Lokal na pamahalaan ng Tacurong, mas pinapalakas ang pagsusulong sa gender-sensitive governance

Pinapalakas pa lalo ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tacurong ang pagsusulong sa gender-sensitive governance. Isang paraan na dito ang pagtatag sa Gender and Development o GAD Focal Point System na binuo sa bisa ng Executive Order na inilabas ni Mayor Lina Montilla noong Agosto 29 nitong taon.

Ang Gad Focal Point System ay tumutukoy sa grupo ng mga tao taglay ang layunin na pahalagahan ang karapatan ng mga kababaihan sa lipunan at isulong ang mga programang nag-aangat sa kanila. Ang GAD Focal Point System na pinagtibay ng Republic Act Number 9710 o Magna Carta of Women ay binubuo ng Executive Committee, Technical Working Group at Secretariat. Para sa lungsod ng Tacurong, tumatayong chairperson ng ExeCom si Mayor Lina Montilla at Vice Chairperson naman si Vice Mayor Joseph Lechonsito.

Mga kasapi naman ng EceCom ang lahat ng department heads ng LGU ganundin si City Councilor Charito Collado na pinuno ng SP Committee on women, Children and Family, Councilor Cirilo Flores na pinuno ng SP Committee on Finance, Liga ng mga Barangay President Hernani Fermo at City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto Sero, Jr.

Kasama din sa mga myembro ng Execom ang mga kinatawan ng City Schools Division, Department of Labor and Employment, Tacurong PNP, Kapisanan ng Liping Pilipina, at Women with Disability. Kasama naman sa Technical Working Group at Secretariat ang mga kawani ng LGU na kumakatawan sa ibat ibang mga tanggapan nito.

Magugunitang bago pa man maitatag ang GAD Focal Point System, nauna nang nakabuo ng GAD Task Force ang lungsod ng Tacurong. At dahil kailangang mas palakasin pa ang pagsulog sa gender-sensitive programs, binuo ang GAD Focal Point System.  Sa pagkakabuo nito, ang mga opisyal at kawani ng LGU ay responsable sa pagsusulong ng gender and development sa pagbalangkas ng mga batas sa gobyerno, pagplano sa budget, at pagpapatupad ng mga programa kabilang na ang monitoring at evaluation.

Noong Setyembre 9 ay nagdaos ng unang meeting ang mga kasapi ng GAD Focal Point System na pinangunahan ni Mayor Montilla. Nagbigay din ng orientation at briefing si CLGO Officer Sero sa mga isinasaad ng mga kaukulang batas at memorandum circular sa pagbuo ng GAD Focal Point System.

Inaasahan naman na sa pagbalangkas ng budget para sa susunod na taon, lubos pang mabibigyang-pansin na ang GAD programs. Isinasaad sa batas na limang porsyento ng kabuuang budget ng isang LGU ay nakalaan sa GAD. Sa ilalim ng GAD, ang mga babae ay binibigyan ng patas na oportunidad sa mga lalaki sa lahat ng aspeto ng pamumuhay sa lipunan. Isinusulong din nito ang lahat ng mga proteksyon sa mga babae laban sa diskriminasyon at pang-aabuso. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

Tacurong City Employees Association celebrates 20th anniversary

LGU-Tacurong City employees’ association dubbed as TACEA (Tacurong City Employees Association) celebrated its 20th foundation anniversary on June 30, 2014.

In time for the celebration of this milestone, TACEAns gathered for their annual general assembly after their morning parade around the city. During the assembly, TACEA’s new set of officers were elected. The annual financial and accomplishment reports were also delivered.

“TACEA had been very active in advocating for employees’ benefits and privileges. We are very thankful that the city officials have been very supportive in all our programs,” said TACEA President Amelia Bochorno.

Mayor Lina O. Montilla and City Councilor Benjamin Fajardo Jr., chairperson of the SP Committee on Labor and Employment, participated during the general assembly.

During the assembly, TACEAns agreed to support the LGU and Jollibee’s Busog Lusog Talino Program. Four hundred seventy-two (472) TACEAns pledged to contribute PhP200.00 to adopt a new school for the BLT program. BLT is a daily lunch feeding program that aims to reduce malnutrition and drop-out rate in elementary schools. A BLT school needs P57,600.00 to feed 40 undernourished Grade 1 & 2 pupils for 120 days. This cost does not cover expenses on parent seminars and orientations, and purchase of eating and cooking utensils.

In the evening, TACEAns enjoyed a dinner program. The new set of officers took oath before Mayor Montilla. Bochorno was re-elected as president.

TACEAns who brought pride to the association by winning various awards in the regional level received medals of recognition. Prizes were also given out during the raffle draw.

“TACEA is an institution. It has policies and programs. Bisan kita mag-retire, magpabilin ang TACEA as an institution,” said PIPSEA President Falix Cabuguas Jr. PIPSEA stands for Philippine Independent Public Sector Employees Association, the national confederation of government employees. Cabuguas was the association’s honored guest during its evening celebration. He also shared updates on laws concerning the public sector workforce.

“Sustaining 20 years of unity is never easy but TACEA proved that it is possible. Nalipay ako nga nahimo ako nga parte sang sini nga asosasyon,” said Mayor Montilla. Montilla is one of TACEA’s honorary members.

In the Philippines, there are 1.5 million government employees. Only 21% of this number had been organized as unions and associations. “Among the most active unions in the country are unions in the SoCCSKSarGen area,” said PIPSEA President Cabuguas.
(LGU Tacurong City Information)

Talakudong Sports Camp closes with 552 graduates

Five hundred fifty-two (552) participants of the Talakudong Summer Sports Camp graduated on May 28, 2014 in Tacurong City.

The camp offered free trainings for eleven (11) sports events from April 21 to May 26, 2014. One hundred twenty (120) youth availed of the free dance sports classes. This event had the most number of participants. This was followed by badminton with 97 campers; volleyball (80); taekwondo (70); arnis (34); table tennis (30); softball (28); sepak takraw (25); soccer (25); athletics (22); and karatedo (19). The city government of Tacurong tapped experienced athletes and coaches to train the campers.

“Nagapasalamat kami sa mga ginikanan nga nagsuporta sa aton nga programa karon nga summer. Tani nabuligan namon kamo sa paghatag sang produktibo nga panahon para sa inyo nga kabataan,” said Mayor Lina Montilla during the closing ceremonies.

