LGU employees and officials give back to 250 indigents

            Two hundred twenty indigents and 30 inmates received ‘media noche’ packs from the Tacurong City Employees Association (TACEA) on December 27-28.

            The indigents were identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office from the 20 barangays in Tacurong. Each ‘media noche’ pack includes a spaghetti set, fruit salad set, bread, soft drinks, and canned goods. Aside from the grocery packs, inmates in the custody of BJMP-Tacurong received individual toiletry packs.

The indigents were gathered on December 28 at the city hall grounds for the gift-giving activity. The program was facilitated by Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado, Councilors Psyche Sucaldito and Jose Remos P. Segura, TACEA President Amelia A. Bochorno, and TACEA members and officials.

“Tani sa bisan gamay namon nga paagi, mabatyagan nyo ang amon nga pagpalangga,” said Vice Mayor Collado.

              TACEA members, who are LGU-Tacurong employees and officials, donated cash for the purchase of the said endowments.

LGU holds recognition rites for stakeholders

           The City Government of Tacurong conducted the Gab-i sang Pasalamat kag Pasidungog 2012 on December 27, Palm Pavilion, Tacurong City.

            The said night was dedicated to private and public agencies and individuals, who have contributed to the success of the LGU’s projects and programs on social and health services, environmental protection, anti-red tape, infrastructure, livelihood, peace and order, and barangay development.

Among those that were recognized were the LGU special bodies such as the Local School Board, Local Health Board, City Development Council, City Peace and Order, Tacurong Search and Rescue Team, Explosives Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent (EORA), City Council for the Welfare of Children and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong and barangay councils were also awarded with plaques of recognition during the event.

Also distinguished for their contributions were government entities such as DILG, BFP, BJMP, DOLE, DTI, DepEd Tacurong, BIR, NSO, DOST, TESDA, Civil Service Commission Field Office for Sultan Kudarat, Social Security System, Sultan Kudarat Water District,  PNP-Tacurong, 601st Infantry Brigade, 33rd Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Talakudong, 46th Infantry Battalion. Representatives of the Philippine Medical Association-Sultan Kudarat Chapter; Philippine Red Cross- Sultan Kudarat Province, Tacurong City Chapter; and Philippine Dental Association - Sultan Kudarat Dental Chapter also received plaques.

Private agencies and groups that were recognized were Makasining Lahi, Rotary Club of Tacurong, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Tacurong Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc., Nuestra Senora Dela Candelaria Parish, and Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Sports teams that garnered local and international awards were also distinguished: Tacurong Arnis Team, Tacurong City Dance Sports Association, and Tacurong Tae Kwon Do Team.

Moreover, individuals and teams that have been instrumental in the achievement of the Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award and Local Legislative Award were given tokens of appreciation.  

“[We] put value on excellence every time we deliver our services to our constituents. With the help of our partners in the private and public sphere, we have put Tacurong City in the map of good governance as one of the top performing cities,” addressed Mayor Lina O. Montilla to the awardees. She stressed the importance of synergy in the achievement of the city’s goals for sustainable peace and progress. Vice Mayor Charito Collado, likewise encouraged everyone to continue to work together for a more productive 2013.

            This is the first time that the LGU had recognized the sectors directly involved in the success of its programs. The city government hopes to conduct the same activity in the coming years.

[To view images, click this link or visit Goodwill Tacurong on Facebook]

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

More than 40 thousand people witness Inugyunay highlight

            At least forty thousand Tacurongnons and local visitors flooded the city hall grounds and surrounding highways to witness the annual Inugyunay Festival fireworks display on December 23, according to PNP-Tacurong report.    

            The pyro-musical show, which was the festival’s highlight, wowed the crowd of thousands as it started at around 9:00 in the evening, and lasted for 13 minutes. It was said to be a feast for the eyes as the sky glowed with colors and lights with the rhythm of the Tacurong City Hymn and other popular songs.    

            Task Force Talakudong, PNP-Tacurong, 33^rd IB-PA, 601^stBrigade-PA, and civilian volunteers facilitated the crowd control measures.

            “This is indeed a season to celebrate not only the holidays but also Tacurongnon’s unity towards achieving a sustainable and progressive community,” said City Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

            The 8-day Inugyunay Festival was concluded not only by the fireworks display, but also of the Musikahan 2012 and the awarding of the winners of the Light-a-Christmas Tree Contest.

