Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Blaan kids meet Mayor Rivera in mountain village


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (10 March 2014) - Aside from his donation to the elementary schools of Daan Banwang and Almatac in Barangay Upper Labay Friday, March 07, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera also met the Blaan children and gave them candies, biscuits and packed juices—commodities that are rarely available in the mountain villages. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Lumads benefit from socialized housing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 August 2013) – Indigenous People (IP) or Lumads in the city are set to benefit greatly from socialized housing projects provided by the government.

Last week, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera formally signed the “Pabahay Housing Assistance for Indigenous People” program as proposed by the National Housing Authority-Region 12 (NHA-XII).

During the signing, Rivera said that currently, the local government has no land properties to be used as relocation sites, “but we will innovate to provide the IPs a home of their own.”

Ronaldo Teves, chairman of NHA-XII, in a meeting said that the beneficiaries of the program were identified in coordination with the local indigenous people in Upper Blagan, Barangay San Jose in this city and have been verified by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).

The new socialized housing program by the NHA-XII intends to provide decent houses to more than 100 Lumad families in Upper Blagan.

The area to be utilized for the housing program is an ancestral land claimed by the Lumads themselves in Upper Blagan.

According to Teves, an estimated budget of P10M was allocated by NHA for the project.

Each concrete house to be developed will cost more or less P100, 000.

Along with the houses, NHA will also provide roads and drainage.

Upon completion, the NHA will turn over the land to the city government which will properly turn over the project to the targeted beneficiaries.

Rivera recognized the presence of informal settlers in the city that is why he is closely working with NHA and the City Housing and Land Management Office in looking for additional relocation sites. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera assures Muslim-IP role in governance


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 July 2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera attends the open forum for Muslim and Indigenous People (IP) Friday, July 26, at the Office of Muslim Affairs. Participants discussed issues about Muslim and IP participation in governance, involvement of Muslims and IPs in peace in order activities and the status of the Office of Cultural Affairs including the appointment of the head of the said office. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Rivera supports Muslim-Indigenous People representation in SP

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 July 2013) - Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the Muslim and Indigenous People (IP) in the city that they have his full support in their aim to install an IP representative in the local Sangguniang Panlungsod as mandated by law.

In a forum on “Muslim and Tri-People Situation in General Santos City” Friday (July 26), the mayor bared that plans are already being laid out to reserve one seat in the city council to represent the members of the Muslims and IPs.

Rivera said the selection of the representative will be based on the approval and recommendation of the parties concerned.

 “The representative for the indigenous community will not be endorsed by the ELA or by the SP, but rather it will come from your collective recommendation,” Rivera added.

According to the mayor, the issue was already discussed during the preliminary meetings of the local government with regards to the crafting of the Executive, Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the city.

A measure was passed in the last Sangguniang Panlungsod that would have installed a member of the IP as one of the representatives in the City Council but the proposed ordinance was struck down by the ruling majority.

Mayor Rivera pointed out he will incorporate the culture and ideals for the community peace-building process as proposed by the local Muslim and tribal leaders; and is actually planning to create offices for both Muslim and IP groups in the city to ensure that there will be proper treatment for each sector.

In the forum, Rivera also addressed concerns regarding health and education for the ethnic groups.

The forum was also participated in by various ethnic groups in Gensan such as Blaans , Maranaos, Maguindanaons, Tausugs and Tbolis.

The forum was organized by Atty. Isnira Baginda and Abdul Mutalib Esmael together with the other Muslim and IP representatives. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)

Provincial Tribal Council awards Gov. Migs


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 30, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez is awarded with a plaque of appreciation by members and officers of Provincial Tribal Council with its adviser Fredo Basino Thursday, August 30, during the 2nd day of the two-day provincial Indigenous Peoples Summit organized by the Indigenous People's Development Program at the Capitol gymnasium. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Indigenous Peoples Summit in Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (August 30, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez  speaks before tribal chieftains and participants during the 2nd day of the two-day Provincial Indigenous Peoples Summit Thursday, August 30, at the Capitol gymnasium. The summit was in partnership with the Provincial Tribal Council which pursues improved socio-economic condition of Sarangani indigenous people while maintaining their cultural identity. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli pupils supported by “Angat Batang Maitum” project