The city government, through the City Sports Council chaired by Mayor Montilla and co-chaired by City Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon, vows to conduct this camp annually with a regular budget allocation. SP Youth Committee chaired by City Councilor Welson Ferrer also backs this program that aims to develop skills and discipline among the youth.

(LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU-Tacurong receives 3-million peso performance challenge fund

DILG Assistant Regional Director Josephine C. Leysa, CESE awards the P3-million Performance Challenge Fund to Mayor Lina O. Montilla during the LGU Monday flag-raising ceremony on May 12, 2014. In the photo, the mayor was joined by City DILG Officer Alberto Sero Jr., Asst. RD Leysa, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, Tacurong City Police Chief Junny Buenacosa, city councilors, and LGU heads of offices. The PCF is awarded to Tacurong City for achieving the Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) in 2012. Silver SGH was awarded to Tacurong after passing the scaled-up SGH assessment on the following governance areas: accountable governance, transparent governance, and frontline service performance. The PCF will be used to fund local development projects in the LGU's 2014 Annual Investment Plan. “In the entire region, Tacurong ang ginagamit naming example to inspire other LGUs. You have been the leader LGU in Region XII when it comes to good governance. Our challenge would be for Tacurong to remain that way. Congratulations,” said ARD Leysa.

City Agri Office to complete Soil Fertility Profile in June

“Half of our 400 soil samples had already been analyzed for soil pH, and macro and micro elements. Our city’s soil fertility profile will be complete before June ends,” said City Agriculturist Ramon Losañes during a program for the Buwan ng Magsasaka’t Mangingisda on May 27, 2014.

The Office for the City Agricultural Services (OCAS) collected 400 soil samples in the city’s nineteen barangays in the first quarter of this year. “The soil samples we collected represent different ecosystems and crops planted,” added Losañes.

The Sultan Kudarat Soils Laboratory analyzes these soil samples for free.

OCAS updates Tacurong’s soil fertility profile every three years to provide farmers with reliable information for crop management. LGU Tacurong City Information

Tacurong 4-H Club members to become ATI’s agri-preneurs

Three Tacurong City 4-H Club members have been qualified to Agricultural Training Institute’s two-year college scholarship program in Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon.

Upon graduation, these scholars will then be required to submit business proposals to be funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“We call them agri-preneurs,” said City Agriculturist Ramon B. Losañes.

The scholars namely Carmi P. Kilayco, Renelyn P. Patiño, and Kryzza Thea H. Aposaga are among ATI’s sixteen scholars in Region XII. All three of them are graduates of A.S. Bernardo Memorial National High School in Barangay Baras, Tacurong City.

They will enjoy a free tuition fees, monthly allowance, and transportation allowance. DA-ATI will also shoulder other expenses relative to their school activities including their graduation expenses.  
(LGU Tacurong City Information)

Fifty Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong named

The city government of Tacurong released the names of its 50 scholars under the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong program or ILT on May 5, 2014.

The 50 scholars will enjoy a P5,000-peso tuition fee subsidy from the LGU until they finish their tertiary or vocational courses. They only have to maintain a general average grade of 80% per semester, without any failing grade. ILT program has a budget allocation of P500,000.00 for every school year. ILT will be implemented in academic institutions in the city starting SY 2014-2015. Click here to see complete list of scholars.

One hundred ten (110) incoming freshmen college students from the city’s 20 barangays were interviewed for the program. All of them applied and were able to submit all documentary requirements.

City Ordinance 08-2012 or an ‘Ordinance Establishing and Institutionalizing the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor’ was approved in 2012. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Tacurong’s water hyacinth guru shares skills to PAGLAUM mothers

“Gusto ko guid nga mabuligan ko man nga makabalo ang mga ara sa palibot ko, lalo na ang mga taga-diri sa Purok Onse, para tanan kami mag -asenso” said Mrs. Melinda Bonayos, owner of proprietor of Double Day Handicraft in Purok Onse, Poblacion. Bonayos is Tacurong’s pride in water hyacinth hand-weaving.

Mothers of Project PAGLAUM children-beneficiaries learned the basic skills in making hand-made water hyacinth souvenirs and products on May 8, 2014.

The participants started in cutting the dried water hyacinth stalks. After, they were taught how to make braids and twines. These are used as materials in making bags, purses, belts, leis, slippers, and more. Bonayos then taught the participants to make small pouches out of their braids and twines to hone their weaving skills.

“Para sa baguhan, ang isa ka bag nga medium-sized, mahimo sa isa ka bulan. Kung maayo na, apat ka bag ang mahimo sa isa ka adlaw,” said Bonayos. Dried and braided water hyacinth stalks can also be sold at P150.00 per meter.

Bonayos is very positive that water hyacinth handicraft skills will open more opportunities to the LGU’s Project PAGLAUM family-partners. LGU-Tacurong facilitated the training as part of its Project PAGLAUM.

LGU-Tacurong implements Project PAGLAUM through the Millennium Development Goals – Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum (MDG-FACES) of the DILG. The project aims to improve living conditions of 40 children-beneficiaries in the city’s lone slum area—Purok Onse in Barangay Poblacion. Children, mothers, family members, community leaders and stakeholders were involved and mobilized towards a more livable, healthy, and child-friendly Purok Onse. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU build up SPES involvement in dev’t projects

LGU-Tacurong, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), takes SPES implementation a notch higher by involving student-grantees in multi-stakeholder development projects in the city.  

PEACE Summer Reading & Math Camp

Glyza Rea, 16, a BSED student of SKSU, thought that she will be assigned with routinely office tasks for her summer job in the LGU.

However, the LGU has something better in mind for her and for other grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES.

On April 21, Glyza and 8 other grantees who are education majors started rendering their service as reading mentors in the LGU’s PEACE Summer Reading and Math Camp in Barangay Grino, Tacurong City. As reading mentors, they are tasked to assist teachers in facilitating classroom learning discussions and in preparing materials.

Also members of the PEACE Camp Staff are three SPES grantees taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management. They are tasked to help in the daily lunch feeding program of the camp.

The camp aims to improve competencies of incoming Grade III pupils to prepare them for the National Achievement Test. Most pupil-campers belong to indigent families in the barangay.

The PEACE Summer Camp is an initiative of the LGU co-funded by SEAOIL,in partnership with KAYA NATIN Movement, Ateneo School of Governance and DILG.

SPES reading mentors and feeding support staff are also required to submit daily observation reports. This helps LGU camp staff in documenting and monitoring children’s improvement in the learning areas and even on their nutritional status.

