The Goodwill July-September 2013

July - September 2013 GOODWILL 1

The Official Publication of the City Government of Tacurong

City Government sets Comprehensive Development Plan, Executive-Legislative Agenda

NCC: TACURONG AMONG PHL’S MOST COMPETITIVE CITIES The City of Tacurong is in the 22nd spot among the Top 50 most competitive cities based on the 2012 Regional Competitiveness Indicators Survey spearheaded by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC). 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. According to a report, participating cities and municipalities filled-out a total of 30 sub-indicators to determine competitiveness levels. Tacurong, with Malungon, Sarangani and Surallah, South Cotabato, was also ranked 8th in the Renewal of Business Registration. This means that Tacurong is among local government units with the least number of steps required for processing

THE

business renewals. Business registration renewal in Tacurong only takes 3 steps. NCC cited Cagayan de Oro City as the most competitive city for year 2012. Koronadal City ranked 6th on the list; it earned the top spot among cities in Region XII. Other cities in the region such General Santos City ranked 12th; Kidapawan City ranked 16th; and Cotabato City ranked 31st. NCC released the survey results on July 30, 2013. The ranking were based on data submitted by participating local government units from January 31 to December 31, 2012. This list, according to NCC-private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz, will allow LGUs to assess their respective business environment and to come up with necessary reforms.

Stretch and Bend Photo by: Remo-tito Aguilar1st Prize-Igpat sang Kamera 2013-Talakudong Festival Category

Jezereel Louise C. Billano


The Local Government Unit of Tacurong has started formulating Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) with a planning workshop on August 19-20, 2013 at the Palomado Training Center, Fernandez Subdivision in Tacurong City. The workshop participants identified issues and concerns, objectives and targets, and corresponding policy options/strategies, according to their respective sectors: economic, social, infrastructure, environment, and development administration. Each sector planned programs, projects, and activities; legislative requirements for the identified issues and concerns; capacity development needs and interventions; and implementation, monitoring and evaluation schemes for the planned programs. The economic sector planned programs for agriculture and fisheries; veterinary services; economic enterprise and slaughterhouse; cooperative development; tourism; commerce, trade and industry; and labor and employment. On the other hand, the social services sector planned for education, health and sanitation, social welfare development, protective and social justice, sports and recreation, and housing. Infrastructure sector planned for roads and bridges; flood control and drainage; water supply; public utilities and transportation; power and communications; and

government buildings and facilities. Meanwhile, the environmental sector discussed upland and protected areas; ecological solid waste management; air pollution regulation; toxic and hazardous waste management; waste water management; and urban environment. Stakeholders of the development administration sector discussed organization and management; LGU-NGA-NGO-CSO-PO; development planning and research; fiscal management; and legal and legislative services. The CDP is a six-year multi-sectoral plan that sets directions of development programs and projects for 2014 to 2019. ELA, on the other hand, is the term-based component of CDP. ELA reflects the major development

DILG OIC Regional Director lauds city and barangay officials for excellent governanceAlberto P. Sero Jr. “Binibigyang pugay ko ang mga gawaing pambarangay gayundin ang mga programa at proyekto na matagumpay na ipinapatupad para iangat ang antas ng kabuhayan ng bawat mamamayan.” These are the words of OIC-Regional Director Reynaldo M. Bungubung, CESE of the Department of the Interior and Local Government XII during Tacurong City’s 12th Barangay Day on August 3, 2013. The celebration was themed Barangay Naton Tanan Ang Yabi sang Kauswagan. In his message, RD Bungubung praised the innovations done by the City and Barangay Officials such as the 2 Million City Aid for development scheme given every year to 20 barangays; the City Hall sa Barangay which brings all government services closer to the people; the compliance of the barangays to full disclosure policy and Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007; and other DILG Priority Programs

Cont’d on p. 11Cont’d on p. 3

Vol. II No. 3 www.tacurong.gov.ph July - September 2013

Members of the Infrastructure Sector plans for programs and projects to be included in the CDP.

2 GOODWILL July - September 2013

Heroism is selflessness. How do we, then, rid of ourselves? It was 26th of August 2013, Filipinos remembered the fallen heroes of Philippine Revolution during the Spanish rule. Flowers were laid in monuments of the great Philippine heroes—those who used swords, guns, and pens to fight our way to freedom and independence. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat were remembered. It was National Heroes Day. However, somewhere in Central Mindanao, in a humble city called Tacurong, tributes were also given to the faceless heroes of our nation—doctors who serve in far-flung barrios, teachers, farmers, social workers, overseas Filipino workers, civil servants, public servants. “The battle for freedom and independence against foreign oppressors has long been over. But we have still so much to fight for,” said Lt. Col. Joel Mamon, the guest speaker during the City Government of Tacurong’s Heroes Day celebration. With these battles he meant Filipinos’ fight against hunger and poverty, against graft and corruption, against lack of integrity in the service. Lt. Col. Mamon could not help but mention the Million March happening in Quirino Grand Stand, Manila and in other provinces in the country on that very same day. The Million March was a gathering of people from all walks of life that are against the abuse of the pork barrel system. The pork barrel system is only one side of the multi-faceted dimension of money and greed that exists not only in the government, but in other segments of society. The Million March allowed people from different sectors to express, to meet and understand each other’s woes, to unite, to have a voice. In this age, rising up takes more than courage. Conviction makes heroes rise. And when heroes rise, hope dawns. Hope makes all the difference in a seemingly confusing status quo. In this age, we do not always need to shed blood to stand by our own convictions. Farmers plant rice and toil under the sun to provide for their families, and to provide for the country. Teachers, with their meager resources, make learning fun for pupils and students. People fearlessly and peacefully march to magnify the voices of the oppressed. Indeed, battles do not end. The Filipino race continues to fight the good fight. Farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, soldiers, civilians—the heroes of this age may or may not be acknowledged by history, but I believe they will continue to move, even invisibly for social good. Every day, we give up a part of ourselves for service. Giving up a part of us, requires full conviction, requires our whole being to yield to our duty—to others and to God. And as we yield, we take our steps towards selflessness. Heroes are dignified because of honesty, compassion, and conviction. It was National Heroes Day—a day for great and faceless heroes of the past and even of the present.

