Items filtered by date: September 2022

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 16, 2022) - Sarangani’s technical working group (TWG) had convened in a two-day enhancement of the Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) 2022-2025 outputs in preparation for its finalization. 

The activity was held on September 14 to 15 at Tierra Montana Hotel in General Santos City.

The refinement integrated the recommendations from the panel composed of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and representative from the Department of the Interior and Local Government last September 8 to 9.

Jelyn E. Apura, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and head of the TWG, said the interaction among concerned departments will facilitate for "solid institutional policies” and policies needed for the operationalization of the plans and programs. 

She said this will put in place appropriate policies. “Dili lang policies nga gusto nila i-duso to the Sanggunian, but policies that are responsive and doable within the three-year executive and legislative period.”

Apura said the ELA will be finalized with the validation and concurrence of Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta, and all the Capitol departments on September 23 to 24. 

As of this writing, Apura estimated the ELA preparation is already at 70% to 80% completion.

She, however, anticipated for possible revisions as the governor and vice governor are expected to provide inputs during its finalization.

Aside from the preparation and validation of the ELA output, Apura pointed out a team-building is also crucial for the executive and the legislative branches “because this is a new term, there is a need to strengthen the team-building dynamics of the executive and the legislative.” 

Through the ELA, she said, the realization of “resilient, dynamic, and progressive communities will truly be attained by 80- 100 percent” and would realize the “vison and mission of the province.” (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 ? Martin Fernando Bernad Jr.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 14, 2022) - Sarangani Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, represented by Provincial Board Member Irish Louie Arnado, recognized the environmental protection and conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the 3rd Region XII Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Summit on September 14.

In his message, Governor Pacquiao thanked the “partners of the government in environmental protection and conservation.” He also gave his full support to all the “initiatives and aspirations” of the DENR-PAMB and assured them “the government always has your back because we are in this together.”

“Constant marine mammal monitoring, tree-planting activities, IECs on environmental conservation, strengthening environmental checkpoints, implementing environmental laws, are just some of the many efforts that all of us here have been doing,” Governor Pacquiao said as he acknowledged the work the sector has been doing towards environmental conservation.

The governor also told them of the “milestone” the province of Sarangani would have by declaring Mt. Busa a local conservation area (LCA) through crafting a provincial ordinance.

He said the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, “has conducted a series of public hearings” with partners and stakeholders for the Mt. Busa LCA.

Board Member Arnado, who chairs the Committee on Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy, said declaring Mt. Busa as an LCA would further “strengthen its protection and conservation measures from destructive human activities."

Governor Pacquiao said he sees the regional summit as an “opportune time to have a conversation among neighboring provinces and cities who only have one common goal.”

The summit was attended by participants from the DENR Central Office, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR XII Officials and Personnel, PAMB Members, and Protected Area Management Office Staff.

They are set to update and capacitate the PAMB members and stakeholders on the latest policies, guidelines, rules and regulations, best practices of some successful protected areas, sustainable financing, users fee, and ecotourism development management within protected areas among others.

“Let us continue to do what we think is right for our environment and for our people. We can go on with our pursuit for development, but let us make sure that we will not compromise our environment,” Governor Pacquiao said. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 Martin Fernando Bernad Jr.

GENERA SANTOS CITY (September 14, 2022) – Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating in Sarangani have selected their new representatives to the province’s Local Special Bodies (LSBs).

The selection process was participated in by various accredited CSO representatives present during the assembly on Wednesday, September 14, at Tierra Montana Hotel in General Santos City. 

The selection, which is part of a policy under the Local Government Code, was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Sarangani. 

The LSBs identified are the Local Development Council, Local Health Board, Local School Board, and Local Peace and Order Council. 

DILG Sarangani Provincial Director Samuel A. Camaganacan said the organizations are representations “from all walks of life. Mayroong sa health sector, fisherfolks, farmers, cooperatives,” including non-government organizations who can provide programs and projects. 

