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)

FACE aims to help tourism and environmental awareness through cycling

After their participation in the TEN Enduro Pilipinas last January, the Tacurong Federation of All Terrain Cycling Enthusiasts (FACE) formalizes their group as the officers take oath on February 24 with Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla administering the pledge. FACE President Patick Parreño said that the transition from being a friendship group into an established organization would help in building activities and events that will be conducted in the city, which will help Tacurong’s tourism. Mayor Montilla also acknowledged the team’s contribution in promoting the city’s tourism and hopes for a good partnership with them. FACE’s main objective involves establishing cycling as a means of achieving a healthy lifestyle, promote environmental awareness and development, and develop eco-tourism in Tacurong City. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

DOLE at LGU Tacurong PESO, nilibot ang mga recruitment agencies para alamin ang estado ng kanilang operasyon

Sa layuning mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga aplikante tungkol sa estado ng operasyon ng mga recruitment agencies sa lungsod ng Tacurong, nagsagawa ng monitoring ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at ang Public Employment Service Office (PESO) ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tacurong noong Pebrero 21.

Kasama sa paglilibot sa mga tanggapan ng agencies sina Allan Freno at Myla Muyco mula sa PESO at Ginang Mercy Uy mula sa DOLE Provincial Field Office

Sa talaan ng DOLE at PESO, mayroong labing-isang recruitment agencies para sa overseas employment na nakabase sa lungsod noong taong 2013.

Sa paglilibot na isinagawa noong Byernes, napag-alaman na tumigil na sa kanilang operasyon ang Pacific Mediterranean Recruitment Agency sa lungsod at umano’y lumipat na sa ibang lugar.

Samantala, sa sampung agencies na mayroon pang branch offices sa lungsod, napag-alaman na isa pa lamang nag nakakumpleto sa pagproseso nila ng business permit sa city hall at ito ay ang Zontar Manpower Services Inc.

Limang agencies naman ang patuloy pang ipinoproseso ang kanilang business permits. Ito ay ang Al-Alamia International Manpower Services, MMML Recruitment Services Inc., Stronghold Manpower International Recruitment Agency Corporation, Nonstop Overseas Employment Corporation, at Mondial Overseas Corporation.

Hindi naman nakunan ng impormasyon ang apat pang recruitment agencies dahil sarado pa ang mga ito noong umaga na isinagawa ang monitoring. Ito ay ang Bobstar International Recruitment Agency, A-M Phil Professional Services Corporation, Al Romaithi International Manpower Services, at United Placeman Philippines, Inc.

Samantala, hinikayat naman ng PESO ang mga agencies na hindi pa nakapag-renew ng business permit na tapusin muna ang renewal nila bago sila mag-recruit ng mga aplikante.

Inoobliga naman ng DOLE ang bawat agency na bago mag-proseso ng business permit, kailangan muna nitong dumaan sa kanilang tanggapan para humingi ng certification. Ang certification ng mula sa DOLE ay nagpapatunay na kumpleto ang mga papeles ng agency kalakip na ang valid POEA license nito at dokumentong  nagsasaad ng “Authority to Operate a Branch Office” sa lungsod ng Tacurong. (LGU Tacurong Information)

Mobile Operation Tuli, muling ilulunsad ng LGU Tacurong sa darating na summer vacation

Muling ilulunsad ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lungsod ng Tacurong ang Operation Tuli sa mga Barangay sa darating na summer vacation.

Ang Operation Tuli na libre at taunang ginagawa ay naglalayon na palawakin ang kaalaman ng mga magulang at kabataan tungkol sa ligtas at malinis na pamamaraan ng circumcision o pagtutuli.

Ang programang ito ay sinimulan ni Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito noong konsehal pa lamang sya at pinuno ng Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health.

Bilang isang doktor, alam ng vice mayor ang panganib na dala ng nakaugaliang pagtutuli sa mga baranggay na kung tawagin sa salitang hiligaynon ay “paltak”. Nagiging sanhi umano ng tradisyunal na pagtutuli ang impeksyon at pagkakasakit ng mga kabataan.

Simula nang ipatupad ang Operation Tuli sa dalawampung barangay noong taong 2009, libu-libong mga kabataan na ang nabigyan nito ng libreng serbisyo.

Noong 2012, umabot sa 659 ang bilang ng mga kabataang naabot ng programa. Inaasahan naman ni Vice Mayor Lechonsito na target nila ang 800 mga kabataang mabigyan ng libreng tuli.

