Noisy motorcyle leads to shooting, death in Koronadal

KORONADAL CITY, PHILIPPINES - A village councilman shot and killed a motorist on Friday over a motorbike with an open pipe muffler that produced irritating noise. Supt. Banney Condes, Koronadal City police director, identified the victim as Ronelo Galayogo, 31, a resident of Barangay Namnama, Koronadal Cit; and the suspects as Barangay Councilman Dante Manuel of Purok Magsaysay, Barangay Namnama. Condes said Manuel surrendered after the incident that transpired at 2 a.m. Friday. Manuel and Village residents had complained of too much noise every time Galayogo went around the village on motorbike with a "bora-bora" or open pipe muffler. Despite repeated reminders, the Galayogo allegedly continued using bike even during unholy hours.

On Friday before dawn, Manuel was awakened by the noise of Galayogo's motorcycle so he took his cal. 22 pistol and fired at the rider who fell and crashed after he was hit in the back.
Namnama Barangay chair Alfredo Sotelo came to Manuel's rescue, saying the councilman only fired warning shots and that he was not under the influence of liquor. By: Gemma Roda

GABI NG PARANGAL 2016 HONOREES

HONOREE

BLAAN

1.     1. DATU PARCO BALUNTO A well-respected Blaan leader. He was the First City Tribal Chieftain recognized by PANAMIN, OSCC NCIP; had been consistent in his fight to pursue the rights of Blaan ancestral domain. He donated 1-hectare schoolsite of the Balunto Elementary School and established Barrio Blaan and Purok Balunto, in Barangay Labangal. 

To be received by: LEONILA SKING BALUNTO – WIFE

      2.  FULONG MARIO U. EMPAL was a farmer, He was born in Sitio Lageh, Barangay   Sinawal and was the first Indigenou Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) of General Santos City.

To be received by His Son

     3.  ANTE BALUNTO LUMBOS He served as a lieutenant of the Philippine Constabulary. A well-respected Blaan and Tiboli teacher. He was the 1^st Young Blaan Leader Recipient of the Olarte Hermanos Settlers. He learned his English Language proficiency under an American tutorship in Glan. He established the first community school at Atnulang San Jose in 1946 with him as a first teache.

To be received by his son : Eduardo Lumbos

     4.  CALATAO T. KINDAT Is the father of Hon. Kagawad Juanito Kindat. During his lifetime, he was a farmer, almous (fortune teller), Mulong (Traditional herbalist). A warrior and protector of IPs/ICCs during the Spanish period and the Japanese 2^nd World war.

    5.  TULA SULANTING His parents were Sol Sulanting and Dayang Aguira, respected tribal leaders then. Tula was the first and longest serving serving Barangay Captain of Barangay San Jose. Donated parcels of land where Barangay San Jose Hall was built and a portion of the San Jose Elementary School (lote).

    6.    UNDI CALIM BLAAN A well-respected tribal leader and peace negotiator. In 1937 guided and assisted the program of the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) surveyed the entire land of Dadiangas Amgangeh of about 40 thousand hectares.

    7.  SENUGAN NIE During the Japanese time, he became a soldier of the Philippine Constabulary. He donated the road right of way from Purok 16 Barangay Fatima to Barangay San Jose Diversion Road as well as some farm-to-market-roads.

    8.   ADAM QUIOL A well-respected tribal leader. An IP farmer-teacher of eastern portion and mediator in settling differences of the indigenous people.

    9.  HAMESIO WALING BALUNTO Historian, resources Person, Artist. He was the Head Petitioner of Purok Fataldao of more than 400 hectares now occupied by native Blaans.

MORO

1.       SHARIF ZAINAL ABEDIN AL-MALINKI He was the first Appointed Mayor of Sugoda Buayan. Through the years of his appointments as Municipal President or District Mayor and even during World War II, Mayor Abedin had literally worked hard to foster respect and peaceful co-existence among his constituencies, Muslims, Tribal Chieftain and NLSA Settlers.

2.       DATU MADTUD BUDAY A well-respected elder of the Moro community and of Municipality of Buayan. He was the first Taniente del Barrio of Buayan. Was elected as one of the municipal councilors at the time of the incumbency of Mayor Ireneo Santiago.

3.       COUNCILOR BENJAMIN TOBIS He is the father of Sarangani Province Board Member Virgilo Tobias. A well-respected community leader and elected as a councilor of the municipality of Buayan.

4.       HADJI MATEO ABDULLAHAD ABELLERA An educator. He was the first public school teacher of the Empire Province of Cotabato.

5.       ABDULKADIR BAJUNID He was a son of one of the first Muslim Missionaries from Saudi Arabia. Together with the Banisil family met General Paulino Santos and his team when they arrived on 27 February 1939- He donated a parcel of land to the Tupi National High School where it now stands. 

