New doctors, hundred scholar-grads thank Maln’gan LGU

Proper education, brighter tomorrow – A number of newly graduated learners of different tertiary and technical courses pose for souvenir shot with Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino and MPDO Nonito Nunez (right) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. As of this year, the local government have able to assist under its Educational Assistance Program (EAP), some 115 student-scholars to mark off with various 4-year and or technical courses from different Davao and General Santos City-based educational institutions. The graduates’ includes two medical students who recently passed the obligatory medical board exams. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

New LGU doctors – Dr. Jec M. Pane, one of two locals who recently passed the medical board examination in Manila, express utmost gratitude to the local government headed by Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, for all the support that enabled him and Dr. Lorie Bermudez complete their medical studies at a Palo, Leyte-base medical institution. ‘We are here now back home to serve the local community, because we are scholars of the people of Malungon,’ Pane said, amid the awarding of 115 certificates of recognition to graduates of various technical and 4-year and courses this year, through the LGU-provided Educational Assistance Program (EAP) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

‘Thank you for helping us build our future’- Liezel Karen, a new graduate of BS Business Administration (BSBA) course is conferred by Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino with a certificate of recognition, as being among 115 new tertiary graduates this year, through the LGU-provided Educational Assistance Program (AEP) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. “I believe that it is through proper education that the local government could able to change the living condition of the deprived, specifically the needy members of our tribal communities,” said Constantino, who is about to end his third and final term of office by 2016. The local government, with the active support and participation of the Sangguniang Bayan members, yearly allocates P10-million to provide scholarship grants to poor but deserving students of the municipality. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Good luck and make use of what you have learned – Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino share a light moment with a huddle of newly graduated EAP-assisted students shortly after the Monday customary flag-raising in Malungon, Sarangani Province. As of this year, the Constantino-led administration has able to assist scholarship grants to some 115 poor but deserving students, including two doctors who both passed the recently held mandatory medical board exams. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – The local government here is now open for interested student-applicants to its Educational Assistance Program (EAP) following the Monday distribution of certificates of recognition to 115 EAP-assisted students who have just completed a 4-year professional and or technical course this year. 

                Nonito Nunez, the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator said vacant slots for scholarship grants are now open to unfortunate but worthy students of the municipality. 

                He said aside from the EAP-assisted program, the scholarship assistance was first launched by both Constantino and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao sometime in year 2010, in an aim to alleviate the major cause of poverty in the locality which is the lack of education to villagers dwellng the far flung villages of the said town. 

 

                “That is why the chief executive, through the active support and cooperation of our Sangguniang Bayan members, fixed a yearly P10-million budget to strengthen more of our learning support outlines, and the local government’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP). This is purposely to widen up the Constantino administration’s aim of providing proper education to students who are living in the remote villages,” Nunez said

               The EAP is a government-provided financial assistance intended to encourage and assist students, specifically of the low income families, to participate in post-secondary education.

                Last year, the local government noted some 516 educational scholars in the tertiary level, wherin most of which have studied in various colleges and universities in the cities of Davao and General Santos. Each student receives P10, 000 school assistance in every semester. 

               Aside, Contantino have also braced with the PESO-spearheaded Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) ‘to help poor but eager students pursue schooling by encouraging them to work in the government offices during summer and or Christmas vacations.’ 

              Cristina Constantino-Lapaz, the PESO municipal manager and chief executive secretary said there are about 100 students that are now employed under SPES in the local government. “Somehow this could be of great help for their school needs when the time for enrolment comes,” Lapaz added. (mio-malungon).

AMHOP 61st annual convention in Gensan

Of Strengthening health services in the countryside – Department of Health Sec. Enrique T. Ona (seated center) is bordered by top government and local health officials, as he points possible solutions on various health problems in Mindanao. This memento shot was taken shortly after Ona's arrival to officiate the opening of the 4-day (April-22-25) 61st annual convention of the Association of the Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (Amhop) on Tuesday at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City. With the Secretary are (seated L-R) Gensan City Mayor Ronel Rivera's representative Voltare Choiu, Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon, Sec. Ona, Provincial health officer Arvin Alejandro and Malungon town health officer, Dr. Rafaida Garay. Standing from left are DOH-12 regional director Dr. Baluma and Bula, Gensan health officer, Dr. Ruth Camarillo. (mio-malungon).

