Items filtered by date: September 2022

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 22, 2022) – The Provincial Veterinary (PVET) Office confiscated another 20 kilos of fresh pork meat at 3:56 pm on September 21 at the African Swine Fever (ASF) quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Maribulan.

The seized pork meat was then disposed of and burned by the quarantine personnel and staff from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist on September 22.

According to a quarantine staff, the meat was intercepted aboard a private vehicle going to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental from General Santos City.

The confiscation was due to violation of Section 18 (b) of Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-10-085 or the failure to present necessary permits and required documents for the transport of live hogs, pork, pork products, and by-products.

According to Redimto Hinoctan, a PVET staff, pork meat and other pork products will only be allowed to pass through the checkpoint if necessary documents are presented, such as a permit from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), store receipts, and other necessary permits.

Hinoctan clarified they do not apprehend individuals or hold vehicles, but they provide options to those who fail to bring permits for transported pork products, which is to either go back to the place of origin or surrender the products to the personnel at the checkpoint. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Tres Besana

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 22, 2022) – Various peace advocates and peace partners of the provincial government of Sarangani participated in the peace covenant signing on September 21 at the Capitol gym.

The Panaghiusa: Signing of the Peace Covenant with the stakeholders from all over the seven municipalities of Sarangani was in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace every 21st of September, as declared by the United Nations.

Written in the Sarangani Province Peace Pact is the manifesto of support of the stakeholders and other organizations to the Kalinaw Program of the provincial government of Sarangani under the Ronda Probinsya flagship program of Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao.

The peace advocates affixed their signatures manifesting their cooperation “as one in spirit and in goodwill for a peaceful Sarangani.”

Peace advocates and peace partners of the provincial government include the men in uniform from the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), municipal and barangay officials, former rebels, Indigenous Peoples representatives, Haggai pastors, academic and non-academic institutions, and other partner organizations.

According to Jehanna Pelima, program manager of RP Kalinaw and RP Sarangani Bangsamoro Affairs Program, the Panaghiusa event “is very symbolic and napakahalaga sa history ng Sarangani.”

Pelima said the event became an avenue to have “peace conversations” between and among peace stakeholders “na may iisang adhikain na mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa probinsya ng Sarangani.”

Prior to the ceremonial signing, several representatives from the MNLF, MILF, and the former rebels shared their “experiences of peace” while members of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan also gave their message of support to all peace advocates.

Governor Pacquiao told the stakeholders “we are indeed encouraged by your show of commitment in working towards a peaceful and progressive Sarangani.”

He also pledged his “full commitment to work hand in hand” with other officials, leaders, and stakeholders in making Sarangani a “resilient, dynamic, progressive, and peaceful province,” as he invoked everyone’s support in achieving such goals. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Jake T. Narte

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 21, 2022) - Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao lauded retiree Engr. Yolando Bandayanon, chief of the motorpool division of the Provincial Engineer's Office (PEO), for his 28 years of public service in the provincial government. 

"Even in the short period of time na nagkauban ta for two months, when I first requested for the inventory of our equipment, right away nahatag nimo. Isa ka instruction lang, naa dayon and I thank you for that,” Governor Pacquiao told Engr. Bandayanon. 

Governor Pacquiao, along with Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Ramos, and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jenric Garcia, graced the retirement program and 65th birthday celebration of Engr. Bandayanon on September 20 at the PEO Motorpool Division office. 

The governor commended Engr. Bandayanon for his significant contributions in the provincial government for the past 28 years, and thanked him for his at least two months of service during the incumbent governor’s administration. 

According to Engr. Salen Valdevieso, supervising administrative officer of the PEO, one of the many legacies of Engr. Bandayanon in the provincial government was being among the key persons behind the conversion of the Provincial Jail and the Sarangani Police Station from agricultural land to institutional land.

He also had a hand in the realization of the Capitol Residences where a lot of the Capitol employees are residing, and it was during his time as division chief when the motorpool building was established.

Engr. Bandayanon was first employed in the provincial government of Sarangani in 1994 when he first became a Tax Mapping Aide at the Provincial Assessor’s Office and worked in the office for six years. 

Fast forward to the year 2000, Engr. Bandayanon became Engineer III or Assistant Division Chief of Motorpool for 19 years and eventually became Engineer IV or Division Chief in 2019-2022.

As a token of appreciation to the retiree, the provincial government thru the Provincial Administrator’s Office and Human Resource Management and Development Office, headed by Josephine Alog, gave a plaque and a 14-karat retirement gold ring to Engr. Bandayanon.

Also, the Sarangani Provincial Employees Union (SPEU) President Wilson Lapiz handed over a cheque worth P125,600 as a “pabaon” of the co-employees and members of the union to the retiree, and another cheque worth P37,330.11 which is 50% of his monthly dues as a union member.

“Being a public servant is not a perfect career, but nevertheless friends, please look forward to the daily challenges as well as the views that come with it,” Engr. Bandayanon told his colleagues in the government. 

He also told the governor of his desire to render his “full service” to his leadership, but the “mandatory act of Civil Service for my retirement is also necessary.”