            Sultan Kudarat Water District received P70 thousand for bagging the first prize, while Notre Dame of Tacurong College and Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative were recognized as 1^st and 2^nd runners-up, respectively. Each institution also received cash prizes of P50 thousand and P40 thousand, respectively.

            Inugyunay Festival 2012 opened on Dec. 16. Nightly presentations were staged from Dec. 16-22 by private and public schools and agencies.

            The Festival serves as the City’s annual thanksgiving celebration. Inugyunay is a Hiligaynon term which means ‘to unite’ or ‘to cooperate’.

31 teams clash during 3rd Talakudong Table Tennis Open Tournament

                31 teams from Far Eastern University, and local table tennis clubs in Kidapawan, General Santos, Kabacan, Isulan and Polomolok battled for the championship title of the 3^rd Talakudong Table Tennis Tournament- Open Category, December 22-23, 2012, Tacurong City Gymnasium.

                All in all, 93 individual participants registered for the open tournament while 55 players enlisted for elementary and secondary categories. “This number implies a positive response in the promotion of sports in the city,” said Mr. Alex Parcon, coordinator of the Tacurong City Table Tennis Club (TCTTC).

                Tournament champions were: Kidapawan Table Tennis Club-End of the World Team (Open Category-Men); Arlene Opillo of SUKELCO (Inter-agency Category); Christian Jay Villanueva (Secondary-Boys); Kimberly Ortouste (Secondary-Girls); Jansiem Quimba (Elementary-Boys); and Cheska Jocson (Elementary-Girls). Winners were awarded with cash prizes and medals.

                “It has been a pleasure for the City of Tacurong to host events such as this..because we are able to see the potentials of our players. Thank you for giving us your best in each game,” Mayor Lina Montilla said.

                TCTTC, in cooperation with the city government, aims to discover and develop a new breed of competitive athletes in the locality, hence the annual table tennis tournament. The activity also helps the Club maintain strong bonds with fellow enthusiasts in neighboring areas.

Rotary Club recognizes outstanding Tacurongnons

            The Rotary Club of Tacurong distinguished an EORA member, CVO commander and a traffic enforcer as 2012 Outstanding Tacurongnons.
    The awardees were instrumental in the apprehension of the suspect responsible for an explosion on November 16, 2012 at Crossing Exit, Brgy New Carmen. The explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device or IED. The bomber was intercepted at Panlaque Machine Shop and was brought to the police station for further investigation, says a report from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Battalion, Philippine Army.
    The incident was jointly dealt with and investigated by PNP-Tacurong, Task Force Talakudong, and Philippine Army.
    In 2011, Rotary Club started to award Tacurongnons who have shown bravery and heroism, and those who brought great and positive impact to the community.
    Lutche, Manoy, and Escubio were awarded with plaques of recognition by the Rotary, SK Chamber of Commerce, and Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce on December 22, 2012 during Inugyunay Festival Business Sector Night.
    Identity of the awardees are kept confidential due to the sensitivity of their duties.   

Jezereel Louise C. Billano 

Tacurong receives 2M cash incentive from DILG

            The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the City Government of Tacurong with a glass trophy and a check worth P2 Million for being adjudged as the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Winner under the Component City Category.

            Mayor Lina O. Montilla received the awards during DILG-XII Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 12, 2012 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City.

            “The national government is rest assured that Tacurongnons will benefit from this award as the money will be utilized for development projects,” said City Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

            Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is an award conferred by the Department of Local Interior and Local Government to a province, city or municipality for reason of exemplary performance in Administrative Governance, Social Governance, Economic Governance and Environmental Governance.

Among the criteria are: Local Government Performance Management System (LGPMS) score; national and international awards; record review of core outcome indicators (NSCB on poverty incidence, DOH on health, BLGF-DOF on financial status, etc); and result of on-site validation. LGPMS assesses LGUs’ institutional capacity in various areas of governance.

            LGU-Tacurong had already been recognized by DILG Central Office as one of the Top 5 finalists of the National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award following the national evaluation and Mayor Montilla’s panel interview on October 18. Tacurong is the only city in Mindanao that qualified to the list.