Magsisimula ang Operation Tuli sa kalagitnaan ng Marso at tinatayang matapos bago ang Semana Santa.

Pangungunahan ng mga doktor at nurses ng Office for City Health Services ang team na maglilibot sa mga barangay. Katulad noong mga nakaraang taon, mismong ang vice mayor ay tutulong sa pagtutuli para mas maraming kabataan ang mabigyan ng serbisyo.

Sinabi din ng vice mayor na kasama pa rin nila sa Operation Tuli ang mga doktor at nurses mula sa mga pribadong ospital at nursing schools para tumulong. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

Tacurong BOSS earns 9.5 million in 2014

Tacurong City Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) earned PhP9,517,449.26 in January 2014. This amount is 32.11% higher than the revenues generated during the city’s BOSS in 2012 which is P7,096,662.48, according to a comparative report from the City Treasury Office.

One thousand two hundred twenty-five (1,225) clients availed the services of Tacurong City’s Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) this year, January 2 to 20.

In 2013, Tacurong BOSS earned PhP8,031,596.47 with 1,093 clients. Meanwhile, only 886 clients were served in 2012.

Tacurong BOSS starts every first working day of the year and lasts for 3 weeks. Under the BOSS, the fastest a client could complete the processing of business permit in less than thirty (30) minutes provided all the needed requirements are presented.

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).

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

“During the term of former Mayor Lino O. Montilla, before other LGUs adopted BOSS, we have started to gather LGU and national offices in one venue to make services more accessible to business operators,” said City Administrator Eduardo Nicolo. “All this to offer a business-friendly environment to our investors,” he added. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

DILG, CPDC hold training for barangay officials

Tacurong barangay officials simulate a council meeting during a workshop on barangay legislation on February 18, 2014 at the London Beach Resort Function Hall, GenSan. The workshop was a part of the Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) Training conducted Feb. 18-20 in the said venue. One hundred officials of 10 barangays in Tacurong City participated in the BNEO Training First Batch for Tacurong. City DILG and the City Planning and Development Office facilititaed the training that covered topics like financial accountability, barangay development planning, budgeting process, public service ethics, legislation, and transparency. Another set of officials from 10 barangays will undergo the same training on Feb. 24-26, 2014. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

City government observes Civil Registration Month

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 issued on January 28, 1991, Tacurong City is in one with the observance of the Civil Registration Month this February. As part of the said event, the LGU venerated the occasion in the flag raising ceremony held on Monday, February 17^th.

Sambrano during his speech for the Civil Registration Month.

In lieu of the celebration, Provincial Statistics Officer, Rafael T. Sambrano, MBA, was invited and delivered a message to all city officials and employees. “Civil registration is a continuous, permanent and compulsory recording of vital events occurring in the life of an individual such as birth, marriage and death, as well as court decrees and legal instruments affecting the civil status of an individual,” he said as he continued on emphasizing the importance of the Civil Registration Month in reminding the public of their responsibility to register statuses on acts of persons.

Carrying the theme “Ikaw at Ako Tungo sa Wastong Pagrerehistro” for this year, Sambrano mentioned several civil registry laws to guide and inform people of the services rendered by the said administration. Among those he shared were: rules and regulations prevailing registration of acts and events with reference to the civil status of Muslim Filipinos as well as the indigenous people; Republic Acts 9048 and 10172 which accommodates concerns regarding clerical and typographical errors and change of names, and in the day and month in the date of birth or sex of a person without need of judicial order respectively; and Republic Act 9858 that provides legitimating of children born to parents below marrying age.

Mayor Montilla alongwith Vice Mayor Lechonsito, Men in uniform, and all LGU heads & employees in observance of the occasion.  

Among the activities lined up for the Civil Registration Month are conduct of information dissemination and symposia on Civil Registry Matters in different educational institutions, mobile registrations in different barangays/municipalities, radio interviews, hanging of streamers, free issuance of certifications, and motorcade in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) province wide.

Sambrano also mentioned about the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that was newly created by integration of the major statistical agencies of the government, consisted of National Statistics Office (NSO), National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in accordance to Republic Act 10625 (Philippine Statistical Act of 2013) which took effect last December 29, 2013.

