Upland town bags another prestigious National Award

Upland town bags another prestigious National Award – Outgoing three-termed Mayor Reynaldo “Bongbong” Constantino (center in white polo) of Malungon, Sarangani Province poses with pride together with his better half Roselyn (5th from right), the Municipal Nutrition Office volunteer action officer, local government officials, Dep’t heads, MNO staff workers, and known local personalities after the local Nutrition Office has been named National CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) Awardee on October 29, 2015 by the National Nutrition Council at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).

LGU fast tracks AIP project completion

LGU fast tracks AIP project completion – Committee on Finance chair Joseph Calanao (center in black shirt) shares a healthy Monday discussion with Henry Lito C. Pactes (left), the local water district manager, and a number of Brgy. Kibala officials who came to check the scheduled construction of a newly approved Spring Development project in the area. With the string of multi-million worth AIP projects that are now ready for immediate implementation, Calanao said the Sangguniang Bayan also approved on October 19, 2015, Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino’s request for the construction of Brgys. Tamban and Kiblat water system projects (Spring Dev’t), including the proposed expansion/construction of evacuation centers in Barangays Panamin, Upper Biangan and JP Laurel. “Mayor Constantino ordered for the fast and appropriate implementation of all LGU projects, especially those intended in the upland villages that are mostly occupied by the Tribal minorities, to ensure its completion on or before his final day of office ends in 2016,” Calanao added. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Land marking of the Mindanao State University campus extension

Land marking of the Mindanao State University campus extension – Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (right), Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) and (3rd – L) Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial director Flor Limpin Jr. flashes a thumb's up sign with a number of Sangguniang Panlalawigan board members, PEO ranking personnel, and a couple of Barangay Council representatives Monday (October 26), amid the groundbreaking of the five-hectare-wide school ground that is intended for the construction of Mindanao State University's' (MSU) campus extension edifices in Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province. Also in photo (from left-right) are SP Board Member Elmer De Peralta, BM Abdulracman Pangolima, Provincial Engineer Jerry Belbider, BM Armand Guili, BM Virgil Clark Tobias, BM Cesar Nallos and Malandag Brgy. Capt. Fernando Fantin. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Another proof of a highly laudable feat – Unmindful of his slimming time at helm of the local government, outgoing three-termer Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino shares a healthy opening speech before a huddle of pleased teachers, PGO and local government officials, barangay leaders and invited guests, during the Monday (October 26) land marking of the LGU-initiated P5 million-worth five-hectare land, where the Provincial Government’s P7 million project construction of the Mindanao State University (MSU) extension campus will soon rise in Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province.(JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

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MALUNGON, Sarangani – TOP provincial and local government officials, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, spearheaded Monday, the most awaited groundbreaking of the five-hectare wide Mindanao State University (MSU) campus extension in Brgy. Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province.

DILG Provincial Dir. Flor Limpin Jr., said with the dynamic backing and involvement of LGU-Malungon and MSU-General Santos City school officials, this 2011 projected school construction is among the Provincial Government of Sarangani’s project priorities after it has bagged the Local Government Department’s prestigious Seal of Good Housekeeping, which qualified the PGO to avail the DILG’s Performance Challenge Fund incentive of 7 Million Pesos.

He said commonly known as “Malandag MSU Campus Extension,” the principal principle of its expansion is to stress the most needed special tertiary extension services for the Indigenous People, and to suffice the lack of teachers and college institutions that offers a well-improved learning system, and a less expensive cost of schooling in the IP dominated areas.

“So I would like to stress my thanks and congratulations for a job well done to our provincial government officials, for putting up the PCF-fund in this educational development project. This includes as well, the highly commendable support and participation of the Local Gov’t Unit of Malungon Municipality under the headship of Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino, for providing the P5M-worth five-hectare campus, and the Mindanao State University officials who guided the formulation of the project’s concept papers and its engineering and technical designs,” Limpin said in a brief media interview.

Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said in line with the Provincial Government’s “Sulong Karunungan and Sulong Tribo” program, the groundbreaking activity is a lucid manifestation of the government’s authenticity in its thrust to uplift the educational attainment and capabilities of its masses.

