The Goodwill October-December 2014 by LGU-Tacurong City

GOODWILL

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THE OFFICIAL NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF TACURONG

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Paper out, tablets in:

Tacurong tablet-based survey, first in Region 12 The city government of Tacurong is the first LGU in Region XII to use the CBMS-APP or Community-based Monitoring System Accelerated Poverty Profiling. CBMS-APP is an Android tablet-based survey developed by the Community-Based Monitoring System Network Team commissioned by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The 5-month tablet-based survey started on December 1, 2014. Twenty-four (24) enumerators, four editors and two supervisors with personnel from the City Planning and Development Coordinating Office compose the Tacurong CBMS Team. “I hope ubrahon naton sang tarung ang aton nga trabaho sa sulod sang 5 bulan kay ang kada data nga inyo ma gather importante sa aton nga city sa paghimo naton sang mga programs and projects,” Mayor Lina Montilla addressed the CBMS Team. With the CBMS-APP, survey forms are deployed in Android tablets. Enumerators will use these tablets in collecting household data. CBMS-APP also uses web technology for faster and easier storage and retrieval of collected data. The use of CBMS in LGUs is part of a program of the DILG-Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD). CBMS is a census that provides timely inputs in local development planning of LGUs. The CBMS Team undergone the CBMS-APP Module 1 Training on November 24-28, 2014. The training aims to equip participants with necessary skills in data collection using the CBMS SCAN and CBMS Portal. DILG and LGU-Tacurong through the CPDCO invited two resource speakers namely LGOO Evelyn Castro, a CBMS National Trainer from the DILG Central Office and LGOO Philip Cuevas, Regional CBMS Focal Person of DILG IX, Pagadian City. JLCBillano

In the photo: A trained enumerator conducts household survey using an Android tablet .

In the pages

3 5 Regional Brigada Eskwela Best Implementers are in Tacurong! Story on Page 11

City News & Updates Online: www.tacurong.gov.ph www.facebook.com/ lgutacurongcity

Pag-issue ng citation tickets sa lumalabag sa anti-smoking ordinance, nagsimula na Sa larawan, makikita ang isang Smoke-Free Tacurong Enforcer na nagbibigay ng citation ticket sa isa sa tatlumpu’t isang (31) nahuling naninigarilyo sa pamilihang bayan noong ika-13 ng Nobyembre, 2014. Ang mga lumalabag sa Anti-Smoking Ordinance ng syudad ay pinapatawan ng P500 multa o di kaya ay pinaglilinis sa mga piling lugar sa syudad. Bago pa man nanghuli ang mga enforcers ay dumalo sila sa isang training, umaga ng nasabing araw. Ito ay upang lalong lumawak ang kanilang kaalaman sa pagpapatupad ng Anti-Smoking Ordinance.

The City of Tacurong observes ABSOLUTE NO SMOKING POLICY NO Smoking in Public Places and Vehicles. NO Designated Smoking Areas in Business Establishments and in Government Offices.

Ano ang UBAS?

Ugnayang Barangay at Simbahan

KAYA NATIN

names Montilla as Good Governance Champion

Baras Bird Sanctuary Choose Philippines

LGU Child-friendly initiatives

LGU-Tacurong shares good governance practice to LGUs, CSOs Every year, each barangay in Tacurong City gets P2 million from the city government, a practice that, according to Mayor Lina Montilla has ensured equitable distribution of resources to all barangays in the city. Montilla was among the four local government executives who served as resource persons during the “Ang LGUng Magaling, May Nararating Talakayan” during the Good Governance Dialogues at Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in Davao City on November 6-7. Participants include over 200 representatives from local government units, civil society organizations, business sector and national government agencies in Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. With Montilla in the panel that discussed good governance practices were South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes; Upi, Maguindanao Mayor Ramon Piang Sr.; and Tubod, Surigao del Norte Mayor Cristina Arcilla. “One of the innovations I could share is our city aid of P2 million per Cont'd on p. 7