                

PSA spearheaded this years observation of the Civil Registration Month. (LGU Tacurong  City Information)

Tacurong City officials take LCP, UP special course on urban planning

Tacurong City officials and planning personnel participated in the first classroom sessions of the Special Course on Urban and Regional Planning for Cities or City SCURP on February 11-13, 2014 at the School of Urban and Regional Planning, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The League of Cities of the Philippines selected Tacurong City as among five (5) pilot cities for this special course. Other pilot cities include: Muntinlupa City, Balanga City of Bataan, Candon City if Ilocos Sur, and Bogo City of Cebu.

On February 14, SCURP participants from 5 pilot cities visited Quezon City Planning and Development Coordinating Office. They were briefed on the city’s Planning Department structure, data gathering and management, and use of the Geographic Information System or GIS.

SCURP applies the blended learning approach: five (5) sessions will be devoted to classroom/face-to-face interactions; 10 days for distance learning; and about three (3) months worth of actual field work for data collection and analysis. SCURP will officially end on April 2014.

Tacurong’s participating team was led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla. “We are more than grateful to have been selected as a pilot city for this program. I am very willing to learn and get my hands on to new strategies to effectively manage the city,” said Montilla. Other participants from LGU-Tacurong include City Administrator Eduardo Nicolo, Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto Sero Jr., City Engineer Catherine Leguro, City Budget Officer Nestor Nomananap, City Planning and Development Coordinator Jaime Cedullo, City Envirinment and Natural Resources Officer Nemesio Carigaba, Engr. Alfredo Zuriaga (NGO sector representative), and Amelia Bochorno and Elmer Felongco from CPDCO.

LCP, in partnership with the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, offered SCURP to provide an accessible and practical capacity development program for city managers.  The course uses the Rationalized Local Planning System as its basic framework. This planning system contains four elements: Planning Structure, Planning Mandates, Planning Processes, and LGU Authority Levers.

This special course is part of LCP’s project entitled Developing Knowledge Management and Exchange System for City Managers. LCP is headed by its President, Quezon City Maor Herbert Bautista.  (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

30 individuals learn hair-cutting basics on V-Day

Cut with love on V-Day. Thirty individuals undergoing skills training on Hair Science and Beauty Culture learn and apply the basics of haircutting on February 14. The training is funded by the local government unit of Tacurong City to help out-of-school youth and unemployed adults acquire basic skills for employment and livelihood. The 15-day training started on February 7, 2014. Participants’ graduation rites will be on March 2014. Meanwhile, barangay councils have funded trainings on basic welding in Brgy. New Passi and a driving course in Brgy Griño. The City Social Welfare and Development Office facilitates these skills trainings in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Public teachers learn easy way to detect breast cancer

(13 February 2014) In the photo, a nurse from the Tacurong Office of the City Health Services (OCHS) examines a teacher in Upper Katungal Elementary School. During examination, OCHS personnel instruct each female teacher on how to do breast self-examination. A breast self exam is a check-up that a woman can do at home to look for changes or problems in the breast tissue such as possible lumps, distortions or swelling. This is one of the strategies for early detection of breast cancer.  Those who have been found with lumps and swelling during OCHS survey were referred to get breast ultrasound or a mammogram screening. Breast examination is part of OCHS’ Primary Care Benefit I survey in every public elementary and high school in the city. The survey started on December 2013. In this survey, teachers’ health profiles are noted including height, weight, blood pressure, and medical history. OCHS doctors also conduct free medical check-ups and consultations. Teachers are encouraged to be more aware of their health conditions and be more informed of the ways to maintain good well-being. Last leg of the OCHS survey is on the 3^rd and 4^th week of February with Tacurong National High School and Tacurong Pilot Elementary School—the biggest elementary and high schools in the city. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Electric cooperative and barangay councils to intensify sitio electrification program

Ms. Janet Collado, head of the Members and Public Affairs Department of the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO), signified the cooperative’s commitment to work with barangay councils in Tacurong City to energize more areas through the sitio electrification program or SEP.

This was during the 1st quarterly meeting of Tacurong’s Multi-Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC) on February 12, 2014 at the City Hall Building.

Collado hopes that with SUKELCO, all barangay councils will be able to conduct an inventory of households that still have no power or electricity access. Hernane Fermo, President of the Association of Barangay Councils, agreed that SUKELCO and barangay councils must work together to energize more barangays. “Mayron pa ring mga bahay o pamilya na walang kuryente sa sarili kong barangay. Kailangang maipaalam din ito sa iba [barangay],” said Hermo.