6.       MOHAMAD ABDAWA A political leader. Serving as councilor of the municipality of General Santos City and donated the area of Palin, after Siluay River. 

7.       ABUBAKAR BANISIL Was the longest serving Muslim Kagawad of General Santos. The family donated the land of Banisil National High School in Tambler and helped in negotiation to acquire portion of land for MSU area.

8.       MAMUNDA MAMALUMPONG Well-respected Muslim leader and served as a councilor of the Municipality of General Santos.

9.       SAAVEDRA SAWAY an Educator served as the first Muslim teacher in Labangal.

10.   DATU ACAD DALID an educator served as School Principal of Datu Acad Dalid Elementary School in Barangay Buayan.

CHRISTIAN

1.       DON FRANCISCO NATIVIDAD He was the patriarch of the Cuz, Panlaque, Limjap, Gonzales and natividad clans. “Don Francisco “Paco” Natividad, was the most prominent figure in Koronadal Valley when the 1939 settlers came. In 1932 , Don Paco hosted the then Director of the Bureau of Prison, Director Paulino Santos who came to Buayan to search for a suitable site for planned penal colony in Mindanao. His warm welcome to the government-sponsored settlers was instrumental in confirming the latter’s decision to come to the valley by showing the gains he already had and the production harvests he produced.”

2.       DR. VICTORIO VELASQUEZ After graduating from the University of Sto. Tomas Medical School in 1929, he worked for the Empire Province of Cotabato, when the entire province was one. Long before Dr. Juan Flavier practiced the doctor practiced the “doctor to the Barrio” program, Dr. Velasquez was served as rural health medical doctor covering the empire province from Cotabato to Glan districts. He eventually settled his family in Buayan in 1931.

3.       FORMER VICE MAYOR JOSE CATOLICO By profession, Mr. Jose Catolico was a nurse. Together with Dr. Velasquez, they served as the medical team administering to the need of the entire Empire. In his lifetime, “Agurang” as he was fondly called by the locals, was very much involved in socio, civic  organizations either as a leader or founding member to name a few, Jose Catolico Puericulture Center, Jose Catolico Elementary School in Lagao, the mother club of Rotary Club of General Santos. He was also elected as Vice Mayor.

4.       FORMER MAYOR PEDRO ACHARON SR. Through the twenties, the ranch and plantation of the Olarte Hermanos attracted the sakadas from Negros, Cebu and Bohol. One of them was a former teacher, Pedro Acharon, who became a leading political figure I the post-war Municipality of Buayan. He serves as Mayor of the Municipality of General Santos.

5.       DON ALBERTO OLARTE in quest in a new haven and eluding the social upheaval in Spain, the two (2) brothers Don Jose and Don Alberto Olarte set sail from Santander, Spain where they were born, to the Philippines as a place to refuge. From Manila they moved to Bicol, to Davao and eventually to Buayan, particularly Makar area. They purchased about 1,000 hectares of land for cattle rising, pineapple and abaca planting. The Olarte Hermanos donated about 94 hectares more or less to establish the now Makar townsite.

6.       MR. ELIGIO “AMANG” LEYVA Arrived in 1932 as a prospector for Manda Elizalde for 2 years. After he went back to       Antipolo. In 1951 returned to Municipality of Buayan with the whole Family. And worked as inspector of the Bureau of lands. When Salipada Pendatun was naming the Municipality of Buayan into Rajah Buayan City, “Amang” sought the support of the Christians and civic groups to back him up in a petition to the Supreme Court naming the city of Rajah Buayan to General Santos City, which was approved in June 1968. By: Gemma Roda

             

                                   

              

Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles clarified “U.S travel “for “TAMBAYAYONG FESTIVAL 2006”

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, February 26, 2016 – vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles had just clarified on the un-liquidated Cash Advance for foreign travel to U.S. as representing local government of General Santos City in 2006. Re: attending Tambayayong Festival to promote local products in the U.S. market.

                Vice Mayor Nograles said in her text message, “As far as I’m concerned, proper cleared and liquidated the released local fund to me and proper authorized by DILG, I’m not privy as to the unliquidated amount,” Nograles said.

                It has been a dead issue to malign my name has nothing new to discredit me in local politics. “ I will continue to serve with utmost sincerity and dedication to the constituent of  26 barangays of General Santos were I started to join politics since then when my late father started it as Councilor of this city.

                I promise to continue this good name and legacy left by my parent to preserve his good reputation with un-tarnished records in public service.

                This is my commitment to the Generals as for the 45 days campaign period allows for local candidates to campaign by the Commission.

                This issue will not bother me, my conscience is clear, I have nothing to hide with regards to this foreign trip, records will speak for it and justifies it all base on the authorized travel by DILG to attend Tambayayong Festival 2006, Vice Mayor Nograles said. By: Gemma Roda

NGCP to complete Ormoc-Babatngon transmission this year

      National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is targeting to complete within the year a major transmission facility as part of its efforts to support the recovery of Eastern Visayas, which is "still reeling from several strong typhoons."

