Regional communicators to simplify weather reports

            AUGUST 30, 2012--President Aquino had recently asked the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and PAG-ASA to formulate simpler ways of communicating weather reports. The President had been concerned about weather reports not being understood by the general public.

In response to this call, the Philippine Information Agency XII and the Office of the Civil Defense conducted a two-day seminar and workshop on laymanizing environment climate and weather reports on August 28-29, 2012 in Sarangani Highlands, General Santos City. 

The activity, which is the first of its kind in Mindanao, was participated in by at least 20 media practitioners and information officers of national line agencies and local government units. During the opening program, PIA XII Regional Director Olivia Sudaria emphasized the participants’ role in people’s disaster preparedness. “As communicators, we can only be effective, when we are understood,” said Sudaria.

Speakers during the activity were PAG-ASA Senior Weather Specialist Anianita Fortich, Liza Socorro Manzano of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Luisito Salugsugan and Milo Cabiguin of PHIVOLCS. The activity also briefed participants on disaster risk reduction management.

“In terms of disasters, the Philippines got it all. Yet we have learned to adapt with hazards given our past experience and knowledge generated by scientific studies. Everything will go to waste if we are not able to laymanize these for the benefit of the vulnerable population,” Manzano said.

              Workshop sessions allowed media practitioners and information officers to localize and contextualize technical information on typhoons, tsunami warning signals, earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Speakers also shared online sources and hotlines by which participants can access reliable information on disasters and even geohazard and flood maps. 

              “We acknowledge the importance of this activity especially in our line of work. Right now, we can be more confident in giving understandable reports,” an ABS-CBN correspondent said on behalf of the media sector. (JLCBillano-LGU)

‘Project pagsulong’ calls for new business ideas

A humanitarian project enjoins young entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into reality and at the same time help in addressing social problems.

Organized by PLDT KaAsenso, PLDT-Smart Foundation, The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community, and RFM Foundation, Project Pagsulong is a youth challenge that will award cash grants, mentorship, and training programs to the business ideas that will alleviate poverty or solve a social issue in the Philippines.

One of Project Pagsulong’s faces is Tacurong City’s Elma Alboleras whose invention, the intelligent bus utility system or iBus, won a gold medal for the consumer category of the British Invention Show.

By supporting dynamic youth like Elma, the Project aims to help reduce poverty in the country, to provide a concrete avenue for the youth to be enabler of social change, and to promote the use of innovative ICT solutions for young and budding Filipino social entrepreneurs.

In her message through Facebook, Ms. Arboleras enjoins Tacurong’s youth entrepreneurs to answer the challenge.

The Project accepts business proposals from a group with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 members who are Filipino citizens, 18-30 years old. Each team can only submit one proposal that must be operated independently on its own, and not as a sub-project or operation of a non-profit organization (international or local), a private company or a subsidiary. Existing start-ups may be considered, provided that these have not participated and won monetary prizes from similar grants or competitions.

Proposals will be selected according to Social Impact, Innovation/Invention, Feasibility, and Team Leadership/Management and Community Participation.

Winners will be awarded with the following to aid the implementation of their business idea: Php 500,000.00 for the first prize, and Php 300,000.00 and Php 200,000.00 for the second and third prize, respectively. People’s Choice award will be given Php 100,000.00.

            Submission of project concepts is until August 31, 2012. For the mechanics, visit www.projectpagsulong.ph. Follow the Project on /projectpagsulong on Facebook, or follow @projpagsulong on Twitter.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

City launches Kantahan ng Kabataan 2012

Palace declares Sept 18 as special non-working holiday in Tacurong

TACURONG CITY MOURNS OVER DEATH OF DILG SEC. ROBREDO

(August 22, 2012) DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo was set to be the guest of honor of the City’s Talakudong Festival on September 18, 2012. He also planned to visit development projects made possible by the Local Government Support Fund. Worry took over the excitement of Tacurongnons when on August 19, the Piper Seneca plane he was riding crashed in the seas of Masbate. On August 21, he was found dead 800 meters offshore at a depth of 180 ft. (full story here) He could have seen the City’s Seal of Good Housekeeping proudly hanging on the city hall. Tacurongnons could have personally thanked him for believing in the city’s potentialities. Tacurong was the very first recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping in Region XII. Through the SGH, the City accessed development funds amounting to 24 million from 2011-2012 alone.

It was not only his ‘cancelled’ Talakudong appointment that left Tacurong mourning, but the LGU’s loss of a great servant-leader and role model.

