Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tribal song


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 30, 2011) - Tagakaolo artists render a tribal song during the last day of a two-day tribal assembly Tuesday, August 30, at barangay San Roque gymnasium. The assembly was organized by the Biya na Tagakaolo Megsambok sa Ginawa Association, Inc. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tagakaolo musicians


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 30, 2011) - Tagakaolo men with their tribal musical instruments perform during the culmination of a two-day tribal assembly Tuesday, August 30, at barangay San Roque gymnasium. The assembly sought to set up the structure of the Tagakaolo tribe in implementing customary laws. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Assembly of Tagakaolo tribe in Sarangani


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 30, 2011) - A Tagakaolo lass performs the “sword dance” during the culmination of a two-day tribal assembly Tuesday, August 30, at barangay San Roque gymnasium. The Tagakaolo tribe gathered to preserve and strengthen tribal governance and customary laws passed on from generation to generation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Anne with pupils


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 24, 2011) – Annalie Edday (center) enjoys an afternoon chat with pupils of Kiangkos Primary School after an eight-hour trek following mountain trails and river crossings on July 22, 2009. The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST), where Anne is program manager, conducted an educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” to 30 indigenous people school children from New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools to General Santos City’s airport, wharf, seaport, malls, schools, Sarangani Capitol building and other big infrastructures. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Education advocate looks back, inspires more

By BEVERLY CABABAT-PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 24, 2011) - As a child, Anne sourced out money to buy her favorite candy caramel by plucking kangkong leaves in the ponds and selling them from house to house. But one afternoon as she was vending the vegetables, a heavy downpour rushed her home still pocket-empty.

Annalie Edday, one of the nine Asia 21 Philippines Young Leaders who will represent the country to the international conference in New Delhi by November, was amused recalling her childhood 20 years back when she cried out of her childish frustration of not being able to generate even a single peso to buy the candy she always craved for. But it was this thought to be insignificant episode in her life that made her promise to finish schooling.

Anne is a pure blooded Blaan raised in a traditional way their tribe does. She was born of a very poor family and the youngest of eight.

Her father was a tenant of a vast land claimed to be an ancestral domain of the Blaans which later on imperiled their lives. Her brother was shot to death, making the whole family leave Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato the day before Christmas.

While they were trying to start a new life in the original place of her parents in Malungon her sister died in a bus accident the following year. She was in fifth grade that time. Life became even bitter for them. Her father thought they were cursed that whose child of him finishes college will die - a provocation that drove her father to withdraw support to the rest of his children who were still studying.

Yet Anne said this never let her lose hope and continued to stay in school. Then she smiled but tears eventually fell down to her cheeks as she was saying “I could still remember I always receive awards since kindergarten but it was only that I was in Grade 6 that I was able to have new set of clothes.”

Anne found solace from friends in high school when she needed to borrow a pair of shoes and clothes. Yet, it was enjoyable for her instead. “I needed to move forward and not just dwell on the problem. I needed to continue to go forward and achieve my dream because I don’t want to sell kangkong for the rest of my life!”

Before she could have her capping, it was awful for her to shift into education because her monthly scholarship stipend of P2,000 as a nursing student couldn’t anymore cope with the extra expenses in school for projects and other contributions. Her family, too, was just hard-up that she could not demand something her family couldn’t afford to give.

She was a scholar of Foundation for Development thru Education Inc. run by the family of Governor Migs Dominguez.

As a nursing student Anne used to be within the top 5 rank but after she shifted she lost the interest and started to have grades below 2. In short, she graduated but without much love for her course.

It was when Synergeia, a non-profit organization, came to Sarangani and initiated education reforms that Governor Migs gave Anne the command to lead Aral Tayo project before it became Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST). QUEST is Sarangani’s local initiative of collaborating with community stakeholders to improve delivery of basic education. The realization came later that she love already what she’d been doing as it also gave her the avenue to inspire and communicate with her fellow Indigenous People (IP).

