PETDA helps 68 indigent families

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

Indigent families received grocery packs from PETDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU to implement anti-smoking ordinance

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

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

Anti-Smoking Enforcers Orientation

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

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

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

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

MindaCom Network holds annual congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tacurong jins bag 14 golds in Mindanao Taekwondo tourney

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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