Honored with Crossed Swords - Photo shows DOH Sec. Enrique T. Ona and Sarangani Gov. Steve C. Solon, as both passes through a line of crossed swords on Tuesday's opening of the 4–day (April 22-25) Association of the Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP) 61st annual convention at Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City. (ipp/mio-malungon).

Amhop’s 61st annual convention now on in Gensan - Top health officials and several hundred health workers from different parts of the country have started to convene since Tuesday to join the 4-day (April 22-25) 61st annual convention of the Association of the Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines at Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City. Malungon town Municipal Health Officer Dr. Rafaida Garay-Hernandez said the AMHOP’s grandiose opening was grace by no less DOH Sec. Enrique T. Ona and Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon of the nearby Sarangani Province. In photo are the ‘ethnic-attired’ T’boli dancers that coloured the vibrant opening of the affair. (Isagani P. Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

‘Proud’ banner of the high winds – DOH Sec. Enrique T. Ona is flanked by Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon (3rd – right), DOH-12 Regional Director Teogenes Baluma (2nd -L) and other top Health Department officials during the Tuesday opening of the Association of the Municipal Health Officials in the Philippines' (Amhop) 61st annual convention in Greenleaf Hotel, here in this city. While on foreground, MHO Dr. Rafaida Garay-Hernanadez (3rd - L) raises with pride, Malungon town’s health banner. A holder of various health awards and commendations, the local MHO has proven its worth as a spearheader of health services in the province, due to of its consistent weekly ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ program, massive distribution of Philhealth cards in different far flung barangays, and for acquiring a ‘zero’ maternal death in terms of birth delivery since last year. (Isagani P. Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Sarangani Dads spearhead MP’s victory fete

‘To God be the Glory’: A prayer of thanks - ‘Fighting congressman’ Manny Dapidran-Paquiao leads top Sarangani officials to an opening prayer prior to a press conference that was held shortly after the champ’s Holy Friday (April 18) arrival in General Santos City. From left-right onstage is Mayor Reynaldo “Bongbong” Constantino of the municipality of Malungon, Sarangani capital town of Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo, newly assumed Maitum Mayor Pepito Catimbang, Rep. Pacquiao and Gov. Steve C. Solon. (Isagani Palma/mio-malungon).

Press meeting with the Congressman - Mayor Bong Constantino and Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo share some light moments with the press and 'Pacman' fanatics Friday, shortly after the arrival of Rep. Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City.

Maln’gan officials join MP’s victory forum – (2nd row, L-R) Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo, Sarangani (Malungon) Board Member Cesar Nallos and Mun. Kag. Joseph Calanao cheerfully watch and listen to Pacman's mom, Mommy Dionesia (left), as the latter does her part and narrated some of her ‘unforgettable’ moments during the Pacquiao-Bradley II boxing encounter in Nevada,USA. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

RFC and VM Asgapo join Pacman in Gensan - Malungon town Mayor Renaldo 'Bongbong' Constantino and Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo (partly hidden) share good moments with Rep. Manny Pacquiao's enthusiasts Friday, amid an ongoing press briefing by the 'fighting congressman' at the Sun City Hotel in General Santos City. (ipp/mio).

It’s Momi D, the ‘Pacmom’ in action – Photo shows (seated 2nd row from R-L) Malungon town Councilor Joseph Calanao, Board Member Cesar Nallos and Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo, as they enjoy of listening Pacmom’s (Mommy Dionesia Pacquiao) story telling about her ‘memorable’ approach to say sorry to former Welterweight champ Timothy Bradley, shortly after the latter’s recent ring encounter with Rep. Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

Sun City Press Conference - SARANGANI Rep. Manny D. Pacquiao attend to queries stress by local and national pressmen at Sun City Hotel shortly after a Holy Friday (April 18) touchdown in General Santos City. Regaining the Welterweight title from then undefeated Champ Timothy Bradley, Pacquiao said he is always ready for a match up to the world’s most awaited clash against Floyd Mayweather jr. In a dated April 14 sports article, Columnist David Daniels theorized that Pacman’s successive victories will lead to a Paquiao-Mayweather fight, “and the only way it won’t ... is unless if the latter is a coward.” Photo also shows top Sarangani officials on stage joining the press conference with the Pacman. From left are Malungon town Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino, Alabel town Mayor Corazon Grafilo, newly assumed Maitum Mayor Pepito Catimbang, the ‘fighting’ Congressman, Gov. Steve C. Solon and SP member, Virgilio Clark Tobias. (Isagani P. Palma/mio-malungon).

