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)