Jezereel Louise C. Billano

17 couples avail of City’s Kasalang Bayan

                 Seventeen couples were beaming after their free civil and church weddings sponsored by LGU-Tacurong on December 18, 2012.

                The Kasalang Bayan 2012 accommodated 9 couples for a church wedding in Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria Parish, and 8 couples for a civil wedding at the city hall facilitated by Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

                The LGU had been organizing the Kasalang Bayan annually since 2005. The City Planning and Development Coordinating Office and the City Civil Registry Office spearheaded the said project to help unmarried couples who are living together to legalize their union as husband and wife. Included in the free wedding package are: church and seminar fees, sponsor fees, CENOMAR fees, meals and snacks during baptism and wedding day, and decorations.

                The LGU publicly announced the Kasalang Bayan through radio and by sending invitations to barangays. Couples were pre-listed at the Civil Registry Office from October 10-November 30.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU-Tacurong to send aid in Pablo-stricken areas

               The City Government of Tacurong will deliver 740 packs of relief goods and 16 sacks of clothes to New Bataan, Compostella Valley and Cateel, Davao Oriental come December 19, 2012.

                
              The LGU, with the initiative of City Mayor Lina O. Montilla, allotted P200,000 from its Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) fund. With the said budget, 74 sacks of rice, 52 boxes of noodles and 37 cases of sardines were purchased for the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Used clothes were donated by LGU employees and private organizations.

SP Tacurong and CSWDO staff, PNP personnel, Task Force Talakudong, 601^st Brigade-Philippine Army, and BJMP helped in repacking the goods on December 17.

The goods will be delivered by LDRRM Officer Eufemia L. Robles and Peace and Order Council Chairperson Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon.

According to Malacañan updates, cost of assistance to 199,991 families or 840,172 persons affected by typhoon Pablo has reached P94,599,037.00 as of December 17. Of the total amount, P55,424,720.00 came from DSWD; P29,124,590.00 came from LGUs and P10,049,727.00 came from NGOs and other GOs.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano 

SP Tacurong cited as best Sanggunian in Region XII

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) recognized Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong as Most Outstanding Sanggunian-Component City Category in Region XII.

Mayor Lina O. Montilla and SP Presiding Officer Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado accepted the award dubbed as Local Legislative Award during DILG-XII’s Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 12, 2012 in General Santos City.

Members of Tacurong Sanggunian include City Councilors Psyche Sucaldito, Jose Remos Segura, Rodrigo Jamorabon, Joseph Lechonsito, Cirilo Flores, Benjamin Fajardo Jr., Virgilio Paredes, Lino Ledda, Joselito Cajandig, Sr., Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, ABC President Silvestre Llanto, and SK Federation President Albert Gulmatico.

The Local Legislative Award was launched in 2006 by the PCL together with the DILG to recognize exemplary performance of Sanggunian of component cities and municipalities in legislating measures that establish meaningful local administration and development.

The units are evaluated according to effectiveness of local agenda and legislative tracking system, availability of legislative documents, efficiency of performance, and quality of office set-up as well as staff complement.

             By winning the award, SP Tacurong will be contending with other cities in the national level.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

CSDT, LGU hold student journalists training

The City Schools Division of Tacurong (CSDT), in partnership with the City Government of Tacurong, conducted the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Qualifiers Training, December 11-12, 2012, Tacurong Pilot Elementary School.

The training was funded by the LGU, hoping that it would increase the division’s chances of winning in the regional event. One hundred sixty-eight (168) student journalists who qualified for RSPC ’12 underwent a series of workshops and lectures on their respective events: news writing, editorial writing, feature writing, sports editorial cartooning, copyreading and headline writing, and photojournalism. Budget for the contingents’ registration fee in the regionals will also be shouldered by the city government under the Special Education Fund.

During the opening, Asst. Schools Superintendent Dr. Meilrose Peralta shared the 5Ps to the participants: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. “We do not go [to RSPC] to participate; we will be there to compete,” she said.

RSPC 2012 will be conducted on December 13-15 in General Santos City. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Inugyunay Fest '12 opens tonight

                Lights on!

                City of Tacurong’s Inugyunay Festival 2012 will open tonight, 6PM, December 11 at the City Hall Grounds. The opening will be signaled by the lighting of the entries for this year’s Light a Christmas Tree contest.