MAITUM, Sarangani (August 30, 2012) - Tboli pupils of Victoria TaƱedo Garcia (VTG) Elementary School happily unpack their school supplies after distribution at barangay Zion Wednesday, August 29. The distribution of bags and school supplies is an annual project of Mayor Elsie Perrett under the program "Angat Batang Maitum" in support to children's education. For more news and updates, please visit the< a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli village school is Number 1 in achievement test

    
MAITUM, Sarangani (October 13, 2012) - Quality Education for Sarangani Today(QUEST) program manager Annalie Edday congratulates the pupils and teachers of Kipalkuda Elementary School for being the Number 1 in ratings among the elementary schools around Maitum in the National Achievement Test 2012 during the education summit in barangay New La Union Thursday, October 11. For more news and updates, please visit the< a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani . (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani village kids yearn for education



MAITUM, Sarangani (October 13, 2012) - Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) staff April May Domingo listens to the kids of Kipalkuda Elementary School as they suggest things they need during their workshop on how to develop and pursue their dreams of education for their barangay during the education summit at barangay New La Union Thursday, October 11. The event which focused on the education revolution is dubbed Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan (KKK) or literacy against poverty espoused by Governor Migs Dominguez. KKK aims to unite the barangay council, parents, students and the provincial government to work hand in hand to bring out quality education to every Sarangan. The summit gathered over 70 pupils, parents, teachers, the barangay council, local government unit of Maitum staff, and QUEST staff. For more news and updates, please visit the< a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani teachers train on indigenous learning system


POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (October 18, 2012) - Annalie Edday, program manager of Quality Education for Sarangani Today, gives the rationale to participants during the Seminar on the Importance of Indigenous Learning System Thursday, October 18, at Durian Garden. Participants are teachers of Grade VI and high school of all integrated schools in Sarangani. The training focuses on creative processes in articulating ideas and promoting a culture of Siningbayan, Bayanihan and Sarilikha.  The training also included topics on upholding a consciousness of integrity and prosperity as a human right in classroom learning experience. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Turnover of cellular phone and solar kit cellphone charger


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) – Dr. Roel Cagape delivers a cellular phone and solar charger kit to a volunteer health worker during the launching of “E-Text si Doc Health Center” project in sitio Ulo Fitam Wednesday, October 24. The cellphone will be used by the community to reach Dr. Cagape when medical consultation is needed. A tarpaulin printed with symptoms of illnesses and their corresponding “text codes” was posted at the health centers. Upon verifying the information, Dr. Capage would text back the prescriptions to the health center in-charge who would release the medicines prescribed to the patient. The health centers are stocked with medicines from donors. According to Dr. Cagape, more health centers like this would be put up soon in the outskirts of Malapatan. The very requirement of the community to avail of this project is it must have a cellphone signal of any communication network. Community counterpart is the construction of the building which is made of indigenous materials. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani . Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The “E-Text si Doc Health Center”


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) - A volunteer health worker sorts medical supplies in the stock room of Dr. Roel Cagape's "E-Text si Doc Health Center” at its launching Monday, October 22, in far-flung sitio Akbungkod, barangay Kinam. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ >Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

“Text codes” for illness symptoms


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) - A volunteer health worker reviews the “text codes” of symptoms of illnesses posted at the health center during the launching of Dr. Roel Cagape's “E-text si Doc Health Center” project Monday, October 22, at the far-flung sitio of Akbungkod in barangay Kinam. Dr Cagape and his team of volunteers also inaugurated a similar health center in sitio Ulo Fitam in barangay Upper Suyan and distributed used clothing and kitchen utensils to the beneficiary communities. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)  

Medical supplies and kitchen utensils for mountain village


MAPALATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) – Dr. Roel Cagape gives medical supplies and kitchen utensils to a volunteer health worker in sitio Akbungkod in barangay Kinam Monday, October 22, during the launching of “E-Text si Doc Health Center” project. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ >Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Life-saving IV insertion in the highlands