New Malungon police applicants

New Malungon police applicants – ‘Never surrender.’ These are the few words that Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino told local applicants for the new quota-hiring of police enforcers in Region12, during a group courtesy visit at the Municipal Hall in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

VM ‘ranger’ to support MHO’s outreach-tasked med vehicle

VM ‘ranger’ to support MHO’s outreach-tasked med vehicle – MHO head Dr. Rafaida Garay-Hernandez gestures before (L-R) Elizabeth Leoncio, OIC branch manager of Gensan Ford Philippines, Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino and Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo amid a Monday (April 14) meeting in Malungon, Sarangani Province. Mayor Constantino, who earlier confirmed of providing a brand new 4x4 Ford Ranger pick-up for the weekly LGU ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ program, said Vice Mayor Asgapo is also up of purchasing another unit to augment the need of vehicle for the said weekly medical outreach of the local government. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

"Rangers" to back 'Lingap sa Barangay' operations

Rangers to back ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ operations – Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino approved Monday, the local government’s procurement of a Ranger 4X4 service vehicle before the presence of no less Ford Philippines OIC Gensan branch manager Elizabeth Leoncio (right), while Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo (2nd-L) eyes of procuring another additional unit. Constantino said these two vehicles (including the upcoming one from the VM office) will be use in the weekly ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ program of the local government in all of comprising 31 barangays in Malungon, Sarangani Province. Earlier, Health Department Region-12 director Dr. Teogenes F. Baluma conferred the local health office headed by Dr. Rafaida Garay-Hernandez (2nd far right), the award of being “the highest performing RHU in the implementation of Maternal and Newborn Care, Family Planning, Nutrition and Dental Programs in the entire Central Mindanao Region.” Officials said this recognition has been noted due to the consistency of the ‘Lingap’ program, which also paved way for the local government to be a successive achiever of the DILG’s prestigious Seal of Good Housekeeping in the past two consecutive years. Constantino said through these new vehicles, health workers and other LGU-tasked personnel at anytime, could be able to respond and render adequate and effective services in the maintenance of proper health care - even in the utmost villages of the municipality. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Builders gear to construct 5 footbridges in upland villages

Emergency pathways – Local gov’t Engr. Rodrigo Palec confirmed Monday (April 13) the upcoming construction of five (5) hanging bridges to replace and supplement the three others that were washed-out by rampaging waters caused by heavy rain and flash floods. He said the LGU, in collaboration with DA-12 and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is up for the implementation of more or less P1.5million-worth project that will be divided for Barangays Ampon, Malalag Cogon, San Juan, Panamin, and Poblacion in Malungon town. He said purposely, this will provide inland communities with safer access in time of catastrophe and or other unforeseen emergencies. Photo also shows a contingent of 1205th Army reservists using a hanging bridge as shortcut route in JP Laurel, during a series of tree planting activities late last year in Malungon, Sarangani province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

‘Hanging trail’ – Photo shows a contingent of 1205th Army reservists using Baliton Hanging Bridge in Brgy. JP Laurel, northern part of Malungon town, as shortcut route during a series of massive tree planting activities on late last year in Sarangani Province. Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino said the recently approved construction of five (5) additional footbridges to supplement the currently existing hanging pathways “will not only benefit the inland farmers, but tribal communities as well, specifically during disaster and other unforeseen emergency cases that are brought about by the test of times. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Bridging more lives to progress – “Connecting people to a more developed and progressive way of life is my dad’s superseding desire,” says Cristina, eldest daughter and chief of staff of Mayor Reynaldo ’Bongbong’ Constantnino, when asked by newsmen Friday (April 11) about the upcoming construction of five (5) footbridges in different isolated villages of Malungon town in Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/mio-malungon).