      This facility is the 2nd line of the Ormoc-Babatngon 138-kilovolt (KV) line in Leyte. The project involves the construction of an overhead transmission line spanning almost 80 kilometers, and installation of necessary upgrade equipment at the Ormoc and Babatngon Substations.

      The said line will be the corridor that will transmit the power supply from the geothermal plants in Leyte to Samar Island, further highlighting the importance of the project's on-time completions.
      "This line reinforcement will also increase the reliability of power transmission to Samar, which has no internal generation facility within the island, and is heavily dependent on the supply coming from Leyte,"NGCP said.

      Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYTECO), which distributes power to Tacloban will be the main customer to benefit from this project.

     NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country's power grid. It transmit high-voltage electricity through "power superhighways" that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substation, and related assets.

      The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country's power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. (MBM) - Gemma Roda
     
         

Mindanao scion makes a bid for congress- Ryan Chua Rivera

Note: Ryan was my schoolmate in Notre Dame of Dadiangas College, Gen Santos City. Our era was Gensans brightest, successful ..in all fields of sorts👍

A prosperous businessman with a gift for charity, Ryan Rivera aspires to be in local politics as a reformer. The scion of a Mindanao industrialist, he is making a bid for congressman in the first district of General Santos City-South Cotabato under the Kilusan ng Bagong Lipunan. His goal is to create more jobs, improve public services and make his hometown one of the best places to live in the country.
The 49-year-old political aspirant is the son of self-made billionaire Rodrigo Rivera Sr. and philanthropist Dolores Chua. The older Riveraestablished the conglomerate, RD Group of Companies, whose main business is tuna. It is the largest employer in General Santos.
Rivera took up graduate studies in business in Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, Vancouver. He has managed the family businesses in hospitality, banking, fishery and ship repair.
Not wanting to rest on the family’s laurels, the enterprising Rivera put up his own businesses in micro-finance and mining.
Coming from a religious family, Rivera believes that business and wealth are just means to help humanity. “We’ve been have been blessed by God, so we feel it is our responsibility to give back,” he says.
Rivera takes pride in the family’s philanthropy through the RD Foundation. It has provided scholarships for children from the local tribes and low-income families; organized medical mission and supported orphanages, to name a few.
Rivera says he will bring to politics the same determination and discipline he displays in running businesses.
“I want to set an example. If I say it will be done in three days, it will be accomplished in three days. We learned that in international business. When you promise to deliver your container in 30 days, you have to abide or else you will be penalized. We account for every single centavo. It’s all about the will to get things done,” says Rivera.
On confronting poverty, Rivera believes in the dictum “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” His vision is to confront poverty through more opportunities for education and livelihood.
“You have to think about being there for others,” he says. By: Ayunan C. Gunting

KCC Mall magbubukas sa Cotabato City!

Madaragdagan pa ang mga lugar na maaring pasyalan ng mga residente ng syudad at mga kalapit lalawigan makaraang dalawang Mall ang inaasahang magbubukas sa Cotabato City.

Kabilang na rito ang City Mall na naitayo sa Governor Gutierrez Avenue na magbubukas sa huling bahagi ng kasalukuyang taon ayon pa kay Secretary to the Mayor Boy Rasalan.

Habang nagkaroon na rin ng ground breaking para sa itatayong KCC Mall sa bahagi ng Quezon Avenue na may lawak na limang hektarya. Sinasabing 18 buwan ang gagawing kontrasyon .

Maliban sa mga nabanggit na establishemento, dalawa pang kilalang Food Chain ang nakatakdang itatayo rin sa syudad ngayong 2016 dagdag ni Rasalan.

Lubos namang nagpapasalamat ang LGU Cotabato sa tiwala ng mga investors na maglagak ng negosyo sa syudad.

Inaasahang higit sa anim na bilyong pesong investment ang ilalagak ng mga negosyante sa syudad ngayong 2016.

Mataandaang nauna ng nagpahiwatig ang mga Malaysian Investor na maglalagay ng negosyo sa syudad matapos ang isinagawang Business Conference noong nakaraang buwan.

Samantala noong 2015 nagbukas sa Cotabato City ang Mall of Alnor, Centro Department Store at Supera Hypermart.(DENNIS ARCON) and Brigada NewsFM Cotabato City

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DA to deliver P2.4-B projects to SOCCSKSARGEN

The National Government through the Department of Agriculture (DA) will dish-out more than P2.4-B worth of projects to the farmers and local government units of SOCCSKSARGEN Region today, February 23.

DA RFO 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia-Datukan disclosed that Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will lead the turn-over of various agri-projects from different banner programs, special projects and attached agencies of the DA which will be staged in two sites: Alabel, Sarangani and Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Around 7,000 participants are expected to gather in the two locations.