Project PAGLAUM, achieving MDGs

On April 22, forty SPES grantees have undergone orientation on the LGU’s Project PAGLAUM under the Millennium Development Goals-Family Based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum or MDG-FACES.

Project PAGLAUM is being implemented among forty family-partners in Purok Onse, Barangay Poblacion.

Each family-partner is assigned with one SPES grantee.

Each member of the SPES team for Project PAGLAUM conducts intake interview and data gathering in his/her assigned family-partner. A SPES grantee under the project also maintains a daily journal. This journal contains all his/her observations and other necessary information that may be useful in developing interventions for the family-partners.

With the guidance of city social workers, SPES grantees also conduct/facilitate project activity planning and monitoring. Among activities that will be facilitated are sessions on proper hygiene, clean-up and flower gardening, and group dynamics. SPES grantees are also involved in facilitating children’s rights and gender sensitivity training for the children and their parents.

They are tasked to submit photo documentation of each family-partner’s significant tasks and activities.

Project PAGLAUM prioritizes children’s rights to a peaceful and healthy environment. This project was conceived when LGU-Tacurong City became a recipient of DILG’s MDG-FACES Program.

According to Mayor Lina O. Montilla, SPES grantees’ involvement in the LGU’s development projects is a manifestation of its willingness to engage the youth in the process of nation-building. “Bisan sa nubo nga panahon nga ma-involve sila sa projects, ginalauman namon nga madala kag masapuso nila ang aton nga mga adbokasiya,” Mayor Montilla added.

Mayor Montilla joins World Urban Forum in Colombia

Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla was among the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) delegates to the World Urban Forum on April 5-11 in the City of Medellin, Colombia.

With her were Balanga City Mayor and LCP National Vice Chairperson Joet Garcia, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy, and Candon City Mayor Ericson Singson. They were accompanied by a member of the LCP secretariat Mr. Vaughn delos Reyes.

The LCP delegates’ participation was sponsored by the Cities Alliance through the Knowledge Management and Exchange System (KMES) project. The Philippines was among the 160 participating countries in the said forum.

The city of Medellin and the Colombian government hosted the World Urban Forum with Medellin being an international example of urban transformation through social urbanism. This city had exemplified its prioritization of vulnerable communities with solutions for accessible mobility, inclusive governance, and quality education with focus on community libraries, recovery of public space and green areas throughout the city.

On April 7, the LCP delegates made a courtesy call to Medelline City Mayor Anibal Gaviria Correa. Mayor Anibal, during the meeting, affirmed the possibility of a joint program with the LCP.
“This is an overwhelming opportunity for a very young and small city like ours…but surely, this experience will help us increase our opportunities for growth, learning, and partnerships,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla. LGU Tacurong City Information

86 pupils embark on LGU Summer Reading and Math Camp

Eighty-six incoming Grade 3 pupils in Barangay Grino, Tacurong City have been chosen to participate in the PEACE Summer Reading and Math Camp from April 21 to May 12, 2014.
The pupils of Dr. Manuel J. Grino Memorial Central School (DMJGCS) received free workbooks and school supplies during the camp’s first day. Pupil-campers were grouped into five according to their reading abilities.

During the launching program, LGU officials led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and DepEd-Tacurong administrators asked the pupil-campers’ parents to help teachers in nurturing the children’s love for learning.

Through this 15-day summer camp, the LGU hopes to improve the schoolchildren’s reading and math competencies and to prepare them for the National Achievement Test in the coming school year. The LGU also included a daily lunch feeding program for the pupil-campers’ nourishment and motivation.

The PEACE (Promoting and Empowering Actions for Children’s Education) Summer Camp had been made possible through the LGU’s partnership with SEAOIL Foundation, KAYA NATIN Movement, Ateneo School of Governance and DILG. Local stakeholders have also been pouring their support to augment other camp needs. LGU grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) were assigned to assist teachers in the classes and to prepare the campers’ needs in the daily feeding activity.

City Councilor Psyche Sucaldito heads the camp staff composed of selected LGU employees from different offices.

SEAOIL extended a P50,000-grant for Project PEACE when  LGU-Tacurong’s proposal  ranked third among  other proposals submitted by LGUs and schools nationwide for the Champions for Education and Good Governance. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU supports DOH anti-dengue campaign with Limpyo Kalog

12 April 2014 – Tacurongnons cleaned up the main canals of Barangay Poblacion during the conduct of the 10^thLimpyo Kalog activity. This activity was in support of the anti-dengue campaign of the Department of Health. Specifically, it endeavours to help minimize the alarming cases of dengue in Tacurong which increased on the first quarter of the year.

Among the participants in the said activity were the Local Government Unit of Tacurong, Task Force Talakudong (TFT), 33^rd Infantry Batallion and 601^st Brigade of the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Nuestra Señora Dela Candelaria Parish.

Participants were assigned on different locations to assure that the clean-up activity would clear areas capable of holding water and become breeding spots for dengue mosquitoes.

Limpyo Kalog started in the year 2010 through the initiative of SP member Psyche M. Sucaldito. This year, a proposed ordinance authored by Sucaldito was intended for the institutionalization of Limpyo Kalog and is on its way for approval by the city council. If approved, Limpyo Kaloag shall be done quarterly. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

87% of registered jobseekers qualified during Summer Job Fair 2014

Ninety five out of 109 registered applicants qualified to various vacant positions offered by local employers during the Summer Job Fair 2014 on April 11 at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College Gymnasium.

There were six employers in the job fair: Swana Mercantile, Inc.; KCC Mall of Koronadal; Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions; VMC Asian College Foundation; Radiowealth Finance Company and; Washington Dadiangas Consolidated Distributor.

The said event was particularly intended for the graduates of academic year 2013-2014, particularly residents of Tacurong City.

All qualified individuals are possible employees so long as they are able to comply all necessary requirements given out by their respective employers.

The job fair was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Local Government Unit of Tacurong, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), PESO-based schools – VMC Asian College Foundation, Notre Dame of Tacurong College, and Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology –, and STI College of Tacurong. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Senator Trillanes turns over gym, vehicles to Tacurong City

Senator Antonio ‘Sonny’ Trillanes led the symbolic turn-over ceremony of the Tacurong city gymnasium to Mayor Lina O. Montilla, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, and Sangguniang Panlungsod members, March 31.

The senator as well turned over eighteen vehicles to the city’s barangay officials.