When heroes riseJezereel Louise C. Billano

Fourth year student Adil Alamada, the only one from around 160 graduating students planning to enroll in Geology course when he goes to college, thought he might be making a wrong decision. But upon learning from a career talk that a geologist is one of the hard-to-fill occupations in the labor market, he said he is making the right career choice. Alamada of St. John Learning Center was just one of the more than 4500 students from different public and private high schools in Tacurong reached by a series of career talks during the observance of Career Guidance Week on August 5 to 9, 2013. The secondary schools under the City Schools Division and the newly-organized Tacurong City Network of Career Guidance Advocates conducted activities for the Career Guidance Week as mandated by Department Order No. 25, series of 2013 issued by Department of Education. The conduct of Career Guidance Week is in line with the goal of the K-12 Basic Education Program to produce graduates who are ready for higher education, middle level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sultan Kudarat Field Office, the city government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other partners provided speakers in the series of career talks in schools. In the conduct of career talks, the DOLE and PESO highlighted DOLE’s Project Jobs Fit, a study that determines the key employment generators in the Philippine labor market until year 2020. Project Jobs Fit also provided data on the in-demand and hard-to-fill occupations. The government hopes that Project Jobs Fit will properly address the problem on jobs and skills mismatch which greatly contributes to unemployment. DOLE’s efforts in addressing jobs and skills mismatch is in line with

Career advocacy benefit more than 4500 students in Tacurong

Guidance counselors in Tacurong City organized themselves to help the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City deal with the persistent problem of jobs and skills mismatch in the labor market. In a meeting hosted by the LGU through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on July 22, 2013, guidance counselors of public and private schools elected their set of officers who will be at the helm of their planned activities. Guidance Counselor Mila Pernato of Notre Dame Siena was elected as president of the newly-named Tacurong City Network of Career Guidance Advocates (TCNCGA).

LGU, DOLE ally with guidance counselors to address job-skill mismatch in Tacurong

In the said meeting, DOLE Sultan Kudarat Field Office Provincial Head Arlene Bisnon explained the need for a convergence among stakeholders especially in the conduct of career advocacy for students of both public and private secondary schools. Bisnon said that to attain the goal of effective career advocacy, the DOLE, LGU-PESO, guidance counselors and other concerned groups must align their plans and programs. During the meeting, TCNCGA planned for the Career Guidance Week celebration in the city scheduled on August 5-9, 2013. Mayor Lina O. Montilla and city councilors Welson Ferrer and Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz who attended the meeting expressed their support to career advocacy in the city.

Allan S. Freno

Allan S. Freno

Con’d on p.12

PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUE CELEBRATION.The 6th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong celebrated the Philippine Councilors League Week with two major activities: Limpyo Kalog (Sept. 6) and Dugong Konsehal Blood Letting Activity (Sept. 8). Employees of different offices in the city government and national government agencies participated in the Limpyo Kalog. Meanwhile, 115 blood donors came for the Dugong Konsehal. Volunteers were from different barangays and groups of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

The position of Deputy Secretary General for Mindanao of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has been entrusted to Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla. Mayor Montilla was endorsed and voted upon by her fellow city mayors during the 60th General Assembly of LCP held on July 19, 2013 in Manila. Almost all of the mayors from 143 member cities of LCP attended the event which also served as the farewell gathering for San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, the outgoing LCP National President. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista replaced him. When asked as to the reason why she was selected to such high office, Mayor Montilla replied that perhaps her 100 percent attendance and active participation in all undertakings of the LCP paved way for it. She also reasoned that the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award received by Tacurong City in 2012 elicited admiration from her fellow mayors and that could be one of the factors that made her a familiar face around the league. Mayor Montilla said that she was humbled by the trust and confidence given to her and pledged that she will remain a dynamic presence in the league. As Deputy Secretary General, Mayor Montilla joins other mayors in the National Executive Board. She will be in charge of facilitating seminars and conventions in the Mindanao region. She will also be directly coordinating with the Secretary General relative to matters concerning all cities in the south.

Tacurong City Mayor is LCP’s new Deputy Secretary General for Mindanao

Allan S. Freno

EDITORIAL BOARDManaging Editors/News Writers: Allan S. Freno. Jezereel Louise C. Billano.

Contributors: Danilo Doguiles-PIA XII. Alberto P. Sero Jr.-DILG. Amie D. Tomala-LGU OAS. Ariesha Faith Dimaano.Lay-out Artists: Jezereel Louise C. Billano. Joselito Z. Cajandig Jr. Photographer: Jorjohn C. Cajandig

Proofreaders: Laila S. Gulmayo-Pelaez. Toni Ann M. Ayco-Suboc Editorial Advisers: Lina O. Montilla. Eduardo K. Nicolo


Going to church every Sunday will not be too tiring anymore for 12-year old Anthony. Anthony of Barangay Tina in Tacurong City, along with nine other children, received wheelchairs from the Rotary Club of Tacurong (RC Tacurong). According to Anthony’s parents, this was the first time that he was seated on a chair with wheels; Anthony was used to using an improvised mono block chair. The old chair has been his companion in going to their barangay chapel to attend bible services on Sundays.

Cont’d on p. 10Ismagul, Lapis Atbp. for 97 Grade 3 pupils

Rotary donates wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy in Tacurong Anthony would wake up very early in the morning every Sunday because going to the chapel on board a chair without wheels would take him nearly an hour. During the turnover ceremony on August 19, Anthony silently thanked Rotarians with a wide grin as the donors helped him settle on his new wheelchair. The wheelchairs came from Western Australia as a grant from Rotary International based in Scarborough under its ‘Wheelchairs for Kids’ project. Rey Miguel Lopez, president of Rotary Club of Tacurong, said that the grant of wheelchairs was born out his club’s awareness of the plight of children, especially those with cerebral palsy. According to Lopez, Rotarians were touched at the sight of more than a hundred persons with disability (PWD) most of them were children during the observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week. RC Tacurong also awarded crutches to PWDs during NDPR Week in July. He said that they were particularly moved when a twelve year-old kid named Christian Dave in an old wheelchair threw a tantrum. The boy has cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that causes physical disability in human development. The

