30 schools receive computers from Comfac Global Group

               Each of thirty public schools in the City of Tacurong received one unit personal computer from Comfac Global Group (CGG).

                School principals and administrators received the computers in a simple turnover ceremony held on February, 2013 at the city gymnasium. Mayor Lina O. Montilla, City Administrator Eduardo K. Nicolo, Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon and Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, and the LGU Information Technology Section facilitated the turnover of said equipment.

 “Very useful talaga ito sa mga bata. Gagawin naming itong instructional material para sa intermediate students naming,” said Mr. Alfredo E. Hablero, principal of Abang-Suizo Elementary School.

Aside from primary and secondary schools, some day care centers in the city also received computers.

                In 2012, the LGU lobbied for CGG’s donation of its second-hand yet fully functional units to schools in the city.

Considered the Philippine’s leading total fit-out solutions provider, the CGG integrates the core competence of its three companies namely Comfac Corporation (Technology), Cornersteel Systems Corporation (Workplace Facilities) and Energy Specialist Company (Facilities Sustainability) to create diverse, functional and responsive workplace for corporate offices, contact centers, BPOs, data centers and non-traditional workplace.

CGG has its main office and after more than ten years of successful enterprise, the group successfully expanded its presence globally and is currently working with internationally-renowned partners.

Mayor Montilla thanked CGG for its act of kindness: “We welcome all sectors who are willing to assist us in providing Tacurongnons better access to information”.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano/Allan S. Freno

Tricycle drivers, operators participate in LGU anti-trafficking campaign

            At most 100 members of various tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODA) in Tacurong participated in the Anti-Trafficking Symposium, Atbp conducted and sponsored by the city government, Task Force Sagip Anghel, and Philippines Against Children Trafficking (PACT) on January 31, at Jims Place II, Tacurong City.

            Participants were informed of the RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and its provisions.

The LGU is currently implementing an anti-trafficking ordinance, and conducts rescue operations as well as provides assistance to trafficked persons through TF-Sagip Anghel, the Tacurong Police and TF-Talakudong.

“Ginagawa natin ang serye nga mga pagpupulong tulad nito para matulungan nyo kami sa pagsugpo ng mga di kanais-nais na pangyayari laban sa ating mga kababaihan,” Hon. Psyche Sucaldito, TF-Sagip Anghel Chair, addressed the participants. Sucaldito also said that tricycle drivers can be key informants in this issue because of their constant presence in the city even at night.

Hon. Paulino Ledda, Chair of the Transport Committee, and Hon. Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, Chair of the Education Committee thanked the participants for their willingness to participate in the efforts of the government in protecting children and women.

            Aside from RA 9208, the drivers and operators were also refreshed of traffic rules and regulations by the LGU traffic personnel. The City Treasury Office also took advantage of the activity to inform the TODAs of their business and license processing.

A series of anti-Trafficking symposium and activities were already conducted in December 2012 with students, uniformed personnel, and barangay officials as participants. The city also observed the Day Against Trafficking on December 12, 2012.

Another set of TODA participants will be subject to the same activity on February 1, 2013. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

TRACER hailed as country’s 3rd Best Volunteer Organization

        The Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Search and Rescue or TRACER was recognized as the Third Best Volunteer Organization in the National Level Gawad Kalasag 2012.
        Mayor Lina O. Montilla, Ms. Eufemia Robles of Tacurong CDRRMC, and Wilfredo Asucena of the City Treasury office received the P50,000.00 cash award from Director Lita B. Enok of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XII during the 7th RDRRMC meeting on January 28, 2013 at the Roadhaus Hotel, General Santos City.

Wilfredo Asucena of CTO signs the receipt of the P50,000.00 cash award for TRACER.Ms. Eufemia Robles and RDRRMC staff act as witnesses.

Regional Director Enok hands the check to Mayor Lina Montilla.

        TRACER’s contributions in DRRM and Climate Change Adaptation, particularly in providing help during response phase of DRRM are said to contribute to the resilience of Tacurongnons and the constituency of nearby towns. TRACER is a team of 23 multi-skilled volunteers tapped to conduct activities on mitigation and response in the city and in neighboring municipalities.
         National  ‘Gawad Kalasag’, which stands for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan, is a presidential award given to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in helping the Filipino government uplift the standard of disaster management in the country.
         TRACER was evaluated by the National Selection and Evaluation Committee on August 3, 2012.

SP-Tacurong vows to maintain good performance in 2013

The legislative body of the City Government of Tacurong aims to be more persistent in passing resolutions and ordinances for the year 2013, confirms SP Presiding Officer and City Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado.