                The City Government, in coordination with public and private agencies, prepared a variety of events for Tacurongnons and local tourists.

The activities are: Chicken Inasal sa Beer Plaza (Dec. 16-23); Slow Drag Race (8AM-4PM, Dec. 22) with the Tacurong G-Modified Scooters Club; Bingo Socials (3-5PM) by SMART Telecom; and the nightly presentations.

Nightly presentations include: 1) Private Schools as ONE: A Christmas Variety Show with STI, VMC and NDTC (Dec. 16); 2) Pasundayag sa Paskwa by DepEd (Dec. 17); 3) Christmas Around the World by ND-Sienna College (Dec. 18); 4) a performance from St. John Learning Center (Dec. 19); 5) Pasikatan sa Syudad: Gangnam Style with a Twist competition (Dec. 20); 6) Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Night (Dec. 21); 8)Benefit Variety Show and Gift Giving (Dec. 22) by the Business Sector and Visual Concepts Studio; and LGU Night (Dec. 23). These presentations will be held every 6PM at the city hall grounds.

The festival will be highlighted with a fireworks display come Dec. 23. Inugyunay came from a Hiligaynon term ‘ugyon’ which means ‘unite’ or ‘cooperate’.

Inugyunay Festival 2011

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

122 families evacuate due to flood

                Over 400 residents or 122 families from Brgy. Rajah Muda, Tacurong City were displaced because of a flood caused by an overflow of the nearby Kapingkong River on December 7, 2012. 

The ‘overflow’ was caused by a heavy rain and the release of water from dams in Banga and Dumaguil, South Cotabato, according to a report from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The families were evacuated to the barangay plaza through the help of Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Search and Rescue (TRACER).

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) provided the families with food while waiting for the flood to subside. Families were led back to their homes on December 8, 2012.

Brgy. Rajah Muda in Tacurong is identified as a flood-prone area due to its proximity to the Kapingkong River. The local government unit had been very active in conducting tree planting activities and awareness campaigns to mitigate the effects of flooding in the area. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Samahan ng mga Byuda of Tacurong holds annual assembly

                More than five hundred widows (byudas) who are members of the Samahan ng mga Byuda (SMB) of Tacurong gathered together for their 8^th Annual General Assembly at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Gym on November 30, 2012.

                The 506 byudas who attended the assembly represented almost 60 percent of the 847 total active members from the twenty barangays of the city.

                The SMB regularly set their annual assembly every November 30 in time with the birthday of former Congressman Angelo ‘Roncal’ Montilla, the founder of the Samahan. The former congressman was also present during the assembly and was greeted by the SMB members with a very warm and emotional welcome.

                Organized in 2004, the byudas have been enjoying support from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong. The SMB’s active membership is attributed to the leadership of Vice Mayor Charito Collado who has been guiding the members since the group’s inception. Vice Mayor Collado is also a byuda. 

The SMB takes the recognition as the first sector in the country to be formally-organized and recognized by a Local Government Unit.

In the SMB’s Assembly this year, newly-elected officers took their oath of office administered by Mayor Lina Montilla. The officers are: Ma. Lourdes Bogador (President), Delia Ramay (Vice President), Juliet Garces (Secretary), Emma dela Cruz (Treasurer), Lourdes dela Cruz (Assistant Treasurer), Jocelyn Lademora (Auditor), Erlinda Perez (PIO),  Arceli Gumban (PIO), Lydia Somblingo (Business Manager), and Norlyn Ronimo (Business Manager).

In her message after the oath-taking of officers, Mayor Montilla assured the members that the LGU’s support, particularly in providing livelihood assistance, will continue to be given priority in the ensuing years.

Also, one of the highlights of the SMB annual assembly in the afternoon was the Search for SMB Queen 2012. Five candidates represented their respective clusters with each cluster composed of four barangays.

Sixty-nine year old Charlita Saavedra of Cluster 3 (San Pablo, San Emmanuel, New Isabela, and Tina) was crowned as the SMB Queen after topping the Personality, Talent, and Interview Categories. Luzviminda Dagcutan (49 years old) of Cluster 4 (San Rafael, D. Ledesma, San Antonio, and Griño) was 1^st runner-up; and Jocelyn Lademora (55 years old) of Cluster 1 (Baras, New Passi, Rajah Muda, and Lancheta) was declared as 2^nd runner-up.