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) - Doctor Roel Cagape, assisted by volunteer nurse Vera Marie Asentista, performs an intravenous insertion to a two-year old Blaan child who has been suffering from dehydration, extreme malnutrition and diagnosed with broncho pneumonia during the four-day medical outreach at the mountainous areas of Malapatan last week. Dr Cagape and his volunteers also turned over medical supplies, cellphones and solar kit cellphone charger, kitchen utensils and used clothing as they launched the "E-Text si Doc Health Center” for the far-flung sitios of Ulo Fitam and Akbungkod. This community outreach was supported by Governor Migs Dominguez who personally provided the provisions of the volunteers and kitchen utensils for the beneficiary communities, Malapatan-LGU for the construction materials and barangay councils of Kinam and Upper Suyan for donating cellular phones to be used by the community to reach Dr. Cagape when medical consultation is needed. A tarpaulin printed with symptoms of illnesses and their corresponding “text codes” was posted at the health centers. Upon verifying the information, Dr. Capage would then text back the prescriptions to the health center in-charge who would release the medicines prescribed to the patient. The health centers are stocked with medicines from donors. According to Dr. Cagape, more health centers like this would be put up soon in the outskirts of Malapatan. The very requirement of the community to avail of this project is it must have a cellphone signal of any communication network. Community counterpart is the construction of the building which is made of indigenous materials. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Doctor-volunteer of Sarangani and Bayaning Pilipino launches “E-Text si Doc”


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) – Dr. Roel Cagape, who launched his “E-Text si Doc Health Centers”, attends to a 12-year old Blaan patient who has been bed-ridden for two months and suffering from an unknown illness in sitio Kitulag, barangay Kinam on Monday, October 22, during the four-day medical outreach in the outskirts of Malapatan. Dr. Cagape immediately called the attention of barangay officials to assist the patient and her family in complying the necessary requirements for the availment of the health care program of the province wherein 70% of the hospital bill will be shouldered by the provincial government through a memorandum of agreement with SOCSARGEN County Hospital and District Hospital of General Santos City. Dr. Cagape recently received the award for the Bayaning Pilipino – Individual category (Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Filipino Awards) for providing services to rural and far-flung areas aside from giving free medical services in his clinic and conducting medical missions in mountainous regions. He also taught his community to use horses to transport patients during an emergency situation via his project called “Ambulansyang Kabayo”. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)   

Medical mission team at highest peak in region


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 28, 2012) – Dr. Roel Cagape (5th from left) and his team of volunteers composed of rescuers from Malapatan-LGU, Dominican priest Fr. Joemar Sibug (6th from left) who conducted the blessing rites for the health centers, Indigenous People's Development Program worker Shalom Somblingo (7th from left) and Sarangani Information Office personnel pose for a souvenir photo upon reaching the highest mountainous peak in the region after three hours of climbing 45-degree to 50-degree slopes from sitio Kikong. The team was on its way to sitio Ulo Fitam to inaugurate another of Dr. Cagape's "E-Text si Doc Health Center” on Wednesday, October 24. Ulo Fitam means "head of the black water” in Blaan. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Outstanding IP teachers honored in Sarangani


ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2012) - Governor Migs Dominguez presents the seven outstanding IP (Indigenous People) teachers representing each of the seven municipalities of the province during the provincial celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 29, at the Capitol gymnasium. The awardees are (from left) Ginalyn Barcena from Malapatan, Karen Ruth Kusin from Maitum, Noemi Suga from Kiamba, Diosdado Sol Sichon from Alabel, Ricardo Unda from Glan, Mateo Gulac from Maasim and Avelina  Sarominez from Malungon. The governor has invited all IP professionals and employees at Capitol to join the event to deepen awareness, appreciation and celebrate the richness of our culture. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Solon welcomes IPs at session hall


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) and the whole Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) welcome the fulongs (leaders) of indigenous people (IP) during the regular session of the SP Tuesday, November 6. The IP sector had scheduled to visit SP in relation to the IP mandatory representation in the Sanggunian. SP members are positive of the proposal and assured that appropriate processes shall be followed before the installation of an IP representative. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Bon-Bon QuiƱo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Parents help kids pursue quality education


MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) - Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) members of Victoria TaƱedo Garcia Elementary School participate in a workshop on how to develop and help children pursue their dreams through quality education at barangay Zion Monday, November 5. The event was an education summit implemented by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program which is dubbed KKK (Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan). The summit which gathered over 100 participants aims to unite barangay council, parents, teachers, students, and the local government unit to work hand-in-hand in bringing about quality education to Sarangani kids. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)   

Kids and mother chase education dreams


MAITUM, Sarangani (November 9, 2012) – A mother and her kids listen from a window sill in a small classroom filled with participants holding an education summit at barangay Batian Tuesday, November 6. Barangay Batian is the town’s poorest village with the lowest number of children entering school. The education summit which is dubbed Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan (KKK) is a program implemented by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez. The program aims to unite barangay council, parents, students, teachers, and the local government unit of Maitum to strengthen the ability of the children by providing quality education. The summit was participated in by over 90 pupils, parents, barangay council members, sitio leaders, and LGU staff. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. Come and enjoy the MunaTo Festival and 20th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani Province on November 28-30, 2012. (Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Students walk home from mountain school


ALABEL, Sarangani (December 5, 2012) - Students of Tagaytay Integrated School go home with their new umbrellas and bags loaded with school supplies from SMART Communications Wednesday, December 5. The supplies were distributed by the staff of Sarangani Information Office and personnel from SMART during a gift-giving activity conducted at its school campus in the far-flung sitio Ihan, barangay Datal Anggas. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ >Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Notebooks, bags, pens and pencils bring hope in the uplands


ALABEL, Sarangani (December 5, 2012) - Blaan pupils of Tagaytay Integrated School check the school supplies they received from SMART Communications during a gift-giving activity facilitated by the Provincial Governor’s Office through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today program and the Sarangani Information Office Wednesday, December 5. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IP pupils with school supplies


ALABEL, Sarangani (December 5, 2012) – A total of 333 elementary pupils and high school students of Tagaytay Integrated School, all belonging to the Blaan indigenous people (IP), receive new umbrellas and school bags loaded with school supplies during a gift-giving activity conducted by SMART Communications and the Provincial Governor’s Office through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today program Wednesday, December 5. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Gift-giving in the highlands


ALABEL, Sarangani (December 5, 2012) - School head Leo Lecita (left) awards a certificate of appreciation to engineer Kits Clemente of SMART Communications during a gift-giving activity Wednesday, December 5, at Tagaytay Integrated School situated in the far-flung sitio Ihan, barangay Datal Anggas. SMART distributed school bags each loaded with school supplies, umbrellas and also provided food for the 333 elementary pupils and high school students. The gift-giving was facilitated by the Provincial Governor’s Office through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today program and the Sarangani Information Office. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Tribal chief shows indigenous weaving


GLAN, Sarangani (January 21, 2013) - Carlos Blatang Sr., tribal chieftain of Datal Bukay, demonstrates the process of making  “kalakat” to the participants of the Indigenous Learning Survival Camp on January 17-19 at Tangan Integrated School. ”Kalakat” is made up of sliced fresh bamboo woven together that is useful in many ways like ceiling and walling in a traditional house of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Nowadays, it is used not only by the IPs. At Datal Bukay, ”kalakat” is one of the prime products making it the community’s source of income. The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted the training participated in by representative-teachers coming from the seven municipalities of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
(Jake T. Narte/ PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE

Teachers learn at survival camp


GLAN, Sarangani (January 21, 2013) - Participants of the Janury 17-19 Indigenous Learning Survival Camp held at Tangan Integrated School in barangay Datal Bukay learn friction fire lighting with bamboo. The old or the dry bamboos are rubbed against each other abrasively in order to start a fire. The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST), a pilot program of the governor’s office, conducted the training participated in by representative-teachers from the different municipalities of the province. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
(Jake T. Narte/PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

Public school teachers learn IP basics

By JENNY ROSE DE GUZMAN

GLAN, Sarangani (January 21, 2013) – Teachers gathered at Tangan Integrated School at barangay Datal Bukay for the Indigenous Learning Survival Camp on January 17.

Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted the training participated in by representative teachers from the different public elementary and high schools across the province.  

The training basically aims to promote and strengthen the culture of the Indigenous People (IP) including those that have slowly been forgotten and less practiced by the younger generation of IPs.

