA News

arangani Archived News]]== The older news reports are kept here

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