Rounding up the other winners were Winifreda Silverio (61 years old) of Cluster 5 (Poblacion, EJC Montilla, Buenaflor, and New Lagao) – 3^rd runner-up; and Araceli Gumban (57 years old) of Cluster 2 (Upper Katungal, Calean, New Carmen, and Kalandagan) – 4^th runner-up.

Present during the whole-day gathering of byudaswere the other city officials of Tacurong including Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito, Benjamin Fajardo, and Lino Ledda. ABC President Silvestre Llanto and former ABC President Ganayo also showed their support by gracing the event. Barangay Chairpersons Bogador (SMB Federation President) of Tina and Welson Ferrer of New Carmen joined the byudas from their barangays in the said celebration.

Some parlor games were also held in which some byudas received prizes and tokens from Aseana Marketing. (Allan Freno)

PETDA helps 68 indigent families

Sixty-eight indigent families in Brgy. San Antonio, Tacurong City received grocery packs from the Petron Dealers Association-SOCSKSARGEN on December 5, 2012 for its annual outreach program.  The families were identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Indigent families received grocery packs from PETDA

           According to PETDA-SOCSKSARGEN President Victor Rebosura, the association had been doing this activity for almost 5 years. “This is actually the first time that we went out of General Santos to conduct this activity. This is a good start; maybe next year we will be choosing another town,” Rebosura shared.

Elena Padilla, a 59-year-old widow, was almost to tears before even receiving her share. “Nalipay guid ako nga isa ako sa napili nila. Daku na guid ni nga tabang sa amon sang apo ko,” Padilla said.

Elena Padilla poses with her grandson and the grocery pack she received from PETDA.

Hon. Lina O. Montilla, as well as Brgy. Chairperson Joan Landig, were thankful for the association’s gesture. “This is the first time that our barangay received blessings such as these from businessmen,” said Landig.

CONVERGENCE. PETDA officers and members, Hon. Lina Montilla and LGU staff,
Brgy. San Antonio officials, and the beneficiaries after the gift-giving.

            PETDA members and officers were said to be very glad to have shared their blessing and for visiting the City of Goodwill. “Now, they were able to see that Tacurong is indeed peaceful and is good for business,” said Nonito Legas, PETDA-SK Representative. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU to implement anti-smoking ordinance

                Anti-Smoking Ordinance of the City of Tacurong will be fully implemented effective January 2013. However, according to Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, the ordinance will already take effect in the City Government buildings and areas on December 10, 2012. “We are setting the standard so we need to start earlier than the rest of the city. We should be good examples,” said Sucaldito, author of the said ordinance.

                In lieu of this matter, an orientation among the determined city anti-smoking enforcers was conducted on November 26, 2012. Salient points of the ordinance were discussed during the activity which was participated in by at least 33 representatives from Task Force Talakudong, DepEd, PNP, civilian volunteer officers, barangay councils, traffic enforcers, etc. Enforcement procedures were also discussed.

Anti-Smoking Enforcers Orientation

                As suggested by the ordinance, business establishments will be directed to designate smoking areas and sari-sari stores must be prohibited from selling cigarettes to minors. It was emphasized that the ordinance will regulate smoking among adults. At the same time, it will prohibit the act among minors.

                The body agreed that a Tacurong Anti-Smoking Task Force must be created to strengthen the campaign against smoking. Details of the anti-smoking ordinance will be posted in conspicuous areas in the city.

                “This implementation needs an extensive information and education campaign among the citizenry. They should be well-informed of all our undertakings on this matter,” said Mayor Lina Montilla during the orientation.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

City Treasury Office exceeds non-tax revenues collection target by 5 percent

A recent report from City Treasury Office (CTO) of Tacurong states that the office achieved 105 percent efficiency in the collection of non-tax revenues for fiscal year 2012.

During the monthly convocation sponsored by Treasury Office, Local Treasury Operations Officer III Romulo Paclibar presented the accomplishment report of the office as of November of the current year. He reported that collections of non-tax revenues exceeded the P30 million-target by 5 percent or P1.5 million. CTO had already collected P31.5 million. Non-tax revenues include fees, charges, and receipts from economic enterprises.