Walang maliit na bagay sa malaking hangarin na mapaunlad ang ating bayan. These were the words of Council of Personnel Officers-SK Chapter (CPO-SK) President Algerico Baquiran during the launch of Ismagul, Lapis Atbp. in Don Manuel J. Griño Memorial Central School (DMJGMCS) on July 18, 2013. CPO-SK extended its Ismagul, Lapis Atbp. project in support of LGU-Tacurong’s Promoting and Empowering Actions for Children’s Education or PEACE Project. Each of the 97 Grade 3 pupils of DMJGMCS received a set of school supplies (pencils, crayons, notebooks, art papers, scissors, bond papers, etc) and a new pair of slippers. Among those who attended the event were: CPO President and Civil Service Commission Field Office Director Ma. Josefina Gepte-Buenbrazo; CPO-SK President Agerico Baquiran; CPO-SK members; Mayor Lina O. Montilla; DepEd Tacurong Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda; Brgy. Griño Chairperson Romeo Panes; School Disrict Supervisor Frank Nawal; staff and faculty of DMJGMCS headed by Principal Saligyn Richiel Ortiz; and the parents. “Ginasiguro namon sa inyo mga ginikanan nga ginahimo namon ang tanan, kaupod ang mga pribado nga organisasyon kag ang lokal nga gobyerno, para mangin maayo ang estado sang aton nga mga kabataan,” said City Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda. “Ang amon man nga hangyo sa inyo, buligan nyo kami,” he added. LGU-Tacurong’s PEACE Project is a multi-stakeholder project dedicated to decrease drop-out incidence and academic performance in English and Math among DMJGMCS Grade 3 pupils. SEAOIL extended a P50,000-grant for Project PEACE when LGU-Tacurong’s proposal ranked third among other proposals submitted by LGUs and schools nationwide for the Champions for Education and Good Governance.


Allan S. Freno & Danilo Doguiles

such as implementation of Barangay Governance Performance Management System and Katarungnang Pambarangay. RD Bungubung likewise congratulated the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Upper Katungal, Tacurong City for being selected as the Regional Awardee for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA)-Component City Category. During the program, City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto P. Sero, City Mayor Lina O. Montilla, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Silvestre Llanto also recognized the 2012 Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa of the city, namely: Brgy. Upper Katungal (1st); Brgy. Poblacion (2nd); and Brgy Griño (3rd). Three-termer Punong Barangays and Barangay Kagawads were also recognized for their invaluable contributions in the development of their respective barangays. Officials and employees of the city government, national line agencies, and other stakeholders showed their full support to the barangays during the week-long celebration that showcased the barangays’ local products and talents. The 12th Barangay Day activities include Agri Fair, Kantahan ng Kabataan, Barangay Booth Contest, and Larong Pinoy. Tacurong City celebrates Barangay Day every August 3 of each year. August 3 is Tacurong’s founding anniversary as a municipality. It was later on dubbed as Barangay Day when Tacurong was converted into a city in the year 2010 through Republic Act 8805.

DILG OIC Reg’l Director lauds officialsCont’d from p1

Senator Guingona gives educational assistance to college students in Sultan Kudarat

Around 1,500 students enrolled in different campuses of Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) have availed of educational assistance from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Senator Teofisto Guingona III for the first semester of school year 2013-2014. Senator Guingona allocated P10 Million Pesos for 2,000 student beneficiaries in the Province of Sultan Kudarat. Each student received not more than P5, 000.00-assistance for tuition and miscellaneous fees. The beneficiaries of the educational assistance are students residing in the municipalities of Isulan, Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, Lebak, President Quirino, and Lambayong. Students residing in the City of Tacurong were also among the beneficiaries. The city government under Mayor Lina Montilla is the implementing Local Government Unit of said educational assistance.

MEASURING THE LGU’S PERFORMANCE.The Department of the Interior and Local Government, through City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto P. Sero Jr., called for a Utilization Conference on Local Governance Performance Management System o LGPMS in the City of Tacurong on July 9, 2013. The LGPMS seeks to measure the performance of LGU-Tacurong City based on the criteria set by the DILG. The LGPMS score card is used as criteria for the awarding of Seal of Good Housekeeping and the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, awards won by Tacurong in 2012. Present during the conference were all the city officials headed by Mayor Lina O. Montilla, Provincial Local Government Operations Officer VI Lilian Chio, LGU department heads, barangay chairpersons, PNP, BJMP, BFP, and Civil Society Organizations. Allan S. Freno

Another 500 students who will enroll in SKSU for the second semester of this school year are expected to avail of the remaining funds intended for the educational assistance. Utilization of Senator Guingona’s educational aid to the beneficiaries is authorized by the Department of Budget and Management under SARO No. G-13-00691.


TRIBU KUDONG SWAYS FOR GOLD Tribu Kudong of the North Tacurong District proved that 2013 is indeed a glorious year when it was declared the Grand Champion of Talakudong Festival Streetdancing and Field Demonstration Competition on September 18, 2013. The group also snatched all 3 major awards in the competition: Best in Street Showdown; Best in Streetdancing; and Best in Field Demonstration. Tribu Kudong bested 4 other contingents from other districts. Tribu Manubiaw of the Central Tacurong District came in 1st runner-up while Tribu Silak of the East Tacurong District was declared 2nd runner-up. Talakudong Festival 2013 was celebrated in line with the city’s 13th charter anniversary. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Clash of voices have been heard as the Kantahan ng Kabataan was staged in the city grounds. Ma. Angela Yulin, Ayssa Christiane Delgado, and Andrea Camille Aguinaldo were the victors in their respective categories: Bulilit, Children, and Youth.

KANTAHAN NG KABATAAN

Adding a splash of color and vibrance in Talakudong Festival are the parade of beauties for the Search for Miss Gay Talakudong 2013. Twelve candidates battled it out but only one victored – Francheska Kate Doña, who came all the way from Butuan City.

1st TALAKUDONG BATTLE OF THE QUEENS

DO YOU KNOW? After 49 years of existence as a municipality, Tacurong became the first component city of the Province of Sultan Kudarat through the efforts of Hon. Angelo O. Montilla, the former Congressman of the Lone District of Sultan Kudarat by virtue of House Bill No. 6497 duly approved and signed by his Excellency President Joseph E. Estrada through Republic Act 8805 “An Act Converting the Municipality of Tacurong into a Component City of the Province of Sultan Kudarat to be known as the City of Tacurong” on August 16, 2000 and duly confirmed by the “Tacurongnons” on a plebiscite held on September 18, 2000. www.sultankudarat.gov.ph

1st INVITATIONAL SCOOTER MOTORCROSS COMPETITIONA crowd of motorcross followers and enthusiasts filled the open grounds in Brgy. New Isabela as the very first Invitational Motorcross Competiiton kicked off last September 17.