“Gani ako gisiguro sa tanan nga daku gyud ang pagpaninguha sa PGO nga mahatag ang tanang mga benepisyo, hilabi na ang para sa kaayuhan sa atong tribu. (That is why I am assuring each and everyone that we are doing all our best for the releases of all intended benefits, specifically those that are classified for the Tribal groups,” Solon said.

He said the opening was stressed right on time before the first 5-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) off campus program for 3 batches, a baccalaureate degree for deserving IPs to study in the MSU-GSC satellite school that started in Malandag in 2009, will about to end next year.

“Since the existence of the first MSU extension, we have already got 55 alumni with 17 LET passers. The first 9 LET takers are already absorbed by DepEd while the 2nd batch LET takers who passed last March 29, 2015 have already submitted their application documents for ranking at DepEd Sarangani. Most of the graduates of 25 are engaged in private employers to reach a living, while the 2nd batch graduates of 25 are waiting for the LET results. Hopefully the final batch of 44 will graduate in May 2016,” Solon added.

For his piece, the last termer Mayor Constantino said he is certain that for the past nine years, he has already given all his best in enhancing the local educational system, its facilities, and the desired increase in the number of teachers in the municipality.

“Today we have able to open another learning foundation in our dear town. Another great undertaking that was drawn not only for the insurance of our children’s future, but also the unborn. Gin-upisahan ko na ini. So yara na sa aton sunod nga mga lideres sang banwa, ang pagpadayon sang akon igahabilin para sa akon nga mga pinalanga nga mga katawhan, hilabi na gid sa akon nga mga ka-tribo nga yara nagapuyo sa aton mga kabukiran. (I have started it all. So it is now in the part of our incoming leaders to succeed in my legacy, that are contrived for the good of all. Of course especially for my beloved tribal minorities that thrive in the upper valleys),” Constantino said.

Thee mayor said aside from the P5M funding, the LGU is also eyeing to apportion another P3M-budget next year for the said project. “I know the significance of this tertiary campus presence here in our town. That is why our local government officials are doing all efforts to strengthen and maintain its existence. For as we could see, MSU is not solely for the benefit of our poor but deserving students, but likewise of great help in the role of parents who strive hard for the betterment of their children.”

In a forwarded message, DILG-12 regional director Reynaldo Bungubung said through PCF, the national government has again proven its mission's priority of producing tangible improvements for the Filipino people.

“We have to celebrate for the work that has been performed by the Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal of Government of Malungon and the MSU-General Santos City, that have braced together for the materialization of this project. So, we have to rejoice the positive result of the collaborative efforts of the Local Government and the Academe in providing education to Sarangans, most especially to the IPs and the young people. It should not be overlooked moreover, that both the Provincial and the Municipal Governments quest to give up basic services effectively and efficiently so as to get more human capital. And lastly, we bear to celebrate because the people of Malungon especially the Sarangani IP youths have the ardent fervor to be teachers… someday,” Bungubung said.

The activity was also grace by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan namely: Board Members Dr. Elmer De Peralta, Armand Guili, Beboy Nallos, Virgilio Tobias and Abdulracman Pangolima; members of the Barangay Council of Malandag led by Brgy. Capt. Fernando P. Fantin, teachers, government workers and invited guests. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

God speed to victory

God speed to victory - The Pacquiao led-People’s Champ Movement-UNA political slate headed by its mayoralty bet Atty. Ma. Theresa “Tessa” Constantino and vice mayoralty candidate Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada filed their official COCs at the local Comelec Office at around 10:00 am yesterday (October 15, 2013) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. Pictures also show the lawyer’s father, incumbent and outgoing Mayor Reynaldo “Bong” Constantino, the PCM’s executive vice president, as he gives final instructions and briefing to party mates, with the presence of combined Pastors coming from the Malungon Ministerial Fellowship Churches conducting pray over for divine guidance and safety of local candidates. (Photos by Isagani Palma and JoJo Gocotano - MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

The PEOPLE’S Team

With forebears and the new breeds – The Pacquiao-led People’s Champ Movement mayoralty candidate, Atty. Theresa “Tessa” Dadivas-Constantino (center) is flanked by her immediate family and close kin led by outgoing local chief executive, Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino and mom Roselyn, as a showmanship of support after filing her candidacy Thursday (October 15), right before the monument of Malungon town founder Guillermo Constantino where the local Comelec Office is adjacently situated beside the Municipal Hall in Sarangani Province. (JoJo Gocotano – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).