In 2012, when he was invited as the Guest of Honor in the city’s Barangay Day, Senator promised to allocate funds for the completion of the Tacurong City Gymnasium and at the same time promised to provide utility vehicles for the different barangays in the city. A year later, a 5 million-peso allocation was given for the implementation of the said pledge.

“We will not be tired in helping Tacurong City,” said Senator Trillanes as he spoke among the civil servants of Tacurong during the LGU’s the flag raising ceremony, March 31.

In 2011, Trillanes allocated P5 million for the construction of the Tacurong City Medical and Dental Center.

In his message, Senator Trillanes reported that he is among the signatories of the Salary Standardization Law 3 that endeavours to increase the benefits of the civil servants in the country. He also told Mayor Montilla, “If there are more proposed projects from your city, my office will always be waiting.” He further explained that despite the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), he will find a way to extend help for the city.

He is among the most productive members of the senate, who ranked 4th before the 2013 senatorial elections with more than 30 senate bills passed into law. He also ranked second among senators with most number of national bills sponsored and committee hearings conducted.

Senator Trillanes’ visit to Tacurong was also in time with the commencement exercises of the Sultan Kudarat State University where he was the invited speaker. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Pupils achieve normal BMI through LGU, Jollibee feeding program

One hundred thirty (130) pupils achieved normal body mass index (BMI) after having completed the 136-feeding day cycle of LGU-Tacurong and Jollibee Group Foundation’s Busog Lusog Talino (BLT) Program for School Year 2013-2014, according to LGU BLT Team year-end report. 

When the BLT program started on 5 August 2013, 160 pupils were selected from four schools—Dr. Manuel J. Griño Central Memorial Elementary School, Tina Elementary School, J. Hector Lacson Elementary School, and Josue S. Alcasid Central School. Out of 160 pupils, 96 or 60% were severely wasted while 64 or 40% were wasted.

However, only 151 out of 160 were able to complete the 136-feeding day cycle; nine pupils were not able to complete the feeding days because they changed residence or they transferred school. 

Out of 151, only one remained severely wasted; 20 are wasted; and 130 achieved normal BMI. “The program, based on these results, has a significant impact on pupils’ nutritional status,” said Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, head of the LGU BLT Team. “However, we hope that next year, we will be able to help all pupils to normalize their BMI,” Sucaldito added.

Pupils’ BMI were evaluated by personnel under the RN Heals Program of the Department of Health-SK Chapter. 

In addition to the improved nutritional status, teachers also attested to the pupils’ better class participation. 

LGU-Tacurong gave BLT Academic Excellence Awards to BLT pupils who were included in the school’s honor roll. There were 27 awardees in all. 

The LGU also recognized the contribution of partner-stakeholders, school feeding coordinators, and principals during the BLT Year-end Stakeholders Meeting on March 31. Stakeholders include the Jollibee-Tacurong, Rotary Club of Tacurong, DOH-SK, DepEd Tacurong, Phil. Medical Association-SK, Phil. Dental Association-SK, Tacurong City Employees Association, Tacurong City Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative, COTAMPCO, PICPA-SK, Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and SP-Tacurong. 

Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito expressed their support to the continuous implementation of the BLT Program in SY 2014-2015. “We might even expand the program to other schools in the coming years. With the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for budget allocation, and of more groups and individuals, nothing is impossible,” said Montilla.

For SY 2014-2015, Jollibee Group Foundation reduced the feeding days to 120, with a budget of P12.00/meal/pupil from P11.00 last year. The LGU encourages groups and individuals to sponsor BLT pupils; only P1,440.00 is needed to feed a child in 120 days. 

The Jollibee Group Foundation works with organizations and local government units to implement Busog Lusog Talino in cities and municipalities nationwide.  LGU-Tacurong City Information

TACEMPCO declares 24-Million total assets

In its annual general assembly attended by 273 members comprising 70 per cent of the total membership, Tacurong City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TACEMPCO) declared that its total assets has gone up to P24.87 million at the end of 2013.

TACEMPCO Manager Shirley Fernandez, in her report presented during the 15th on March 29, said that the coop’s assets recorded an increase of P3.30 million compared to its 2012 assets of P21.57 million. Fernandez also reported that at the end of 2013, the coop recorded a net income of P2.36 million from its lending services, cash loans, and consumer services.

Aside from Fernandez, other officers and various committee chairpersons of the TACEMPCO also rendered their respective annual reports during the assembly.

TACEMPCO Chairperson Imelda Pamplona presided over the annual assembly and also rendered her report.

The impressive performance of TACEMPCO was commended by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Specialist Flora Castro who graced the event and gave inputs on how to improve more the operation of the coop.

Castro said that out of the more than 700 cooperatives in Sultan Kudarat registered to the CDA, there are only 90 that remained to be active and TACEMPCO is one of those active cooperatives.

Mayor Lina Montilla and City Councilor Benjamin Fajardo Jr., both present during the assembly, lauded the good standing of TACEMPCO in the cooperative circle. Both promised their all-out support to the future activities of the coop.

Another highlight of the assembly was the election of new set of officers for vacant positions. Newly-elected Board of Directors included Diana Guadalupe, Roger Arzagon and Radney Ganzon. Ms. Rudiliza Bello was elected as Audit Committee member, while Ms. Candy Leen Baulete and Ester Layam were reelected as members of the Election Committee.

The distribution of more than P1 million dividends on share capital and patronage refunds for the coop members also highlighted the whole-day activity. Various prizes were also given away during the raffle draw. The grand prize, a brand new refrigerator, was won by Leilani dela Cruz of the City Treasury Office. (LGU Tacurong Information)

LGU-Tacurong City wants zero TB deaths

LGU-Tacurong City through the Office for the City Health Services (OCHS) enjoined the participants of the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day Forum to be advocates of TB testing, treatment, and cure for all towards achieving zero TB deaths. This call is in line with the 2014 World TB Day theme: A TB Test, Treatment, and Cure for All. The forum was conducted on March 28.

OCHS advised participants to encourage suspected TB-infected individuals to avail of the free sputum exam at the city health center. TB, if detected and treated early, can be cured.


Tacurong TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) center caters child and adult patients with TB of all forms for free, whether they are PhilHealth members or not. TB treatment takes a minimum of six months given that the patient is not multi-drug resistant.

Once detected, TB patients must undergo treatment for two weeks to eliminate the possibility of infecting other people around them. Right after detection, the patient will have to immediately proceed to the city’s TB-DOTS center for counseling and to get his/her medicines. From the second day to the sixth month, the patient must meet with the barangay health worker everyday. However, the patient must again undergo a sputum exam at the city health center before the second month ends. The patient will again undergo the sputum exam before the fourth and fifth month ends.

