Tribal Day celebration

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - (L-R) Town First Lady Roselyn Constantino, Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino and Gov. Migs Dominguez watch the “Ede'l” play-and-dance competition staged Friday by Blaan and Tagakaulo contestants to highlight the culmination of the two-day Tribal Day celebration (November 17-18) in Malungon. Also in photo are NCIP director Timuey Lim P. Wong and Board Member Virgilio Tobias. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal Day beauty pageant winners

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - The Blaan and Tagakaulo ladies who won in the 1st ethnic beauty pageant dubbed as “Manenggeya na Libun”, meaning most beautiful girl, pose to celebrate Tribal Day in Malungon. They are, (L-R) 1st runner up Mary Mae Mayo, 2nd runner up Lovely Basoc, 4th runner up Michele Tumandan, chosen first Manenggeya na Libun ’11 – Ms. Angelica Pane and 3rd runner up Bea Acupan. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Horse fight as part of culture

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) – Stallions fight over a female horse during a series of horse fights which highlighted the celebration of Malungon town’s 4th–year Tribal Day. Supervised horse fighting is part of indigenous peoples’ culture and is allowed by cultural authorities. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal council leads watershed project

By COCOY SEXCION

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez, Mayor Jose Zamorro and Joel Aton of Sarangani Energy Corporation had a turnover of 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 a 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. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Message of support

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez calls on barangay and municipal officials not be the last but always strive to be the best as he speaks at the flag raising ceremony and ceremonial turnover of planting materials to Maasim Municipal Tribal council Monday, November 21, at the municipal grounds. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fruit seedlings for watershed development project

MAASIM, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - Joel Aton (extreme left), Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) project assurance manager; Noli Cajutol, SEC consultant on carbon sink project (4th left); and Governor Migs Dominguez turnover planting materials to the Maasim Municipal Tribal council during the ceremonial turnover for the 17,500 seedlings of coffee, jackfruit, rubber and coconut for the Maasim watershed development project. The reforestation and livelihood project is initiated by SEC and supported by the provincial and municipal government, 73rd Infantry Battalion and Alcantara Foundation. Also in photo are (from right) Seven Hills Barangay Captain Edwin Reducto, Nomoh Barangay Captain Lazarus Limpong, Kanalo Barangay Captain Jumbra Tama, Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan and Mayor Jose Zamorro. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program uses horses

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 21, 2011) - Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) workers with their newly-acquired horses pose at the Capitol before going to their respective barangays after the formal turnover of additional 13 ECCD horses for workers from municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan and Malungon Monday, November 21. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Ethnic wrestling (S’buno)

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 18, 2011) – Locals closely watch S’buno, a wrestling competition for the indigenous people (Blaan and Tagakaulo) during the culmination of the 4th–year Tribal Day celebration on November 17-18 in Malungon. (JoJo Gocotano/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

All systems go for Sarangani’s Nov. 24-27 MunaTo Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 17, 2011)- Organizers of the upcoming 9th 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)

"WELCOME TO MUNATO FESTIVAL 2011 AND 19TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF SARANGANI. NOV. 24-27 AT THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL IN ALABEL. 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. It 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." Information from My Sarangani Facebook Post

Women’s association makes bags for sale

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 20, 2011) – Municipal Administrator Vicky Grafilo (middle), representing Mayor Corazon Grafilo, buys bags made out of discarded promotional tarps during the graduation ceremony of the Tribal Women’s Association on skills development on bag-weaving and -making at Sitio Bolol Kilot in barangay Kawas. Grafilo committed to give one unit of industrial sewing machine during the closing ceremony of the training. The four-day training was facilitated by Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) in partnership with SMART Communications, Inc. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IP achiever at indigenous people’s thanksgiving day

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Anne Edday delivers her inspirational speech before indigenous people (IP) from all over the province during the provincial celebration of national indigenous people’s thanksgiving day Friday, October 28, at the Capitol gymnasium. Edday, a Blaan educator who helped implement education reforms in Sarangani, was given the recognition as IP achiever. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IP master sings original composition

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Bae Herminia Lacna, an IP master, sings her own composition about the beauty of Sarangani during the provincial celebration of national indigenous people’s (IP) thanksgiving day Friday, October 28, at the Capitol gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Pig catching contest

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Blaan students of Mindanao State University join the pig catching contest as one of the tribal sports organized in celebration of the national tribal day celebration Friday, October 28, at the Capitol gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani celebrates National IP Day

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Indigenous people (IP) from all over the province gather Friday, October 28, at the Capitol gymnasium to celebrate the National Indigenous People’s Day. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal archery competition