After coming back from a one-month training in Illinois and Indianapolis, USA, being hailed as one of the top young leaders in 2009 under the Philippine Youth Leadership Program, Anne got many offers from abroad and private companies but her passion and dedication made her stay in Sarangani.

“There are still so many things to be done yet,” Anne said.

She started in QUEST as a neophyte and now she feels greater accountability with the public school system where it was previously the sole concern of the Department of Education to look into.

Now she felt somehow fulfilled to have contributed in the process that many IP children will graduate as this poignant plight of her tribe of being less noticed and attributed to as “no read, no write” and the most impoverished had challenged her to do more for them.

When there were times Anne felt like quitting, the sad plight of many of her tribesmen are into gets her going instead. She would hike several hills and cross rivers to reach remote communities where the tribe could hardly eat three meals a day and the ailing would die eventually without seeing a doctor or perhaps, because they haven’t come across yet with the idea of what a hospital is.

Anne lamented if she and her siblings weren’t given the opportunity to get education, then they might have lived like them too.

With this dilemma on illiteracy, Anne wanted to share her inspiration to free the country from illiteracy which seems to be “a cancer cell causing pains, hardships, and even death to those who are infected with it.”

Illiteracy, as she puts it “is also the main reason of the heartbreaking, frustrating, and ubiquitous poverty that has been oppressing our country for a long time.” And in Sarangani, she recognized the education reform as the best means to draw shared responsibility and accountability from the communities to counter this.

Having been chosen as among the batch of honorees of this year’s Asia 21 Young Leaders, Anne is hoping the network of young leaders will specifically address illiteracy.

Around 200 top young leaders coming all over the Asia-Pacific region the Asia Society is expecting for the summit in November. Asia Society is a prominent New York-based international organization aimed at strengthening relationships and understanding among peoples across the region.

Yet, Anne never stops here and hoped for an even greater network to continue her advocacy. (Beverly Cababat-Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani: Paghugyaw 2011






Ani ng Sining ng Sarangani: Paghugyaw 2011 is a provincial celebration of Philippine International Arts Festival and National Arts Month funded by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through Lamlifew Tribal Women's Association (LTWA) implemented by the Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) in partnership with Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) and MLGU Glan.

February 28, 2011 at Municipal Plaza, Glan, Sarangani Province.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Father, son in mass wedding


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 9, 2011) – Newly-wed Lanosa Quima, 57, (2nd from left) and wife Bleng are flanked by eldest son Ruben, 37, as they pose for a memento during their wedding day. The father and son were among 194 Tagakaolo couples who joined a mass wedding activity under the “Lingap sa Barangay” program of Mayor Reynaldo Constantino in sitio Dalamuan, barangay Lutay on August 4. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).


Gesture of respect


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 9, 2011) – After over decades of living-in on a trial marriage, the newly-wed Tagakaolo women kiss the hand of Mayor Reynaldo Constantino as a gesture of thanks and respect following a mass wedding for 194 tribal couples in Dalamuan village. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mass wedding preparation


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 9, 2011) – With a caring hand, municipal health officer Dr. Rafaida Garay-Hernandez assists a Tagakaolo bride before a mass wedding in sitio Dalamuan, barangay Lutay, where brides came in their colorful traditional attire. (JoJo Gocotano/ MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mass wedding for IPs held in Sarangani

By ISAGANI PALMA

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 9, 2011) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino presided over a mass wedding ceremony to some 194 Blaan and Tagakaolo couples living in tribal villages of sitio Dalamuan in barangay Lutay.

“I am doing these (tribal weddings) in a desire to legalize the marital status of the underprivileged, specifically those who have been living together, bore siblings, and yet deprived of the different government benefits such as the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and PhilHealth care due to the lack of required documents (marriage contract),” said the half-blooded Blaan mayor of Malungon.

