Col. Villanueva assumes as new 1002nd Army Brigcom

 

TOP Sargen gov’t officials grace Army Brigade’s change of command ceremony– Government agencies, provincial, city and town officials join the Friday turnover of command for the newly tasked 1002nd Army brigade commander Col. Ronald Villanueva in Camp Agaab, Pulatana, Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. In photo (L-R) are PIA-12 director Olive Sudaria, Army Gen. Agustin Demaala (ret), Municipality of Malungon Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, South Cotabato 1st district Congressman Pedro ‘Jun’ Acharon and Sarangani Gov. Steve C. Solon. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

 

Change of Command – Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo (center) officiates the Friday turnover of command from outgoing Col. Marcos Norman Flores (left) to Col. Ronald Villanueva, as newly assigned 1002nd Army brigade commanded in Camp Hermegildo Agaab, Pulatana, Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

Servant leaders – The Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo address the county's infantry as ‘servant leaders,’ as he remind soldiers and officers of the AFP’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade to adhere the guiding policies of the Armed Forces, and continuously preserve and maintain the camp’s growing prestige as among the country’s best performing military units, todate. (Ipp/mio-malungon).



 

LIGHT MOMENT with Government dads, military – From left, South Cotabato 1st district Congressman Pedro Acharon Jr. and Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino share a light moment with ranking AFP officers and the newly tasked Army 1002nd brigade commander Col. Ronald Villanueva right after the Friday turnover ceremony in Camp Agaab, Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. (For more information, visit I love, malungon (fb) and malungon.blogspot.com (Isagani Palma/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

 

SOLON grace military turnover ceremony – Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon converse with retired Army Gen. Agustin Demaala and other military officials during the assumption of Col. Ronald Villanueva as new 1002nd Army Brigade commander in Camp Agaab, Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

 

A convergence of top military, local government officials – Newly assumed 1002nd brigade commander Col. Ronald Villanueva (center) gestures a point with Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino (3rd -L) and other ranking AFP officials, while far left is the Army’s 10th Division Chief Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo being interviewed by a local-based journalist shortly after the Friday held turnover ceremony in Camp Agaab, Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ MIO-Malungon, Sarangani Province).

 

Acceptance speech - Col. Ronald Villanueva accept full command and responsibility as being the newly designated 1002nd AFP Brigade Commander during  a turnover of command that was officiated Friday by no less AFP 10th Division Chief MGen. Ariel Bernardo (seated) in Camp Agaab, Malungon, Sarangani Province. Left side is outgoing brigade commander, Col. Marco Norman Flores. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

 

Newly installed AFP brigade chief – Col. Ronald Villanueva, the newly installed 1002nd Army brigade commander emphasize the importance of journalists in the AFP's info-campaign drive shortly after the Friday turnover ceremony that was officiated by no less Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo in Camp Hermegildo Agaaab, sitio Pulatanaa, Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ MIO-malungon).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – AFP's 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo officially installed Friday, the new 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander vice Col. Marcos Norman Flores who was ordered for reassignment due to a 'highly-leveled' confidential callings.

           The outgoing brigade chief relinquished his post to Col. Ronald Villanueva in a formal turnover ceremony held at Camp Hermegildo Agaab, sitio Pulatana, Brgy. Malandag, here. 

            In a message, Bernardo said the Friday (May 23) reshuffling was just part of the common military structuring and enhancement system, that was anchored right at the AFP's thrust to strengthen more the country's defense system. 

           The Army division chief also reminded local-based soldiers to continuously adhere the rules and policies of the Armed Forces for the brigade to maintain its prestige and recognition as being among the “high performing” military installations in the country.

 

           Dubbed as a 'super brigade' due of its wide AOR, capability in fire power and a much higher number of combat-battalions, Bernardo told Camp Agaab's infantrymen to develop more of their social awareness, responsible anti-insurgency campaign and closer community relations to uphold and preserve the command's satisfactory rating in the AFP. 

           Bernardo also gave approbations to the 'finely executed' leadership of Flores during the latter's watch and designation as camp commander. 