"This activity is part of the continuous outreach initiatives of the government particularly the DA to the rural communities," Director Datukan said underscoring that President Benigno Aquino III directed Secretary Alcala to go to the farthest communities and bring the services of the government to the people.

The assistance package is comprised of farm infrastructures and facilities including gram-to-market roads, pre and post-production machines and fund transfer to local governments.

The topmost regional DA official revealed that each of the banner programs and special projects greatly contributed to the whopping amount of P2.4 -B to be turned-over today to wit: Agri-Pinoy Rice - P252.3-M; Agri-Pinoy Corn - P170.2- M; AP High Value Crops Development Program - P15.2- M; Agi-Pinoy Livestock - P3.0- M; and Organic Agriculture Program - P749,000.

Governments special projects like the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) will download P302.3- M and Papaya and Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) will hand-over P304.5- M worth of funds of recipient LGUs.

The country's biggest foreign-assisted project Philipine Rural Development project (PRDP) has around P791-M which will be turned- over to various LGUs.

SOCCSKSARGEN- Area Development Project Office (ADPO) will also turn over P 514.7 worth of projects.

During the event, identified farmer- leaders and local chief executives will be sharing the milestone achievements of their respective farmer- cooperatives and local governments in the implementation of various agri- based projects.

The activity which is tagged as Grand Ulat sa Bayan cum Farmers' Heart Day is the first Secretary's visit in the region for 2016. This will be attended by top local officials, congressional representatives, and thousands of farmers and fishers and other agriculture industry players.

In the series of Grand Ulat sa Bayan in 2015 conducted in the different places last year, DA RFO 12 had turned-over more then P 3.4-B in form of farm machines, farm-to-market roads, and fund transfer o hundreds of farmers groups and LGUS. (RAFIS 12)

POPCOM conducts the 2016 National Population Quiz

The Commission on Population will conduct the 2016 National Population Quiz (PopQuiz) on February 24, 2016 in General Santos City as part of the National Festival of Talents (NFOT).

SDG with the theme and the youth: addressing challenges and opportunities, PopQuiz aims to gauge high school students' understanding in population, health and environment (PHE) issues.

In addressing PHE, POPCOM Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III A. reiterated that young people should have a better perspective on how these issues are interconnected, how population dynamics affect the environment and how environmental change affects human's health. 17 The Sustainable Development Goals highlights several issues related to population development which greatly affect young people. "The National PopQuiz is an advocacy tool to heighten awareness of POPCOM among the Filipino youth to the mainstream population as a key factor for national development," he stressed.

According to the 2014 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, more than one fourth of the Philippine population is living below the poverty threshold; undersirable with families living under conditions endangering the safety, health, wellbeing and future of their children. These families are mostly big families with more than three (3) children to support and with very little if not zero income to sustain their everyday lives. Data show that the bigger the family, the more likely it is to be poor and branch out several consequences of this dire situation. Children can not go to school. When children can not go to school, they remain ignorant of the many changes happening around them, especially in their bodies. With this lack of education, young people engage themselves in curiously different risky affairs and vices such as early sexual encounters; the latter being the most prevalent among adolescents below 18 years old. This situation is the cause of many other pressing issues among young people today.

POPCOM, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), urges the implementation of programs, projects and activities that will strongly uphold the promotion of Responsible Parenthood and Adolescent Health and Youth Development. DepEd's annual National Festival of Talents which includes the National PopQuiz is an innovative way to reach young people and involve them in the advocacy while showcasing their skills and talents.

A total of 1,789 students from public and private high schools nationwide will complete in this year's NFOT n the following fields:

            a. Technolympics
            b. Performing arts
            c. PopQuiz
            d. Barisan National Intelligence
            e. Fofeign Language Skills Showcase

POPCOM Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III A. believes that education is the key to break the transmission of poverty from one generation to the next.

Here are the PopQuiz 2016 winners result:

a. First place - NCR Dheniel V. Pontiga,
b. Second place - Negros Island Region (NIR) Ky Denisse Zerna,
c. Third place - Region IX Arrabon L. Toribio

Prizes: Plaques and Cash: P10,000 for first; P7,000.00 for second and P5,000.00.
By: Gemma Roda

IED blast kills Maguindanao town treasurer, 3 others

      DATU SALIBO, Maguindanao – The town treasurer of this town, his son and two others were killed when suspected lawless group set off a roadside improvised bomb in a Maguindanao highway Tuesday night, the military here said.

           Killed on the spot where Norodin Macabangen, municipal treasurer of Datu Salibo treasurer, his son Kenneth “Kenken” Macabangen, Alex Alpas and Bensar Agapay.

           Lt. Colonel Warlito Limet, 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, said the victims were on board a Mitsubushi Delica van with license plate RDX-928 heading toward Datu Salibo town proper when the IED fashioned from 81 mn mortar and mobile phone as triggering device went off at 10:30 p.m.

