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).