           For his part, Villanueva will do to do all of necessary means and effort to comply with the brewing expectation of the general populace.

           Meanwhile, Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino said his administration will at all times, remain as a well-supportive government agency to the Armed Forces, specifically in its task to maintain peace and harmonious living. 

          “From a former third class municipality, the presence of soldiers has able to give peace in all over Maln'gan which was then called by many as a haven to cattle rustlers and various lawless groups in the entire South-Central Mindanao region. Due of military presence, our far flung villages were freed of its perennial problem in banditry. Today, as a first class municipality, it is  now known not anymore of lawlessness and criminality, but as true  leader of progress and development in the entire province of Sarangani. So in behalf of my people, I am extending utmost gratitude to the ample support and protection that the Armed Forces have had showered my town," Constantino opined. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

DILG scales up criterion in the search of ‘model’ LGUs

 

Stiffer DILG ‘search’ policies - Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo discuss with police deputy chief, PSI Arman C. Tuban as DILG local dept. cluster head Annalyn 'Beng' Deceo stresses a briefing on enhanced policies and guidelines of this year’s search for ‘model LGUs’ in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

 

DILG briefs LGU on new SGLG guidelines – Municipal officials and department heads listen to a lecturer of the Department of the Interior and Local Government lead by DILG provincial dir. Flor Limpin Jr., regarding the stiffer policies in this year’s search for recipients of the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) at the municipal gym in Malungon, Sarangani Province.  From front left are Mun. councilors Teody Padernila and Edelberto Yuzon, while on rears are (L-R) Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Nonito Nunez, Councilor Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo and SB member Benjamin Santos. (Isagani Palma / mio).

 

More broader, effective and widen public service – Sarangani DILG director Flor Limpin stresses the renewed guidelines in this year’s Local Department search of would be Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) recipients during a Monday orientation meeting with local department heads and public officials headed by Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’  Constantino (seated) at the municipal gymnasium of Malungon, town in Sarangani Province.  (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon)

 

Renewed commitment – Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino on Monday, urged fellow public servants and LGU department heads to work more harder as he accept the scaled-up new policies of this year’s DILG search for would be Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) recipients in the presence of DILG prov. dir. Flor Limpin in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani - Department of the Interior and Local Government officials have announced Monday last week, the scaling up of its criteria in this year’s search for ‘model’ local government units, nationwide.

            Sarangani DILG director Flor Limpin Jr. said a more stringent policy is now being stressed by the department in its search of 'seal' recipients,’ aimed at establishing a more accountable, credible and transparent LGUs in the delivery of basic services that could be responsive to people’s needs.

            From its previous Seal of Good Housekeeping, the department, through memorandum circular no. 2014-39, now gears to promote the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) with its theme: “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal.”  

            Limpin said in this context, the SGLG will stand as recognition of good performance of provincial, city and municipal governments, not only on financial housekeeping, but also on other areas that directly benefit the people. It is a continuing challenge for local governments to perform better, and ultimately, achieve a desirable condition where local governments: (a) Sustain the practice of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds; (b) Prepare for challenges posed by disasters; (c) Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society; (d) Encourage investment and employment; (e) Protect constituents from threats to life and security; and (f) Safeguard the integrity of the environment. 

            Under its assessment criteria, Limpin said the DILG will be basing into six components that will serve as a major guideline for every respective LGUs.

           This  includes for the LGU to met the required exhibits compliance with accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations, i.e., with an Unqualified or Qualified COA Opinion of the immediately preceding year; as well as Compliance with the hat will Full Disclosure Policy of Local Budget and Finances, Bids and Public Offerings e.g., Annual Budget, Statement of Receipts and Expenditures, Annual Procurement Plan or Procurement List, and Bid Results On Civil Works, Goods and Services and Consulting Services, among others. 
 

          It will also be focused on disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, Business-friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and  Environmental Management, wherein the LGU should have a transparent display  of its substantial efforts in safeguarding the integrity of the environment.
 

          “ All these will cover the (3 plus 1) principles that must to be applied  by the local government, for it to pass through  all the three core assessment areas, namely: Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness, and Social Protection; and at least one essential assessment area, namely: Business-friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management, will be conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance,” Limpin explained. 