Dad to gov’t workers: ‘Pay your Taxes, promptly’

Dad to gov’t workers: ‘Pay your Taxes, promptly’ – It’s DEADLINE for the payment of INCOME TAX RETURNS – TODAY (April 15). Photo shows Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino of the Municipality of Malungon in Sarangani Province, as he remind government workers yesterday (Monday) of their respective obligation in the payment of income tax returns at the Municipal Hall-based Bureau of Internal Revenue office, or the nearby BIR-110 district office in General Santos City. (ISAGANI PALMA/mio-malungon).

PPOC in 'Kasfala' Hall

PPOC in 'Kasfala' Hall - Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon gestures a point as DILG Flor Limpin Jr (left) and other participants hear the report on current peace and order situation from tasked police and military officials amid a recently held Peace and Order Council Meeting in Kasfala Hall at Provincial Capitol Ground in Alabel town. For more information, visit I love malungon, sarangani (fb) and malungon.blogspot.com (Isagani Palma/mio-malungon).

Two DTI’s best ‘nationwide search’ awards in the municipal gov’t level

Two DTI’s best ‘nationwide search’ awards in the municipal gov’t level – (L-R) Nenita Barroso, Sarangani Department of Trade and Industry director, exchange a healthy discussion on trade productivities with municipal department heads Noel Ramos (Accountant), Nonito Nunez (MPDC) and budget officer Beverly Pactes amid a recently held visit to confer Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, two recognitions in the ‘nationwide search for cities and municipalities competitiveness index.’ Barroso said the LGU has been noted by the National Competitiveness Council as the 6th and 8th in the least number of steps for new business registration and renewals, nationwide. Please see upcoming story. For more information, visit I love malungon, sarangani (fb) and malungon.blogspot.com (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting

Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting – Malungon town Councilor Benjamin Santos (2nd – L) who chairs the peace and order committee and municipal police station chief P/Chief Insp. Lorube Rojo (seated rear), attentively listen to the assessment on peace and order by military and provincial police officials during a recently held PPOC meeting at the Kasfala Hall inside the Provincial Capitol ground in Alabel, Sarangani Province. For more information, visit I love malungon, sarangani and malungon.blogspot.com (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon)

World Bank presents WSP to locals

MALUNGON, Sarangani (April 5, 2014)- World Bank Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) country representative Edkarl Galing introduces to Mayor Reynaldo Constantino (foreground) the monitoring and evaluation tools for scaling up rural sanitation program at the Mayor’s Office Thursday, April 3. Sarangani is among the pilot provinces set to end open defecation practice by 2016. The challenge comes in the wake of global efforts to hit the 2015 Millennium Development Goal on sanitation to cut by half the proportion of people without universal access to improved hygiene. Quezon and Negros Oriental provinces are also testing areas of WSP 2016 zero open defecation. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

A momentary adieu, not goodbye

A momentary adieu, not goodbye – It seems just yesterday when he first come to pay courtesy visit to Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino. On Monday (March 31), Army Foxtrot Coy commander Capt. Melvin R. Asuncion (INF) stressed one more formal and or perhaps, final gesture of military discipline to the chief executive, to say adieu as being a ‘highly appreciated’ Nagpan-based gentleman soldier in Malungon, Sarangani Proviince. Asuncion, in a simple turn-over of command officiated by no less Lt. Col. Leonardo F. Solomon, the 72nd Infantry Battalion commander , 10th ID, PA, relinquished his post for new military calling, to upcoming Foxtrot Coy commander, Maj. Dhock Equing. For Asuncion, we (Malungonians) would like to extend a ‘salute’ of gratitude for all the exemplary protection you have shared with us in the maintenance of peace and order, as we welcome and expect the same or even more to the upcoming AFP officer, Major Equing, Sir. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

Women’s Month Celebration

Of strengthening the women sector - Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino has pledge to strengthen more the local government’s program on women enhancement by way of providing ample healthcare, livelihood assistance and educational support during the culmination of Women’s Month celebration dubbed as “ JUANA: Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Ko Rin Sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” in Malungon, Sarangani Province.  (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

‘A house is not a home without them (women)’ – Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo eulogize the importance and priceless contribution of women in all aspects during the culmination of Women’s Month celebration in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Women’s Month Celebration – First lady Roselyn Dadivas-Constantino, better half of Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino and honorary chairperson of the Municipal Council of Women (MCW), welcome guests, visitors and over a thousand women-attendees during the culmination of Women’s Month celebration at the municipal gymnasium in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – THOUSANDS of women cheer as Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino pledge to strengthen more the local government’s enhancement program for women, not only by means of LGU-provided livelihood, but likewise of proper healthcare and educational assistance for the local broods.