July - September 2013 GOODWILL 5The key to winning:Thoughts and insights from Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong 2013 Saira Rajani Damole

Equipped with exceptional beauty, grace, and confidence, Saira Rajani Damole took the crown and was named as Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong 2013 last September 16 and outwitted 10 other candidates for the said title. Prior to Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong, Saira already held the titles Miss Hugyaw 2012 and Miss Kuyaw 2012 – a testimony that experience molded our beauty queen. With these being said, we now wonder, how does she manage to slay every competition she’s joined? And how, despite the very tight competition for Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong, did she find a way to stand out and be on top? Taking it straight from Saira, we will find out the moments to her Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong journey and her key to winning prestigious titles.

Prepared on every aspect It takes a lot of courage to join competitions as beauty pageants. Asked about her preparations when she joined Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong, Saira answered,

“By ensuring that I’m physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually prepared, that in every exposure or limelight that I have, I am bringing out the very best in me.. and by making sure that I am joining because this is my will, my dream, and my love.”

Indeed, it needs a set of focus and determination in order to pull off a character like that of a beauty queen. Besides, it has always been her dream to put a crown on her head. Saira shared that way back, she wanted to join beauty pageants but was feeling deprived to do so. This is because she felt physically unattractive and incapable of pursuing such ambition. Who would have thought that years later, the once low-esteemed Saira soared to reach her goals.

Bursting with inspiration When posed a question regarding her decision to join this year’s Mutya, Saira said

“Aside from experience, it is already my last year being a college student, and this year will be my last shot to represent my institution, and make my school proud. That’s why I really made up my mind to join. Moreover, I joined because I really want to prove myself, make my family

especially my mommy proud of me. I know that I am my mom’s pride, that’s why I keep on dreaming to make her happy.”

An urge to motivate Beyond the glamour and elegance Saira possesses, there is a heart that envisions to influence and to reach out. One of the reasons why she joined this year is to fulfil an ambition: to inspire the youth and be the voice for their concerns and rights. Asked further regarding her plans now that she’s crowned Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong 2013, Saira shared

A message for aspiring beauties Lastly, Saira made a heartfelt message for all Tacurongnons who aspire to earn the title

“Honestly, I still have no idea, because truly I don’t know where to start. All I have in my mind as of now, is to inspire people in pursuing their dreams and reach all of those in the right time. All I know is I should not settle for less. I must do something and make myself available in time the Government needs me. To let the City know how much I care to

fulfil my responsibilities as Mutya ng Tacurong whatever it is.”

Saira is a graduating student in Notre Dame Tacurong College, taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Also, the title she gained from the institution (Miss Kuyaw 2012) gave her a great opportunity to represent the school. Being the only girl and the youngest of three siblings, Saira‘s family have been very supportive of her during the Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong journey. With the overwhelming cheers from her family, friends, and schoolmates, Saira became more determined to bring home the title.

that she now owns,

“Be yourself! Being called as Tacurongnon is such a great pride because we know we are not just excelling in terms of being responsive to the calling

of good governance but also in beauties and brains. Keep on dreaming, if you fail cheer up and don’t lose hope to try again. Always

remember it takes time to wait and to be spotlighted, don’t be in a hurry, God will give you the crown if you truly deserve

it. Being a beauty queen is not easy as it seems but, you can be one if you have perseverance, courage,

faith and HUMILITY. Whatever achievements, titles, and crowns you will have, stay humble. Being a beauty queen does not just happen, it is built

by prayers, humility, sacrifice and hard work. Goodluck gals, and always

make our City proud. Uswag Tacurong!”

VARIETY AND COMEDY SHOW

Visual Concepts and Studio and Productions in cooperation with the local government of Tacurong brought laughter and entertain-ment as they invite celebrities and comediennes last September 17 for the Variety and Comedy Show at the Tacurong City Gymna-sium. Xtreme Dancers and the UMTC Dance company graced the event together with Davao City’s best stand up comediennes. They filled the venue with fun and pleasure before talents from Adstellar came up the stage. The night went on its peak when celebrities as Marrie Joesse, Jacob de Jesus, Loven Canon, Krista Miller, Xander Roldan, Johan Santos, and Patrick Garcia made their appearance and mingled with Tacurongnons. This event was conducted for the benefit of Project PEACE - Promoting and Empowering Action for Children’s Education.

by Ariesha Faith Dimaano

MUNTING MUTYA NG LUNGOD NG TACURONG 2013After nine years, a newly crowned Munting Mutya was hailed in the person of Sapphire Faith Gleyo - a pupil in NDTC Elementary Department. She beat 13 other beautiful girls for the said title.


INTER-BARANGAY DANCE SPORT COMPETITION & HIP-HOP DANCE CONTEST

1st TALAKUDONG DRUM & GLOCKENSPIEL COMPETITION The three competing high schools are all winners as they parade their moves and their excellent musicality in the very first Drum & Glockenspiel competition for Talakudong Festival 2013. Notre Dame Siena College of Tacurong was announced champion, followed by Tacurong National High School and Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology.

Recognizing all walks of life, rural folk dances were displayed from elementary students to

KUMPAS SA SYUDAD

senior citizens in Kumpas sa Syudad last September 12. The winners of the different categories were the following: (in the photo) Montessori Learning Center (Elementary); Siloam ABC Learning Center (High School); Sultan Kudarat State University (College); and San Emmanuel Senior Citizen Dance Troupe (Senior Citizens).

On its third year, Makasining Lahi in cooperation with the local government unit conducted a free haircut service for all Tacurongnons on September 13. The project is primarily a way to give back for the support and understanding to the gay community.

HAIRCUT MO, SAGOT KO

Festival Jobs Fair generates employment for Tacurongnons

Tacurongnons enjoyed the Talakudong Agri Trade Fair from September 3-21. The trade fair was the venue of the Talakudong Ornamental Plants Show conducted on September 11-18. The show allowed plant growers and hobbyists to show their best ornamental plants.

AGRI TRADE FAIR AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS SHOW

Talakudong Musikahan gathered Tacurongnons for an enjoyable night with local bands on September 18. Among the performers were: Pentagon Band; Code 22; City Band; Black Beans Band; and After Session Band.