          From its pilot run in 2010, the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) has promoted transparency and accountability in local government operations, which assesses financial housekeeping through compliance with COA’s accounting and auditing standards and the Department’s Full Disclosure Policy. In 2012, 84% of provinces, cities and municipalities were conferred with the SGH. This indicates readiness of local governments to take on greater challenges.   

Thus, recipients of the Seal are eligible to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts.

           Meanwhile, a consistent ‘seal’ holder in the past two years, Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino has openly welcomed the challenge right in front of his fellow local government officials and subordinates during a half day local department officials briefing held at the municipal gymnasium here.

“As to this day, we (LGU officials) are confident that we could able to maintain and surpass the leadership that we have started,” said the local chief executive Constantino. 

           For his part, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo said with Malungon town now leading in almost all the aspects of appropriate government services, he is confident enough that through the active and noble leadership of Constantino, the local government will still be named one among the chosen few recipient-awardees in this year's renewed search for ‘model’ LGUs, nationwide. (Isagani P. Palma/ mio-malungon, sarangani).

LGU, KALAHI breaks ground for new livelihood-training centre

PTC ground breaking ceremony – From left, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo, Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (3rd-L) and Councilor Jun Escalada (6th – R) lead Brgy. Poblacion officials and representatives of DSWD’s KALAHI-Cidds on Saturday’s groundbreaking of the P2m-worth Productivity and Training Center at Sunken Arena, Municipal Hall compound in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – LOCAL officials and the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) representatives break ground on Saturday (May 24), the projected site for the construction of a P2 million-worth Productivity Training Center at Sunken Arena here. 

Officials said the PTC building will not only be used to cater various local government activities, but likewise in conducting training and seminars for the youth and other sectoral groups in town.

Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino said aside from its constructive usage, the new edifice will also serve as a legacy and additional desirability for people to tell about his administration after his final term of office ends by 2016. 

 

“I am really pleased about the construction of this project for it signifies what we in the LGU have able to contribute during my time as chief executive of this municipality. As to what we have seen, through the efforts and unity of local government officials, we have able to transform a former dumping site into where our people could now convene and celebrate the primary occasions of our town,” said Constantino, as he gave emphasis to the creation of the 31 ‘kubos’ that represent the comprising barangays, and the multimillion-worth tourism center stage that was established through the effort and personal monetary assistance of his old buddy, the Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny D. Pacquiao. 

“Sadto, tulugwayan lang na diri sang mga carabao kag tambakan sang mga basura. Pero sa subong makita naman naton nga pwede na ini mapabugal - kag kung ano na kanami nga pamasyaran ang ini nga lugar sang tanan (From a then cattle grazing land and a garbage dumpsite, we could now currently attest on how it was transformed into a nice and tranquil place for us and our family to unwind,” Constantino added. 

 

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo said the continuous growth of Malungon town is not only the outcome of workmanship and teamwork that is being shared by local officials and government workers, but due to the support and cooperation of the common populace as well. 

"We do not want our town to be left behind that is why we are always looking onward to what benefits and assistance that we could give for our beloved constituents. For it is through ample public service that we could able to uplift the living condition of our people specificall those who are living in the upland villages," Asgapo said.

 

He said aside, each should also be grateful and pleased to all the efforts that the good mayor have stressed which resulted for the municipality to be dubbed as leader of progress and development in the entire province. (Isagani Palma/ MIO – Malungon, Sarangani Province).

SARANGANI BAY FESTIVAL 2014

SARANGANI BAY FESTIVAL 2014

GREAT ESCAPE, KamIkazee rock SARBAY Fest ’14 - A Filipino pop punk band formed in 2000, ‘Kamikazee’ turned-on beachgoers into a thousand craze as it rocks Saturday night (May 17), the white sand GUMASA beaches with great hits to highlight the culmination of the yearly awaited 2-day SarBay Fest at the coastal town of Glan in Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

Of SarBay '14 – Over a hundred thousand tourists and local residents view from first burst to final glimmer of the colorful skies over Gumasa Beach as the two-day biggest beach party in Mindanao closes on Saturday at the coastal town of Glan in Sarangani Province.  (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

AFTERMATH - A freaky ‘shot’ right after the fire-play of a pyrotechnics spectacle which signaled the culmination of the yearly most awaited two-day Mindanao’s biggest ‘SarBay’ beach event in Glan, Sarangani Province. For more information, visit I love malungon, sarangani and malungon.blogspot.com (Isagani/mio-malungon).