For only P5.00, a household will be able to avail regular services from the electric cooperative, including installation. This program is open for indigents in sitios nationwide. Electric cooperatives are the main implementers of SEP.

Representatives from the local government unit, barangay council, and agro-fishery, youth, senior citizen, religious, business, education, transport, media, and women sectors constitute the MSEAC.  (LGU Tacurong City Information)

Tacurong, DOLE to hire over 200 students in summer

TACURONG CITY, Sultan  Kudarat, Feb 12 (PIA)   -- At least  200   students and out-of school   youths  could be  given  interim  jobs   during  summer  vacation as  the  local  government  unit here,  in partnership with the Department of Labor  and Employment,  implements  the Special  Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

According to the  Public Employment Service Office,   they will begin  the  registration  of interested  individuals  who would wish  to avail of SPES in March

SPES  is a program of  DOLE   as  mandated  by  Republic Act 9547, which  provides  short-term  employment  to students  and  out-of-school  youths  who  would like to  continue their  studies.

For this  program, DOLE  partners with  local  government  units,  colleges and universities, and  private  employers  for the  implementation of the  program.

Under the  scheme,  the  employer  pays  60 percent of the  salary of the  beneficiary while the remaining  40 percent  will come  from the national  government through DOLE.  

Basic salary   is based on the prevailing wage rate  in the  region set  by the  Regional  Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

Per  Wage Order No. RB XII – 17  the minimum wage (non-agriculture sector)  in SOCCSKSARGEN  Region is  P270 per  day.  

In an  earlier   interview,  DOLE  12  Regional Director  Ofelia  Domingo  told  Philippine  Information Agency  12, around  70 percent of DOLE’s partners  in the program are LGUs.

“We are working  on  improving this  situation  to at achieve an ideal  ratio of  50 percent are  from  LGUs  and 50 percent  are  from the  private  sector,”  Director  Domingo said, emphasizing that the  original plan  of the program  is  to encourage  more  participation  from the private  sector.  

On February  6, DOLE  12  gathered    over 200  representatives of  at least 150  companies  from across  the region for a re-orientation  of the DOLE programs and activities as well as  pledging  session  for  the SPES.

On Thursday, February 13,   DOLE  will  gather  local  chief  executives  for  a  forum  on the   SPES program. 

Director  Domingo  added that this  year,  DOLE 12  will begin  using online SPES, where  registration and documentation of applicants and beneficiaries   to payment of   government  share for the   salary  will be  done exclusively  via  the  online  system. 

For this  purpose,  she added, DOLE  12  signed last  week  a memorandum  of agreement  with   M. Lhuiller Financial Services, Inc.  for  the use  of  the latter’s  payment solutions  system  where the  government’s  40 percent  share in the salary of the beneficiaries  will be coursed  through.

To qualify, an applicant   for the  SPES program  should  be  15 to 25  years old,  currently  enrolled  or  a  dropout  who is planning to  return school, whose parents’ combined  income  do  not  exceed the  regional poverty threshold level  for a family with  six members, and have garnered passing grade  in the last  year or term  or in case of  dropout,  in the last  term  he or she attended  school.  

Children of parents  who were  displace  or about to be  displaced from work,  victims of illegal recruitment, victims of accidents, or  persons with  disability may also  apply  for the  program.

SPES  program is  now  a year-round  activity, according to  Director  Domingo.

This  year  DOLE 12  aims  at enrolling  at least  11,771  students and out-of-school  youths  across  SOCCSKSARGEN Region  into the  SPES  this year. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12  with report  from LGU Tacurong)

Tacurong, DOLE to hire over 200 students in summer

TACURONG CITY, Sultan  Kudarat, Feb 12 (PIA)   -- At least  200   students and out-of school   youths  could be  given  interim  jobs   during  summer  vacation as  the  local  government  unit here,  in partnership with the Department of Labor  and Employment,  implements  the Special  Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

According to the  Public Employment Service Office,   they will begin  the  registration  of interested  individuals  who would wish  to avail of SPES in March

SPES  is a program of  DOLE   as  mandated  by  Republic Act 9547, which  provides  short-term  employment  to students  and  out-of-school  youths  who  would like to  continue their  studies.

For this  program, DOLE  partners with  local  government  units,  colleges and universities, and  private  employers  for the  implementation of the  program.

Under the  scheme,  the  employer  pays  60 percent of the  salary of the  beneficiary while the remaining  40 percent  will come  from the national  government through DOLE.  

