ALABEL, Sarangani (October 4, 2022) – To realize his vision to bring public service closer to the people, Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao launched his Ronda Probinsya sa Barangay flagship program at the newly-created Barangay New Canaan on October 3.
During Governor Pacquiao’s term of office in Congress, the creation of New Canaan as a separate barangay from Pag-asa was made possible.
On August 20, 2022, the majority of the residents, through a plebiscite, voted for the ratification of New Canaan as a distinct and regular barangay.
According to Sarangani Barangay Governance Initiative and Support (SBGIS) Program Manager Paul Allen Villamora, New Canaan is inhabited by around 2,500 locals, majority of whom belong to the Blaan tribe. The main sources of income here are banana, corn, and coconut farming.
Governor Pacquiao said, "atong gipili ning New Canaan para maging site sa launching sa atong Ronda Probinsya sa Barangay kay tungod garbo ni, dili lang sa Alabel kundili sa tibuok probinsya sa Sarangani."
The Ronda Probinsya sa Barangay was conducted alongside the Serbisyong Smile sa Barangay of Alabel headed by Mayor Vic Paul Salarda.
"From these joint programs of Serbisyong Smile sa Barangay and Ronda Probinsya, we are expecting na tanang lumulupyo diri kauban ang atong mga kabatan-unan kay makadawat sa atong libre ug klase-klaseng mga social services," Governor Pacquiao said.
Various national line agencies, and provincial and municipal offices were in full force in bringing different public services to the community.
The office of Governor Pacquiao distributed food packs which included five kilos of rice, canned goods, and noodles, which will benefit 1,000 household members.
The office of Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, represented by Chief of Staff Engr. Gerald Faciol, conducted free eye checkup, reading glasses distribution, free wheelchairs and prosthesis legs for amputees, and distributed more than 300 pairs of slippers for kids through his Serbisyong Sarangan Community Outreach Program.
Various tree, vegetable, and fruit seedlings were provided by the offices of the municipal and provincial Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculturist.
The Environmental Conservation and Protection Center conducted water sampling to test the area's water potability.
The offices of the Provincial and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices conducted an Information and Education Campaign regarding basic life support while the Bureau of Fire Protection advocated fire prevention. Issuance of free cedula was administered by the provincial and municipal treasurer’s offices.
There were helpdesks and seminars conducted by PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry, Local Civil Registrar, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Ronda Probinsya Program.
The joint efforts of the Municipal and Provincial Health Offices headed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Arvin, Alejandro, and some physicians from Alabel, together with some partner agencies, have provided various health and medical services such as free tooth extraction, libreng tuli, tutok buntis, free eye checkup, distribution of free medicine and maintenance medicine, COVID-19 vaccination, laboratory examination, and medical consultation. Anti-rabies campaign, deworming, and free vitamins for animals were conducted by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.
The Provincial and Municipal Social Welfare and Development offices conducted child-friendly activities and senior citizen registration. Free legal consultations and advice were offered by the Provincial Legal Office.
The Public Employment Services Offices conducted a profiling of the beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) livelihood program.
The Local Government of Alabel sponsored a "Kasalang Bayan" where 30 couples tied their knot. Each couple received 25 kilos of rice from the Office of Congressman Solon and a wedding portrait from the Office of Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta.
Private partners also took part in the conduct of the Ronda Probinsya sa Barangay, which included the Mahintana Foundation Inc., Metro Dadiangas Rotary Club, Unilab Consumer Health, Sarangani Alma Lion’s Club, Dragon Kempp medical equipment and supplies trading, Fraternal Orders of Eagles, and International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Other government agencies such as Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and Philippine Army also participated in the activity.
Datu Edmund Pangilan, Provincial Tribal Chieftain of Sarangani, led the ceremonial conferment of the Blaan tribe of the Municipal Tribal Council of Alabel, honoring Governor Pacquiao with the title "Fulung Tmarag Di Banwe."
"Ang buot pasabot sa Fulung Tmarag Di Banwe kay ang pag-pangulo sa probinsya nga naay dignidad, integridad og pagpalangga sa katawhan," said Pangilan.
In his message, the governor thanked the tribe for giving him a special honor.
The New Canaan Integrated School received two printer units from MLGU Alabel and hygiene kits from PLGU Sarangani.
Governor Pacquiao asked the locals of New Canaan to support his administration together with all the provincial officials as they fight the "monster of poverty through bringing public services closer to the people."
During the Kasalang Bayan, Governor Pacquiao reminded the newlyweds to value the importance of marriage.
The event was supported by Vice Mayor Lente Lee Salway Jr. and all the Sangguniang Bayan members of Alabel.
Also present during the activity were Pag-asa Barangay Captain Rose Mae Salway Orlino; Board Member Gwyn Singcoy; Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Engr. Samuel Camaganacan; Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rene Punzalan; PDEA provincial officer Jerome Valentos; Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Ramos; Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jenric Garcia; 73rd IB commander LTCOL Antonio Quimado Jr.; and Sarangani Police Provincial Director PCOL Nicomedes P. Olaivar.
The Provincial Government of Sarangani and the Municipal Government of Alabel pledged P1 million and P500,000, respectively, for New Canaan to begin its transition as a distinct barangay in the town. (Joshua John Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
?Jake T. Narte