‘Good Moon’ rising – A silhouette of several thousand campers packed on beachside,  as the silver moon rose a peep from an opaque formation of a cloudy sky atop Gumasa Beaches, previous to the ‘explosion’ of a heavy fire display which signalled the culmination of the two-day SarBay Festival  ’14 in Glan, Sarangani Province. (Ipp/mio-malungon).

Former ‘reds’ strengthen peace pact with AFP, LGU Maln’gan

' Tired of fighting, starvation ’ – Photo shows Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 director Olive Sudaria (left) documenting the surrender of suspected communist guerrillas sometime on May 2009 in Malungon, Sarangani Province.The series of surrender by former New People’s Army combatants and notorious bandit leaders in the then known ‘haven of cattle rustlers and an asylum to notorious armed groups’ in South-Central Mindanao came following the assumption into office by Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino (now in his last and final term) in year 2007. As to these day, the stability of peace and order in Malungon was again cited Monday (May 12, 2014) by no less newly installed Sarangani police director, PS Supt. Emmanuel B. Peralta amid the ongoing League of Municipal Mayors (LMP Sarangani Chapter) meeting in Lemlunay Diving Resort, Maasim, Sarangani Province. Also in photo are Constantino and Wayagwag while inspecting the yielded assorted firearms and ammunition in Brgy. Nagpan.  (Isagani P. Palma/ mio – malungon).

From right, Mayor Bong Constantino, DILG prov. dir. Flor Limpin, a PSWDO staff, AFP Col. Marcos Norman Flores and Mun. Councilor Mariano 'Jun' Escalada gesture with utmost respect and discipline during the singing of the national anthem which signaled the Friday (May 9, 2014) official opening of the Malungon Rebel Returnees Association assembly.

Col. Marcos Norman Flores, 1002nd Army Brigade commander, speaks about peaceful living and the government's sincerity in its peace process and reconciliation programs during the recently held Malungon Rebel Returnees Association assembly.

Overseer of the government’s social integration program – Sarangani DILG dir. Flor Limpin and PSWDO representative Lecette Lopez go over the presented list of rebel returnees during the Friday (May 9, 2014) local government hosted assembly of the Malungon Rebel Returnees Association (MRRA) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (IPP/MIO).

From left, Mun. Councilor and peace and order committee chair Benjamin Santos, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo and 1002nd Army Brigade commander, Colonel Marcos Norman Flores gesture on stage while listening to Malungon town Mayor Bong Constantino's message concerning the significance and advantage of peaceful living amid a recently held MRRA gathering in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Top government officials headed by (from right) Mayor Bong Constantino, DILG provincial dir. Flor Limpin Jr and the Army's 1002nd brigade commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores shares a healthy discussion with regards to peace and  order with Mun. Councilor Mariano 'Jun' Escalada, PSWDO representative Lecette Lopez and staff during the Malungon Rebels Returnees Association assembly in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Peace, a major pathway to progress - Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo called for members of Malungon Rebel Returnees Association to continuously adhere to the renewed alliance and commitment with the government during the MRRA's Friday peace assembly in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

‘Red’ returnees peace assembly – From left, 1002nd Army Brigade commander Col. Norman Flores and DILG provincial director Flor Limpin figuratively stress the symbol of peace and friendship following the colonel’s short message on stage, as Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (seated) oversee the ongoing Malungon Rebel Returnees Association’s peace program that was attended by more or less 50 former NPA rebel combatants and top local government officials on Friday (May 9, 2014) in Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

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Former 'Reds' strengthen peace pact with AFP, LGU Maln'gan

MALUNGON, Sarangani – At least 50 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ political armed-wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) convened Friday to meet with top local government and Armed Forces officials in a bid to strengthen more its peace agreement with the government. 