Basic salary   is based on the prevailing wage rate  in the  region set  by the  Regional  Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

Per  Wage Order No. RB XII – 17  the minimum wage (non-agriculture sector)  in SOCCSKSARGEN  Region is  P270 per  day.  

In an  earlier   interview,  DOLE  12  Regional Director  Ofelia  Domingo  told  Philippine  Information Agency  12, around  70 percent of DOLE’s partners  in the program are LGUs.

“We are working  on  improving this  situation  to at achieve an ideal  ratio of  50 percent are  from  LGUs  and 50 percent  are  from the  private  sector,”  Director  Domingo said, emphasizing that the  original plan  of the program  is  to encourage  more  participation  from the private  sector.  

On February  6, DOLE  12  gathered    over 200  representatives of  at least 150  companies  from across  the region for a re-orientation  of the DOLE programs and activities as well as  pledging  session  for  the SPES.

On Thursday, February 13,   DOLE  will  gather  local  chief  executives  for  a  forum  on the   SPES program. 

Director  Domingo  added that this  year,  DOLE 12  will begin  using online SPES, where  registration and documentation of applicants and beneficiaries   to payment of   government  share for the   salary  will be  done exclusively  via  the  online  system. 

For this  purpose,  she added, DOLE  12  signed last  week  a memorandum  of agreement  with   M. Lhuiller Financial Services, Inc.  for  the use  of  the latter’s  payment solutions  system  where the  government’s  40 percent  share in the salary of the beneficiaries  will be coursed  through.

To qualify, an applicant   for the  SPES program  should  be  15 to 25  years old,  currently  enrolled  or  a  dropout  who is planning to  return school, whose parents’ combined  income  do  not  exceed the  regional poverty threshold level  for a family with  six members, and have garnered passing grade  in the last  year or term  or in case of  dropout,  in the last  term  he or she attended  school.  

Children of parents  who were  displace  or about to be  displaced from work,  victims of illegal recruitment, victims of accidents, or  persons with  disability may also  apply  for the  program.

SPES  program is  now  a year-round  activity, according to  Director  Domingo.

This  year  DOLE 12  aims  at enrolling  at least  11,771  students and out-of-school  youths  across  SOCCSKSARGEN Region  into the  SPES  this year. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12  with report  from LGU Tacurong)

DepEd Tacurong triumphs in regional research and communication fests

Principals and supervisors of the City Schools Division of Tacurong earned eight awards during the 1st Regional Communication Festival and 4th Regional Research Cum School-Based Management Congress on February 10 at The Farm, Koronadal City.

In the 4th Regional Research Cum SBM Congress, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Meilrose Peralta was declared champion for Best Research Poster-Division Supervisor Category. Mr. Randy Porras was also adjudged 3rd place in the Oral Presentation in the same category.

Research practitioners and enthusiasts from schools divisions in Region XII joined the congress that focused on showcasing action researches that address concerns on access, quality, and governance of basic education. The congress was themed ‘Sustaining Breakthrough in Maximizing Resources for Effective K to 12 Education’.

Meanwhile, four educators from DepEd Tacurong bagged championship titles in the 1st Regional Communication Festival.

Ms Memvie Alesna was declared champion in Memo Writing-School Administrators Category. Ms Ivy Lamintao bagged the 3rd place in International Speech in the same category.

DepEd Tacurong supervisors that triumped in the congress were: Mr. Arlac Billano in Humorous Speaking; Ms Arlene Arquiza in Business Letter Writing; and Ms Mayflor Romualdo in Memo Writing. Ms Virgie Metal, another division supervisor, was also adjudged 2nd place in the International Speech contest.

The Regional Communication Festival, an initiative of DepEd XII Regional Director Allan Farnazo, aims to showcase and assess the abilities of principals and education supervisors in the region. Results of the events will be used as bases to provide them technical assistance towards professional development.

City Schools Division of Tacurong is led by Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda.
(LGU-Tacurong City Information)

PhilHealth XII collects P1.07 billion in 2013

PhilHealth Regional Office (PRO) XII collected Php 1.07 billion worth of member contributions in 2013, according to PRO OIC Vice President Miriam Grace Pamonag in a press conference on February 7, 2014 in Koronadal City.

With this accomplishment, PhilHealth XII achieved 101.9% collection efficiency given that it has surpassed its Php 1.05 billion collection target.