On the other hand, collection efficiency for tax revenues is coming close to its target. Out of the target amounting to P29 million, the office collected P24.9 million or equivalent to 86 percent collection efficiency. Tax revenues are generated from real property taxes, taxes on business, and other taxes.

Merging the tax and non-tax revenues, CTO collected a total of P56.4 million against its target of P59 million for the current fiscal year translated to 96 percent collection efficiency. The office vows to continue its efficient and honest service towards the attainment of the city’s fiscal goals. It also hopes to attain or surpass its targets at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, CTO also reported that as of November 26, the city government of Tacurong already received P227.9 million out of its P253.2 million Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

In her message, Mayor Lina Montilla lauded the personnel of the CTO headed by City Treasurer Jessie Batchar for their untiring effort in tax collection and for disclosing to the public their collection performance.

The city government continues to advocate transparency by encouraging its departments to publicize necessary information on performance and processes. (LGU Tacurong Information; Jezereel Billano)

Coloma to info officers: Seize the opportunities, share the good news

“I challenge the proposition that good news does not sell,” said Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) to a hundred government information officers from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA and ARMM. Coloma was keynote speaker during the opening of the Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop themed Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities and Best Practices on November 28.

Secretary Coloma delivers his keynote address during the opening of MindaCom Congress.

“Good things still happen. Let us be heralds of good news. Promote the goodness of Mindanao,” Coloma said.

In his message, Coloma cited Mindanao’s biggest priorities: peace and its people. “Project the people power in Mindanao; believe that we can excel and be outstanding throughout the world,” he urged the communicators. “When we seize these opportunities, potentials [are] realized and fulfilled,” he added.

Coloma also shared his formula on best practices: Good Governance + Social Media. Coloma cited the increasing empowerment of local government units (LGUs) brought about by mechanisms devised by former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jessie Robredo. Moreover, Coloma also emphasized the power of social media in sharing stories that empower the people. Adding these two, according to him, will result to convergence, institution, and alliance building.

2012 Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop ran from November 28-30.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

MindaCom Network holds annual congress

Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) held its annual Communicators Congress on November 28-30, 2012 at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. The event was themed Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities and Best Practices.

The congress was attended by information officers of local government units, national line agencies, and other government entities from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and ARMM.

Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) graced the opening on Nov. 28.

The congress provided a wide range of relevant information on some of the most pressing issues in Mindanao. Topics include the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, Banana Industry in Mindanao, responsible mining, research policy and agenda, and biotechnology. Davao del Norte also shared its Convergence Program which is hoped to lead the province into the achievement of peace and development.

Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan II, Chair of the Committee of Public Information and Mass Media, discussed the salient features and implications of the Freedom of Information Bill.

            During the plenary session, MindaComNet members passed several resolutions that include those expressing the group’s support to the FOI Bill and the institutionalization of public information offices in government units.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Peace and Order Council holds meeting ahead of Tacurong’s Christmas Festival

           Members of Tacurong City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) held its regular meeting on December 3 to discuss preparations for the city’s upcoming celebration of its Christmas festivities dubbed as Inugyunay Festival. Mayor Lina Montilla presided over the meeting at the Conference Room of the Office of the City Mayor.

The CPOC meeting primarily focused on laying out the security plan for the upcoming festival with the PNP and AFP committing their full force in the duration of the festivities. Additional police force is also expected to arrive from the PNP Regional Office on Dedember 23^rd.

                Inugyunay Festival, which runs from December 7 to 23, gathers hundreds of people inside the city hall compound to marvel with the lights and colors of the lighted trees as well as the Light-a-Christmas Tree Contest. The huge number of people coming to the venue increases to thousands at the start of the nightly presentations on December 16; but the annual Fireworks Display every December 23 records the most number of people not fewer than 15,000. Those who cannot be accommodated by the space inside the city hall compound converge on the national highway from the rotunda up to the entrance of the city hall.

                Present during the CPOC meeting were regular member organizations including the Tacurong City Police Station headed by Supt. Junny Buenacosa, its newly-assigned Chief of Police. 601^st Brigade Commander Col. Edmundo Pangilinan and Joint Task Force Talakudong Commander Col. Dece Yabo were also present. Heads and representatives of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire (BFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) were also there.