                In 2012, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong conducted 46 regular sessions and 11 special sessions resulting to 220 resolutions. These include the approval of the annual priority projects, programs, activities, and budget of the city’s 20 barangays. Further, 25 committee meetings were carried out.

SP-Tacurong also approved 13 ordinances in the third and final reading. These were submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat in accordance to Section 56 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

SP Regular Session

During its 1^st and 2^nd regular sessions on January 9 and 16, 2013, SP Tacurong approved 14 resolutions and 1 ordinance.

                Department of the Interior and Local Government recognized the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong as 2012 Most Outstanding Sanggunian in Region XII.

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 Louise C. Billano & Myla D. Muyco

2-million PCF for road concreting ordinance, up for 2nd reading

               The proposed General Appropriation Ordinance entitled ‘An Ordinance Declaring  Supplemental Budget No. 01 Involving a Total Appropriation of 2 Million Pesos to be Taken from DILG-Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to Defray the Concreting of Barangay Roads/City Roads – Doña Alicia Avenue – Brgy. Tina Section’ is up for second reading tomorrow, January 23. The ordinance is sponsored by Councilor Cirilo Y. Flores.

                LGU-Tacurong received 2-million pesos as a reward for being adjudged as Regional Winner of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards 2012. Mayor Lina O. Montilla, upon receiving the award, stated that the 2-Million peso incentive will be used for infrastructure projects. “Dapat lang na bumalik ito sa mga Tacurongnons,” Montilla said.

                Residents of Tina were happy to hear the news: “Bilang mangunguma diri sa Tina, una una ang amon gid nga ginapangayo nga matutukan amu ang farm to market road… sa subong nga ara na, daku ni siya nga bulig sa amon.”

 The said ordinance will be one of the businesses for SP-Tacurong’s 3^rd regular session for CY 2013. Other businesses include matters on Priority Projects/Programs/Activities of Brgy. Calean; transport organizations’ request for previous loading areas; and resolution request supporting  DOT’s accreditation of tourism establishments.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano & Myla D. Muyco

89 LGU, barangay officials undergo anti graft and corruption seminar

           Fifty-nine LGU-Tacurong officials and 30 barangay chairpersons and treasurers participated in the Public Accountability and Values Formation Seminar (Module II) conducted on January 17-18, Jims Place II, Tacurong City.

            Module II is designed in response to the Anti-Graft and Corruption Prevention of the Transparency International Philippines and Office of the Ombudsman. Speaker and facilitator Jeannie Escolano discussed the biblical implications of moral values that are said to be necessary in public service.

            “Alam ko ang korupsyon maiiwasan yan kapag lahat tayo may malasakit…malasakit sa kapwa, malasakit sa bayan,” Escolano said as he began his two-day lecture. Escolano, throughout the seminar, challenged Tacurongnons to maintain and enhance positive practices and values in the workplace and even at home.

            Participants, led by Vica Mayor Charito L. Collado, agreed that the seminar was able to enrich their commitment to public service.

The Human Resource Management Office of the City Government of Tacurong, in cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman, continues to organize activities that support the national government’s battle against graft and corruption.

            The participants had already undergone Module I of the said seminar on October 19-20, 2011.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU helps former OFWs start micro-finance venture

            The City Government of Tacurong released P75,000.00 to the Balikbayan at Kapamilya Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Association on December 26, 2012, to serve as seed capital in starting its own micro-finance business.

The said amount was sourced out from the Mayor’s Fund or Supplemental Budget #3, upon a proposal prepared by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and SEA-K. 

The Balikbayan at Kapamilya SEA-K is composed of 15 members who are former overseas Filipino workers and family members of OFWs residing in barangays within the city. The association is interested to undertake and manage a sustainable micro-finance business to help augment family income and contribute to the development of their community.

The organization was divided into three groups of 5 members. Each member received P5,000.00, hence the P75,000.00 seed capital. The group shall adopt loan procedures and lending policies as stipulated in the SEA-K scheme.

Project Evaluation Officer Josephine Ubaldo is positive that the group shall be able to generate sufficient savings after paying back the said capital to the LGU. “I believe they will be able to continue and administer their own savings and credit program,” Ubaldo said.

            Balibayan at Kapamilya SEA-K agreed on a monthly loan repayment amounting P3,125.00 for 24 months. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano (with report from CSWDO)

Former RP champion from Tacurong retains Mindanao boxing title

Twenty-eight year old Philip Parcon of Barangay Tina, Tacurong City, successfully defended his Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation (MINPROBA) Junior Bantamweight title against challenger Joash Aparicio of Tagum City in the main event of Hinugyaw Festival Boxing Championship on January 6, 2013 in Koronadal City.