 According to Mr. Alberto P. Sero Jr., the City Local Government Operations Officer, “na-uplift ang morale namin sa Department because of his programs like the Seal of Good Housekeeping. Gusto nya talaga maitaguyod yung good governance. Dahil sa mga ginawa nya, mas nagkaroon kami ng confidence sa implementation ng mga programa. Talagang naka backup sya; makikita mo yung political will at sincerity nya. Naibalik yung tiwala ng mga tao sa gobyerno kahit hanggang sa barangay level,” said Sero.

                On the other hand, Mayor Lina O. Montilla asserted that she considered the late secretary as her role model: “as a neophyte mayor, his insights on good governance helped me. Nailatag na nya ang mga direksyon para sa isang mabuting pamamahala, kahit wala na sya, susundin natin yun. I know that wherever it leads us, it will be a good place. Naniniwala syang kung may pagbabago sa sistema, magkakaroon ng pagbabago sa pamamahala kahit sa mga matagal nang nakaupo.”

                Indeed, in the eyes of Tacurongnons and of the whole nation, Sec. Robredo is one of a kind. “His humility is admirable. He responds to text messages. “Very open ang line of communication between him and the local leaders. I will never forget how accommodating and sincere he is to us mayors. I don’t know how he did it but he knows each mayor’s, each city’s concerns very well. He has that personal touch, that sensitivity to our needs,” Mayor Lina said while recalling how the late secretary responded when she aired the city’s need for more police personnel. From 52 policemen, Tacurong now has 82.

                Sec. Robredo once said during Region XII’s TAPATAN on Disaster Risk Reduction: ‘Hindi sapat na tayo ay magaling lamang. Hindi sapat na tayo ay matino. Ang hinahanap po natin sa paglilingkod ay mahusay at matino.’ The positive changes that Sec. Robredo facilitated in local governance will never be in vain. Tacurong salutes Sec. Robredo and vows to continue to serve with transparency and integrity.

Through Proclamation No. 460, President Benigno Simeon Aquino declared August 21 until the late secretary’s interment as national days of mourning. Flags are in half-mast in LGUs, DILG installations, PNP, BJMP, and AFP posts. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)

LGU enjoins writers, photographers to showcase city’s vibrancy

          

           (August 15, 2012) The City Government of Tacurong is calling all interested photographers and writers to join the 2012 Igpat sang Kamera Photography Contest and Feature Writing Contest. These activities are part of the city’s Talakudong Festival and 12^th Founding Anniversary.

            Igpat sang Kamera 2012 is themed It’s More Fun in the City of Goodwill, in support of the Department of Tourism’s advocacy in showcasing local destinations and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

The photo contest has 2 categories: Discover Tacurong and Talakudong Festival. The Discover Tacurong Category is exclusive for Tacurong photo enthusiasts while the Talakudong Fest Category is open to all interested individuals. “The Igpat sang Kamera 2011 was a huge success. This year, we are hoping that Igpat participants will be able capture Tacurong as a vibrant tourist destination,” Mayor Lina Montilla said.

            Meanwhile, the feature writing contest is staged to encourage writers from in and out of Tacurong to get unique and fresh perspectives. Participants can write about but not limited to the city’s people, way of life, business and economy, environment, tourism, governance, etc.

            Guidelines and criteria for Igpat sang Kamera 2012 and Feature Writing Contest are posted on http://talakudong2012.wordpress.com/.

            Winners will be announced and posted on the LGU’s official website and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/cityoftacurong) come September 28, 2012. Winners will also be notified through text. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)

FILINVEST eyes Tacurong for next business venture

                (August 10, 2012) “A branch of East West Bank will be operating in Tacurong soon,” said Erwin Garcia, Chairperson of the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises Development (PSMED) Council during the 3^rd SULONG Tacurong Investment Forum on August 1, 2012. He is confident to bring the good news after Andrew Gotianun, owner of the Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) paid the city a visit in July.  Mr. Gotianun is number 17 on Forbes’ list of richest people in the Philippines for 2012.

                “It may be through partnerships and networks that Mr. Gotianun heard about the booming business economy in the city,” Garcia said. East West bank is a subsidiary of FDC.

“This kind of investment asserts the City’s capability in sustaining businesses and enterprises. Rest assured that the city government supports the business sector as this is vital for the city’s sustained progress,” Mayor Lina O. Montilla said during the forum. Strategies have been formulated and employed to make Tacurong a business-friendly city, attracting more investors and generating more employment opportunities for Tacurongnons. Among these are the founding of the Tacurong Investment Assistance Center (TIAC), and the formulation of the Tacurong Local Investment and Incentive Code.