In 2013, Tacurong OCHS detected 138 TB cases, and cured 89 patients. Most patients cannot complete the free 6-month TB counseling and treatment. “Karamihan sa mga pasyente, hindi kayang makipagkita sa kanilang rural health worker araw-araw for treatment. Sabi ng iba, dahil walang pamasahe, dahil sa stigma, o dahil wala daw sapat na pagkain araw-araw,” said Lorelie Muyuela, OCHS Nurse. TB patients constantly feel hungry especially if they are in high dosage medication. “We hope to increase our TB cure rate this year by involving sectors in the community. We hope to encourage TB patients to complete their treatment to be cured,” said Dr. Giovanni Deles, City Health Officer.

Tuberculosis remains the 6th cause of death and morbidity in the Philippines. Three out of ten Filipinos have tuberculosis. World TB Day was celebrated on March 24, 2014. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU-Tacurong assesses business permit and licensing system

Key officials and heads of offices of the LGU-Tacurong City and partner-agencies participated in the Diagnostic Workshop on the Regulatory Simplification for LGUs (RS4LGUs) on Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) on March 26, 2014. Through the workshop, participants assessed the current system of business permit and licensing, determining strengths and areas for improvement. Professor Simeon Elago of UP-NCPAG, workshop facilitator, emphasized the importance of assessing the LGU’s BPLS from the perspective of the business applicant. "The LGU must ensure that regulatory policies support simplification of the process for the clients," Elago said. This workshop is the LGU’s first step in improving its BPLS. The RS4LGUs program applies a four-phase approach: diagnosis, design, implementation, and evaluation. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

DOH XII Rabies Coordinator: Be an advocate of wound care

Department of Health (DOH) Regional Rabies Coordinator for SOCCSKSARGEN Ali Tumama, MD advised all participants of the Rabies Awareness Month forum to educate the community regarding wound care, specially those who are exposed to animals who might be infected with rabies virus.

The City Health Office spearheaded the event and was attended by the different City Community Volunteer Health Workers of the 20 barangays in Tacurong City last March 26 at Edjin Pension House.

The event aims to educate all health workers in the city on the upshots of rabies and how it infects its victims as well as the do’s and don’ts in providing treatment of those infected. Lectures on “Rabies on Dogs” and “Rabies on Humans” were discussed by City Veterinarian Hermenegilda Sanque, VMD and Asst. City Health Officer Efraim Collado, MD respectively.

Dr. Tumama also commended the city government for its immense support in the advocacy of making Tacurong City a rabies-free community, having no record of rabies cases for the past year.
Tacurong is also one of the two nominees of Region XII on the national level as a “rabies-free area” together with Cotabato City.

This activity is part of the scheduled events in celebration of Rabies Awareness Month which kicked off on March 8. It carries the theme “Working together for a Rabies Free Philippines.” (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Phil Army celebrates 117th Anniversary

Walk for Peace 2014. Approximately 500 students, civilians, and soldiers celebrated the Philippine Army (PA) 117^th anniversary on March 22, 2014 by joining the Walk for Peace 2014. The 601st Unifier Brigade organized this event to commemorate the national celebration. The event gathered PA’s public and private partners in maintaining peace and order. These include various organizations such as: LGU-Tacurong City; Rotary and Rotaract Club of Tacurong; religious sector; business sector; the Philippine National Police (Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat); Local Women Development Federation; academic institutions; and media. Prior to the walk, participants enjoyed a Zumba session. “Kailangang unahin ang pagbigay-pansin sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Kaya nagkaron kami ng paradigm shift: instead of winning the war, we want to win peace,” said Col. Melquiades Feliciano, 601^st Brigade Commander. Phil. Army’s 117^thAnniversary carries the Army Core Purpose as its theme—Serving the People, Securing the Land. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

Project PAGLAUM in Tacurong wins more support from stakeholders

Sino pa ba ang magdadamayan, kundi tayo-tayo rin, says a song for the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals.

These lines were truly evident during the Project PAGLAUM Strategic Formulation and Action Planning Workshop on 21 March 2014. LGU-Tacurong City’s Project PAGLAUM continues to gain support from local stakeholders for the improvement of the lives of 40 family beneficiaries in one of the city’s slum areas—Purok Onse, Barangay Poblacion. During the workshop, stakeholders identified and submitted their proposed services and programs that could strengthen Project PAGLAUM.

Prior to this planning workshop, family beneficiaries identified three key problems and issues through surveys and interviews: economic (poverty, hunger, and low family income; peace and order (illegal drugs and gambling); environmental (improper solid waste management and unsanitary/no toilet ).

Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative or SUKELCO committed to help in addressing the problems on peace and order by rehabilitating street lights in the area. This includes free light inspacetions and free light installations. Families said that dark alleys encourage lawless acts at night. SUKELCO will also explore the possibilities of funding livelihood programs for the families.

Meanwhile, the Extension Office of Sultan Kudarat State University-Tacurong Campus guaranteed their support in the conduct of livelihood trainings through their existing programs such as urban gardening and Cavendish banana processing. With the LGU Agriculture Office, SKSU is determined to offer these trainings to uplift the economic status of the 40 families under Project PAGLAUM.  

The Tacurong City Police Office also vowed to intensify Oplan Kalampag, its campaign against illegal drugs. Drug users and pushers are said to usually take refuge in Purok Onse because of its location.

DepEd Tacurong further committed to conduct drug education symposia to spread awareness on the disadvantages of illegal drugs. This effort will supplement PNP’s goal to eradicate the use of illegal drugs.
Tacurong City Employees Association and Tacurong City Employees Cooperative are also determined to help families by conducting parent effectiveness seminars.

Aside from these local partners, other LGU offices such as the Planning and Development Office Coordinating Office, Engineering Office, Public Employment Service Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Health Office, Treasury Office, Accounting Office, and Registry Office committed their services for the project. The barangay government of Poblacion has also expressed its commitment in sustaining the project.

“We will consolidate these plans of action for finalization. We will unify our efforts so that there will be no duplication of programs; DILG and the LGU will make sure that our efforts will converge towards poverty alleviation,” said City DILG Officer Alberto Sero.

Project PAGLAUM prioritizes children’s rights to a peaceful and healthy environment. This project was conceived when LGU-Tacurong City became a recipient of DILG’s MDG Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum (FACES) Program. One in every three slum dwellers is a child.

