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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.

13 dead, 34 hurt in Sarangani, Negros mishaps

by www.mb.com.ph


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).

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.





Sarangani activates Inter-Agency Council against Human Trafficking

by CT Apelacio


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. The activation of PIACaT in the province has been established “with council resolution through a Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-06-09.” 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. 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. “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

by ilonggo news, lake sebu, pia 12, press release


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 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.

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.

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.

Likewise, the tourist destinations in the areas of Lake Sebu, Maitum and adjacent tourist places will also become more accessible.

In Regional Development Council Resolution Number 125, series of 2011, the abovementioned project was adopted and the task force was created.

The Task Force is chaired by South Cotabato governor Arthur Pingoy, Jr. and co-chaired by Sarangani governor Miguel Rene Dominguez.

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.

RDC XII supports increase of allowable local travel expenses of government employees

by PIA Press Release


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. 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

by PIA Press Release


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. 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

by (PNA)

LAP/LAM/AVE/RSS


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.

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.

“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.

Acquia could not be immediately reached for comment.

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.

Those who transported the mineral ores were identified as Jose Rene Farrales, Rofredo Bontong and Daerbz Generalao, the report said.

Ragos said he already informed the local police of Kiamba and the community environment and natural resources officer about the incident.

Early this year, the Sarangani provincial government ordered the closure of the illegal mining site in Sitio Kaffugan for lack of permits.

A joint police and military detachment were ordered established in the mining site to prevent further activities.

But it has been pulled out for still unknown reasons.

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.

They arrived in the mining site at around 10:30 am.

Two persons were apprehended, namely Carmelo Flang, 27, and Felixberto Loyao, 21, both residents of Sitio Banate in Barangay New La Union, Ragos said.

“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.

6 fishing vessels sink off Sarangani

by report from Noel Alamar, dzMM


MANILA, Philippines – Six fishing vessels sank off the shore of Sarangani province due to strong winds and waves, a coast guard official said Tuesday.

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.

The other vessel sank in the waters of Sitio Dumon, Barangay Pangyan, Glan.

Fishing vessel operator Edwin Pagador and 3 others were rescued from the FBCA Peter.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the other missing fishermen, whose names have not been released.

13 killed in Sarangani road accident

by ANDREO CALONZO, GMA News


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.

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.

Military officials had reservations on promoting him to the officers’ rank as this requires a college degree.

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

13 killed in Sarangani road accident

by LBG, GMA News


At least 13 people were reported killed in a road accident involving a van and a truck in Sarangani province Thursday.

Six of the 13 were killed instantly after the L300-type van driven by Eulogio Rivera hit the truck, radio dzBB reported early Friday.

Police have taken Rivera into custody as they investigate the cause of the accident.

A separate report on Radyo Mo Nationwide (RMN) said the fatalities included pastors of a religious group and members of their families.

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.

Four people were also injured in the accident, the RMN report said.

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.

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.

‘Hot’ lumber seized in Sarangani

by (PNA)

FFC/AVE/RSS


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.

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.

Ragos said that they seized the lumber after flagging down the truck at their checkpoint.

“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.

The military official said they also became suspicious when the permit showed that the lumbers were composed of Falcata and Mahogany species.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

The official said they initially coordinated with maritime agencies and fishery regulatory offices based in this city to help look into the incident.

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.

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.

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.

“They should be held accountable for this because it has put our health and livelihood at risk here,” he said.

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.

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

Milkfish fry released in Sarangani

by Bong S. Sarmiento


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. 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

by MARVYN N. BENANING


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By expanding the number of spawners, the conglomerate can actually produce up to 2 billion milkfish fry in a year.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

They ventured into hatcheries and bangus culture since taking over the ponds formerly owned by Dole in 1994.

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.

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.

Alsons investing additional $200 million

by MYRNA M. VELASCO


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.

“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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

Munato Fest

by mb.com.ph


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.”

The MunaTo Festival kicked-off Thursday and culminates on November 27.

Board Member Eleonor Saguiguit said this is to promote the province to be “the tourism hub” in this part of Mindanao.

“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, we want to promote tourism and opportunities for investments,” she added.

She also disclosed that “Sarangani as a tourism hub has already taken off.”

Acting Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC) coordinator Larry Asparin disclosed that tourist arrivals in the province have been increasing since 2005.

MunaTo 2011 launches “Sarangani, your adventure” brand

by Beverly C. Paoyon


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.” 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

by BEVERLY C. PAOYON


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. 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

by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News


MANILA, Philippines - Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao is looking forward to going home to his province.

He said on Tuesday that he’s now going to focus on his work in Congress, focusing on the bills now on the agenda.

He declined to talk about any possible future plans.

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

by Cocoy Sexcion



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

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.

“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.

Marina set the hearing on the maritime mishap on Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.

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.

At that time, the PCG General Santos station was conducting maritime patrol and saw the fishermen on water.

The lone fatality was identified as 60-year-old Giovanni Buntong, who was hit by a debris from the destroyed boat.