The Republic Act 8291 or the Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997 sets the age of optional retirement age at 60 years old and mandatory retirement at 65 years old for government workers. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

?Martin Fernando Bernad Jr.

MAASIM, Sarangani (September 21, 2022) – A critically-endangered Philippine eagle was found dead along the shoreline of Purok Maguid in Barangay Daliao on September 19.

According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the female eagle is around three to four years old.

In a report from Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Alejandra Sison, it was found lifeless by a resident at the high tide line of the said purok at around 9:30 AM.

"The residents took a photo of it and posted it on social media, which caught our attention because, based on the physical structure of the subject, it has the same feature as our Philippine eagle," Sison said.

The MENRO then immediately responded to the site, and upon checking the carcass of the eagle, Sison said, "walang sugat or kahit anong tama ng bullet sa katawan nito, but one thing that we have observed is may lumalabas na tubig sa bibig niya."

With the help of the Community ENRO headed by Maria Tubera and Maasim Police Station headed by PMaj. Herman Luna in accordance with the recommendation of Veterinarian Roy Mejorada, the Maasim MENRO covered the eagle with paper, put it in a plastic bag, and placed it in the freezer to avoid its immediate decomposition.

The authorities called on the PEF to hand over the eagle and conduct the due process of the investigation of its death.

On September 20, the eagle was handed over to PEF, represented by Senior Biologist Rowel Taraya.

The eagle will undergo necropsy and will be temporarily under the custody of the PEF. Further information on the cause of its death will be released in the coming days.

Vice Mayor Visitacion Nambatac, who was present during the handing over of the eagle, said that the presence of the Philippine eagle in Maasim implicates that "the town still has a good ecosystem."

However, she said, "disturbed na atong forest because of illegal logging activities and climate change, maglisod na ning atong eagles og pangitag pagkaon sa kabukiran that is why nidiretso silag dagat to look for food."

Nambatac urged the locals to be concerned about the animals living in the wilds of Maasim. "Ihunong na nato ang pagpamutol sa atong mga kakahuyan para di madaot ang atong kinaiyahan."

Maasim continues its reforestation efforts initiated by Mayor Zyrex Pacquiao in pursuit of rehabilitating the town’s forests.

In the 1980s and in 2019, Maasim Princess and Maasim Pride, respectively, were also rescued in the town. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE) 

?Jake T. Narte

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 20, 2022) - The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET-SOCCSKSARGEN) marked the opening of Medical Technologists Week 2022 on September 18 through an urban greening activity at the Sarangani Covid Center. 

In partnership with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Rolando Tuballes and Sarangani Provincial Hospital Chief Dr. Aileen Brion, the said activity accomplished to plant 100 Narra and Ylang-ylang seedlings, 30 Cherry Blossoms, 30 Yellow Coconut.

The activity was participated in by Dr. Mary Mae Munsayac-Cheong, head of the association, along with other 35 medical technologists from some hospitals in the region. 

It also marked the partnership of the association with the provincial government of Sarangani in making sure that the seedlings will grow and provide shade to the facility.  

The PAMET Week runs from September 18-24 with several activities in store for the participants. (Federico Yadao for SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

GLAN, Sarangani (September 19, 2022) – Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos represented Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao during a community visit at Lanao Kapanglao, Barangay Datal Bukay in Glan from September 17 to 18.

The visit was done to check the accessibility of roads going to the area in preparation for the Ronda Probinsya’s Barangayan in line with Governor Pacquiao’s Ronda Probinsya program.

Atty. Ramos had an opportunity to engage with some locals in the area and discuss some issues and problems.

The concerns discussed include the source and supply of potable water; access to electricity; sanitary concerns; education pertaining to the needs of the teachers; and malnutrition of the students in the community.

Lanao Kapanglao is one of the farthest communities in Sarangani, situated in Barangay Datal Bukay, which can be reached through hours of rough-road travel from the town proper.

According to Sarangani Indigenous Peoples Professional Association (SIPPA) program manager Fulong Romeo Martin, the word “Lanao” is the Blaan term for Lake. “Technically, Lanao Kafanglao means Lake Kafanglao,” he said.

He also explained that “Kafanglao” is the proper way of saying “kasi walang P in the Blaan dialect.” (Rey Gatcho-PADO/PIO)

 ?Rey Gatcho & Hector Ivan Labus

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 19, 2022) – To further enhance the skills and knowledge of the utility workers in the Capitol and all the province-run hospitals in Sarangani, the Human Resource Development and Management Office (HRDMO)-Employee Development and Evaluation Division conducted a three-day training on basic housekeeping services.

The training was administered from September 14 to 16 and was participated in by 20 utility workers.

It was spearheaded by Jerome Artiaga, accredited assessor from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) SarGen office.

He shared and discussed the proper ways of cleaning public areas, facilities, and equipment; proper preparation of guest rooms; proper usage of the different cleaning agents; and providing housekeeping services to guests.

Emma Teves, HRDMO-Employee Development and Evaluation Division chief, said that "there is really a need for the integration of skills of our utility workers, especially now that most of our facilities here in the Capitol are newly renovated."

"Sayang naman kung hindi mame-maintain, kaya we initiated this training-seminar for this objective," Teves added.