                Aside from the festival preparations, the CPOC also tackled other matters related to the peace and order condition of the city.

                Mayor Montilla assured the PNP and the Joint Task Force Talakudong that additional patrol vehicles for them will be prioritized in the ensuing year’s budget. The mayor likewise said that the Tacurong Fire Station is also set to receive an additional fire truck from the Department of Interior and Local Government as committed by the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Concerns of the PDEA and the BJMP were also addressed by the council.

                In some updates, Supt. Buenacosa recommended to the council the setting up of another Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) at Calderon in Barangay Upper Katungal to strengthen the security in the area.

                Meanwhile, JTF Talakudong Commander Yabo informed the council that due to the increased crime incidence during nighttime at the national highway from San Antonio to Barangay Griño, the army is aiding the PNP in conducting mobile patrols in the area.

                Mr. Martin Te and Mr. Erwin Garcia who represented the business sector in the council meeting appreciated the efforts in tightening the security in the area. They said that their cooperation and assistance to the city government, PNP, AFP, and other council members will continue. (Allan Freno)

Tacurong jins bag 14 golds in Mindanao Taekwondo tourney

Playing inspired in their own turf, 14 Tacurong taekwondo jins amassed gold medals after blowing past their tough opponents in the championship matches of the Mindanao New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championships hosted by the City of Tacurong on November 24-25 at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Gym.

 

The Tacurong Jaguars, representing the city in the said tournament, also bagged 17 silver medals and 12 bronzes. However, despite Tacurong Team’s strong effort in the tournament, its medal tally was only good for a first runner-up finish. Dragon Heart Team of General Santos City won the overall championship trophy after getting 19 golds, 10 silvers and 5 bronzes. Defenders Team of Koronadal City was second runner-up with 10 gold medals, 8 silvers, and 6 bronzes.

Jomer Soto, one of the gold medalists for Tacurong, halted his opponent with a jumping back kick in the very first round, while Nico Saavedra, the team’ coach and instructor, stopped his opponent with a brutal axe kick on the face in the second round. The match was stopped by the referee after Saavedra’s opponent suffered a cut below his nose.

The other gold medalists for Tacurong Team were: Renzel Anating, Jowilbert Breboneria, Paulo Joshua Caluya, Jeriel Clarito, Noel Chris John Laforteza, Nikoshi Lapuz, Jaecinth Salvador, Angela Jane Segura, Keansean Tasic, Neejamah Ulangkaya, Keren Jirah Valdez, and Yves Rey Vidal.

The silver medalists meanwhile included Aries Andal, Reeyan Mae Callao, Carlos Diaz, John Daniel Espino, Aaliyah Freno, George Karl Garces, Ivan Malicudio, Florence Ann Mogan, Kean Samuel Momay, Reanold Navarro, Chrstian Kyle Olidan, Andrea Camille Origenes, Regine Marie Paba, Maxine Jane Palpalatoc, Dan Francis Posadas, Alfredo de Tomas, and Mary Angeli Yap.

The following bronze medalists completed the medal haul for Tacurong Team: Arianne Agao-agao, Alex Bañas, Jerrick Braza, Rolf Cabras, Albeth Dimapiles, Kyle Jervis Duadua, Harry Mark Ines, Kim Sheena Iwag, Krish Paola Magbanua, Zayton Mamasalido, Daisy Mae Ortele, and Earl Tristan Trinidad.

Mayor Lina Montilla graced the opening program of the tournament as well as the awarding ceremonies. The mayor was joined by City Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito and Joselito Cajandig. Army Col. Dece Yabo of Joint Task Force Talakudong and Capt. Alex Escalante of 601^st Brigade, both supporters of the taekwondo discipline, also watched the tournament.

In her message, Mayor Montilla inspired the delegates after saying that the city will continue to host similar tournaments in the coming years. She added that the city government has already allocated funds for the sport for year 2013.

Tournament Director Master Robert Joshua Danao, who also is the Regional Director and Chairman of Philippine Taekwondo Association Region 12-A, appreciated the continued support of the city government in nurturing taekwondo in the region. “With the untiring support of local governments like Tacurong in the sport, taekwondo will continue to flourish in the region and players will go on excelling in national and even international competitions”, Master Danao said.