The PEOPLE’S Team – Local candidates of the Pacquiao-led People’s Champ Movement flashes the UNA sign shortly after filing their official certificate of candidacies at the Comelec office Thursday (October 15), times during the 33rd year birthday celebration of mayoralty bet (6th –L) Atty. Theresa ‘Tessa’ Constantino, the incumbent and outgoing Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino’s daughter, in Malungon, Sarangani Province. Also in the photo are PCM official candidates: (5th from left) vice mayoralty candidate Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada, and SB aspirants (L-R) Danilo ‘Toto’ Constantino, incumbent councilor Edelberto Yuzon, incumbent councilor Joseph Calanao, Joey Espinosa, incumbent councilor Benjamin Santos, Evelyn ‘Bebing’ Alegario, incumbent councilor Mark Henson Villareal, and then incumbent independent-turned PCM councilor Today Padernilla, who was then the former municipal mayor of the said town. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

It’s CONSTANTINO-ESCALADA tandem for PCM - Malungon..!

New, Incumbent and former opposition leaders unite for a much stronger Malungon – “These are the official line up that the People’s Champ Movement have chosen you Malungonians, to be the incoming leaders in our continuous search for a more progressive and well-developed town of Malungon,” said the PCM chairman, Sarangani Rep. Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, as he endorses during the Monday (October 5) PCM General Assembly, the various political slate that will be fielded in the fast approaching 2016 elections in the province, at the Family Country Homes Convention in General Santos City. The Congressman’s strong endorsement came after the new sets of political party members, some of which former opposition and independent leaders, officially sworn their alliance and membership in a simple ceremonial rites that was officiated by no less the PCM’s executive vice president and outgoing incumbent local chief executive of Malungon town, Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino, himself. On stage with Congressman Pacquiao is (from left), Mayor Bong Constantino; former opposition Talus Brgy. Capt. Joey Espinosa (now vying for municipal kagawad), incumbent and former independent Mun. Councilor Teody M. Padernilla; incumbent 1st kagawad and now vying for the vice mayoralty post Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada; Rep. Manny Pacquiao; Atty. Tessa Dadivas-Constantino, the incumbent mayor’s daughter and official mayoralty candidate of PCM, incumbent PCM councilors Benjamin Santos and Mark Henson Villareal; Malabod Brgy. Capt. and SB candidateToto Constantino; former opposition councilor Evelyn ‘Bebing’ Alegario, and incumbent Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon. Please read upcoming story.  (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

It’s CONSTANTINO-ESCALADA tandem for Malungon..! – Sarangani Congressman Manny D. Pacquiao strongly endorses (from right) Atty. Tessa Constantino, daughter of outgoing incumbent Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino, and 1st Municipal Councilor Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada as the official flag bearers for the mayoralty and vice mayoralty posts in Malungon town amid the October 5 (Monday) held General Assembly of the Pacquiao-led People’s Champ Movement political party at the Family Country Homes Hotel Convention Center in General Santos City. Also included in the photo album is Mayor Bong Constantino, the PCM's executive vice president, as he solemnizes the oath taking ceremony of the new sets of party members in Sarangani during the said event. Please see upcoming related story.  (Isagani Palma – Malungon Information Office).

Sealed with pride and confidence – Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon confidently introduces before the presence of over a thousand PCM members on Monday's (October 5) People’s Champ Movement General Assembly at Family Country Home Hotel Convention Center in General Santos City, the chosen People’s Champ Movement flag bearers Atty. Tessa Constantino (for mayor) and 1st Kag. Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada (vice mayor) for Malungon town in the forthcoming May, 2016 polls. The strong endorsement came amid the swearing in of new political party members coming from various local-based political slates in the province that was officiated by no less the political party's vice executive president and outgoing three-termed incumbent local chief executive of Malungon Municipality, Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

“God is with us” – Sarangani Rep. Manny D. Pacquiao gestures as he congratulates and extend well wishes to his good pals daughter, Atty. Tessa Dadivas-Constantino, who will be competing for the mayoralty post of Malungon town in the 2016 forthcoming synchronized elections, purposely to remain the good deeds and achievements of her father, incumbent Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (far right), who is set to retire from a nine-year (three termed) consistent leadership by next year. With the younger Constantino in the PCM slate tandem is 1st Kag. Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada as the latter’s vice mayor. Also in photo is (from left) Malabod Brgy. Capt. Toto Constantino and former mun. councilor, Evelyn ‘Bebing’ Alegario, who are both vying for the SB under the PCM political party. Please read upcoming news story. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