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Aboitiz donates computers to Tacurong Nat’l HS Aboitiz Power Corporation and Aboitiz Foundation through SUKELCO donated 10 computer units to Tacurong National High School Annex Extension (TNHS-Annex) at Barangay Upper Katungal on December 9, 2014. According to Toto Besnar of Aboitiz Power, Tacurong City is lucky enough to receive the computer units because the said project was supposed to be given to schools in Luzon. "The allocation for each school is one computer per school only. However, Luzon refused; it was then re-aligned for Mindanao and it was awarded to us here in Tacurong National High School," Besnar explained. TNHS will also receive a power transformer and street lights from SUKELCO. The barangay council of Upper Katungal also pledged one air-conditioning unit for the school’s computer laboratory. In her message during the turn-over ceremony, Mayor Lina Montilla thanked SUKELCO and Aboitiz Power for delivering the units at the students’ doorstep. “By using these wisely, computers will help our students enhance their knowledge,” said Montilla. The City Schools Division of Tacurong also expressed its gratitude to all the school’s stakeholders. By JLCBillano

Garbage collector ng CENRO na nagsauli ng napulot na pera, pinarangalan

Congratulations PCL-Tacurong and LGU-Tacurong! Regional Sandugo Awardees

Philippine Councilors' League (PCL)-Tacurong City Chapter and LGU -Tacurong City are Grasya! Regional Sandugo Awardees recognized by the National Blood Services Program-Department Ito ang unang reaksyon ni Jimmy Pabular nang makita ang of Health for the year 2014. Plaques of recognition were awarded during the 2014 Regional Sandugo Awarding isang plastic na naglalaman ng Ceremony at EMR Center, Koronadal City on December 3. Councilor Psyche Sucaldito received halagang P13,500. Nakita nya ito habang the awards for PCL-Tacurong and LGU. naghahakot ng basura sa tapat ng DOH recognized the LGU and St. Louis Hospital noong Disyembre PCL for sustaining their regular blood 2014. Isa syang garbage collector donation activities. The LGU conducts ng Tacurong City Environment and the annual Blood Donors’ Day every Natural Resources Office o CENRO. 19th of May. PCL-Tacurong, on the “Naisip ko nga grasya e, other hand, organizes the Dugong pero gibulsa ko kag gi-turnover ko dayon sa amon opisina sa CENRO,” Konsehal every 1st week of September kwento ni Pabular. in celebration of the PCL Week. Ang pera ay pag-aari ng burger station na binabantayan ng isang The Sandugo Award is given working student. annually to acknowledge the support “Kung hindi po ito naisauli, hindi ko po talaga ito kayang bayaran and active participation of stakeholders kaya naman napakalaki ng pasasalamat ko sa mga tauhan ng CENRO sa in the implementation of the Blood magandang ginawa nila na pagbalik ng pera, walang labis at walang kulang,” Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito receives the 2014 Program. ayon sa text message na ipinadala ng nasabing working student kay Mayor Sandugo Award for PCL-Tacurong Lina O. Montilla. During the 2014 Regional Natanggap ng alkalde ang text message noong ika-5 ng Enero Awarding Ceremony, DOH also gave medals to individuals who have donated blood for numerous 2015. “Sang ma-confirm na sang HR nga tuod ang ginahambal sang text times. Bronze medals were given to individuals who donated 18 times; silver for 28-time donors; message, nalipay guid ako. Nagdecide kami nga hatagan si Nong Jimmy and gold medals were given to those who have donated blood 40 times. By JLCBillano sang cash incentive kag i-recognize man ang CENRO,” ayon kay Mayor Montilla. Pinarangalan si Pabular at ang CENRO noong ika-12 ng Enero 2015 sa Monday flag-raising ceremony ng LGU. Ang perang ibinigay kay Pabular ay mula mismo kay Mayor Montilla. “Bilang job order, hindi sakop ng ating incentive and awards The Philippine Councilors League-Legislative Academy (PCL-LA), in partnership with program si Nong Jim, but he deserves our respect and admiration. Ang the Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU), conducted a public policy tour in Singapore kwarta nga ini gamay lang kung ikumpara sa inspirasyon nga gihatag nya sa aton karon,” ayon kay Montilla. By JLCBillano and Malaysia from November 27-31, 2014. The study tour was for local government officials who are presently taking up DPA (Doctor in Public Administration) in LNU with a course subject entitled Comparative Development Administration. Participants of the tour met with the officials of the National Volume 3, Issue No. 4 University of Singapore-Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. They also visited the Singapore Parliament and the Government Center in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Managing Editor Jezereel Louise C. Billano. Consulting Editor Allan S. Freno. After the tour, the students formulated a comparative Layout Jezereel Louise C. Billano. assessment of development challenges and solutions in the Philippines, Photography Jorjohn C. Cajandig I Paul Allan Aque. Singapore, and Malaysia. Contributor Memvie Alesna. City Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito was among the tour Editorial Advisers Lina O. Montilla I Eduardo K. Nicolo participants. “The knoweledge and experience that I have gained from the trip, ranging from policy to leadership, will enable me to prepare From The Goodwill (July-October 2014)--Correction: In the article entitled ‘Tribu Manuboaw triumphs in Talakudong ‘14’, it was said that Tribu Kudong is composed only of pupils from the better policies for the benefit of the public,” said Sucaldito. North Tacurong District. The Tribu Kudong is actually composed of North Tacurong District pupils AND students of V.F. Griño Memorial National High School.