           Limet said the Macabangen and five other van passengers decided to return to Datu Saudi Ampatuan because of intense fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tee and Barangay Sambolawan, all in Datu Salibo.

          “They were heading back to Datu Saudi Ampatuan when the explosion occurred and hit the passing van,” Limet said, adding two others were rushed by soldiers to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

           “Akala masiguro ng mga suspect na yong sasakyan ay s military kasi itim din (Maybe the vehicle was mistaken as military truck),” Senior Insp. Abdulbasit Kulot, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town police chief.

           Limet said the bombing was part of the skirmishes between lawless group and government forces in Datu Salibo. “The IED could be meant for military vehicles,” he said. “Unfortunately, civilians were killed.”

           At 1 a.m. Tuesday. About 50 BIFF fighters harassed the Army detachments in Barangay Tee and Barangay Sambolawan, both in Datu Salibo, which led to early morning fire fight.

           Two MG-520 attack helicopters pounded the BIFF for about an hour as the fighting intensified, Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6^th Infantry Division spokesperson. Petinglay said the number of BIFF was rising as there were reinforcements from nearby towns.

           She could not stay how many BIFF were killed or injured in the air strikes and ground attacks..

           Petinglay admitted government forces suffered one killed in action and six injured, including an Army company commander.

           On February 5, the BIFF attacked a government dredging project in Barangay Butalo, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. Since then, sporadic skirmishes had been on-going.

           “We cannot understand why the BIFF was against a development project that will protect the people of Datu Salibo, including the BIFF from floods when rainy season comes,” Petinglay said.

           BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama said five soldiers were killed Tuesday and three armored personnel carriers (APCs) were destroyed and disabled, a claim denied by Petinglay.

           “Three APCs were hit but not destroyed, our troops are still using these military vehicles,” Petinglay said. We have no casualty on Tuesday,” she added.

           The two-week  sporadic skirmishes between forces and BIFF have also displaced more than 2,500 families in Datu Salibo’s five adjoining villages where the fighting was concentrated. By: Gemma Roda

Cafgu detachement sinalakay ng BIFF sa North Cotabato at nagpasabog pa ng IED

ALEOSAN, North Cotabato – Sinalakay ng limampung mga miyembro ng Bangasamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) ang detachment ng Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) sa probinsya ng Cotabato dakong alas 10:15 kagabi.

           Ayon kay Cotabato Police Provincial Director Ssupt Alexander Tagum na sinalakay ng BIFF ang detachment ng Cafgu sa ilalim ng 38^th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army sa Barangay Pagangan Aleosan North Cotabato.

           Tumagal ng sampung minuto ang palitan ng bala sa magkabilang panig.

          Umatras ang mga rebelde nang dumating ang karagdagang pwersa ng militar na tumulong sa mga Cafgu.

           Sinabi naman ni Aleosan Chief of Police, S/Inspector Jun Napat na bago ang pagsalakay ng mga rebelde sa Cafgu Detachment ay nagpasabog pa ito ng Improvised Explosive Device (IED) sa gilid ng National Highway.

           Naiwan rin ng BIFF ang isang handheld radio at isang IED na kusang pinasabog ng EOD team ng Philippine Army.

          Walang nasugatan sa pagsabog at pagsalakay ng BIFF ngunit nagdulot ito ng takot sa mga sibilyan.

          Sa ngayon ay nasa hieghtened alert ang militar at pulisya sa North Cotabato sa posibling diversionary tactics ng BIFF na patuloy na tinutugis sa Maguindanao. By: Gemma Roda

INSIGHTS ON PILIPINAS 2016 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Opinion-

Courtesy: Manila Bulletin 

In an objective assessment of candidates in the first series of televised presidential debates, I give it to former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for clarity of delivery and theoretical constructs. But its Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who gave the most sensible and pragmatic answers. My expectation of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago dominating the debate didnt happens. Vice President Jejomar Binay stammered and didn't make an impression in communicating his ideas. Senator Grace Poe was doing alright, until she delivered her final answer apparently packaged for the Mindanao issue. The two U.S. educated candidates i.e. Roxas and Poe, communicated their ideas in a critical thinking pattern typically practiced by U.S. university management graduates. The three lawyers i.e. MDS, Duterte and Binay could have articulated their ideas and personal qualities better, given a little more time and less structured arrangement to amplify conflict, reconciliation and integration of ideas. Striking the balance and establishing superiority of thought in a free for all is where the quality of leadership counts. No clear winner at this point. By: Atty. Manny S.D. Lopez

DOST 12 to launch the complementary food production center in SOCCSKARGEN

The complementary food production center jointly by the Department of Science and Technology-12 DOST’s Food and Nutrition Institute and the Sultan Kudarat State University will be launched on February 17, 2016 in time with the celebration on the Science Nation Tour, dubbed as “Agham na Ramdam”.