Parcon won the exciting ten-round fight via unanimous decision in front of hundreds of boxing fans who trooped to the open ground of Gaisano Grand on Sunday night.

A day after retaining his title, Parcon and his promoter, Vic Adriano of Davao City, paid a courtesy call to Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla and present the belt. The mayor congratulated Parcon in his latest feat and said that he is another hidden gem of Tacurong.

The mayor was actually surprised that there is a Tacurongnon boxer who had been making a name in the national boxing scene. It was the first time that Parcon paid a visit to the city hall.

Parcon turned pro in 2002 and in a span of ten years, he had fought for national and international titles. In 2005, he was able to capture the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) minimumweight title by defeating Dennis Juntillano. In 2006, Parcon ventured to the higher flyweight division and defeated Lito Sisnorio to get the PBF flyweight title.

Parcon also fought for World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title in 2004 in Thailand against the hometown boxer Oleydong Sithsamerchai but he lost via unanimous decision.

The boxer from Tacurong had been out of the boxing ring for two years (2010 and 2011), but he is currently  fighting his way to capturing back the Philippine title and eventually get another crack at an international crown.

Since 2007, he entered the boxing ring only seven times but had won six of those matches. (Allan Freno)

LGU fully implements anti-smoking ordinance

                An ordinance regulating the smoking in public places and prohibiting smoking for minors in the City of Tacurong (Ordinance 13-2011) is now in full implementation.

                With the said anti-smoking ordinance, business establishments will be required to designate smoking areas to protect non-smokers. The City Health Office (CHO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Engineering Office will be inspecting the suitability of the smoking areas. Sixty days after the ordinance’s effectivity, CHO and Licensing Office shall conduct ocular inspection to determine the compliance of business establishments in the city.

Business establishments are also prohibited to sell cigarettes or tobacco products to minors. Further, smoking inside a government-owned or public utility vehicle whether moving and stationery is considered illegal.

Corresponding penalties will be meted to those who will violate the provision of the ordinance.

                “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.

City Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, one of the principal authors of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, said that billboards and signage will be posted in various areas to notify the public of the restrictions and penalties of the ordinance.

Prior to the full implementation of said ordinance, an orientation among the determined city anti-smoking enforcers was conducted on November 26, 2012. Salient points of the ordinance were discussed among 33 representatives of Task Force Talakudong, DepEd, PNP, civilian volunteer officers, barangay councils, traffic enforcers, etc. Tacurong Anti-Smoking Task Force (TAS-TF) was also created to take charge of the full implementation of the ordinance.

Aside from Councilor Sucaldito, other sponsors of the city’s anti-smoking law are Councilors Joseph George L. Lechonsito, and Benjamin P. Fajardo Jr. 

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU holds one stop shop for business licensing

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City started today the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) that seeks to speed up the processing of permits of individuals or companies operating businesses within the city.

The city gymnasium is used as the venue of the one stop shop that will run until January 21.

Under the BOSS, the fastest a client could complete the processing of business permit is less than thirty minutes provided all the needed requirements are presented. Licensing Officer Rene Torreflores said that business operators were given ample time since October last year to comply the requirements.

If a client has all the required documents, there are only three steps in renewal of business permits. First is accomplishing the Business Permit Unified Form for computation of business tax and regulatory fees; second is payment and issuance of business permit along with the signature of the City Treasurer; and third is the approval of the business permit by the City Mayor or the City Administrator. A fourth step though is required for new business applications (client goes to BIR for business registration).

For business operators who have yet to comply the stipulated requirements, offices under the LGU as well as national line agencies are found at the venue of the BOSS.

Seven offices under the LGU have personnel assigned at the venue to accommodate clients. These include the Office of the City Mayor (License Inspection Services Section and Economic Enterprise Management and Slaughterhouse), City Engineering Office, City Planning and Development Coordinating Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Office for City Health Services, City Treasury Office, and City Administrator’s Office.

Six national line agencies involved in business licensing are also at the BOSS venue: the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Trade and Industry, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

As anticipated, few clients went to the BOSS venue on the first day, but City Administrator Eduardo Nicolo expects that bulk of business operators will flock in the venue starting next week.

In 2011, a total of 1,191 permits were processed under the BOSS. The figure exceeded the LGU’s target of 841. Torreflores said that they expect an increase in the figure in this year’s one stop shop. (Allan Freno)