MUSIKAHAN FESTIVAL

The Igpat sang Kamera Photo Contest is now on its third year making it an anticipated event by photo enthusiasts in the region. This year, Glenn Lazado grabbed the gold in the Discover Tacurong Category with his photo (left) of the Baras Bird Sanctuary. On the other hand, Dr. Remo-tito Aguilar’s photo entitled Stretch and Bend triumphed over 83 other photo entries.

IGPAT SANG KAMERA PHOTO CONTEST 2013

Baras Bird Sanctuary At Bird’s Eyeview Photo by: Glenn Lazado1st Prize-Igpat sang Kamera 2013-Discover Tacurong Category

FOR ART SAKE

There are several proponents in this course to strengthen the culture & arts of Tacurong and of Mindanao, as well as blending in the modern times: Painting and Salakot Decorat-ing Contest; the Arts Gala Show and the Cosplay Contest. These were participated mostly by the youth and aspiring artists in the city.


Creeping Crew from General Santos City took this year’s spot as champions of the Hip-Hop Dance Contest. Meanwhile, Cris Rafael Formacion and Ian Faye Camangonan along with Michel Rey Bedaño and Cammine Rose Daut won for both Juvenile I and Juvenile II category of the Dance Sports Competiition, respectively. Janine Exciso and Daniel Plantig of Brgy. Calean were the winners for the open category. INTER-BARANGAY DANCE SPORT COMPETITION & HIP-HOP DANCE CONTEST

1st TALAKUDONG DRUM & GLOCKENSPIEL COMPETITION

Recognizing all walks of life, rural folk dances were displayed from elementary students to

KUMPAS SA SYUDAD

Cycling enthusiasts journey their way on the different places of interest and tourist spots in Tacurong City as they join the 2nd Talakudong Bicycle Tour. The 30-kilometer trip was conducted not only to promote a healthy lifestyle and tourism, but to raise environmental awareness as well.

BICYCLE TOUR

This new event in the Talakudong Festival showcased how dogs and their pet owners work together as they ramp in the Dog Fashion Show and other categories. Best Dog in Town and Best Puppy in Town were taken home by Mr. Phillip Laranjo’s Siberian husky (in the photo) and Mr. Rodel Pedral’s female micropinscher got the Cutest Dog in Town.

1st TALAKUDONG DOG SHOW

After five months of job-hunting, twenty-year old Fritchel Jane Makilan of Barangay San Emmanuel has finally found an employer. Makilan was one of the eighty-five applicants who trooped to the city hall compound to register for the Jobs Fair conducted by the city government on September 13, 2013.Makilan said that she started applying for work right after graduation from college in March;she had submitted applications to more than five employers but none responded positively. “I’m happy because I was finally given a chance to be employed through this Jobs Fair,” she said. Hired by KCC Mall of Marbel as warehouse staff, Makilan was also one of the lucky nineteen applicants who were hired on the spot in the Jobs Fair. Aside from those who were hired on the spot, 51 other applicants qualified in the initial screening of eleven agencies and were advised to be interviewed and undergo the rest of the screening process. Participating agencies for overseas employment were Nonstop Overseas Employment Services and D.A. Rodrigo International. Local employers included KCC Mall, Kimsan Plaza, Tacurong Fit Mart, MUTI Group of Companies, Credit Basics & Innovations Corporation, Yakult Lactobacillus Corporation, Edjin Pension House, Talakudong Foods Corporation (Jollibee), and Mang Gorio Bahay-Kainan. There were 124 job vacancies posted in the said jobs fair. Of said vacancies, 81 job orders for skilled workers were solicited for overseas employment, and 54 for local employment. The city government, through the Public Employment Service Office, partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sultan Kudarat Field Office in the conduct of the Jobs Fair as part of the city’s Talakudong Festival. LGU-PESO and DOLE first conducted the Talakudong Jobs Fair in 2012.

Festival Jobs Fair generates employment for Tacurongnonsby Allan S. Freno

At least 1000 runners and enthusiasts signed up for the this event on September 15, 2013. The race started at exactly 4:45 in the morning with the gun start for 21K runners. Runners for the 4 categories (21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K) came from as far as Bukidnon and Davao region. The event was organized by the Tacurong Runners Club in cooperation with the City Government of Tacurong.

1st TALAKUDONG HALF-MARATHON RUN

The Igpat sang Kamera Photo Contest is now on its third year making it an anticipated event by photo enthusiasts in the region. This year, Glenn Lazado grabbed the gold in the Discover Tacurong Category with his photo (left) of the Baras Bird Sanctuary. On the other hand, Dr. Remo-tito Aguilar’s photo entitled Stretch and Bend triumphed over 83 other photo entries.

IGPAT SANG KAMERA PHOTO CONTEST 2013

Fourteen participating teams have competed for the Talakudong Invitational Dart Tournament 2013 last September 14. Ian Perez was named champion for the singles category, Henry Rivera and Robert Arciosa for classified draw doubles, DJ Tongcopanon for youth (men) singles, and Honey Grace Arciosa for youth (female) singles.

INVITATIONAL DART TOURNAMENT

Seventeen barangays and eight agencies were head to head during the Talakudong Inter-Barangay and Inter-Agency Basketball Tournament on August 20-September 12. RPSB XII won the gold in the inter-agency category while Barangay Upper Katungal was triumphant in the inter-barangay category.

INTER-BARANGAY & INTER-AGENCY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The LGU together with the Talakudong Sepak Takraw Club hosted the 2013 Talakudong Inter-school and Open Sepak Takraw Tournament from September 12-16. Tacurong National High School triumphed for the Inter-school category while GenSan Takrawista won for the Open Category.

INTER-SCHOOL & OPEN SEPAK TAKRAW TOURNAMENT

Also part of the Talakudong Festival 2013 set of activities is the 3rd Mayor Lina O. Montilla Tennis Cup held at the Tacurong City Tennis Club. Winners of the said tournament are the following: Chris Quijano and Usman Arobento (Men’s Doubles Category B) and; Rolly Aquino and Nognog Aguilar (Men’s Doubles Category C).