On the last day of the training, participants went through an evaluation by doing demonstrations on the topics discussed. They also received certificates of completion.

Teves disclosed to conduct the same training for the next batch of participants "para ma-cater ang lahat ng utility workers natin dito sa Capitol as well as to our hospitals." (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

?Jake T. Narte & Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr.

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 17, 2022) – Ms. Jobelle Pacquiao, Provincial Tourism Council president and wife of Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao, returned to visit children who are victims of sexual abuse at Sarangani Home for Girls and Women on September 16.

Ms. Pacquiao brought with her the gifts she promised the children during her first visit with the governor on August 30.

Along with her family and friends, Ms. Pacquiao surprised the children with school bags, school shoes, toiletries, vitamins, other essentials, foods, and even the laptop and printer that she and the governor pledged to give to the kids.

“During our visit more than two weeks ago, na-tatak na gyud mo sa amua ni Daddy Gov ug ang inyong situation diri and happy mi na happy mo karon,” Ms. Pacquiao told the kids.

Ms. Pacquiao said her first encounter with them “really broke my heart” which made her eager to go back and visit them again to provide for the children’s needs.

The children and the staff of the center, on the other hand, warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed their gratitude to them for giving attention to the children’s situation.

“I know this is not enough to cover up the pain and scars but somehow I do hope na makalimot sila (of their past) even for a moment,” Ms. Pacquiao said.

She also warned the children’s perpetrators who are still at large “kung asa man sila karon, know that God sees them and madakpan ra gyud sila because God is on our side, kampi natin ang Diyos.”

Ms. Pacquiao said she hoped she could regularly visit and check on the girls’ situation at least on a weekly basis. She also hoped she and the governor could fulfill the many plans they have in mind for the children and for the center. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Jake Narte

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 16, 2022) – The municipality of Alabel joined in the celebration of the 2022 International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) through a simultaneous clean-up drive in the coastal barangays of Kawas, Ladol, and Maribulan on September 16.

More than a hundred volunteers from offices and partner agencies of the municipal government of Alabel participated in the coastal clean-up in a bid to achieve “trash-free seas.”

The ICC is the world’s largest one-day volunteer effort to clean the aquatic environment, observed every 3rd Saturday of September since 1985, and declared by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 470, series of 2003.

In its 37th year, the 2022 ICC is themed “International Coastal Clean-Up: Fighting for Trash-Free Seas, Pilipinas!” encouraging volunteer organizations and individuals all over the country and around the globe to take part in this cause.

According to Engr. Allan Rivera, municipal environment and natural resources officer, Alabel held the coastal clean-up a day before the actual ICC Day in order “to generate a bigger participation” from volunteers all over town.

He said the activity is aimed at “conserving aquatic ecosystems, educating and raising more awareness to the public on debris issues and their impacts on people, wildlife, and the environment.”

It will also become an avenue to “provide information that will guide and influence local governments, corporations, and industries, in developing smart solutions to the marine debris problem.”

During the clean-up drive, volunteers were urged to remove trash from the beaches and waterways, identify the source of debris, and change the behaviors that allow trash into the water in the first place.

Mayor Vic Paul Salarda and wife Lilibeth Salarda, the municipal administrator, also participated in the coastal clean-up, along with employees of MENRO and of the provincial government from the Environmental Conservation and Protection Center.

According to the National Geographic, there are “5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean, and of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea.”

Rivera noted that the garbage situation in “Sarangani Bay is not extremely alarming” but encouraged locals to “not let our guards down” and “maging culture natin at maging lifestyle na naglilinis sa ating karagatan.”

He said “tuloy-tuloy po yung ating IEC and behavioral change communication doon sa mga coastal puroks at iba pang mga waste generators, upang masiguro na makikiisa yung community sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan, kasi sila rin yung nakikinabang sa kalinisan ng karagatan,” Rivera said. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Jake Narte

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 16, 2022) - The Provincial Veterinary (PVET) Office confiscated at 2:35pm on September 15 50 kilos of fresh pork at the quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Maribulan amid its campaign against African swine fever (ASF).

The meat was intercepted aboard a private vehicle going to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental from General Santos City.

Quarantine personnel subsequently burned the confiscated meat.

In an interview with PVET officer-in-charge Dr. Bernard Cababat, he said the confiscation was due to violation of Section 18 (b) of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-10-085 or the failure to present necessary permits and required documents for the transport of live hogs, pork, pork products, and by-products.

Cababat said the PVET office remains persistent in monitoring the entry and in regulating movement of pork and pork products despite records showing majority of areas in the province have recovered from ASF.

From the seven municipalities, Malapatan is the only town left with existing cases of ASF.

Cababat said his office will continue enforcing the ordinance and reminded individuals transporting hogs, pork, and pork products to secure necessary permits.

To also strengthen the ongoing surveillance, the PVET has established improvised container van checkpoints in each of the animal quarantine stations at Maribulan in Alabel, Pulatana in Malungon, Tinoto in Maasim, Batulaki in Glan, and in Pinol and Tuanadatu in Maitum. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

?Jake Narte