The launching will be graced by no other than Hon. Mario G. Montejo, Secretary of DOST to be assisted by the DOST 12 Regional Director, Dr, Zenaida P. Hr. Laidan and SKJSU President Dr. Rolando F. Hechanova and Regional Directors of DOST.

The center’s   now producing nutritious food products after the completion of equipment installation, training on technology transfer on production of complementary foods as well as commissioning and training on machine operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the food processing machines, necessary for the eventual operation of the center.

Dr. Laidan, said that the DOST earlier granted the state-run university over Php 5 million worth of large-scale food processing equipment for the establishment of a Complementary Food Processing (CFP) Center.

Laidan said the SKSU is one of the five recipients of the program to roll out complementary food production. Other CFP facilities are located in Cordillera Autonomous Region, MIMAROPA Region, Zamboanga Peninsula and CARAGA. The center at SKSU is capable of processing and packing 120 kg of complementary food in one hour, she confirmed.

Products developed in the CFP center are rice-mongo curls, rice-mongo baby food blend, and rice-mongo-sesame baby food blend that provides essential fatty acids for the growing kids.

Laidan elaborated further that the project is a component of the DOST-Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children (PINOY) of the High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) of the DOST.

DOST PINOY, she said is a nutrition intervention strategy intended to lessen the impact of the persistent problem of malnutrition among young Filipino Children six months to three years old. Beside the complementary foods products, the project also includes health and nutrition education of mothers and caregivers.

“DOST PINOY program has the full support of the Local Government of Isulan which has committed P200, 000 as initial funds for feeding program in 17 barangays of the municipality, where the BiMon complementary foods will be used. Governments’ agencies like DOH, DSWD and other local government units have also signified interest to purchase complementary foods.

She stressed that PINOY’s three components include nutrition education, complementary foods preparation, and feeding. It is part of a larger program called “Sulong Pinoy” that aims to address malnutrition in the country through science and technology-based interventions.

The nutrition education component is designed for mothers and caregivers of children six months to two years old who are underweight for their age. The education component aims to impart the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding and complementary foods to growing children; food safety; preparing meal plans; and growing vegetables in their own backyards.

The complementary foods component meanwhile, involves the introduction and preparation of FNRJ’s complementary food blends and snacks foods. The feeding component will entail 120 days of feeding underweight children in the community.

The DOST-FNRI developed the three complementary foods which are available in 30-gram packs to meet nutritional needed of this age group. The rice-mongo instant blend and rice-mongo-sesame blend are designed for 6-11 month-old children, while the rice-mongo curls are intended for one-year-old children, disclosed. By: Gemma Roda

SCIENCE NATION TOUR: Agham na Ramdam in Region 12

Commending the remarkable milestone of Science and Technology in the present times, the Department of Science and Technology Region 12 is yet again making in history with its celebration of this year’s Science Nation Tour. Dubbed as Agham na Ramdam (Science is Felt), this first of a kind experience in the region is bringing brighter opportunities to the people in a golden platter. There is more to experience than meets the eye. This national roadshow slates series of mayor activities highlighting the Department of Science and Technology’s efforts to bring people experience first-hand the impact and promising development of S&T in uplifting the quality of life. This event also strengthens ties and partnership with stakeholders, academe, and technopreneurs to bring forth a self-reliant community that is empowered thru S&T.

The three-day event will be graced by Sec. Mario G. Montejo with the support of the Regional Directors of the Department of Science and Technology. The all out event will surely be a moment to remember with jam-packed activities that will surely satisfy our cravings for Science and Technology.

The Science Nation Tour: Agham na Ramdam will be conducted at KCC Convention Center, General Santos City with the presence of distinguished quests and participants from different sectors; government and private. One of the key event during the first day is the launching of oneSTore program of DOST. OneSTore is simply bringing DOST-assisted quality products to your doorstep with its online shopping application, guaranteed hassle-free. Concurrent with the launching are some of the major activities highlighting DOST 12’s programs and services, Roll-out and High Impact Programs showcase the significant contribution of ongoing breakthroughs and innovation in S&T. Another activity to look after is the S&T Exhibit featuring success stories of assisted SMEs stakeholders Economic Forum that will showcase Small enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) interventions that continuously improve economic growth in the Region. The Regional Invention Contest Exhibit (RICE) will also level up the competition as talented inventors of the region showcase their astounding inventions that have direct impact to the welfare and economic growth of region 12.  Wrapping up the first day will be the Pagana Maranao which accentuates the culture and tradition of Maranaos as well as their natural hospitality.