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Osmena Moyak, a Blaan archer from Maasim, was awarded as the champion of the tribal archery competition Friday, October 28, during the tribal sports as part of the provincial celebration of national indigenous people’s thanksgiving day at the Capitol grounds. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal thanksgiving day opening

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2011) - Lemuhen Performing Arts lead the opening of the provincial celebration of national indigenous people’s thanksgiving day Friday, October 28, at the Capitol gymnasium. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani celebrates IP month

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 30, 2011) – 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 Asia Society to represent the Philippines to the International Summit in New Delhi, India next 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.” (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Acting Governor Solon thanks Bantay Bata 163

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2011) – Acting Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon expresses his gratitude to all partners especially the Bantay Bata 163 of ABS-CBN for their support and services to far flung areas of the province in the conduct of community outreach and Bantay Bata 163 Caravan 2011 at sitio Blat Elementary School, Amsipit. The outreach program was co-sponsored by the Congressional Office of Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Hygiene kits from SEC

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2011) – Over 300 children of sitio Blat, Amsipit show their hygiene kits from Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) during their child-friendly space activity in line with the Bantay Bata 163 Caravan 2011 and community outreach Friday, October 28. The said activity is in partnership with the provincial and municipal government, ABS-CBN Bantay Bata 163, the Congressional Office of Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Alcantara Foundation Inc., Marian Movement of Priests, Police Regional Office 12, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Socsargen County Hospital, GSC Medical Society, 1002nd Brigade Medical Team, 73rd Infantry Battalion, Alcantara Group of Companies and RD Foundation. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Blaan performers of Amsipit

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 30, 2011) – Blaan women of barangay Amsipit perform a dance for the visitors who rendered their services for the Bantay Bata 163 Caravan 2011 and community outreach. Over 900 individuals benefited from the outreach program and this activity is in partnership with the provincial and municipal government, ABS-CBN Bantay Bata 163, the Congressional Office of Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Alcantara Foundation Inc., Marian Movement of Priests, Police Regional Office 12, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Socsargen County Hospital, GSC Medical Society, 1002nd Brigade Medical Team, 73rd Infantry Battalion, Sarangani Energy Corporation, Alcantara Group of Companies and RD Foundation. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Lamlifew GMA video

Lamlifew Village video documentation by GMA Network

Association gets industrial sewing machine

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 11, 2011) - Trainor Anunciacion Alam, member of Association of Sarangani Producers (ASAP), tests the brand new industrial sewing machine provided by SMART Communications during the skills development on bag-weaving and -making using old promotional materials Tuesday, October 11. The four-day livelihood training for members of Bolol Kilot Tribal Women’s Association in purok Baybay, barangay Kawas was implemented by the Indigenous Peoples Development Program of the Provincial Governor’s Office. SMART Communications also provided a sealer, honorarium for the trainor, food for the participants for the entire training period and materials for the bag-making and -weaving. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan women train to weave bags

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 11, 2011) - Members of Bolol Kilot Tribal Women’s Association avail of the four-day training on skills and development bag-weaving and -making using old promotional materials Tuesday, October 11. The training was sponsored by SMART Communications and implemented by the Provincial Governors Office through its Indigenous Peoples Development Program at purok Baybay in barangay Kawas. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Women beading tribal clothes

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 10, 2011) – Graduates of the School of Living Tradition (SLT) put beads on tribal clothes as part of their cultural learning during the three-month period of sessions with Tagakaolo cultural masters. They graduated Friday, October 7, at the village of Kityan Daku. The SLT on loom-weaving was a three-month on-site class where 10 Tagakaolo learners were trained by cultural masters in partnership with the Biya na Tagakaolo Megsambok sa Ginawa Association. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Loom-weaving master shows the way

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 9, 2011) – A loom-weaving cultural master shows the proper way of weaving to learners of the School of Living Tradition during their graduation rites Friday, October 7, in the village of Kityan Daku. The SLT on loom-weaving was a three-month on-site class where 10 Tagakaolo learners were trained by cultural masters in partnership with the Biya na Tagakaolo Megsambok sa Ginawa Association. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Graduates of loom-weaving at School of Living Tradition

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 9, 2011) – Graduates show their
certificates of graduation Friday, October 7, after their three-month
on-site class on loom-weaving at the village of Kityan Daku. The
School of Living Tradition is a process of transferring traditional
skills on Tagakaolo weaving as a way of preserving the culture and
tradition of the tribe. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial Tribal Council chair speaks at School of Living Tradition

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 9, 2011) – Datu Edmund Pangilan, chair of the Provincial Tribal Council, speaks at the graduation rites of the School of Living Tradition (SLT) on Tagakaolo loom-weaving Friday, October 7, in the village of Kityan Daku. The SLT on loom-weaving was a three-month on-site class where 10 Tagakaolo learners were trained by cultural masters in partnership with the Biya na Tagakaolo Megsambok sa Ginawa Association. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