LAWN TENNIS TOURNAMENT

8 GOODWILL July - September 2013LGU-TACURONG FULL BUDGET DISCLOSURE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013)

July - September 2013 GOODWILL 9LGU-TACURONG FULL BUDGET DISCLOSURE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013)


Tacurong LGU at Jollibee magkatuwang sa pagtugon sa malnutrisyon

For its sustained collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the City Government of Tacurong was awarded with the PRC Scroll of Honor. The Scroll of Honor, a national award, was given during PRC-Sultan Kudarat Tacurong Chapter’s Blood Donors Recognition Ceremony on July 31, 2013 in Beldent Star Hotel, Tacurong City. PRC recognized LGU-Tacurong City’s support to the National Blood Services Act of 1994. Responding to the call for advocacy and promotion of voluntary blood donation, recruitment and retention of voluntary blood donors, the LGU institutionalized the City Blood Donors Day in 2011 through City Ordinance 06-2011 sponsored by Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito. City Blood Donors Day is celebrated every May 19. This activity encourages individuals and groups from various agencies and

organizations to regularly donate blood and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Consequently, Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito was recognized for her support and cooperation to the voluntary Blood Services Program of PRC-Sultan Kudarat. The Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Tacurong Chapter was also awarded with the Diploma of Service, a national award. PCL-Tacurong Chapter has been very active in supporting the Red Cross ideals and purposes through its Dugong Konsehal. Dugong Konsehal is an annual week-long blood-letting activity conducted every first week of September which started in 2011. July is National Blood Donors Month. Blood Donors Month 2013 is themed Every Blood Donation is a Gift of Life.

LGU-Tacurong receives Red Cross Scroll of Honor

2013 World Population Day. A housewife smiles after undergoing a free ligation operation on July 11, 2013 at the City Health Center. The Marie Stopes Foundation sponsored free ligation operations of 41 housewives from different barangays in the city. This activity is co-sponsored by the Office for City Health Services in time for the celebration of the World Population Day.

Inilunsad noong Agosto 1, 2013 ang Busog Lusog Talino (BLT) feeding program sa apat na pampublikong paaralan sa lungsod ng Tacurong. Ang BLT feeding program ay ipinatutupad ng Jollibee Foods Corporation sa pamamagitan ng kanilang corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm na Jollibee Foundation. Katuwang ng Jollibee sa nasabing gawain ang pamahalaang panlungsod ng Tacurong. Ang mga benepisyaryo ng feeding program ay mga paaralang Josue Alcasid Central School sa Brgy. Baras; J. Hector Lacson Elementary School sa Brgy. Calean; Tina Elementary School sa Brgy. Tina; at Dr. Manuel J. Griño Memorial Central Elementary School in Brgy. Grino.

Apatnapung (40) batang ‘wasted’ at ‘severely wasted’ sa Grade 1 at Grade 2 sa bawat paaralan ang pakakainin ng masusustansyang pananghalian sa loob ng 136 na araw. Ang pagpapakain ay pormal na sinimulan noong Agosto 5. Layon nito na malunasan ang malnutrisyon sa mga kabataang mag-aaral at mahikayat silang magpatuloy sa kanilang pag-aaral. Sa kasunduan, sa unang taon ng pagpapatupad ng feeding program aakuin ng Jollibee ang 75% ng gastusin ng programa samantalang ang LGU naman sa aako sa nalalabing 25%. Hahatiin ng dalawang partido ang gastusin sa ikalawang taon. Mula sa ikatlong taon, ang LGU na ang solong magpapatupad ng feeding program.

Danilo Daguiles & Jezereel Billano

Fifty-five civil servants who turned ten to forty years in the local government service received loyalty pins and rings during the opening of the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Celebration on September 2, 2013 in Tacurong City. Among the 55 civil servants, 31 received the 10-year loyalty award; 5 received the 15-year loyalty award; 3 received the 20-year loyalty award; 6 received the 25-year loyalty award; 4 received 30-year loyalty award; and 5 received the 35-year loyalty award. Mrs. Patria P. Cedullo of the City Assessor’s Office, the lone recipient of the 40-year loyalty award, received an 18k loyalty ring. “These rings and pins will serve as reminders that we should continue serving our citizens excellently.

LGU recognizes 55 civil servants during 113th Civil Service Anniversary

Of course, these also symbolize our gratitude for your selfless service throughout the years,” said Hon. Lina O. Montilla. Other LGU activities for the 2013 Civil Service Month include: Hataw and Walk for a Cause (September 12); Civil Service Commission On Air (Sept. 20); Orientation on Batas Kasambahay (Sept. 23); Employees’ Family Day (Sept. 27); and a culmination program (Sept. 30). CHRMO spearheaded the LGU-Tacurong celebration of the 113th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service with the theme Tatak Lingkod Bayani: Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki, at Ipagbunyi.



The Local Government Unit of Tacurong launched the 2013 City Hall sa Barangay in Barangay Upper Katungal on August 23, serving 1,191 constituents. The 3 most availed services were medical and dental services, veterinary services, and free haircut. Of the total number of beneficiaries, 694 availed of free medical and dental services with free medicines. One of these was Christian Dave Catapan, a 12-year old with cerebral palsy. Christian availed of free medical services and medicines for cough and colds from the Office for City Health Services. “Budlay ini sya dal-on sa banwa kay sa sitwasyon nya kag pati ang wheelchair budlay isakay sa tricycle. Maayo nga may doktor diri subong sa barangay, hindi kami mabudlayan,” said Josie Catapan, Christian’s mother. Brgy. Upper Katungal is approximately 5 kilometers away from the city proper. Construction of roads going to the barangay is also ongoing making it more difficult for commuters like Josie and Christian. After getting his free medicines, Christian availed of a free haircut from the Philippine Army, one of LGU’s active partners in City Hall sa Barangay. Christian and his mother were assisted by the City Social Welfare and Development

LGU launches 2013 City Hall sa Barangay; serves 1,191 constituents

Rotary donates wheelchairsCont’d from p. 3

condition permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination. When told that there are many children with cerebral palsy who need wheelchairs, RC-Tacurong wasted no time in coordinating with Rotary 3870 District Governor Teresita Navales who subsequently allocated ten units for Tacurong. The timing was great because there were already several units of wheelchairs awaiting requests. Facilitated by past District Governor Muya Ekey, said wheelchairs were shipped from Australia months before the NDPR Week. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) helped the Rotary in the identification of the beneficiaries. PWD focal person Cathy Mae Catalan said that out of the 19 children they identified with cerebral palsy, the office prioritized ten who are most needy. “This is the least that we can do for these children. I hope that these wheelchairs bring positive change to their lives,” he said. Each wheelchair, designed for kids with cerebral palsy, approximately costs P20,000 each. It carried with it two blankets, a stuffed toy, and tools kit.