According to Garcia, FILINVEST has already started to engage in transactions with concerned groups and individuals for the establishment of the bank. “Of course, we hope that investors coming in will be willing to comply with all the necessary processes enforced by the city. This way, we are all ensured with quality partnership,” said TIAC Manager David Salazar. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)

PNP: Tacurong is top 2 best city police station

           (August 9, 2012) Tacurong City Police Station has been adjudged as the Second Best Police Station-Component City Category in the country for the year 2011. TCPS Chief Gilberto Tuzon was also selected as the Top 2 Best Police Chief for the same category.

            PNP Field Evaluation and Validation Team headed by Police Director Ager P. Ontog assessed TCPS on July 12, 2012. COP Tuzon presented TCPS best practices that contributed to the decrease of the city’s crime rate in 2011. Evaluators lauded the TCPS best practices and its involvement in environmental and social activities. Best practices were Oplan RePazo, Oplan Bitag Sasakyan, rewards system for best performing personnel, regular zoning operations, establishment of radio network, regular conduct of stakeholder dialogue, and regular meeting with intelligence units, among others.

TCPS success in mitigating crimes and threats to peace and order is also attributed to the strong support of the local government unit, Philippine Army-Task Force Talakudong and civilian volunteers. “I saw good relationship of LGU and police. Maraming nang mas naunang syudad sa inyo ngunit ipinakita ninyo ang pagsasamahan at kooperasyon at ngayon isa kayo sa pinakamatatag na contender,” said Police Director Ontog.

TCPS and Chief Tuzon are among the outstanding men and units cited by PNP for the year 2011. Also, General Santos City Police Office was recognized as Best City Police Office and the South Cotabato Public Safety Company as Best Public Safety Company.

The awards were given during the national celebration of the 111^th Anniversary of the police service on August 8, 2012 at the PNP Multi Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)

Tacurong rules 2nd World Arnis Tournament

                (August 8, 2012) The Tacurong Team was declared Overall Champion during the 2^nd World Arnis Tournament on July 27-29, 2012 at Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC) Gym, Bacolod City. Tacurong arnisadores won 26 gold, 25 silver, and 20 bronze medals; 71 medals, all in all.

                The team was comprised of local talents from different age brackets. Tacurong Arnis Team members are: Claire Ethel Alguso (3 silvers); Joana Mae Moreno (2 silvers, 1 bronze); Venus Apresto (2 golds, 1 silver);  Chestes Justine Maciado (1 gold, 1 bronze); Christian Dior Pajarpa (1 gold, 1 bronze); Jerwin John Moreno (1 gold, 1 silver); Honey Vhal Jed Catugo (1 bronze); Ronald Acain (2 golds, 1 bronze); Brent Randolph Pauya (1 gold, 2 bronzes); Nolic John Bayya (1 gold); Cyra Regine Olivar (2 golds, 1 bronze); Princess Hann Paniza (2 golds); Janica Depasupil (2 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze).

Other medalists included: Angel Joy Ariston (2 golds, 2 silvers); Erlin Mae Busacay (1 silver); Sheena del Monte (2 golds, 1 silver); Airene Apresto (1 gold, 2 silvers, 3 bronze); Ma. Lara Carillo (1 silver, 1 bronze); Wenna Liza Galanta (2 golds, 1 bronze); Geralden Cordero (1 bronze); Janice Rendon (1 silver); Renan Subaldo (2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes); Rey John Miguel (2 golds, 2 silvers, 2 bronzes); Jerome Magna; Jose Jover Pajarpa (1 silver); Robert Banjao (1 silver); Ritchie Molina (1 silver); Donald Grecia (1 silver); and Acer Jolero (1 bronze). 

The team is guided by Coaches Efren Apresto, Alejandro Apresto, and Redentor Apresto who are all officers of Filipino Art of Modified Arnis Federation (FAMAF) of Tacurong City.

Tacurong arnisadores had earned gold medals during the South East Asian (SEA) Games and were perennial champions in several national competitions since 2005. The team is also active in promoting arnis as a local sport among the youth by holding regular trainings in the city. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)  

                

Barangay Day manifests unity; showcases products and talents

(August 6, 2012) In Tacurong, there is unity in diversity. The city hall grounds were filled with hundreds of Tacurongnons during the City’s 11^th Barangay Day on August 3, 2012. Locals of twenty barangays were united by the event themed Paigtingin ang Adhikain, Patatagin ang Pamayanan, Panatilihing Malakas ang Takbo ng Kaunlaran. The celebration also marked the culmination of the 3^rd SULONG Tacurong Business Week. The opening ceremony of this year’s Barangay Day was graced by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who stressed on the importance of the community and government’s active involvement in driving progress.