The announcement came before the presence of selected guests, distinguished visitors and a huge crowd from various groups that comprise the Municipal Council of Women, who come to participate in the recently held culmination of Women’s Month celebration dubbed as “Ang tatag mo ay tatag ko rin sa pagbangon at Pagsulong,” at the Municipal Gymnasium, here.

Constantino said the attendance of mammoth crowd is a lucid manifestation of the strong and unfading union of women - 'that should be addressed with outright respect and recognition.' 

He said the annual gathering of teachers, lady entrepreneurs, women professionals, government workers, students and even plain mothers and housewives is a sort of an aide memoire for each and everyone to recognize the dedication, sacrifices and contribution of local women in uplifting the status of Malungon town into a leader of progress and development in the entire province.

“I myself have able to observe what our women, specifically the lady entrepreneurs and professionals, did to become unequivocal assets in our quest for stability and advancement. That is why it is my pride and commitment to build a better and well-developed society that will not only be lead by men, but likewise of qualified and proficient women who can do even better as compared to some - Juan,” said Constantino, amid a sociable conversation with a huddle of newsmen. 

Aside of providing assistance to the underprivileged, Constantino said the local government have also fortified its programs on health and nutrition to ensure the safety of both mother and child during, before, and after birth deliveries. 

“The stabilization of Philhealth program, educational assistance to poor but deserving students, and the consistent conduct of weekly ‘Lingap sa Barangay’ are parts of our well-planned governance that is fuelled by our people's unity and cooperation, specifically of the well-developed leaders of the women council these days,” the chief executive said. 

The mayor’s better half, Ms. Roselyn Dadivas-Constantino said the coming out of such a huge crowd to participate and enjoy in the annually-held celebration of Women's Month was nothing less, but part of the group's figurative recognition to all of the highly pleasing performances and support that the LGU have had stressed in a bid to uplift the living condition and social capabilities of women in Malungon town.

She said among the lately given assistance by the local government to strengthen up its women capability enhancement program was the 2013 yearend distribution of soft loans to qualified group-members of MCW. 

“Actually this project was already cut off since late last year but was lately sustained after Mayor Bong have pressed on a green light for the continuity of the project which provides the women sector a chance to avail a group-owned chain of businesses in the locality. This project will be under the direct supervision of the Municipal Council of Women and the DSWD," said the lady Constantino who, aside from being the MCW's honorary chairwoman, is also a volunteer head of this town's Municipal Nutrition Council. . 

Reports said the project, which is part of the P2M performance challenge fund that was conferred by the DILG in recognition to the LGU's good governance and exceptional adoption of good housekeeping, has been reignited following a recently done assessment that figured out a more or less P1.9million surplus in the local government's financial support program fund. Aside of being the MCW’s honorary chairman, Ms. Constantino is also a volunteer head of the local Municipal Nutrition Council. 

For his part, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo also eulogized the contribution of women in all aspects, ‘especially the priceless worth of a mother that could never be equaled by any riches in the world.’

“A house could never be a home without them (women). Aside, from the maxim to wit goes – “man reaches greater heights when he has the right woman by his side,” history also speaks about the valor of Joan of Arc, while German chancellor and chairwoman of the German Christian democrats - Angela Merkel, and Merlinda Gates of the US MG Foundation, are only among the chosen two that I could mention from the listed names of the 100 most powerful woman in the world nowadays. So there’s no use of underestimating women, because they are now almost equal to the capabilities of men. So ,,, I think the best way for us to do is to assist, love and respect them (women) - always,” Asgapo finally opined. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

4Ps monitoring and data presentation

4Ps monitoring and data presentation – A contingent of DSWD12 health beneficiaries’ facilitators and 4Ps monitoring team cautiously present before Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (seated right) and various sectoral groups such as DepEd, a lately gathered data on the prevailing status of the national government’s ‘Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’ (PPPP) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/mio-malungon).