Para sa ikatatagumpay ng BLT, ilang grupo naman ang tumutulong sa lokal na pamahalaan. Nagbigay ng mga kagamitang pangluto, kutsara at tinidor ang Rotary Club of Tacurong, samantalang multivitamins at mga hand towel naman ang ibinigay ng Philippine Medical Association (PMA). Nagbigay rin ng libreng sipilyo at isang taong supply ng toothpaste ang Philippine Dental Association (PDA). Kasama rin sa kanilang ayuda ang libreng check-up sa mga bata at kanilang mga magulang. Kasabay sa kanyang pasasalamat sa Jollibee Foods Corporation, umaasa si Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla na madaragdagan ang mga paaralang benepisyaryo sa BLT sa mga susunod na taon.

Office (CSWDO). City Hall sa Barangay brings all the services of different city departments into communities, one barangay at a time. These services are offered for free. City Hall sa Barangay is now on its 3rd year of implementation.


Christian is being examined by Dr. Efraim Collado of the Office for City Health Services.


TACURONG CITY DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT COUNCIL UPDATES

Formulation of 6-year DRRM Plan The Local Government Unit of Tacurong through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, gathered 60 representatives for the development of the City’s 6-Year Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan on August 5-6, 2013 at Edjin Pension House, Tacurong City. Participants formulated plans for four (4) thematic areas of DRRM: prevention and mitigation; preparedness; response; and rehabilitation. Participating agencies and organizations include: LGU-Tacurong, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Tacurong Search and Rescue Team (TRACER), Department of Education, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Joint Task Force Talakudong, 601st Brigade-Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross, Notre Dame of Tacurong College, Rotary Club of Tacurong, and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. In adherence to R.A. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, various sectors were involved in the planning workshop to come up with an integrated, comprehensive and proactive DRRM Plan for disasters such as flood, earthquake, fire, and human-induced disasters (i.e. bombing, hostage-taking).

Creation of San Pablo Emergency Rescue Team (SPERT)

Twenty-one civilian volunteer organization members, teachers, barangay officials and tanod now compose the newly-created Barangay San Pablo Emergency Response Team or SPERT. The 21 volunteers successfully completed a 6-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Training conducted on July 16-21, 2013 by the Tacurong City Responsive or TRACER. SPERT officers and members took their oath on July 22, 2013. Barangay San Pablo Search and Rescue Team is the second barangay SAR team in the City of Tacurong, following the creation of Barangay New Isabela SAR Team.

TRACER Proficiency Training The Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Search and Rescue or TRACER has undergone a 3-day Proficiency Training on July 12-14, 2013. TRACER undergoes Proficiency Training once or twice a year under the supervision of the Tacurong CDRRMC. This recently-conducted training was co-facilitated by Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon and Sgt. Manuel S. Doria of the Philippine Air Force-Davao City.

16-Day Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training Six officers and members of the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force facilitated the 16-day Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training of the 2nd batch of TRACER members on August 27 to September 11, 2013. This batch is composed of 27 recruits from different barangays. Participants were trained on basic life support, Incident Command System, swimming, towering and high angle extrication, knot tying, tree rapelling, and river-crossing. The participants also acquired skills in using rubber boats and have undergone training on one-mile swim. Training sessions and practical and written examinations were conducted in Tacurong City, Polomolok, Koronadal City, and General Santos City. Lt. Henry Allen P. Galvan, Training Director of the PAF 505th Squadron, conferred the 27 participants as graduates on September 11, 2013. Roy P. Seva, Irene S. Lopez, and John Rey C. Lumogdang graduated as the Batch’s Top 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Tacurong CDRRMC is Region’s Best Prepared Council

3rd Best Volunteer Organization in the country by the National DRRMC. This year, TRACER once again advanced to the National Gawad KALASAG-Best Volunteer O r g a n i z a t i o n Category. Gawad KALASAG was initiated in 1998 to recognize excellence on DRRM and humanitarian assistance.

Best Prepared City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) during the 2013 Regional Gawad KALASAG awarding ceremonies conducted on August 6, 2013 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City. The Regional DRRMC and Office of the Civil Defense XII also recognized the Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Response (TRACER) as the Best Prepared Volunteer Group in Region XII. In 2012, TRACER was awarded as the

thrusts and priorities towards the common vision of the city. This covers the elected officials’ 3-year term which is from 2014 to 2016. The workshop was facilitated by the City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto P. Sero and the City Planning and Development Coordinating Office. “It is our aim to develop comprehensive and integrated plans that are supportive of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals,” said CLGOO Sero.

LGU formulates CDP, ELACont’d from p1


Ligtas sa avian influenza virus ang Baras Bird Sanctuary sa lungsod ng Tacurong, ayon sa Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Inilahad ng Bureau of Animal Industry ang nasabing impormasyon base sa kanilang isinagawang avian influenza surveillance research noong buwan ng Hunyo. Sa tulong ng Tacurong City Veterinary Office abot sa 36 na bird serum sample ang kinolekta mula sa mga ibon sa nasabing sanctuary noong Hunyo 10, 2013. Ang samples ay isinumite sa Philippine Animal Health Center Laboratory ng BAI para sa eksaminasyon.

Baras Bird Sanctuary sa Tacurong, negatibo sa avian flu virus Ang lahat na serum sample ay nag-negatibo sa avian influenza virus. Ang Baras Bird Sanctuary na ilang kilometro lang ang layo mula sa Tacurong City ay tahanan ng may mahigit 20,000 black night heron at cattle egret. Unti-unti na itong nakikilala bilang isa sa natatanging pasyalan ng mga turista na pumupunta sa nasabing lungsod. Ang kakaiba sa Baras Bird Sanctuary sa ibang bird watching site, ayon kay City Veterinarian Hermenegilda Sanque, ay ang lapit ng mga ibon sa mga taong nagmamasid, dahilan para hindi na kailangang magdala pa

ng binoculars ng mga bird watchers. Ang Baras Bird Sanctuary ay bahagi din sa mga isinusulong ng Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLADA) bilang isa sa mga eco-tourism site ng Soccsksargen Region. Isinagawa ng BAI ang pagsasagawa ng pagsusuri sa nasabing bird sanctuary upang matiyak na mananatiling ligtas ang lugar sa bird flu. Matatandaang noong Abril 1, 2013, nagdeklara ang World Health Organization ng avian H7N6 bird flu outbreak sa China kung saan umabot sa 130 katao ang naapektuhan.