In Sarangani, a huge number of population belongs to the IP but as perceived, their culture are gradually vanishing with “discrimination” as its cause, said Annalie Edday, QUEST program manager.

The three-day learning camp was the first phase of action taken by QUEST with its objective of pursuing the integration of IP culture in the curriculum.

The basic skills taught were fire production, rice pounding, fishing, and root crops gathering. 

Tribal leaders and elders served as the mentors during the immersion. 

The authorship of lesson plans was the second phase. The teachers were tasked to compile lesson plans based on the training taught by tribal leaders and elders that would be verified through further research and interviews. And the defense in the final phase would determine its pursuance or not. (Jenny Rose de Guzman/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Medical mission in IP village


MAITUM, Sarangani (February 7, 2013) - Governor Migs Dominguez and Dr. Ruel Cagape, one of the awardees in last year's “Gawad Geny Lopez, Jr. Bayaning Pilipino” take a break after the medical mission Wednesday, February 6, at barangay Tuanadatu, a remote village of indigenous people (IP). For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
(Joylyn Ty/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

NCCA ambassador Jerciho Rosales visits Sarangani


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 25, 2013) – Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (3rd from left) and Glan Vice Mayor Vivien Yap (extreme right) together with Helen Lumbos (extreme left), president of Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association of Malungon, pose with Jericho Rosales (2nd from left), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Taoid Ambassador, together with Adel Suemith, NCCA head project monitoring, and Atty. Trixie Angeles (center), NCCA legal counsel, in their visit to Sarangani Friday, May 24. NCCA launched the National Heritage Month celebration in Glan and will hold one of its programs in the province on May 24–26 in line with the celebration of Sarangani Bay Festival with heritage clinics conducted by the National Committee on Historical Research, National Committee on Art Galleries, National Committee on Libraries and Information Services, National Committee on Museums, National Committee on Archives and National Committee on Monuments and Sites, and an exhibit. NCCA will also be visiting Lamlifew village museum for technical assessment of cultural properties for possible intervention projects. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Bon-Bon QuiƱo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IPs install Vice Governor-elect Jinkee Pacquiao as “Blaan princess”


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 17, 2013) - Indigenous People (IP) leaders of Malapatan install Vice Governor-elect Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of Congressman Manny Pacquiao, as “Bae Tnabu Malfatan” (new princess  of Blaan from Malapatan) during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day as part of the 8th Pakaradyan Festival and 44th Foundation Anniversary celebration in front of the municipal hall. The festival ends on Friday. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New classdorm for students and teachers


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2013) - The two-storey building at left is a P0.5 million class dormitory built by the provincial government in partnership with Sagittarius Mines Inc. for the teachers and selected students of Amado M. Quirit National High School. Classdorms around Sarangani is one of the innovations for education reform under Gov. Migs Dominguez who ends his three terms on June 30 with three Galing Pook Awards for excellence in local governance. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani
. (Russell L. Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hinterland school pays tribute to Gov. Migs


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 28, 2013) - Teachers present a surprise number to Governor Migs Dominguez (foreground) during a program with the theme "Tribute to the reasons where we are now" held at Amado M. Quirit Sr. National High School in the hinterland barangay Kihan Thursday, June 27. The governor also turned over a class dormitory for teachers and students who live far from school. For more news and updates, please visit the http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani< /a>. (Russell L. Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli and Blaan leaders hold regular meeting


MAASIM, Sarangani (September 20, 2013) - Tboli and Blaan leaders led by vice municipal tribal chieftain Engr. Ruben Isla hold a regular consultative monthly meeting at the local Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Maasim. Mayor Anecito Lopez Jr. said the congregation provides leeway for the indigenous people to present their plight, specifically on the needed LGU assistance in the upper valleys and other far-flung tribal communities of the municipality. (Darwin B. Tolete/MAASIM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sulong Sarangani Program introduced to IPs



ALABEL, Sarangani (November 14, 2013) - Edzel Puntong, indigenous people (IP) focal person of the provincial government, explains to residents of barangay Paraiso Wednesday, November 13, the importance of participating in the development interventions of the provincial government’s flagship program that will be launched in December. Sulong Sarangani Program is the flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribes honor Pacquiao


ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013) – Congressman Manny Pacquiao delivers a message to the Indigenous People during the tribal sports event at the Capitol grounds Thursday, November 28. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TARA sa Barangay Program rolls out


MALAPATAN, Sarangani (April 22, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon meets a beneficiary of the TARA (Transformative Action thru Reaching-out Activities) sa Barangay Program during the foundation anniversary of barangay Daan Suyan Monday, April 21. The TARA sa Barangay Program rendered medical check-up, prenatal check-up, operation tuli (in partnership with the AFP), hair grooming, dental services, Philhealth registration, family planning, information and education campaign on health promotion and many others. (Kim WIndell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Blaan kids bonding with Gov. Solon



MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 10, 2014)-“Let’s do a wacky pose,” says Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon as he bonds with Blaan kids during his visit at Lamlifew Village Museum Tuesday, April 8. The visit coincided with a media exposure trip for the promotion of tourism in Sarangani, recognizing local tourist spots and most especially the local culture. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani produces first 30 graduates of IP scholarship grant

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 29, 2014) - Sarangani has begun producing graduates belonging to the Indigenous People (IP) with an expectant pool of teachers who would serve their own tribe in the uplands.

On March 26, around 30 IPs graduated from a baccalaureate degree as the first batch of scholars of the provincial government's Special Tertiary Extension Service (STES), an exclusive college scholarship program for IPs in partnership with Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) since 2008.

MSU-GSC Chancellor Abdurrahman Canacan noted the significant survival rate of the first batch as "higher than what is expected."  

These students' performance, Canacan said, was comparable to the performance of the university's regular students and are likely to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) with sufficient preparations provided.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon pointed out he knew the "values of education, that's why we are putting emphasis on education for Sarangani." He disclosed the provincial government has already allotted some amount to fund for the scholars' LET review to ensure they will pass.

The provincial government has a budget of P9 million for this program which would cover three batches to take up the elementary education course.

Glenda RevaƱo, program manager of the provincial government scholarship program dubbed as Paaral Para Sa Sarangan (PPSS), explained part of the budget will be for the LET review and the refresher course of the upcoming fifth year students.

Unlike the regular curriculum, classes in STES are held only during Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays due to conflicting schedule of the university's instructors and also to give the scholars time to help their parents at home or in their livelihood.

Roger Bago, 37, admitted his gratefulness to have finally graduated despite poverty and difficulty to cope with his lessons as it took him ten years after high school before he got to college. "Nahirapan ako sa lahat ng subjects ko kasi sampung taon akong hindi nakapasok sa paaralan."

Bago is a Blaan from Lamlifew, a Blaan-inhabited far-flung sitio of Malungon town where the province's famous School of Living Tradition is found. He said he has to work in the fields during his free time to earn some amount.

Half-Blaan half-Ilonggo Rizelle Mae Dawang said it was very fortunate of her to have availed of the program. "It (STES) is really an opportunity to free us from poverty. And it really helps especially that most of the IPs could not afford to send their children to school."

For his part, Rommel Zamora recalled how his father had reprimanded and told him he could not support his education when he asked after graduating from elementary a calculator as he loved numbers. This, however, did not hold him back to work for his dreams. He enrolled in high school as working student until he got the college scholarship.

On July 19, 2012, then Governor Migs Dominguez turned over a four-classroom building for STES. The STES program which started in 2008 was conceptualized and prepared by then Board Member Rolando Octavio with the assistance of non-government organization MASICAP (Medium and Small Scale Industry Coordinated Action Program).

In 2008, a Memorandum of Agreement between MSU-GSC, the provincial government and Department of Education was signed. The provincial government and MSU-GSC collaborated to offer a five-year Bachelor of Elementary Education baccalaureate degree for deserving IPs to study in the MSU-GSC satellite school based in Malandag.

For this year alone, the provincial government allotted more than P6 million for its PPSS scholarship program.