VM officiates ‘Barangay Kinabalan’ nuptials

VM officiates ‘Barangay Kinabalan’ nuptials – Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo (seated 2nd –R on stage) briefs a number of long-time live-in partners who participated in the recently held ‘Kasalan ng Bayan’ during the recently held weekly “Lingap sa Barangay” program of the local government in Brgy. Kinabalan, Malungon, Sarangani Province. Asgapo solemnized the wedding ceremony in behalf of Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino who was on official travel to attend a called for assembly by the League of the Municipal Mayors of the Philippines in Metro Manila. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Top leaders’ Impromptu Visit

Top leaders’ Impromptu Visit – Seated from left, Malapatan and Maasim town Mayors Alfonso Singcoy and Aniceto ‘JoJo’ Lopez exchange a healthy discussion on developments and headship with Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino (center) during a surprise visit on Monday last week in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/MIO-Malungon).

JOW in Mal’gan – Top local government officials and lawyer friends enjoy a light moment with Mayor Bong Constantino and Maasim town Mayor JoJo Lopez last week, amid a Monday regular hearing of Justice on Wheels (JOW) in Malungon, Sarangani Provice. (Isagani Palma/mio-malungon).

A ‘good’ friend’s visit – Maasim town Mayor Aniceto ‘JoJo’ Lopez gestures as he unwind inside the office of his close friend, Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, during a Monday visit in Malungon, Sarangani Province. Both Lopez and Constantino have shared almost a decade in public service, same as to their late fathers, then Maasim Mayor Aniceto ‘Nitoy’ Lopez Sr., and former Sarangani Vice Governor Felipe K. Constantino, who gave almost a life time in serving the Sarangans. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

DILG trained grassroots to head for GREAT barangays

‘Of more responsible and effective BNEO - MLGOO Mary Grace Demaala-Santarin of Malungon town in Sarangani Province delivers a more wide-ranging and understandable kind of teachings on responsible headship during a series of seminar for Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) dubbed as “Laying the Foundation for Grassroots Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays ” in Microtel, General Santos City. Sarangani DILG dir Flor Limpin said the province-wide series of training-seminar was stressed in an aim to teach BNEOs of their obligation, duties and responsibilities including fiscal management.  (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

‘The significance of virtuous leadership’ – Malungon municipal Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino speaks about the importance of true leadership, as he call on participants to the recently held DILG-hosted series of seminar-training for Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) to listen, absorb and properly cooperate in the scheduled three-day study (for every batch) in Microtel, General Santos City.  (Isagani Palma/MIO-Malungon).

A more modified and comprehensive ‘grassroots’ leadership training - Sarangani DILG director Flor Limpin Jr delivers a much detailed type of teaching on leadership and fiscal management during a series of seminars held for Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) of Malungon town in Microtel, General Santos City. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

ABC support and cooperation - Sarangani DILG director Flor Limpin gestures as ABC president and Nagpan Brgy. Capt. Edna Tuanzon returns her seat after rendering a brief opening message in the recently held seminar for Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) in Microtel, General Santos City. (Isagani Palma/mio-Malungon).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani - A ranking official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here express confidence that the recently held series of DILG-hosted seminars for the newly-elected barangay officials have accurately attained its point, basing the encouraging reactions from a number of LGU officials and some seminar participants, as well.

Limpin on Tuesday (March 25), said the department's modified and comprehensively designed training-seminar dubbed as “Laying the Foundation for Grassroots Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays,” has been simultaneously launched to each of the comprising 140 barangays of the province, in an aim to let the Newly-Elected Barangay Officials (BNEO) understand 'in its most deepest sense,' the true meaning and importance of responsibility and leadership in the grassroots level, and on how could it affect the primary functions of the government.

"We have done our best for them (BNEO) to feel and comprehend the true essence of responsible leadership not only during common days, but likewise, in the midst of any unexpected calamity and or unwanted circumstance that may occur in their respective areas of responsibility," Limpin said.

