Makasining Lahi participates in HIV-AIDS awareness seminar

GO FOR PREVENTION, THERE IS STILL NO CURE

20 December 2013 –Members of the Makasining Lahi ng Tacurong (below) listen to LGU Sanitary Inspector Marlow Buenacosa (above)as he explains the symptoms of various sexually-transmitted diseases during the HIV-AIDS Awareness Seminar. Buenacosa included STDs in his talk that focused on how to prevent HIV-AIDS. He stressed that there are only three ways to acquire HIV [and that there is no known cure for the disease so far]: penetrative sexual contact; blood and blood products; and mother to child transmission. An increasing number of HIV cases in the region have been noted. However, there has been no documented case in Tacurong. Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Nancy Bawe reminded the participants that “it is our primary duty to take care and protect ourselves,” regardless of our gender preference. Awareness seminars were conducted this year among various sectors in the city as part of the LGU’s GAD advocacy. LGU-Tacurong, with the gay community, organized the Makasining Lahi ng Tacurong to empower the LGBT sector in the city. 

Radyo Natin FM joins Inugyunay Fest '13

In celebration of their 16^th year, Radyo Natin 94.5 FM Tacurong and Radyo Natin 101.3 FM Isulan brought glee to the Inugyunay Festival with “Radyo Natin @ Sweet 16” last Monday, December 16. The night was filled with intensity as different dance crews from Tacurong City and neighbour towns join the Dance Stars Ultimate Hiphop Competition. Familiar faces also graced the event such as Daniel Padilla and Coco Martin in the Ka-look-alike competition. City Guys Attraction (for the hiphop competition) and Junior Colasito a.k.a. Coco Martin (Ka-look-alike competition) were announced as winners for their respective events. DJ Ate Cheska all the way from Radyo Natin Center, Manila was the special guest of the RN 16^th year anniversary. Prizes and giveaways were given to the audience as part of their appreciation for the support and response to the radio station. (Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano-LGU Information)

Inugyunay Kasalang Bayan 2013 delights 17 couples

 In the photo, brides get ready for their long-awaited bridal walk. 

Seventeen couples said their ‘I Dos’ in LGU-Tacurong City’s Kasalang Bayan 2013 on Tuesday, December 17. Mayor Lina Montilla and LGU heads of offices stood as witnesses in the church wedding. The city government shouldered wedding expenses including church and seminar fees, sponsor fees, CENOMAR fees, meals and snacks during baptism and wedding day, and decorations. The City Planning and Development Coordinating Office and the City Civil Registry Office spearheads the annual Kasalang Bayan since 2005 to help couples who are living together to legalize their union as husband and wife. (Photo & Text: Jez Billano LGU-Information)

Dillera: Unity can outshine the brightest fireworks

16 December 2013—DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera stressed that unity, more than the grand pyrotechnics display, defines Tacurong and Inugyunay Festival. Dillera, the festival opening’s guest speaker, lauded LGU-Tacurong and its people for staying united that leads to the success of different programs in the city. “Unity can outshine even the brightest fireworks,” said RD Dillera. LGU-Tacurong cancelled its annual grand fireworks display to facilitate aid to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas. It donated 800 thousand pesos to typhoon victims in Iloilo and Capiz; the employees association also donated 160 thousand pesos in addition to relief packs, hygiene kits, etc. After the program, Mayor Lina O. Montilla led the lighting of the City Hall lights and miniature Christmas village at the city grounds.

Gay Community gives back through Christmas Mardi Gras

15 December 2013 – The pre-opening of the Inugyunay Festival set off through the “Christmas Mardi Gras for a Cause”initiated by the Makasining Lahi – an organization composed of the gay community in Tacurong City – in cooperation with the city government of Tacurong. Members of the Makasining Lahi strut their costumes in the torch parade followed by a programme which provided entertainment and laughter to everyone watching the show. Highlight of the event was the gift giving to children from the Federation of Persons with Disabilities in Tacurong City. Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito, Chairperson of the Christmas Mardi Gras, commended the organization for conducting the activity for the first time and moreover, for putting up a show that helps the community. President of Makasining Lahi Anthony Elvas promised that this event will progress further in the coming years so as to lend a hand to more people. (Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano)

Paunat sang Kusog 2013

In the photo, City Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon leads representatives of each team during the opening of Tacurong LGU Inter-Office Palaro and Socio-cultural Activities or LIPS XVI on December 10, 2013. LGU-Tacurong City and Tacurong City Employees Association (TACEA) conducts this event annually to encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle and to develop their team spirit. “Let us not forget the essence of LIPS: to keep our mind and body healthy to be able to serve the citizens well,” said Mayor Lina Montilla. LIPS XVI, dubbed as Paunat sang Kusog 2013, will run until December 12, 2013. Awarding ceremonies will be on December 13, 2013.  Jezereel Billano (LGU Information)

Tacurong makes it to the list of most competitive cities in PH

The city government of Tacurong was identified as 22^nd among the National Competitive Council’s Top 50 Most Competitive Cities for the year 2012. Tacurong City was also ranked 8^th among LGUs with the least number of steps—with its 3 steps—required for processing business renewals. Tacurong scored 54.65 in the survey that covered 122 cities nationwide. The results were based on three major factors: economic dynamism, government efficiency, and basic infrastructure. In the photo, City Mayor Lina O. Montilla receives the plaque of recognition from City DILG Officer Alberto Sero and City Planning and Development Coordinator Jaime Cedullo in a turnover ceremony on December 9, 2013. During the ceremony, Mayor Montilla and the city councilors also received certificates of recognition for being a Sandugo Kabalikat of the National Blood Services Program-DOH XII. Jezereel Billano (LGU-Information)