Danilo Daguiles & Jezereel Billano

Mayor Lina O. Montilla receives the Best Prepared CDRRMC award in General Santos City.

SPERT officers take oath before City Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito


66 graduate from Save and Grow Farmers Field School

Sixty-six (66) farmer participants from Brarangay Baras (30) and Barangay Griño (36) graduated from the season-long Farmers Field School (FFS) on Save and Grow Regional Rice Initiative Project. The graduation ceremonies and field day were conducted in V.F Griño Memorial National High School, Barangay Griño, Tacurong City on September 23, 2013. Barangay Baras and Griño were the only Save and Grow Farmer Field School in Sultan Kudarat Province and among the four (4) pilot sites in Region XII. The season-long farmer training employed a non-formal education methodology, participatory, experiential and discovery-based learning process. The training was facilitated by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) FFS facilitators and Local Farmers Technician (LFT). These facilitators are also graduates of the season-long IPM Training of Trainers Courses from the Office for the Agricultural Services. In the Philippines, Regional Rice Initiative Pilot Project was designed to support the overarching goals of the Agriculture sector under the Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, which are food security and raising incomes. More specifically, the pilot project is in line with the Department of Agriculture’s Food staples sufficiency

Save and Grow production practices

Help farmers grow high-yielding rice crops while making farming systems more profitable and resilient: Integrated Nutrient, Water, and Pest Management allows farmers to reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs; savings on water and seed inputs, as promoted in System of Rice Intensifications (SRI); and integrated rise-fish production systems. For more information, visit your local agriculture office. Queries on rice? Text PhilRice Farmers Text Center 0920-911-1398

A farner-participant in Brgy. Griño prepares seedlings for their FFS experimental field

Amie D. Tomala

Career advocacy benefit 4,500 studentsCont’d from p. 2

President Benigno Aquino III’s 22-point labor and employment agenda, whose overarching goal is to invest in the country’s human resource to make them more competitive and employable. Consequently, TESDA presented its different programs while also emphasizing on the potential of technical-vocational courses as employment drivers of the country’s economy. Schools that were reached by the week-long career advocacy were: St. John Learning Center, Siloam ABC Tutorial and Learning Center, Notre Dame of Tacurong College-High School Department, Notre Dame Siena College of Tacurong, Rajah Muda National High School, AS Bernardo Memorial National High School, Tacurong National High School, and San Emmanuel National High School, VMC City College-High School Department, and Quezon Colleges of Southern Philippines-High School Department. Tacurong National High School, with more than two thousand students, had the largest number of participants reached by the career advocacy. Parents who were also encouraged to attend the career talks gave a favourable feedback after the lectures. Mrs. Gomaida Segocio, a teacher in Tacurong National High School, said that she had been previously adamant in convincing her daughter to enrol in Education course. But her daughter wants to be a chemical engineer instead. When Mrs. Segocio learned that chemical engineering is one of the hard-to-fill occupations, she said she is now ready to concede to her daughter’s career choice. “I learned a lot in the career

TACURONG’S INTERNATIONAL PRIDE. Angelito Laga (second from left), a Tacurong native and former member of Tacurong Taekwondo Team, humbled his competitors in the 7th World Taekwondo Culture Expo Competition held in South Korea on July 12-17, 2013. He won gold medal in the Contest Poomsae Event and silver medal in the Contest Kyorugi (full contact sparring). During the Expo, Laga also underwent attended the following seminars such as Kyorugi Seminar, Demonstration Seminar, Self Defense Seminar, Poomsae Seminar, and Taekwon Gymnastic Seminar. Laga, who is currently working in Manila, was also one of the many Tacurong taekwondo jins who had availed of a sports scholarship grant in the University of San Sebastian.

Two hundred fifty-one (251) out-of-school youth, women, and unemployed adults of four barangays in Tacurong City graduated from livelihood skills trainings conducted 3rd quarter of this year 2013. Forty beneficiaries from Barangay San Pablo acquired skills on dressmaking and tailoring while 26 learned about basic welding. Meanwhile, 32 beneficiaries from Barangay Rajah Muda finished a NC II driving course. Beneficiaries from Barangay Calean acquired skills on hair science, beauty culture, and barber-cutting (53), massage therapy (18), dressmaking (14), and driving (35). Moreover, 33 beneficiaries from Barangay Baras finished NC II driving course. Out of these 33 beneficiaries, 23 have already passed the NC II examination. Sangguniang Kabataan funds of each barangay were used for the conduct of the skills trainings. The City Social Welfare and Development Office and TESDA assisted in project implementation.

251 avail free livelihood skills trainingJezereel Louise C. Billano

program under the Agri-Pinoy framework and its four guiding principles of (i) food security and self sufficiency, (ii) sustainable Agriculture and fisheries, (iii) natural resource management, and (iv) local development. The project was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII, (DA-RFO XII) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Sultan Kudarat Province in partnership with the City Government of Tacurong and Barangay Government of Baras and V. F Griño as the implementing agency.

talk, and I appreciate the fact that parents are being involved because most of the time, children’s career choices are influenced by their parents,” Mrs. Segocio said.

Career Guidance Week Culminating Activity On August 8, the city government hosted a city-wide culminating activity of the Career Guidance Week. More than 700 students from various schools, together with their principals and guidance counselors attended the parade and the closing ceremonies. In their message during the closing program, Mayor Lina Montilla, Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda, and City Council Labor and Employment Committee Chairperson Benjamin ‘Sonny’ Fajardo pledged their full support to all career advocacy programs. Education Committee Chairperson Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, who helped the DOLE and the PESO in organizing the network of guidance counselors, also found allies in Councilors Welson Ferrer and Psyche Sucaldito who joined the culminating activity. Other members of the city council also pledged their support. The Rotary Club of Tacurong and the Rotaract Club ofTalakudong have also been ardent partners of DOLE and the city government in the conduct of career advocacy. Rotaract even helped in the preparation of the culmination program, while Rotary sponsored prizes for the raffle draw. DOLE Provincial Head Arlene Bisnon said that the convergence of the government and the private sector in career advocacy programs bodes well for the city of Tacurong. “Partnerships are always encouraged because goals are easily achieved when diverse groups work as one,” she said.

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Documents

The Goodwill July-September 2013