He said the lectures and orientation were stressed not only for the above stated municipality, but province-wide. "A well premeditated presentation of different strategies that could be of great help for BNEO to become capable and effective leaders, the study also gave a more highlighted emphasis on fiscal management,” Limpin added.

Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino said aside from his personal observation, the new training scheme have able to pleased almost all of the attending members of the Association of the Barangay Captains (ABC) and so with the clustered groups of newly elected barangay council members, who outrightly responded in an almost perfect attendance, the scheduled stay-in seminar on February 24-26 (1st batch), February 27-March 1 (2nd batch), and on March 3-5 for the third and final batch.

“With the attendance and cooperation of almost all newly elected barangay officials, I can now say that my people have already rejected the then old and rotten political system in our municipality.

And for this, I am beginning to sense the fulfillment of my dream. Of having a well-united people, led by these new breed of responsible grassroots’ leaders ... before my last and final term of office will end in 2016,” said Constantino.

The seminar was held in three consecutive batches to cater the number of participants coming from the 31 comprising barangays of Malungon town.

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo said despite of having some lowly-educated barangay officials, the systematic and well-measured presentation of lectures and workshop gave participants a much wider, comprehensible and clearer views of their exact duties and functions as chosen barangay leaders, regardless of their educational attainment. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

DA12, Kasilak, LGU brace with grassroots in building waterwalls

KDFI water walls – Representatives from Kasilak Dev’t Foundation Incorporated pay visit to acting chief executive, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo on Tuesday to push the immediate construction of a P447, 506.20-worth two mini dams at the rice-producing ‘Kityan Gamay and Daku’ villages of Brgy.Poblacion in Malungon, Sarangani Province. rangani Province. Officials said the water walls that are designed to provide sufficient and timely supply of water, ‘will eventually increase about 50 percent production in the 4, 843-wide rice fields.’ Also in photo (standing left) is LGU-admin officer, Ms. Bienvenida Llego. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – The Department of Agriculture-12 and Kasilak Development Foundation Inc., in partnership with the local government, barangay officials and a hundred-group rice farmers have forged into an agreement of putting up two mini dams worth P447, 506.20 in sitios Kityan Gamay and Daku in Brgy. Poblacion, here.

KDFI Exec Dir. Joemil Montebon, said the project will not only provide the needed increase of water supply at the town’s rice-producing areas, but would also rehabilitate the existing brush (sacked bag) dams or water walls that were beforehand made by local farmers to imbed the pointless overflowing of waters from Kityan river during rainy season. “It will not only benefit the Kityan-based rice fields but certainly, all other agricultural lands that are located at downstream irrigated areas.”

Montebon said the construction is being eyed to improve production from the current once a year, to twice a year cropping - to entail an additional 50% income and relate up to 20% of rice commitment, for marketing.

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo, in lieu of Constantino who was in official business to attend a three-day Mayors League of the Philippines convention in Manila, said the project will not only be constructive to the 120-man members of the rice farmers association of Kityan, but most likely to all other land tillers in the continuing 108, 000 hectares of irrigated lands that are located at the lower part of the village.

Rice farmers in the area usually encounter water supply shortages due to the inappropriate water impounding system that they are currently using. The farmers utilize the makeshift materials (sack bag) as walls for their mini dams, but unfortunately during rainy seasons which water is abundantly flowing, the makeshift walls of the dam collapses. In effect, after rainy days farmers captures no more water left for their rice fields.

With the problems in water supply, rice farmers in the area also face the effect of untimely shortage of water on their crops which were often attacked by weeds, pests and diseases.

The KDFI representatives said the mini dam would provide rice farmers access to enough and timely supply of water for the rice fields, and would eventually increase their (farmers) income and production. 

In a brief talk, Girlie Gasatan, the Kasilak municipal agro-enterprise facilitator said KDFI which is a close partner to development of DA-12, is a non-stock, non-profit social development organization in which its primary purpose is to uplift the socio-economic condition of communities that are living in a peaceful and ecologically balanced environment.

She said the project is being supported by the Agriculture Department under its Agri-Pinoy banner program which aims to develop the living condition of meager rice producers in the far flung villages by increasing their productivity and income. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).