1st placer of Saf’kaan dancing contest

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 30, 2011) - Malandag National High School is this year's champion for the Safkaan Festival street dancing competition held on Thursday, September 29, at barangay Malandag plaza. The barangay celebrated its abundant farm products from which Saf’kaan Festival was named after. Saf’kaan is the native word for food. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saf’kaan Festival showdown yield 2nd placer

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 30, 2011) – The contingent from Malandag Institute Incorporated performs for the final showdown of Saf’kaan Festival street dancing competition Thursday, September 29, at barangay Malandag plaza. The group won 2nd place. Saf’kaan is the native word for food. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The 3rd placer of Saf’kaan dancing contest

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 30, 2011) - Elementary pupils of Lower Lamcanal chant as they perform to win 3rd place at the Saf’kaan Festival street dancing competition Thursday, September 29, at the barangay plaza. The barangay celebrated its abundant farm products from which Saf’kaan Festival was named after. Saf’kaan is the native word for food. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Winning float at Saf’kaan Festival

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 27, 2011) - Residents and barangay officials pose at the farm products-decorated cart that won 1st place during the “Karo Float Parade” as it highlights the opening of Saf’kaan Festival 2011 at barangay Malandag plaza. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor joins thanksgiving celebration

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 27, 2011) - Mayor Reynaldo Constantino delivers his message at the opening program of Saf'kaan Festival 2011 Tuesday, September 27, at barangay Malandag plaza. Saf'kaan which means food, is a thanksgiving celebration for the good harvest of its farmlands. Barangay Malandag is known for its agricultural products and high value crops. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Food carts at Saf’kaan Festival

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 27, 2011) – Carts decorated with farm products compete at the “Karo Float Parade” with winners (L-R) 3rd
placer from sitio Lower Lamcanal, 2nd placer from sitio Upper Lamcanal and 1st placer from sitio Buayan. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Barangay marks festival of food harvest

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 27, 2011) - Barangay Chair Delia Constantino welcomes guests at the opening program of Saf'kaan Festival 2011 Tuesday, September 27, at barangay Malandag plaza. Saf'kaan, which means food in local parlance, is a thanksgiving celebration for the good harvest of its farmlands. Barangay Malandag is known for its agricultural products and high value crops. (Russel Delvo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The hopes in education for Sarangani kids

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 28, 2011) - Anne Edday, project manager of QUEST (Quality Education for Sarangani Today), presents the challenges and hopes in education to participants of the Education Summit for the municipality of Alabel Wednesday, September 28, at the municipal gymnasium. Stakeholders have been pursuing the education agenda thru commitment and accountability with the targets of increasing the participation rate, completion rate, and achievement rate for elementary pupils by the year 2013. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School of Living Tradition on Tagakaolo Loom Weaving

The School of Living Tradition (SLT) is one of the projects under the Indigenous Peopled Development Program (IPDP) of Sarangani. The aim is to preserve the culture by teaching it to the next generation.

Photo shown here is courtesy of the IPDP c/o Toto Tirando for the SLT on the Tagakaolo Loom Weaving.

Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) update

I.Training on Bag Weaving and Making using Up-cycling materials funded by SMART Communications, Inc will be on October 3-8, 2011 at Sitio Bolol Kilot, Kawas, Alabel. Recipient of this training is the Bolol Kilot Tribal Women's Association.

II. Maitum Tribal Women's Association is a recipient of Mindanao Rural Development Programme (MRDP) for their inland fishery project in Barangay Wali, Maitum.

III. Provincial Celebration of National IP Thanksgiving Day will be on October 28, 2011 at Provincial Capitol, Alabel. Proposed activities are:

1) Recognition of Cultural Masters/Artists, IP Achievers & Outstanding IP Teachers
2) Food and Craft Exhibit
3) Cultural Performances and Tribal Sports Competition
4) Ceremonial signing of covenant of support for IP programs
5) Gala Night for partners, public officials, awardees and tribal leaders

Visit to Lemuhen Performing Arts Group

The Lemuhen Performing Arts Group from Badtasan, Kiamba is a recipient of School of Living Tradition on Tboli Musical Instrument Playing and Dancing funded by the Provincial Government of Sarangani through the Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP). The IPDP was joined by Toby Martin in this effort of cultural documentation.

Photos courtesy of Toto Tirando, IPDP.