 “I believe that we will achieve our goal. Project PAGLAUM will be sustained because of this tremendous support from local partners,” said Mayor Lina Montilla during the workshop.

Project PAGLAUM monitoring team is headed by City Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU promotes gender sensitivity in public service

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City engaged 34 city, barangay, and DILG officials in a Gender Sensitivity Training on February 27-28, 2014 at Edjin Pension House & Restaurant, Tacurong City.

The activity facilitated awareness on gender concerns affecting public offices and clients, and even those that affect the participants and their families. Participants were also informed about gender and development laws. Equality of women and men officials and officers in development and nation building was also emphasized. 

Through the training, the LGU hopes to encourage the integration of gender and development perspective in the workplace. It gears on making the local government unit employees strong partners of the community in promoting gender and development in Tacurong. 

Republic Act 7192 or the Women in Development and Nation Building Act Sec. 27 and Republic Act 8174 (1996 General Appropriations Act) mandates all government agencies and instrumentality to integrate gender and development concerns into their plans, programs, projects, and office activities.

The resource speaker on gender sensitivity from the Civil Service Commission was tapped for this training.

LGU gender sensitivity trainings are conducted through the initiative of the City Human Resource Management Office. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

MOA for Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong underway

The local government unit of Tacurong and colleges in the city will soon enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong (ILT) program in the first semester of school year 2014-2015.

The ILT Board will formulate and finalize the MOA on April 1. It will then be presented to all representatives of colleges in the city on April 15.

In an initial meeting on March 20, city officials and representatives of Notre Dame of Tacurong College and Sultan Kudarat State University discussed the salient features of the City Ordinance 08-2012. The ordinance known as an ‘Ordinance Establishing and Institutionalizing the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor’ was approved in 2012, with an aim to implement the program in 2013.
However, the program implementation was affected by the city and barangay elections ban.

During the meeting, City Budget Officer Nestor Nomananap and City Accountant Elma Bides confirmed that ILT program has a budget allocation of P500,000.00 for every school year. Each ‘iskolar’ will be entitled to a P5,000.00 aid every semester, given that he/she passes the selection process.  This program will be open to incoming freshmen students of SY 2014-2015.

Applicants must be residents of Tacurong with good moral character, and whose parents’ annual gross income is not over 120,000.00. An applicant must not be over 22 years old and must have an average grade of 80%, without a failing grade in all his/her high school subjects. The program will not be accommodating those who have already availed government scholarships. No two members of a family shall be granted with ILT benefits at the same time. Grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES are also disqualified to avail of this scholarship.

“We are very eager to pursue with what we have started in 2012. We will identify and support brilliant students belonging to indigent families,” said Mayor Lina Montilla.

The ILT Board through its coordinator, Mr. Allan Freno, will soon release an announcement indicating the date of listing of applicants.

Councilor Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz (author), Councilor Psyche Sucaldito (co-author), and Councilor Benjamin Fajardo Jr. are positive that this program will not only sustain the iskolars’ education but will also give them opportunities to establish their careers.

ILT grantees will be supported by the LGU until they graduate from any vocational or tertiary courses.
-LGU Tacurong City Information

PNP-Tacurong receives new patrol car from Fil-Chinese Chamber

The Sultan Kudarat Tacurong Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCII) turned over a new patrol car to the PNP-Tacurong City through the local government unit on March 17, 2014.

The turned over vehicle is a multicab fabricated into a police mobile to further PNP-Tacurong’s operations.

The Rotary Club of Tacurong also turned over a stereo/amplifier set to help PNP with its information dissemination activities.

“This gesture from the business community manifests the strong public-private partnership in the city,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

P/Supt. Junny Buenacosa, PNP-Tacurong chief, signified his group’s commitment to sustain the city’s peace and order, and public safety. “Our [relatively] peaceful status..is a result of our partnerships with the LGU, non-government organizations, different sectors, city and barangay officials, and our friendly forces—the AFP, barangay intelligence networks, barangay tanods, CVOs, EORAs, etc.—their visibility makes lawless elements doubtful to do terroristic acts,” said Buenacosa.

Rotary Club of Tacurong is headed by Mr. Rey Miguel Lopez while FFCCCII is chaired by Mr. Manuel Ang. FCCCII actively represents the private sector in the City Peace and Order Council. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

Tacurong joins nationwide kick-off of Rabies Awareness Month

Tacurong City took part in the nationwide kick-off celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month last March 8, 2014 held at the City Hall Lobby. It carries the theme “Working together for a Rabies Free Philippines.”

The Provincial Veterinary Office chose Tacurong as the venue for the event considering that the city continues to be free of the rabies virus through the years. 

Mayor Montilla together with all sponsors, partners, and pet owners

The City Veterinarian, Dr. Herminigilda S. Sanque, MPA, encouraged the people of Tacurong to help maintain the status of the city as a rabies-free community. She further said, “Through the Rabies Awareness Month, we are able to do more information and dissemination activities in order to gradually reduce the incidences of rabies and prevent its increasing cases.”

She also expressed her gratitude to the partners who incessantly support this advocacy, namely: The Rotary Club of Tacurong; the Provincial Veterinary Office; all livestock personnel from the 11 municipalities of Sultan Kudarat; Canine Club Association of Tacurong; UNAHCO; Last Option Petshop; SKTSI; and the different public and private establishments/organizations in the province.

In his message, Rotary President Rey Miguel Lopez stressed out the fatal consequences of rabies and provided importance facts as to its risks especially with children. He also urged pet owners to be responsible individuals to their pets saying that the Rabies Awareness Month “is not only a city government affair, but a citizen affair.”

City Mayor Lina O. Montilla also delivered her message during the event. “The city government through the Office for City Veterinary Services has been very active in carrying out activities for rabies awareness,” she said while putting emphasis on the importance of unity in maintaining the city’s status as rabies-free. Further, she implied, “When it comes to rabies, our mantra is still ‘Prevention is the best medicine.’”

The city vet office conducting free dog vaccination

After the short program, the office of the city veterinary services conducted free dog vaccination. The Canine Club also had a dog walk at dawn of March 8. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

LGU Tacurong issues civil registry documents in security paper

In a bid to simplify procedures in civil registration, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong started issuing civil registry documents in Security Paper (SECPA).