 

Councilor Jamorabon, the chairperson of the city’s Taekwondo Council, expressed his gratitude to the city government for hosting the latest tournament. He also thanked the following co-sponsors of the event: 601^st Brigade, Joint Task Force Talakudong, Tacurong PNP, Vice Mayor Charito Collado, and Councilors Joseph Lechonsito, Lino Ledda, Psyche Sucaldito, Cirilo Flores, Benjamin Fajardo, Jr., Virgilio Paredes, Ariel dela Cruz, Joselito Cajandig, Sr., Silvestre Llanto and Albert Gulmatico.

Other co-sponsors were the City Schools Division of Tacurong, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, Fortune Place, former ABC President Jose Ganayo, Brgy. Chairman Welson Ferrer, Mr. Erwin Garcia, Mr. Manuel Ang, Mr. Alex Bumatay, Mr. Jesucito Casipit, Mr. Martin Te, , and the parents of Tacurong Jaguars Taekwondo players. (Allan Freno)

Honasan advocates FOI in MindaComm Congress

Sen. Gregorio Honasan II, Chairman of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, presented the salient features of the Freedom of Information Bill during the Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop on November 29, 2012. Participants of the said congress were government information officers from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and ARMM.

The FOI Bill, according to Honasan, aims to hasten the process by which the public is able to access government information therefore promoting a culture of ‘openness in the government’. Honasan noted the presumption that the people, for so long, feel alienated from the government by holding back information. With FOI, Honasan said, disclosure of government information will not only be a matter of transparency but a matter of duty.

“We must ensure that public access to information serves the public interest. Ang impormasyon, pag aari ng tao,” Hon. Honasan said.

However, Honasan cited instances with which public access may be disallowed as stated in the FOI Bill:     revelation of the information will create a clear and present danger of war, invasion or any external threat to the State; unduly weaken the negotiating position of the government in an ongoing bilateral or multilateral negotiation or seriously jeopardize the diplomatic relations of the Philippines; among others.

“Once information is transparent, there is a risk of abuse; FOI is not pure liberty, it is responsibility,” Honasan reminded the communicators.

MindaCom Network members, with their President Efren Elbanbuena of PIA XI, expressed their support to FOI by passing a resolution to urge the congress and the senate to pass the Bill and to make public information office mandatory to all government units and line agencies.

2012 Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop themed Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities and Best Practices ran on November 28-30.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

SP Tacurong cited as best Sanggunian in Sultan Kudarat

             The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong was cited as Most Outstanding Council in the Province of Sultan Kudarat for 2012.

In a ceremony held in Isulan on November 21, the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat presented a plaque of recognition to the members of the Tacurong Sanggunian headed by City Vice Mayor Charito Collado as its presiding officer.

Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong members with Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado

           On November 8, members of the 2012 Local Legislative Award Committee conducted an evaluation to SP Tacurong. The whole-day evaluation stopped at the office of Mayor Lina Montilla for a short conference with members of the evaluation team. Speaking with the mayor, the Award Committee lauded SP Tacurong for its excellent legislative performance and for its efficient display of customer service.

The Local Legislative Award was launched in 2006 by the PCL together with the DILG to recognize exemplary performance of Sanggunian of component cities and municipalities in legislating measures that establish meaningful local administration and development.

Local legislative units are evaluated according to effectiveness of local agenda and legislative tracking system, availability of legislative documents, efficiency of performance, and quality of office set-up as well as staff complement.

By winning the award, SP Tacurong will be contending with other cities in SOCSKSARGEN in the regional evaluation.

Vice Mayor Collado was beaming with pride in the latest feat of Tacurong’s Sanggunian. She also cited the excellent performance of the city councilors as huge factor in achieving the said award.

Members of Tacurong Sanggunian include City Councilors Psyche Sucaldito, Jose Remos Segura, Rodrigo Jamorabon, Joseph Lechonsito, Cirilo Flores, Benjamin Fajardo Jr., Virgilio Paredes, Lino Ledda, Joselito Cajandig, Sr., Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, ABC President Silvestre Llanto, and SK Federation President Albert Gulmatico. (Jezereel Billano; LGU Tacurong Information)