Mayor Reynado F. Constantino said headed by its president Jessie Celestino, the DILG overseen peace assembly of Malungon Rebel Returnees Association was a lucid proof of former communist guerrillas (and amazons) sincerity to live up peacefully, after returning back to the folds of law through a series of ‘unconditional’ surrender in the past years. 

“Despite of losing some of my close kin and friends who fought hard against the rebels foiled intrusion during the height of insurgency in the previous years, I believe that my administration has now proven its fervor in promoting the peace process of our government. And hopefully, each one of our returnees here today will continuously deliver and be instrumental for the laying of arms of those who would like to ‘return’ for the continuance of harmonious living, progress and development in Malungon town,” Constantino, during an impromptu speech at the municipal gymnasium, said. 

The Army’s 1002nd Brigade commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores has also called for returnees to help the Armed Forces in its task to promote peace and security, by convincing their former comrades to give up and give peace a chance, ‘for them and their beloved ones to enjoy and be part of the government’s genuine peace process and development programs.’ 

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo have also urged MRRA members to continuously adhere and assist the government in its peace programs by providing necessary information and proper coordination, specifically on the movement of any suspicious armed groups in their respective areas of concern. 

The MRRA vice president Macario ‘Jun’ Clarion has led the pledging of a more tightened MRAA alliance, singing of the national anthem and the renewal of commitment of support by the former rebels to the government’s quest of upholding the true essence of lasting peace in this part of Sarangani Province. 

Meanwhile, the local government departments provincial director Flor Limpin said despite of the continuous implementation of the government’s local integration program for rebels, the DILG will still be the overseeing agency that is being tasked to evaluate the authenticity of those who would like to avail the privileges that are being offered by the government, in its aim of putting a dot in the country’s long-time insurgency problem by complimenting the 'reds' to live a normal life and join the mainstream society. 

The said activity ended with a simple meal gathering that was provided by the local government for attending members of the MRRA, Police Force, AFP and other sectoral groups in the locality. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

Summer job for SPES recipients now on in Malungon

Summer Job Opportunity – Local gov’t-designate DOLE staff Josie Casiple (front left) present before Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, members of the SB and department heads Monday, the 80 student-recipients of the LGU and DOLE-funded Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE) .

SPES – Summer job recipients of LGU and DOLE funded Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) keenly join LGU workers in the customary Monday flag-raising ceremony, as they report for a 30 days work in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE.

Student workers - Photo shows the flock of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) beneficiaries as they gather to join the customary Monday flag raising ceremony in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – The local government here posted another new batch of student workers for a 30-day summer job opportunity under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE12)-led Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this year.
 

             Cristina Constantino-Lapaz, the local PESO manager and Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino’s chief of staff, said at least 100 SPES beneficiaries were absorbed for work by the local government this summer, starting April 21 – June 2, 2014. Public Employment Service Office or PESO is the implementing arm of DOLE in the local government offices. 

              SPES, as mandated under Republic Act no. 7323, is a DOLE-designed program which aims to help the poor but deserving students pursue their studies, by means of short term employment in the local government during summer and or Christmas vacation period. 

            “The new group of SPES beneficiaries is composed of 20 students that are being financed by the provincial government of their tasked 20 days work; while the rest 80 learners are from right here in the locality. Sixty percent of their P231.00/day pay will be chargeable to the LGU, while the remaining 40% will be provided by the Labor Department in the whole duration of 30 days,” Lapaz said.

            Lapaz said despite of the decrees in number of recipients as compared to much higher number of student workers in the previous years, the LGU-DOLE partnership would somehow be able to provide local learners of what they need during the upcoming opening of classes.

             She said this program is part of the Constantino administration’s quest of alleviating poverty by stabilizing the local education system in its remote villages, and by extending chances to poor but worthy students to finish tertiary or any of technical courses in different educational institutions that are located in the nearby cites of Davao and General Santos. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).