In a simple launching ceremony at the city hall on March 10, City Mayor Lina Montilla, National Statistics Office (NSO) 12 Regional Director Maqtahar Manulon, NSO Provincial Director Rafael Sambrano, and City Civil Registrar Josephine Balino unveiled bundles of security papers in front of the anticipating crowd.

Aside from the LGU officials and employees, officials of the Department of Education-City Schools Division headed by OIC Superintendent Romelito Flores were present during the launching.

National line agencies such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) also sent representatives to witness the event. Alma Labrador, president of Sultan Kudarat Civil Registrars Association was also present.

With the SECPA implementation, Tacurong’s Civil Registry Office is authorized to print vital documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates in security papers.

In her message, Mayor Montilla said that the launching of the SECPA program is an offshoot of the LGU’s desire to shorten the service time in issuing civil registry documents.

“Our constituents need not also spend huge amount of money in going to NSO General Santos and idly wait in long queues waiting for the issuance of their registry documents in SECPA”, Mayor Montilla said.

The mayor also dubbed the SECPA program as “Project Lily” in honor of former City Civil Registrar Iglesia ‘Lily’ Madrigal who worked it out before she retired from government service. Madrigal was not able to witness the realization of the project she initiated as she succumbed to an illness and died last year.

Director Manulon lauded the city government for another notable accomplishment. He said that through the SECPA program, the volume of work in the NSO is made available to the LGU and thus the services are easily accessible to the public.

Meanwhile, representatives of the agencies who were present during the launching signified their support to the SECPA program of Tacurong saying that they will recognize the locally-issued civil registry documents their clients will submit.

Civil Registrar Balino informed the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), despite not having a representative to witness the launching, will accept civil registry documents in security paper issued by the LGU. She added that her office is still waiting for the same commitment from the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC).

The SECPA launching was realized after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed late last year among the participating agencies including LGU Tacurong City, NSO (currently the Philippine Statistics Authority), Philippine Association of Philippine Civil Registrars, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that prints the security paper. (AS Freno/LGU Tacurong City Information)

Montilla proclaims Tacurong a Smoke-Free City

“By the power vested in me as city mayor of Tacurong City, I, Lina O. Montilla, declare Tacurong City a Smoke-Free City.”

These were the words of the city mayor during the launch of the Smoke-Free ordinance on February 28, Friday at the city hall grounds.

The event began with a motorcade and parade participated by different public and private sectors in the community.

More than 30 agencies/organizations have shown support during the launch, including: the different divisions of the local government unit of Tacurong; the 20 Punong Barangays with their constituents; National Government Agencies;  Tacurong City Police Station;  Task Force Talakudong; CVO/TRACER/EORA; 33rd IB; 601st IB; RPSB; BFP; BJMP; RTC; City Prosecution Office; PAO; Rotary Club of Tacurong and Rotaract Club of Talakudong; Senior Citizens/Girl Scouts of the Philippines; Tricycles/Operators/Drivers’ Association (TODA); Chinese Chamber; Runners’ Club; Tacurong Bikers’ Association; SUKELCO; SKWD; PMA; PDA; TAMAVA; Amoil Clinic; Radyo Natin FM; Prime FM; and the different high schools and colleges within the vicinity of the city.

During the parade, participants were required to pick up cigarette butts along the parade route in exchange for prizes. This is to encourage a cleaner environment and a healthy living by eradicating the effects of cigarette smoking.

Francisco Y. Mateo, MD, MPH, OIC Assistant Regional Director of DOH XII, said that passing the smoke-free ordinance is a manifestation of the LGU’s strong commitment to provide its people with a healthy environment. He thanked the city council for coming up with a law that shall protect the health of its constituents, with emphasis on the next generation. He further shared that this move from the city is pertinent to the Department of Health’s “Pilipinas Go4Health” movement for a healthy lifestyle.

The author of the smoke-free ordinance, Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito, presented the salient features of the legislation to increase the public’s awareness. Under the passed ordinance, no individual or establishment shall be allowed to smoke except in designated smoking areas permitted. E-cigarettes are also prohibited. Also, no minor shall be allowed to purchase, distribute, or sell cigarettes. Individual violators of the ordinance shall pay 500.00, followed by a counselling session with the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Establishments found violating are to pay 1,000.00 (1st offense), 3,000.00 (2nd offense), and 5,000.00 (3rd and subsequent offenses).

Dr. Efraim Collado (Asst. City Health Officer) and Mr. Asher Moral (Supervisor, South Tacurong District), former cigarette smokers, shared their testimonies during the program. “Kung kaya ko, kaya nyo rin,” said Dr. Collado as he shared his struggle to quit smoking for a better lifestyle.

Esperanza Municipal Mayor Helen Latog also shared their LGU’s experience in enforcing the town’s anti-smoking ordinance which was passed in 2011.

Participants also signed the pledge of commitment as a symbolic act of support to the city’s endeavor. Winners of the on-the-spot poster making contest held in the morning of February 28 were also awarded during the program.

Mayor Montilla added that this ordinance would only be successful if there is a strong partnership with the constituents to make the city a healthier place to live in especially for the youth and the children.

A post-valentine smoke-free concert followed the launch with performances from the 6ID Band and the Tacurong City Band. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Purple Walk to commence city’s Women’s Month celebration

The city government urges everyone, regardless of gender preference, to join the Purple Walk on 8 March 2014, 4:00AM.

Purple Walk is the city’s opening salvo for the Women’s Month which is celebrated from March 1 to 31 nationwide.

Members of public and private organizations will gather at Tacurong city hall grounds to start the walk. Each Purple Walk participant will pay a P20.00-registration fee. Funds generated through this activity will be used to buy raincoats and umbrellas for indigent pupils.

A Zumba workout session and an opening program will follow the Purple Walk.

In 2013, the city government through the Local Women Development Council and the City social Welfare and Development Office gave 200 raincoats and umbrellas to pupils in Barangay D’Ledesma and New Passi. LGU-Tacurong started Purple Walk in 2013.

A forum on the role of women in times of disaster, conflict, and calamity will be conducted on March 28. Women will also enjoy free medical check-up, eye check-up, and dental check-up with extraction on the said date. Check-ups will be offered by women members of the Philippine Medical Association and Philippine Dental Association.

This year’s Women’s Month theme is Juana: Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong. The theme puts women empowerment in the context of the Filipino’s struggle to rise above disasters and calamities. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, this year's celebration of Women's Month pays tribute to the strong and resilient "Juanas" who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Baras Bird Sanctuary showcased in 9th Philippine Bird Festival

Tacurong City’s Baras Bird Sanctuary was showcased during Zamboanga City’s 1st Ecotourism Fair for the 9th Philippine Bird Festival on February 27 to March 2, 2014.