Meanwhile, the city government sponsored various activities that allowed barangays to show their unity and even local talents. The activities include a weeklong Agro-Industrial Fair, Larong Pinoy, Komposo competition, and Pinaka contest. Some activities were also simultaneously conducted in cooperation with DTI for the culmination of the Business Week. These include: Pangasius culinary competition, hat-making, and souvenir-making competition.

The week-long Agro-Industrial Fair was also conducted in celebration of the City’s 3^rd Business Week. The Fair featured each barangay’s craft and creativity. Barangay Grino bagged the Best Booth Award with their Talakudong-adorned exhibit and local products. Brgy. Upper Katungal and New Passi came in second and third, repectively.

DTI also awarded the Sultan Kudarat Entrepreneurs’ Association and Notre Dame of Tacurong College as top sellers during the said week-long fair.

Brgy. Kalandagan bagged the gold in the Komposo or song-writing competition, while Barangays Poblacion and Lancheta won second and third, respectively. Winners of the culinary competition were the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) for the professional category and STI for the amateur category. The Tri-People Women’s Organization won both hat-making and souvenir-making competition.  

The Pinoy games or Larong Pinoy involved children, mothers, and even barangay workers and officials. Indeed, all barangays enjoyed healthy competition under the heat of the sun. The festivities stretched until dusk as a mobile network sponsored more fun activities for the locals.   

Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Silvestre Llanto emphasized the significance of this event. According to him, “ang Barangay Day ay pagkakataong maipakita natin ang ating pagkakaisa, ang pagsasamahan walang iwanan, respeto sa bawat isa at pagtutulungang walang kapantay.”  He also stressed that the competitions between local talents and even products were staged to show that all communities in Tacurong are working towards one goal. That is, sustainable development.

August 3 was the Tacurong’s founding anniversary as a municipality. It was later on dubbed as Barangay Day when Tacurong turned into a city in September 2000. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)

Senator Trillanes brings good news to barangays in his visit to Tacurong

(August 3, 2012) Even prior to the passage into law of Barangay Development Act filed in congress by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, barangays of Tacurong are about to benefit in advance the senator’s resolve of empowering all the barangays in the country.

Speaking in front of  hundreds of barangay constituents who gathered at the city hall ground during the Barangay Day Celebration on August 3, 2012, Senator Trillanes pledged to allocate funds for the twenty barangay of Tacurong that they will use for implementation of their development projects.

The senator did not disclose how much funds the barangays will receive saying that he will just wait for proposals or resolutions from the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Barangay Chairman Silvestre Llanto, who sits as the Federation President of the Liga ng mga Barangay of Tacurong, said that the pledge from Senator Trillanes is the biggest gift on their Barangay Day Celebration. Llanto, also the City Chapter President of Magdalo, said that the Liga will immediately prepare the proposals.

Apart from his pledge to funnel funds for the barangays of Tacurong, the senator also vowed to allocate separate funds for the completion of the city’s gymnasium. He also did not reveal figures for the funds but said that he will wait for the proposal from the city government.

Mayor Lina Montilla, who led the city’s residents in welcoming the senator in the celebration, was all praises to the sincerity of Senator Trillanes’ commitment of helping the Local Government Units (LGU).

“Senator Trillanes was one of the very few senators who made true to their promise of helping our LGU and his previous assistance for the construction of our City Medical and Dental Center was the testament to that”, Mayor Montilla said.

Trillanes already earmarked P5M last year for the construction of the second phase of the City Medical and Dental Center that was inaugurated in January of this year. The fund used for the construction of the Center, taken from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), is already delivering great results based on the number of clients availing of services from the health facility daily.

People who listened to the senator’s speech during the Barangay Day were almost non-stop in their applause. The group of senior citizens who came in huge number even arranged for a pictorial with the senator on the stage. Their gesture was evident of their love for the senator who was instrumental in the passage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

The large group of teachers who were present also shouted with joy upon hearing that the senator is continuously pushing for his bill that seeks to raise the minimum pay of public school teachers to salary grade 20 from salary grade 11. If the bill will be passed into law, teachers will receive a basic salary of P36, 567.00 per month.

During the program, the Sangguniang Panlungsod members headed by Vice Mayor Charito Collado, presented the Senator Trillanes copy of the resolution they passed “Declaring Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as Adopted Son of the City of Tacurong”.

After the program, Mayor Montilla and other officials of the city accompanied Senator Trillanes to the City Medical and Dental Center. The senator, impressed with how the structure was built, noted the fact that the center’s structure is not yet fully completed and needs more funds to make its operation in full swing. Senator Trillanes concluded his visit to Tacurong by pledging to provide more funds for the completion of the medical and dental center. (Allan S. Freno- LGU Tacurong Information)