These organizations also represent seven sectors particularly in transportation, religious, women, infrastructure, multi-sectoral, governance, and housing. 

Camaganacan expected the participation of these CSOs would contribute to the local governance in transparency and in people’s participation.  “Through civil society organizations, makikita natin ang mga hinaing o kailangan ng mga CSO na inirepresent nila.” 

“Sa planning, malaki and maitutulong nila and even in the implementation because we encourage them to monitor the implementation of the program,” Camaganacan said.

After the selection of the new CSO representatives, Camaganacan said they will forward the list to the different concern d departments in the Provincial Government of Sarangani for the issuance of an executive order for them to be recognized as part of the LSBs in their upcoming meetings. 

Camaganacan also said that among the intention of the selection was to ensure one CSO must only represent one LSB as he mentioned “ang problema noon is kulang ang CSOs kaya, dati nagdoble ang representation.” 

The new member representatives to the LSBs will serve as coterminous for three years same as the local chief executives, Camaganacan said. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 14, 2022) – Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao paid a visit to the Saub Watershed Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Flood Risk Reduction for Increased Resilience Project on September 13.

The project, amounting to P103 million, commenced during the term of Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon as the governor of Sarangani, to improve the resilience of the Saub Watershed Ecosystem from floods and other associated risks caused by climate change variability.

Part of the budget is for the rehabilitation of the irrigation system and construction of spillway and flood control amounting to P83,246,165, and P19,676,400 for watershed management and reforestation.

The multi-million project is still ongoing which Governor Pacquiao assured to strongly support its completion. The project is eyed to be done by 2025.

The Saub Watershed spans nine barangays, including Kiayap, Malalag, Old Poblacion, Mabay, and Sison; Zion and Batian for Sub-Watershed 1; and New La Union for Sub-Watershed 2.

According to a report presented by Environmental Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC) Executive Director Cornelio Ramirez, the project has four components: the establishment of the Saub Watershed Management Plan and Watershed Management Office; capacity-building activities and research on watershed management; agroforestry development through deep-rooted fruit tree development in upland and the establishment of demo-farms; and agroforestry development along the riverbank and the improvement of the communal irrigation system through a spillway.

During the time of then Gov. Solon, Sarangani was the first province in the country to access the People's Survival Fund, amounting to P103 million for the flood control and watershed ecosystem rehabilitation project in the Saub River. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Jake T. Narte

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 13, 2022) – Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao turned over a P1.5 million-worth daycare center at Purok Rag-o, Barangay Malalag in Maitum town on September 13.

The project is a response to the global development agenda as one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals of the province.

Raquel Panal, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO), said "by the year 2030, it is ensured that all boys and girls in all barangays in Sarangani have access to early equal childhood development care and pre-primary education."

The daycare center will be part of the students’ learning hub as they continue to grow and be nurtured to be responsible Sarangans.

During the turnover rites, Malalag Barangay Captain Samson Estabillo accepted the project certificate and thanked Governor Pacquiao for his dedication and love for the young children and for personally coming over to the ceremony.

Panal expressed her thanks to Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, Governor Pacquiao, Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit, Vice Mayor Tito Balazon, and all municipal officials of Maitum for their "relentless and unending desire to be the best in the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program for the promotion and development of the young ones in the entire province."

Governor Pacquiao also assured that all young Sarangans in the province will be prioritized whose development and needs will be given enough focus.

The governor also encouraged the parents present during the ceremony to support their children from the early stage of learning up until they grow as professionals.

The said daycare center is currently accommodating 37 students. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 ? Jake T. Narte

MAITUM, Sarangani (September 13, 2022) - Various government agencies, offices, and stakeholders joined forces in planting 500 bamboo and narra seedlings on the banks of Pangi River in Barangay New La Union on September 13.

This is part of the simultaneous national tree planting activity in celebration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez-Marcos Jr.’s (PBBM) 65th birthday.