During the said presscon, officials also said that PhilHealth paid Php 1.2 billion every week for members’ benefits in 2013, a total of P45.2 billion for the whole year. On the other hand, PhilHealth only collected P44 billion worth of member contributions in the said year.

To further the improvement of member benefits, PhilHealth implemented the adjustment of members’ annual premium to a minimum of Php 2,400 effective January 1, 2014. This amount is determined and advised by the National Household Targeting System (NHTS-PR) of DSWD. The national government pays a minimum of P2,400 premium for each indigent annually since 2011.

“Kung magkano ang binabayad ng national government, dapat papantayan namin yun,” said PhilHealth OIC Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Ramon Aristoza. This year 2014, the number families identified as poorest of the poor listed on NHTS database have reached 14.78 million. These poorest of the poor are automatically enrolled as PhilHealth members.

Also, according to Aristoza, PhilHealth now offers more benefits to its members. “Natural na kung may increase sa benefits, may increase sa premium. Hindi pwede na may increase sa premium pero walang increase sa benefits,” he said.

The presscon, participated by at most 100 media personnel and government communicators, is part of PhilHealth XII’s activities for the institution’s 19th anniversary on February 14, 2014.

For more information, please visit www.philhealth.gov.ph. (LGU Tacurong City Information)

27 jobseekers hired on the spot in Tacurong’s patronal fiesta Job Fair

Twenty-seven lucky job applicants from Tacurong City were hired on the spot in the Job Fair joined by ten employers for local employment and one recruitment agency for overseas employment during the city’s patronal fiesta.

The Job Fair, one of the activities of the 64^th anniversary celebration of the city’s patron saint Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria, was organized by the parish church in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sultan Kudarat Field Office and the city government through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

                Armed with their resume and credentials, 105 flocked to the church compound on January 30 to match their qualifications to 204 various job vacancies posted by the participating employers. 

                Twenty-one year old Jomar Gabato, a part-time disc jockey of a local radio station in the city, got the nod of Sutherland Global Services, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company based in Davao City. His impressive interview gave him the chance to be hired on the spot.

Of the 105 job applicants, 95 qualified for the positions they applied for. Meanwhile, The 27 HOTS (DOLE’s acronym for those Hired On The Spot) constituted 28 percent of the total number of qualified applicants.

                Participating employers said that those who qualified have big chances of being hired provided they present other documents required.

Aside from Sutherland Global Services, other employers that have HOTS were KCC Mall of Marbel, Tacurong Fit Mart, and Nonstop Overseas Employment Corporation. Other participating employers included Talakudong Foods Corporation (Jollibee), Kimsan Plaza, Swana Mercantile, Kenram Industrial Development, Inc. or KIDI, Yakult, Delinanas, and COSEDA Security Agency.

Fr. Armand Dice, parish priest of Tacurong, said he was happy with the turnout of the job hiring and that the church will continue working with DOLE and the city government in this kind of endeavor.

A part from the Job Fair, DOLE and PESO also conducted advocacy talks on KasambahayLaw, Anti-Illegal Recruitment and the DOLE’s Project Jobs Fit. (LGU Tacurong City Information; A Freno)

City government celebrates LGU Night with thousands of Girl Scouts

The local government unit of Tacurong took part on the 24^th Regional Encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) – Western Mindanao through the LGU Night conducted last February 3, 2014 at the Scouts Camp, Brgy. New Carmen, Tacurong City.

The said event was organized by the city government in order to bring more of what Tacurong City can offer to the participants, considering they all come from far-off councils and localities. Present in the LGU Night were City Mayor Hon. Lina O. Montilla, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod – Hon. Psyche Sucaldito, Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon, Hon. Benjamin Fajardo, Jr., Hon. Welson Ferrer, and Hon. Ariel Dela Cruz, LGU heads and employees, and all Council Executives of the GSP together with all the campers.

“My sister girl scouts, I hope Tacurong City will be in your hearts, you won’t forget us and when you come back to your respective hometowns, you’d tell them to go to the city of Tacurong. Thank you so much for coming and we appreciate it a lot,” said Hon. Montilla as she whole-heartedly welcomed them in a night of spectacle for all the campers to enjoy. Furthermore, she expressed her gratefulness to the GSP Council for trusting Tacurong to host the regional encampment.