The ‘mentor’ of Malungon’s growth and development – The father, incumbent Municipal Mayor and PCM's exec vice president Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino carefully ushers his beloved child, Atty. Tessa Dadivas-Constantino, who is a then member of the PDEA12 legal councils, as they step down off stage after the latter has pledged to continue her mentor’s good deeds which brought Malungon town into a leader of progress and development in the entire province of Sarangani,, these days. On stage is the PCM’s chairman, Rep. Manny D. Pacquiao and the rest of the People's Champ Movement local candidates in the fast approaching 2016 elections led by 1st Kag. Mariano ‘Jun’ Escalada (4th -left) who will be vying the vice mayoralty post. (Also in photo is from left, Incumbent councilor Teody Padernilla, Talus Brgy. Capt. Joey Espinosa, incumbent kagawad Mark Henson Villareal, Malabod Brgy. Capt. Toto Constantino, and incumbent councilor Ben Santos. (Isagani Palma – MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).
 

MJ weeds torch into ashes in Sarangani

Intensified MJ weeds eradication - Right, PSI Arman C. Tuban, local police station chief, silently observes the police and anti-drug agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-12), as both parties’ evaluates the full number of devastated marijuana weeds during the Sept. 30 conducted raids in a suspected MJ plantation spot in sitio Kimlawis, a remote tribe-occupied small village located in Barangay Malabod, Sarangani Province. PDEA authorities estimated the full street value of destroyed illegal plants to more or less, P673, 200.00. (Isagani Palma -MIO. Photo courtesy of Malungon Police Station).

Narcs, PNP braces against MJ weed growers– Photo shows a unified team of local police and PDEA-12 agents while storming on Sept 30, a suspected plantation site of Marijuana weeds in sitio Kimlawis, a mountainous portion that is predominately filled by the IPs in Brgy. Malabod, Malungon, Sarangani Province. PCI Arman C. Tuban, MPS chief, said the raid has resulted in the demolition of some P.673M-worth marijuana plants. (Isagani Palma-MIO. Photo courtesy of Malungon Police Station).

Malungon, Sarangani – A composite team of cops and PDEA agents torched some P.673Million worth of Marijuana weeds during an intensified anti-drug operation in sitio Kimlawis, a secluded tribe-occupied small village that is situated in Barangay Malabod, Malungon, Sarangani Province.

In a forwarded report Sunday (October 4), P/ Sr. Insp. Arman C. Tuban, the local police station chief, said the Sept. 30 operation that was jointly carried out by the local police, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency-12, Sarangani Police Public Safety Company and the provincial police investigations bureau has resulted in the devastation of more or less 1, 000 pieces of MJ seedlings and 552 pieces of fully grown illegal weeds that were simultaneously discovered at a hilly and forested portion of the above stated place.

Turban said authorities were in the foremost, out for a buy bust operation against one alias Bal, but unfortunately the subject has able to elude arrest after sensing the presence of approaching lawmen.

“We are conducting further investigation in the area when being informed by a concerned citizen regarding the appropriate location of suspected illegal weeds that sporadically grew (if not intentionally planted and being taken cared of) only more or less a hundred meters away from the operation site. And it was subsequently found out to be an A-1 report, " Tuban said.

He said most of the uprooted MJ weeds were torched right on site, while the anti-drug operatives brought with them two small sacks weighing more or less 8 kilos of cannabis sativa that will supposedly be used for exhibit, examination, and later be held for proper disposition at the PDEA-12 regional headquarters in General Santos City.

In a telephone interview with one among the PDEA12 lawyers, Atty. Tessa Constantino estimated the street value of the eradicated ‘bad grasses’ to be more or less P673, 200.00.

Local government officials here said the latest is simply among the chain of operations that both the local police and PDEA-12 authorities have accumulated, aside from the earlier launched anti-drugs campaign, which resulted in the total destruction and burning of several million worth MJ plants at the triangular boundaries of Sarangani, South Cotabato and Davao Del Sur. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ PNP MAC).