During PBBM’s first State of the Nation Address, he emphasized that environmental preservation and sustainability is one of the key focuses under his administration to make the country safe for the younger generations and to push for food self-sufficiency.

Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, Mayors Alexander Bryan Reganit of Maitum and George Falgui of Kiamba led the tree planting activity.

It was a joint initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Provincial Director Engr. Samuel Camaganacan and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (DENR-PENRO) Maria Elvira Lumayag.

According to Municipal ENRO Nannette Nacional, the tree planting activity was an excellent opportunity to show the commitment and efforts of Sarangani in helping combat the adverse effects of climate change.

Aside from being known to be the home of exciting water tubing adventure, the Pangi River is also considered one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. According to Nacional, it is a big challenge for the residents and the Local Government Units (LGU) to maintain the title to the Pangi River amidst the threats of small-scale mining and illegal logging.

In his address, Governor Pacquiao emphasized that saving our environment is "everybody’s commitment."

"Dili na ta kakita og ani kagwapo nga lugar kung dili ta mag hunong sa mga di maayong butang sa atong kinaiyahan," said Pacquiao.

"Kita ra gihapon ang makinabang aning atong mga maayong buhat, so we have to be responsible kay mao ra pud ning atong mga ikabilin sa atong mga anak," he added.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the Provincial LGU of Sarangani, Municipal LGUs of Kiamba and Maitum, and Barangay LGUs of New La Union and Tablao was also conducted, which symbolizes their commitment to protecting and preserving the Pangi River.

Present during the activity were men in uniform from the Philippine National Police, headed by Provincial Director Col. Nicomedes Olaivar, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coastguard.

Officials from Barangays New La Union and Tablao headed by Captain Bernie Pascua and Captain Marlo Damgase; staff and heads from PENRO; CENRO; LGUs of Maitum and Kaimba; and Siguil Hydro Power Plant also took part in the activity.

Board Member Jess Bascuña, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, LGU-PENRO Rolando Tuballes, and former Kiamba Mayor Danny Martinez also showed their support.

The tree planting activity is anchored on the theme "Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan" which was simultaneously conducted by some LGUs nationwide. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 ? Jake T. Narte

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 13, 2022) - Members of the several Special Action Committees (SAC) of the Sarangani Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) convened on September 13 for the 3rd quarter PPOC-SAC meeting.

The members discussed the issues and concerns, including the proposed and approved resolutions of the different agencies comprising the SACs.

The five SACs of PPOC include SAC on Anti-Insurgency, SAC on Anti-Criminality, SAC on Public Safety, SAC on Crisis Management, and the newly-created SAC on Land Conflict Management.

Lizette Lopez, PPOC focal person, presented to the members the proposed and already approved significant resolutions of the council, among which is the Resolution No. 2022-043 or the resolution creating the SAC on Land Conflict Management as one of the committees of the PPOC.

Lopez said the idea of creating a SAC on Land Conflict Management sparked "because there is a need to address boundary conflicts, not just political but also inter-municipal boundaries."

According to Lopez, the said committee is set to be established as per request by the regional office to address boundary concerns and peace and order and public safety issues with Sarangani's neighboring provinces like Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.

Board Member Arnold Abequibel, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Public Order, Safety, and Illegal Drugs, represented Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao during the meeting and thanked the council members for the "efforts, commitment, and dedication in making Sarangani peaceful and safer now more than ever."

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the partner agencies of Sarangani in the pursuit of sustaining the peace and order in the province. 

Several partner agencies of the provincial government include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Department of Education. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE) 

Martin Fernando Bernard Jr.

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 12, 2022) – The Sarangani Ronda Probinsya logo could now be used in official documents, issuances and communications after it was officially unveiled on September 12 during the Capitol’s flag raising ceremony.