Trekkers reach 70-foot high waterfalls

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 8, 2011) – Mountaineers reach Dakeol Falls (1st tier) over the weekend. It is estimated to be 70 feet high. The mountaineers were not able to reach the 2nd and 3rd tiers because of time constraints but discovered many breathtaking sceneries in sitio Angko, barangay Batian. (Beth Ramos/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Maitum mountaineers explore town’s jungle

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 8, 2011) – Municipal employees and local mountaineers take time to pose while on their way to sitio Angko in barangay Batian which is the starting point of their mountain expedition over the weekend. The trekkers, looking for more sites that would fit the “Sarangani your adventure” tourism brand of the province, explored caves and immersed with the Tboli indigenous people who served them local food. (Beth Ramos/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Giant staircase awes trekkers

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 8, 2011) – A part of the natural giant staircase made of rock is one of the passageways leading to numerous waterfalls found in sitio Angko, barangay Batian. Mountaineers followed the source of the water in order to find Dakeol Falls, a three-tiered waterfalls still untouched by tourists. (Beth Ramos/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Above the mist in Maitum

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 8, 2011) – A trekker surveys one of the breath-taking sceneries of sitio Angko in barangay Batian where you can feel Mother Nature’s soothing embrace above the mist, warming the truly human heart. Municipal employees and local mountaineers hiked to sitio Angko in barangay Batian over the weekend, looking for more sites that would fit the “Sarangani your adventure” tourism brand of the province. The trekkers explored caves and immersed with the Tboli indigenous people who served them local food. (Beth Ramos/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

This T'boli woman demonstrates how she chews a certain bark (instead of a betel nut), ikmo, and other herbal plants. What's interesting about it is that she is chewing tree barks. The tree bark has a flavor and the juice in the bark releases the red pigmenu in the saliva. According to those who have tried it, it's refreshing!

Photos and information courtesy of Beth Ramos of LGU-Maitum

Top young Filipinos picked for Asia leaders program

The Asia Society, a renowned international organization based in New York that aims to strengthen understanding among the peoples of the Asia Pacific region, has selected nine Filipinos to be part of this year’s batch to the Asia 21 Young Leaders program.

The program aspires to develop the next generation of leaders who would take up the challenge of collaborating on creative solutions to address national and regional issues.

The honorees will take part in the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit where Asia Society gathers the top 200 young leaders of the Asia Pacific region. This year’s summit will be held in November in New Delhi, India.

This year’s batch includes lawyer Paulino Salvador Leachon, lawyer Lesley Jeanne Cordero, Maria Doris Dumlao, Jeffrey Tarayao, Alvin Cloyd Dakis, Michael Sandejas, Soledad Sylvia Nubla-Lee, Annalie Edday and Joy Anya Lim.

Leachon and Cordero represent the government sector. Cordero was chosen for her contributions as the assistant secretary for legislative affairs in the Presidential Communications Operations Office, while Leachon was picked for his effective management and policy implementations as the mayor of Calapan City.

Nonprofit sector

Nubla-Lee and Edday represent the nonprofit sector with Nubla-Lee being cited for her work in providing access to quality higher education for underprivileged public high school students through Pathways to Higher Education. Edday was cited for her advocacy of improving educational systems in the rural areas through programs such as Quality Education in Sarangani Today (Quest).

Tarayao was chosen for his achievements in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) being the chief CSR officer of Meralco and, previously, of Globe Telecom.

Dakis, founding chair and national president of Alliance of Young Leaders and Advocates International Inc., was selected for his advocacies in health and human rights. Lim, a social entrepreneur from Cebu, founded Anthill Fabric Gallery which promotes cultural preservation of the Philippines’ weaving industry.

Dumlao was honored for her work as a multiawarded business reporter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Sandejas represents the arts and culture sector who uses his films as a means to shed light on marginalized sectors of society such as the deaf.

Former Filipino fellows include education advocate Ching Jorge, former National Youth Commission chair Bam Aquino, DNA forensics scientist Dr. Ma. Corazon de Ungria, human rights lawyer Damcelle Torres-Cortez, social entrepreneur Lt. Col. Dennis Eclarin, IPVG’s Enrique Gonzalez and Mayor Jeng Reyes of Alicia, Isabela.

To select this year’s delegates, the Asia Society in the Philippines screened more than 100 Filipinos between the ages of 25 and 40. They came from various sectors such as government, academe, media, business, health, nonprofit, military, and culture and the arts.

The honorees were chosen based on their leadership experience, achievements in their chosen field, impact of their leadership, and service to the country. The program is supported by Metro Pacific Investment Corp.

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/7823/top-young-filipinos-picked-for-asia-leaders-program

Photo courtesy of QUEST Program.

Distribution of School Supplies to IP Pupils in Lamlifew

This project is in partnership with Read-to-SMART of SMART Communications together with private individuals.