Lydia Erasmo, the town’s local civil registrar, said the event was colorful as the indigenous people (IP) couples came in traditional dress.

“The brides have almost completely adorned themselves with different T’nalak inspired accessories,” Erasmo said.

The mass wedding on August 4 was part of Mayor Constantino’s “Lingap sa Barangay” outreach program by local government offices which provide people living in the far-flung communities with basic and social services.

“Through this undertaking, I would be able to personally assess and take action on my people’s plight. And likewise, let them feel that what they have today is a subsisting, yet firmer kind of leadership that knows no boundaries in the name of public service,” Constantino said.

Dalamuan, a village predominantly by the Tagakaolo tribe which means “people of the mountain tops”, is located on the crest of a mountain along the Davao del Sur and Sarangani border.

Lanosa Quima, 57, after consummating the authenticity of his marriage with wife Bleng, said “it is quite hard to believe that I and my 37-year old eldest son Ruben have just stood right before the mayor to both receive our matrimonial blessings.”

The elder Lanosas, who have been together for over 40 years, are blessed with 10 children. (Isagani P. Palma/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, August 6, 2011

MunaTo Festival 2010 cultural performance







Artists are from the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe of Sitio Mapangal, Badtasan, Kiamba, Sarangani Province

Photo courtesy of Iner Toguin, IPDP.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Indigenous people scholars study at MSU extension in Sarangani

By COCOY SEXCION

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 4, 2011) – A special tertiary extension program of the provincial government for its indigenous people (IP) is now on its third year of operation and would soon have its own campus.

This was disclosed by officials during the general orientation program of 119 IP scholars attended by provincial, municipal and barangay officials with partners and parents Wednesday (August 3) at Malandag gymnasium.

“Today, I would like to welcome the people behind the fortune given to us freely, the fortune that we should value as we know that it is only through good education that we can become a better person,” said Professor Thelma Pagunsan, dean of the College of Education, Mindanao State University Gensan, in her welcome address.

Last 2009, the provincial government partnered with MSU in providing college education, particularly Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEEd), to IP students through scholarship in the Tertiary Education Extension Service, a component program of Paaral para sa Sarangan (PPSS).

PPSS is the provincial government’s scholarship program for poor but deserving Sarangan students who pursue technical, vocational or baccalaureate courses.

This extension program should not only be limited to first, second and third batches but it should be a lifetime program, Governor Migs Dominguez said in his message during the program.

He also appealed to Department of Education officials that all who will graduate in this program should automatically be hired as teachers with national item positions.

“I hope you will be the example and inspiration when you finish college so that the following batch of students will realize that poverty is not a hindrance in fulfilling your dreams,” the governor challenged the scholars.

For the first batch of 47, only 30 students remained and made it to the third year level while the second batch of 54, only 31 made it to second year level. The third batch enrolled last June is 58 with four none-IPs, based on the data provided by PPSS project coordinator Glenda Revano.

In the past two years, classes were held in the open stage and teachers’ conference room of Malandag Central Elementary School during Wednesdays. And for the lack of classrooms, Barangay Captain Delia Constantino lent the Barangay Nutrition Center as a temporary classroom for the third batch.

“I will always be your mayor and I will always apply my 10 secrets of governance which are hardwork, hardwork and more hardwork just for you,” Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said in his inspirational message.

There is already a plan in putting up a permanent campus of MSU in Malandag, he said. With the help of Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Governor Migs Dominguez, MSU campus will be established, Constantino assured. The land acquisition for the school campus will be the counterpart of the municipality for the realization of the project, he added.

“The MOA of this program is seven years. A student may finish his program in only five years. Attendance is a requirement in order to get a passing mark. Students should pass all the examinations administered by the professors of different courses,” said Professor Alicia Pulido, MSU project director.

Aside from BSEEd, MSU Gensan Chancellor Abdurrahman Canacan bared that MSU will also soon be offering Bachelor of Science in Agriculture for its extension school in Malandag.