Ronda Probinsya is Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao’s multi-faceted flagship program which facilitates the distribution of the much-needed socio-economic assistance to the poorest sectors particularly those in the farthest and most hard-to-reach areas of Sarangani.

The logo was the entry of Rommell Tesoro from General Santos City who bested 328 official entries from all over the country in the provincial government’s logo making contest on August 3, 2022 whom Gov. Pacquiao commended for “capturing the essence” of their mission.

Ronda Probinsya, according to the governor, was envisioned as a “beacon of hope” which started amidst the darkest days of the pandemic.

Ronda Probinsya is geared towards resilient, dynamic and progressive Sarangani through strengthening the province’s health services, education, support to the barangays, upliftment of cultural communities, promotion of peacebuilding efforts, support to environmental protection and preservation, and improvement of the quality of life of the Sarangans through livelihood and housing projects.

At the unveiling, Gov. Pacquiao committed to enhance the program “even further in order to reach and transform more lives.”

Gov. Pacquiao appreciated 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan for legislating the Resolution No. 2022-11-032 or “A Resolution Adopting the Official Seal of the Ronda Probinsya Program in the Province of Sarangani” which was authored by Board Member Jose Tranquilino L. Ruiz.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan had recognized the need to adopt an official seal for the Ronda Probinsya program “to serve the purpose of having a concrete symbol of its vision and commitment to bring public service closer to the people of Sarangani as well as to reflect the aspiration of the people it represents.”

The dominating orange and blue colors in the logo, according to the governor, embody Ronda Probinsya’s objective of “bringing honest and trust-worthy public service.”

The hand holding the growing plant symbolizes the abundant support that the provincial government aims to provide to Sarangans to usher new era of growth and development.

The book, the stethoscope, and the house “depict the focused areas of the program such as education, health care, livelihood, housing and infrastructure projects.”

The seven figures in the upper left corner of the logo represent “unity and cooperation” of Sarangans despite diverse cultures, customs, ways of life, and religion.

The leading route, he said, “demonstrates the goal-oriented leadership we hope to spouse.”

Gov. Pacquiao said it is his “fervent hope that we remain united in this singular goal of uplifting the lives of all Sarangans. Basta tayo ay sama-sama at nagkaka-isa, siguradong makakamit natin ang inaasam nating kaginhawaan at pagtagumpayan.” (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

#SaranganiProvince #RondaProbinsya

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2022) - In celebration of the 21st Kasadyaan Festival and the 51st Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Alabel, Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao and Congressman Steve C. Solon participated in the closing program on September 10 at the Festival Grounds.

The governor congratulated Alabel for the remarkable achievements of the municipality. He emphasized, "I want to assure all of you of our commitment to bring public service closer to our people."

He also relayed the message of his brother, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, "Even in my capacity as a private citizen, I will keep helping Alabel, I will keep helping the province through Governor Ruel. We will see to it that more infrastructure projects will flow to this municipality. More social services will be provided to our people."

After the governor's inspirational message, Congressman Solon commended Alabel for making sure that their aspiration corresponds with their direction, which are in consonance with the vision of the province.

In his Executive Report, Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda highlighted the accomplishments of the municipal government in terms of good governance, health and nutrition, agriculture, livelihood, tourism and other social services. He also approved the municipal ordinance for the launching of Smile Alabel slogan and logo.

Mayor Salarda, together with his wife, Municipal Administrator Lilibeth Ybing Salarda led in welcoming the guests and visitors. Among those who joined the celebration were Provincial Board Members Irish Louie D. Arnado, Joseph M. Calanao, Ephraim P. Galzote, Dr. Jose Tranquilino L. Ruiz, and Gwynn L. Singcoy. Also present were Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo, Jr. and Malungon Mayor Atty. Tessa Constantino. (Joana Grace Banting-Lapore/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 Jake Narte

#SmileAlabel #KasadyaanFestival2022

#SaranganiProvince #RondaProbinsya