Among its scholar graduates this year are midwives and the first two doctors produced by the province thru PPSS. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New IP educators welcome Governor Solon

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2014)- Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon congratulates the graduates of Mindanao State University-Malandag Extension during their 1st Pre-commencement Exercises Wednesday, March 26, at Malandag gymnasium. The event’s theme is “Indigenous people soaring to new heights of academic excellence and social relevance.” The new graduates are scholars under the Special Tertiary Extension Service (STES) for IPs of the provincial government. On July 19, 2012, then Governor Migs Dominguez turned over a four-classroom building for STES, an off-campus scholarship program of the province with Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC). The STES program which started in 2008 was conceptualized and prepared by then Board Member Rolando Octavio with the assistance of non-government organization MASICAP (Medium and Small Scale Industry Coordinated Action Program). In 2008, a Memorandum of Agreement between MSU-GSC, the provincial government and Department of Education was signed. The provincial government and MSU-GSC collaborated to offer a five-year Bachelor of Elementary Education baccalaureate degree for deserving IPs to study in the MSU-GSC satellite school based in Malandag. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Know value of education – Gov. Solon

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2014) – “I know the value of education, that’s why we are putting an emphasis for education in Sarangani,” says Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon in his speech during the 1st Pre-Commencement Exercises at MSU-Malandag Extension Wednesday, March 26. He added that the government will extend help for the graduates on their Licensure Exam for Teachers and they may also join the QUEST2 Summer Internship Program. The graduates may serve as teaching assistants for QUEST2 Summer Internship Program for them to exercise their teaching skills in the classroom. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

IP graduates told: Be educators in own community

MALUNGON, Sarangan (March 27, 2014)- Atty. Aldurrahman Canacan, chancellor of Mindanao State University (MSU), officially announces the 30 Indigenous People (IP) college students as graduates of MSU-Malandag Extension program during their 1st Pre-Commencement Exercises Wednesday, March 26, at Malandag gymnasium. Canacan challenged the graduates to pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers and become educators in their own community. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Solon receives certificate of appreciation

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2014)- Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon receives a certificate of appreciation as guest speaker during the pre-commencement exercises of the first graduates of Mindanao State University-Malandag Extension Wednesday, March 26. Thirty Indigenous People-students who took up Bachelor of Elementary Education graduated as scholars of the Paaral Para sa Sarangans educational program of the provincial government. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

First batch of IP scholars march on graduation day

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon congratulates one of the 30 first graduates of Mindanao State University-Malandag Extension Program during their 1st Pre-Commencement Exercises Wednesday, March 26. The 30 graduates had finished their Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in General Education course. MSU-Malandag Extension was purposely put up to cater to IP students and become scholars with support from Mayor Reynaldo Constantino. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

30 IP scholars are education graduates

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2014) – Thirty students who took up Bachelor of Elementary Education at Mindanao State University-Malandag Extension march as first graduates during their pre-commencement exercises Wednesday, March 26, at Malandag gymnasium. These Indigenous People-students are all scholars of the Paaral Para sa Sarangan educational program of the provincial government. The new graduates studied under the Special Tertiary Extension Service (STES) for IPs of the provincial government. On July 19, 2012, then Governor Migs Dominguez turned over a four-classroom building for STES, an off-campus scholarship program of the province with Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC). The STES program which started in 2008 was conceptualized and prepared by then Board Member Rolando Octavio with the assistance of non-government organization MASICAP (Medium and Small Scale Industry Coordinated Action Program). In 2008, a Memorandum of Agreement between MSU-GSC, the provincial government and Department of Education was signed. The provincial government and MSU-GSC collaborated to offer a five-year Bachelor of Elementary Education baccalaureate degree for deserving IPs to study in the MSU-GSC satellite school based in Malandag. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fishermen associations receive boats

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 17, 2014) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon gives an inspirational message during the turnover ceremony of two fishing boats project of Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao to Lumasal Tribal Farmers and Fishermen Association and Daliao Fishermen Association at Maasim Public Market on February 12. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli Tribal Learning Center in Kiamba opens

KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 1, 2014)– Lyn Lambago (extreme left), founder and coordinator of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc., shares the historical background of the group during the opening of the Tboli Tribal Learning Center in barangay Badtasan on January 28. The tribal learning center is expected to be one of the renowned schools of living tradition in the province according to Michelle Solon (extreme right), wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, who represented the governor during the opening program. Also in photo is chieftain Gideon Lambago (5th from right) who led the Sembali Onuk, a Tboli practice of shedding chicken blood which symbolizes blessing. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)