Board Member Abdulracman Pangolima, Governor Dominguez, Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias, Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit and Board Member Hermie Galzote turned over seven brand new computer sets to the MSU officials in support of the special tertiary extension program for IPs of the province. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

IP scholars


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) - Blaan and Tagakaolo scholars usher in guests during the general orientation program for indigenous people (IP) scholars as Mindanao State University (MSU) requires all students to undergo an orientation to inform students about the school’s rules and regulations, grading system and also as a venue to foster camaraderie among scholars, school personnel and partners Wednesday, August 3, at Malandag gymnasium. The MSU College of Education Malandag extension program, a special tertiary program of the province for the IP, is already on its third year with a total of 119 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education students holding classes at Malandag Central Elementary School every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor’s challenge


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) - Indigenous people scholars at the Mindanao State University extension program in Malandag are challenged by Gov. Migs Dominguez to be the example and inspiration when they finish college so that the following batch of students will realize that poverty is not a hindrance in fulfilling their dreams. The governor attended the orientation program of indigenous people scholars of MSU Malandag extension Wednesday, August 3, at Malandag gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Inspirational message


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) - Mayor Reynaldo Constantino assures parents, teachers and students that the dream of establishing a Mindanao State University campus in Malungon will soon be realized. The mayor shared his inspirational message during the orientation program of indigenous people (IP) scholars of MSU Malandag extension Wednesday, August 3, at Malandag gymnasium. For now, students of this special tertiary extension program of the province for IPs are holding classes at the open stage and teachers’ conference room of Malandag Central Elementary School and in the barangay nutrition center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor’s arrival


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez is welcomed by Mindanao State University professors upon his arrival to grace the MSU Malandag extension orientation of indigenous people (IP) scholars and to turn over seven brand new computer sets in support of the special tertiary extension program for IPs of the province Wednesday, August 3, at Malandag gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of the Chancellor


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) - Aside from Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, MSU Gensan Chancellor Abdurrahman Canacan announces that MSU will also soon be offering Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in his message of support during the orientation program of indigenous people scholars of Mindanao State University (MSU) Malandag extension Wednesday, August 3, at Malandag gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Computer sets for MSU extension in Sarangani


MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 3, 2011) – (L-R) Board Member Abdulracman Pangolima, Governor Migs Dominguez, Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias, Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit and Board Member Hermie Galzote turn over computer sets to Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, Mindanao State University Gensan chancellor; Dr. Mary Lynn Abiera, vice chancellor; Prof. Thelma Pagunsan, dean of College of Education and Prof. Alicia Pullido, MSU project director; Wednesday, August 3, at the Malandag gym during the MSU Malandag extension indigenous people scholars general orientation. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Asia Philippines 21 Top Ten Leaders Awardee


ALABEL, Sarangani (July 19, 2011) - Sarangani schools division superintendent Dr. Allan Farnazo congratulates QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program manager Annalie Edday for being an awardee of the Asia Philippines 21 ten outstanding young leaders. The announcement was made during the turnover of Books for Asia from Asia Foundation Tuesday, July 19, at the Capitol gym. Edday along with the top ten awardees will be the official delegation of the Philippines to the international young leaders summit in New Delhi, India in November this year. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sarangani delegates for Peace Exhibit 2009




Peace Exhibit 2009
School of Designs and Arts, College of St Benilde
La Salle University, Manila

Peace Exhibit 2009






Peace Exhibit 2009
School of Designs and Arts, College of St Benilde
La Salle University, Manila

Lamlifew Village Museum






Lamlifew Village Museum
Sitio Lamlifew, Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani Province

Tahakayo Blaan Day Care Project






Tahakayo Blaan Day Care Project
Sitio Tahakayo, Amsipit, Maasim
Funded by the World Vision Development Foundation Inc
in partnership with Mahintana Foundation and Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) together with MSWDO Maasim.

Tboli basketry training in Falel, Tamadang, Kiam