Those injured were the boat captain Mendoza, 52; Rex Bulawin, 28; Marjus Iramis, 20; Joseph Tiones, 20; Regalado Sender, 19; and Bryan Inero, 17.

Ferry rams fishing trawler off Sarangani

by Al Jacinto


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. 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 ship’s owner, Aboitiz SuperFerry, did not give any statement about the mishap.

Fishermen killed, 6 rescued as passenger vessel rams banca off Sarangani Bay

by (PNA)

FFC/AVE


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.

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.

The motorized banca, which has seven fishermen onboard, was totally wrecked after it was hit by the SuperFerry vessel, he said.

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.

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.

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.

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.

He said the collision totally destroyed their boat and fishing gear.

“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.

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.

“It appears that the fishermen were not familiar with the basic warning signals about the coming ship,” he 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 the vessel, which is owned and operated by Aboitiz Transport System, was en route to Manila when the incident happened.

Cuanan pointed out that their personnel have been regularly warning local fishermen regarding the passing vessels but they usually ignore them.

He some fishermen would even attempt to race down the bigger vessels and try to cross their path.

“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.

All systems go for Sarangani’s MunaTo Festival

by PIA Press Release


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. 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

by Beverly Paoyon


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 is JeepneED’s pilot site for this first-ever science mobile and technology laboratory in the country. 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.” 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. 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

by (PNA) ms


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 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 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 [coal-fueled plant] project," he said in a press briefing.

He estimated the construction of the first phase, which 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, would follow after an interval of 12 months or a year, Nocos said, adding the coal needs of the power plant will be imported from Kalimantan in Indonesia.

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

by RSJ, GMA News


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].

In Sarangani, Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez said they have started making preparations to welcome Pacquiao home, government-run dzRB radio reported.

Dominguez indicated the welcome may coincide with the MunaTo Festival on November 25, the report added.

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.

Pacquiao registered the latest victory in his storied boxing career with a win over Marquez in Las Vegas.

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

by Allen V. Estabillo


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. 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



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. 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



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.)

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

by Beverly Paoyon


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). 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

by PIA Press Release


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)

“Let us protect our peace gains” – Kalinaw Sarangani

by PIA Press Release


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)

Glan public market gets a makeover

by PIA Press Release


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. 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

by Aquiles Z. Zonio

Inquirer Mindanao


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. 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

by Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper


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.

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.

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).

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.

"The partnership with Smart involves an assimilation of traditional custom and contemporary material," IPDP project development officer Toto Terando said.

"The B'laan women will use their skills in weaving to create colorful bags and souvenir items using old tarpaulins," he added.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of the Provincial Trade and Industry Office will help the association market the products.

An interagency financial management training and action planning will also be given to the association in order to sustain the livelihood program.

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.

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.

Glan Vice Mayor is this year’s GAWAD awardee

by GLAN Info and News Service


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

PIA Press Release


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.” Meanwhile, Mayor Jose Zamorro said a municipal vehicle was already shuttling containers of drinking water from the poblacion to the diarrhea-stricken village. All drinking water hauled to the village will continue water treatment using “Waterine Solution” for drinking purposes until the situation has been totally stabilized. “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.” 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. 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

by (PNA)

LDV/AVE


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.

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.

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.

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.

It said 54 of the victims were still confined at the Maasim District Hospital but were already in stable condition.

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.

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.

“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.

Yasaña said they initially recommended the immediate repair and rehabilitation of the village’s reservoir’s damaged pipelines to stop the water contamination.

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.

“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.

The MHO earlier submitted the water samples from the area for laboratory tests but the results were not yet available.

“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 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 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.

Diarrhea outbreak hits Sarangani

by Report from Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN SOKSARGEN


MANILA, Philippines – Diarrhea cases in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani have reached 254, health officials said.

The outbreak has left 3 children dead, while 54 others remain hospitalized.

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.

Together with barangay officials, an ABS-CBN News team discovered one damaged pipeline measuring about 100 meters long.

Authorities said the pipeline becomes submerged in floodwaters during strong rains.

Aside from animal feces in the vicinity of the pipeline, human feces were also found in the area.

The barangay chairman of Barangay Tinoto Rajik Kudarat, however, said the pipeline does not belong to the village.

“Gusto naming ipaayos ito, pero hindi naman ito sa amin. Dapat ‘yung may-ari nito, sila na ang mag-ayos,” said Kudarat.

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.

Maasim’s sanitary inspector also assured residents that the area’s water reservoir will be inspected.

Malacañang defends promotion of Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao

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.

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. “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. “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. 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. “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

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.

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.

An MG-520 attack helicopter reinforced the government troops, said Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military's Eastern Mindanao Command.

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

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 name of the slain soldier has been withheld as his family has yet to be notified, Galon said.

Glan stages 12th Lubi-Lubi Festival

by PIA Press Release


GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 11 (PIA)--The twelfth staging of the Lubi-Lubi sa Glan Festival last October 8, was a rousing success, with 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. “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. 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

  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Jenefer Heneral


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. 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. “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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