Photos of migratory birds inhabiting Tacurong’s one and three-fourth hectare-bird sanctuary were displayed for local and international bird watchers, students, and locals. These migratory birds include the Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Rufous Night Heron, Black-Crowned Night Heron, and Javan Pond. The exhibit also included the the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines’ sightings of the Variable Dwarf Kingfisher and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo.

The Philippine Bird Festival is organized by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) in different regions annually. Each festival is conducted in coordination with local government units, Department of Tourism, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This year’s festival theme is Birds: Fly Without Fear, Without Worry. In Chavacano, Pajaros: Bula sin Miedo, Sin Lingasa.

Visitors in Tacurong City's booth during the ecotourism fair for the Philippine Bird Festival

Bird watchers in Victoria wetlands

This year’s bird festival is participated by local and international bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and government and non-government organizations. Among the list were: Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Bird Watch Palawan, Haribon Foundation, Malaysian Nature Society, Polillo Islands Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc., Katala Foundation (Palawan), Save Freedom Island Movement, Earth Island Institute, Philippine Native Plant Society, Borneo Bird Club, Swarovski Optik, PENAGMANNAKI (Negros), DOT-CARAGA, Balanga City, and Bataan Province.

Participants of the 9th Philippine Bird Festival

Delegates were treated with a pre-festival tour to Victoria wetlands and Mt. Baluno, two of the popular bird-watching sites in Zamboanga City. During these visits, bird watchers spotted the Philippine woodpecker, whiskered tree-swift, sunbirds, serpent eagles, the endemic Zamboanga bulbul, among others. Bird watchers also had a glimpse of the Rufous hornbill, one of the most threatened birds in the Philippines.

WBCP also engaged college, high school and elementary students in the festival through lecture series on biodiversity and birding. Students also enjoyed guided bird watching trips and nature walks with the WBCP in the Intake watershed, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) fishponds/bird sanctuary, and Bog Lake.

The ZSCMST opened its gates to the public to showcase their bird sanctuary in their fisheries campus at the heart of the city. Mangroves serve as habitat and breeding grounds to migratory birds such as egrets and herons. After this year’s festival, WBCP identified 10 bird species in the sanctuary, in addition to the 31 previously identified species.

WBCP donated a spotting scope and four binoculars to ZSCMST for the school to continue to educate the public about bird conservation through their sanctuary.

LGU Tacurong City plans to work with WBCP to further develop and protect the Baras Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary serves as habitat and breeding ground for more than 20,000 egrets and herons. “There could still be more bird species that we can discover with the help of the wild bird club,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

SP passed 217 resolutions and ordinances in 2013

A total of 217 resolutions and ordinances were passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in the year 2013 as stated in the accomplishment report presented by City Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon during the monthly convocation program sponsored by the Office of the City Vice Mayor and Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on February 24.

In the report presented by Councilor Jamorabon in behalf of all the members of the Sanggunian, he said that the legislative branch of the local government unit worked hand-in-hand with Mayor Lina Montilla who has been handling the executive functions. The viable partnership between the executive and legislative departments were the reasons for the fast approval of legislations that are geared to benefit the general welfare.

Councilor Jamorabon also gave credits to the leadership of the former and current vice mayors for the accomplishments in the preceding year. The first half of 2013 was under the leadership of then last-termer Vice Mayor Charito Collado, while the second half was taken over by Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito after winning in the local elections.

Based on the report, there were 114 resolutions and ordinances under general administration in 2013. Other legislations included: Building operations (1); Capital projects/Improvements in public works (9); City planning, zoning, beautification, and tourism (4); Education and culture (7); Enactment of ordinances (12); Appropriations ordinances (6); Environmental quality and protection (2); Health and sanitation (11); Peace and order (6); Profession/Occupation (3); Business establishment and market (10); Public safety (2); Public utilities (1) and; Social services (30).

Other milestones of the legislative branch were also mentioned in the report. The 4^th and 5^thSP respectively were back to back winners of the Local Legislative Awards. The 5th SP even joined the elite top ten national finalists of the best-performing legislative bodies under the component cities category last year.

Moreover, Councilor Psyche Sucaldito was also adjudged by as one of the most outstanding councilors in the Philippines. She was also recognized by the AFP in connection to her active partnership with the various battalions of the Philippines Army for Project PSYCHE (Protects and Saves Young Children’s Hope for Education and a Clean and Healthy Environment).

The SP was also recognized in their blood donation programs such as the conduct of the Blood Donors Day every May 19^thand the PCL Blood Donors Day every first week of September. Said programs paved way for the conferment of the “Sandugo Kabalikat” award to the SP by the Philippine Red Cross.

Jamorabon further emphasized that the SP aspires to improve on health services, disaster preparedness, environment, and education, so they could give the best for the constituents of Tacurong in the year ahead. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Sangguniang Panlungsod issues “The Legislative”

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the city of Tacurong launched its very first news publication during their last week of sponsorship in the flag raising ceremony, Monday, February 24, 2014. The publication, dubbed as “The Legislative,” highlights the different activities in the last two quarters of 2013 on its first issue.

As described in the magazine type material, its cover “presents the newly-elected city officials of the City Government of Tacurong for Calendar Year 2013-2016 during their Inaugural Session and State of the City Address (SOCA) on July 3, 2013.”

Contents of the first issue include news articles regarding the 2014 annual city budget, Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) week celebration, different ordinances passed by the SP (including the “Comprehensive Tobacco/Smoking Control Ordinance of the City of Tacurong which will be launched this February 28 at the City Hall Grounds), feature articles on the recent SP members of the city, and many other information tools for public knowledge.

Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, in his message in the publication, hopes that “The Legislative” in effect would make the constituents be better informed on matters regarding their Sangguniang Panlungsod and would motivate them further to be involved in community building activities of the LGU.

The editorial staff is composed of various SP Members and staff, namely: Kristel Joy Decipolo (Editor-in-Chief); John Lechonsito, Jr. (News Editor); Ann Riza Pirote (Feature Editor/Layout Artist); Angelica Ann Jamorabon (Photographer); Den Perry Decretales (Contributor); Hon. Joseph George Lechonsito, Hon. Psyche Sucaldito, Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon, and SP Secretary Romel Dionela (Advisers).

Though the first issue covers July to December 2013, the upcoming issues of “The Legislative” will be released quarterly. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)