Senior Scout Demie Jan Fresco in her solo song number

The program, dubbed as “Pasundayag,” kicked off with the presentation of the city profile which depicts all necessary data and facts regarding the city, its milestones, and its people. Performances from the different schools as St. John Learning Center, Inc., Tacurong National High School, and Notre Dame of Tacurong College Grade School Department were staged along with productions from the Tacurong City Dance Sports Team and the City Band. The Voice of the Philippines qualifiers of the Mindanao Auditions Demie Jan Fresco and Sheryll Donne Garcia were also in the event to show-off their singing abilities.   

                

The night concluded with a fireworks display and an entertaining socialization with all the councils.

Mayor Lina Montilla beaming with the Girl Scouts of Basilan

There are 12 council members in the Western Mindanao region: Basilan, Cotabato, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sulu, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat. Throughout the encampment, the girls have undergone activities which exposed them to different places in the city as the Baras Bird Sanctuary. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)

15 cycling enthusiasts from Tacurong finish TEN Enduro Pilipinas Round 1

Members of the Tacurong Federation of All Terrain Cycling Enthusiasts (FACE) were the only delegates from Mindanao who participated in the 1^st leg of the Enduro Pilipinas Tour 2014 held at San Pablo City, Laguna last January 25, 2014.

About 46 teams from all over the Philippines cycled through 6 races for the season 1 finals of the event, with the FACE Team making it to the Top 20 of the final team standings. Among the finishers from Tacurong City were: Patrick Parreño, Jogil Causing, Myra Causing, Ricky Olofernes, Milton Macanas, Joselito Flores, Noli Bayya, Justin Bayya, George Bayya, Ricky Dayon, Eric Limon, Gaudencio Hagoriles, Jose Maria Espiritu, Noel Catudan, and Dennis Pande.

Myra Causing is the only female delegate who is able to finish the entire series, while Justin Bayya is the youngest Enduro racer in the run.

FACE President Patrick Parreño expressed his thanks to the city government for their support as they were presented last Monday, February 3, in the flag raising ceremony by Hon. Welson Ferrer.

Enduro is a form of mountain bike racing where there are larger percentages of downhill sections that are timed, to uphill and cross country sections. The Enduro Network (TEN) is the primary group of cycling enthusiasts who espouse the Enduro style of racing. (Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano)

Tacurong Fil-Chinese community declares 2014 a blessed year

"Kung nagtitiwala tayo sa Panginoon, ang bawat araw o taon ay blessing."

The words of Mr. Bernard Haw, Past President of the Tacurong Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCCI), manifested the business sector's positive vision of 2014 as they celebrated the Chinese New Year on January 31, 2014 at Palm Pavilion, Tacurong City.

City government officials, heads of national line agencies such as DOLE and DTI, Philippine Army and PNP officials, and civic organizations attended FCCCI's thanksgiving program. 

  

Mayor Lina Montilla and General Eduardo Pangilinan of the 601st Brigade, PA thanked the Fil-Chinese community for its unwavering support which is vital towards achieving economic dynamism in the city. 

"In behalf of the city government, I would like to assure you of our untiring sense of duty to protect not just our people and surrounding, but our economy as well," said Montilla during her inspirational message.

"This year will bring more for everyone..for all the people in Tacurong. We in the armed forces will always be the partners of the LGU, the Fil-Chinese community, and of the people in maintaining peace and order in our city," said Gen. Pangilinan. 

Aside from empowering the business economy, FCCCI members and officers extend help to communities in the city. In 2013, FCCCI donated three school buildings to DepEd schools in Brgy. Tina, San Emmanuel, and New Carmen. According to PP Haw, FCCCI had already donated a total of 20 units of school buildings. FCCCI also joined the relief operations in Ormoc after the Super Typhoon Yolanda. This was conducted with the Rotary Club of Tacurong, 601st Brigade, PA and Joint Task Force Talakudong  

For 2014, the FCCCII committed to donate 1 unit f multicab to Tacurong PNP, which will help in the efforts to maintain security and order in the city.  

FCCCI Tacurong is currently headed by President Manuel Ang. “Our thanks to the city government and to the men in uniform for advancing Fil-Chinese relations, which promotes growth, stability and harmony to our community that leads to a more balanced and beneficial relationship,” said Jocelyn Hong, in behalf of the FCCCII President.

"Without the cooperation of the members and officers of the Fil-Chinese Chamber, accomplishments would have not been possible. We also value the contributions of the members of the Chinese community to our civic actions," said PP Haw. "I believe we can do more this 2014," he added. (see photos on LGU-Tacurong Fanpage)

Jezereel Billano (LGU-Information)