The second day will further emphasize the theme of the event as S&T Caravan goes to Sultan Kudarat province bringing S&T closer to the people. This will then followed by different activities like the Symposium on Strengthening Region’s Resilience to the impact of climate change, Youth S&T Assembly, and launching of the Complementary Food Center. The day is too short to experience the full blast capacity of innovating science and technology thus Science Nation Tour will culminate at February 18 with the anticipated Halal Conference followed by the awarding ceremony for Regional Invention Contest winners.

Let us rejoice for this one of a kind opportunity and may not this be the end for more fascinating and worthwhile S&T driven campaign for building more resilient and progressive communities. Indeed, Science is genuinely felt with DOST.By: Gemma Roda

WHY CHINA WON'T ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA-

 Why China Won’t Accept International Arbitration in the South China Sea

In a recently released position paper, Beijing outlines its reason for rejecting a Philippine request for arbitration.

On December 7, China’s Foreign Ministry released a copy of China’s position paper regarding the Philippine’s appeal to international arbitration over South China Sea disputes. It’s the first time China has outlined in detail its position regarding the case. China has long stated that it will not participate in or accept the results of the arbitration; the release of the position paper provides a legal justification for that stance.

According to Xu Hong, the director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of the Treaty and Law, the government decided to release the paper to clear up misperception of China’s position, “Some people, who do not know the truth, have questioned China’s position of not accepting or participating in the arbitration. Some others, who harbor ulterior motives, have made… accusations or insinuations that China does not abide by international law, “Xu explained. In response on those criticism, Xu said, the position paper” debunks the Philippines’ groundless assertions and projects China’s image as a defender and promoter of the international rule of law”.

The crux of the matter is that China does not believe that the arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction to decide the case. More broadly, China rejects the nation that the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) can be used to decide South China Sea sovereignty issues, which Beijing maintains is at the heart of the Philippine case. “To decide upon any of the Philippines’ claims, the Arbitral Tribunal would inevitably have to determine, directly or indirectly, the issue of territorial sovereignty falls beyond the purview of the Convention, “China’s position paper concludes. One of the first things the tribunal will have to decide is, In fact, whether it has the jurisdiction to consider the case at all. China has just made clear its position: that the case should not be allowed to move forward.

The position papers then responds to the core points of the Philippine case; that China claim of “historic rights” is inconsistent with UNCLOS and that China’s claims to water surrounding maritime features exceeds the 200 nautical mile limit set by UNCLOS China responded by saying that the underlying issue of sovereignty must be solved first. “Only after the extent of China’s territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea is determined can a decision can be made on the extent of China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, “the papers argues. In other words, before UNCLOS or other international bodies can address the issue of maritime claims, China and other disputants have to work out who owns what.

China also points out that back in 2006 it officially declared that it does not accept the compulsory settlement procedures provided for by UNCLOS, including those dealing with maritime delimitation. Since the Philippine case is effectively asking the tribunal to rule on whether or not the disputed areas belong to the Philippine’ EEZ and continental shelf, the tribunal’s decision is inevitably tied up with the process of maritime delimitation. Even if the tribunal has jurisdiction to rule on the case, China maintains it would be under no obligation to accept the ruling. “By initiating the present compulsory arbitration as an attempt to circumvent China’s 2006 declaration, the Philippines is abusing the dispute settlement procedures under the Convention,” the position paper states.

Finally, China claims that, by filling its case with the arbitral tribunal, the Philippines is violating an existing agreement to settle the South China Sea dispute through negotiations with China. “The Philippines is debarred from unilaterally initiating compulsory arbitration,” China argues, citing both unspecified bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Signed by China and the ASEAN member states in 2002.Accordingly, China claims that the Philippine case is not a goodwill effort to peacefully solve the South China Sea issue, but an attempt “to put political pressure on China.”

China’s position paper concludes:

            The unilateral initiation of the present arbitration by the Philippines will not change the history      and fact of China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and the adjacent waters; nor it will it shake China’s resolve and determination to safeguard its sovereignty and relevant maritime rights and interests; nor will it affect China’s policy and position of resolving the disputes in the South China Sea by direct negotiation and working together with other states in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China has made it very clear that it will not change any of its positions on the South China Sea due to the Philippines’ case, regardless of what the tribunal decides.

KALILANGAN 2016 - GENSAN

GenSan and Beyond

Connecting Cultures 

In celebration of the 77^th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City

Local government Unit of General Santos City

Mindanao State University-General Santos City

EVENT                                Kalilangan 2016

                                              (77^th Foundation Anniversary Celebration of General Santos City)

LEAD                                  Local Government Unit of General Santos City and

                                           Mindanao State University-General Santos City

DURATION                       February 14-27, 2016

                                           (Oval activities – February 5-March 4, 2016)

EVENT DESCRIPTION

KALILANGAN 2016 is an annual festivity and carrier event of the City of General Santos Foundation Anniversary – 27^th Kalilangan & 77^th Foundation that celebrates the shared histories among its Tri-People inhabitants, especially their decades old harmonious co-existence, their rich cultural heritage and tapestry of traditions among others.

EVENT RECOGNATION

Kalilangan as a festival, consequently has been given due recognition with a ‘Hall of Fame Distinction’ last 2014, as ‘Best Tourism Event of the Philippines-Culture and Arts from 2011, 2012 & 2013 respectively.

Festival logo

The Festival Logo and main centerpiece visuals includes the full name of the festival “KALILANGAN” enhanced with the Iconic Tri-colors of Red symbolizing courage and strength of will; Yellow representing nobility and influence; and green reflecting Vibrancy and Dynamism. The term is also rendered in dual reflection celebrating the “dialogue of cultures.”

In the line of the theme, the kalilangan is complemented with thee “Tri-People Icons” signify cooperation, harmony, and positivity for the future made of abstract group of human figures, inspired by the popular floral motif in okkil designs, as well as the ASEAN, “bunga” patterns. Together with the main color of blue that represents Gensan with the different ones representing its neighbors and beyond.

FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES

·             Contributes to the education and reinforcement of our racial memory, shared history and       collective identity as well as harmony in the diversity of cultural heritage and traditions;

·             Advocates for the respect of the diverse beliefs, persuasions, roles, attributes and perceptions especially the indigenous communities, the farmers and the small scale entrepreneurs;

·             Taps the creative capacities and energies of the stakeholders, partners and the local communities (the 26 barangay) and provided opportunity for the various sectors to work together for a common goal.

EVENTS and ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTIONS

1.       INSTITUTIONAL EVENTS

                                             KALILANG ASYAN (GRAND OPENING PROGRAM)

v  Opening Ceremony

v  Fireworks Display

v  ASYAN CULTURAL extravaganza

v  Concert (Globe Night)

                                                           GABI NG PARANGAL

v  Recognition of Pioneers, Blaan Elders and Maguindanao Elders (Tri-people)

)

                                                          APPRECIATION GALA (Dinner concert)

v  Appreciation of Partners and Sponsors (dinner show)

                                                            

                                               KAPEHAN:

v  Open Kapehan for the public (Community convergence)

(Recognition: Most Cooperative, Best Kapehan Both)

v  De Mamanita Rondalla

                                                             PARADA NG LAHI;

v  Multi-Sectoral Parade

v  Program and Wreath-lying

GRAND CULMINATING PROGRAM

                                                     PARADA NG MGA HENERAL

                                                     Barangay Parada/ Float Competition

                                                     Street dancing Contingents

                                                    Closing Program

                                                     Street dancing Competition showdown (battle of the Champions)

                                                     Fireworks Display Finale

                                                     “Pasasalamat” Thanksgiving Dinner for Working Force

                                                     Disco sa Kalye

II. PROGRAMS and OCCASIONS

              SOFT OPENING

                                                     PADYA Bazzar

                                                     KAUNAN/ MAKANAN MARKET

                                                     GASI/AGRI/FAIR

                                                   

 Culinary Cultural Exhibition

                                                      Exhibition of Kasaysayan in Visual Elements

                                                      -Pioneers, Blaans and Maguindanaos

ASYAN VILLAGE/PAVILLION

               Programs & Activities

a.      Kulintangan

b.      Sayaw Pinoy (tri people)

c.       Culinary exhibit of Asian tradional cuisine

d.      Local tradional culinary festival (daily)

e.       Traditional Asian performances

f.        Traditional Asian Games:

-          Sepak Takraw

-          Sipa sa mangis

-          Taekwondo

-          Boxing

-          Football/footsal

-          Arnis

-          Table Tennis

POP/Hip hop DANCE COMPETITION

SINE SINE ASYA; Asian films featured at cinemas in various movie houses in the city

III   EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

a.      Issues on ASEAN biodiversity

b.      Choreographers and Event organizers forum

c.       ASEAN integration (Tourism, education, agriculture, etc.)

                                     

 IV ATTRACTIONS and AMUSEMENTS

             KALILANAGAN FESTIVAL MAIN OVAL CENTERPIECE/ Pavillon of Asian Cultural

             ASYAN VILLAGES

                             Traditional Performances

                              Food Showcase

                             Traditional Games

            GAS/AGRI-FAIR 2016

                              Mini-Zoo

                              Mini-Garden

                              Farmer’s Cultural Program

                              Karetela

            BARANGAYAN SA KALILANGAN

                              26 Barangay Kubo-Booth Showcase

                               Agri-Prodducts Market

                               Barangay Socio-Cultural Activities

PADYAN MARKET (BAZAAR)

KAUNAN MARKET

GASI (AGRI FAIR)

PARTY ZONES

CARNIVAL ZONE

CONCERTS

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS AT OVAL STAGE

JUNK TANK for PEACE (play of lights- Kalilangan-Peace, logo with lights)