PCL-Legislative Academy conducts public policy tour in Singapore-Malaysia

The Goodwill Editorial Board

ANO ANG

UBAS?

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Ang Ugnayang Barangay at Simbahan o UBAS ay naglalayong:

1 Siguruhin ang mabuting pamamahala (good governance) sa lahat ng barangay

a. Information Desk sa Barangay Office b. Citizen’s Charter c. Barangay Assembly

d. Barangay Development Plan e. Full Disclosure Policy

2 Himukin ang mamamayan upang maging Barangay Good Governance

Advocates;

3 Patatagin ang ugnayan, pagkakaibigan, at kooperasyon ng

lahat ng UBAS stakeholders (Barangay, Simbahan, Gobyerno) para sa epektibong paghahatid ng social services; at

4 Gawing Development Center ang Barangay.

Inaasahang sa pamamagitan ng UBAS, mababantayan ang paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Isusulong nito ang pakikilahok ng bawat mamamayan at interfaith groups sa pagpaplano ng mga gawaing pangkaunlaran. Makikibahagi din ito sa monitoring ng mga proyekto sa barangay upang masiguro ang transparency. Ang UBAS ay programa ng DILG na sinimulan ni Sec. Jesse Robredo noong 2011. Ipinagpapatuloy ito ngayon ng DILG sa buong bansa.

Leaders trained on Katarungang Pambarangay Three hundred Lupong Tagapamayapa members composed of barangay officials and community leaders in the 20 barangays of Tacurong were trained on Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) Law on November 17-20, 2014.

20 barangay nagdaos ng General Assembly

“Paagi sini nga training naging mas masanag na ang amon nga pagkaintindi sa amon nga mga responsibilidad bilang Lupon,” said Punong Barangay Alejandro Apresto of Calean. “Mahimo nga mas maisog na kami kag responsable sa pag-handle sang mga kaso sa barangay,” he added. Apresto was in the first batch, composed of 150 participants, trained on November 17-18. The second batch was trained on November 19-20. This training is sponsored by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in partnership with Liga ng mga Barangay-Tacurong Chapter and the City Government of Tacurong. The training included detailed discussion of KP implementing rules, regulations, and procedures. Participants were also introduced to the KP forms specific to every action that will be carried out by the Lupon. Participants also learned about their powers, duties, and functions, and scope of authority as members of the Lupong Tapamayapa. Atty. Jose Blanza from the General Santos City Prosecutor’s Office also gave updates on the new Supreme Court jurisprudence relative to the KP Law. Lupon members were also reminded of righteous leadership and good governance through a lecture delivered by Bishop David Salazar. Anti-violence against women and their children (VAWC) was also discussed. This is to give clearer perspective on the Anti-VAWC Act. Discussion about the AntiVAWC Act can also give insights to the Lupon on what they can do to facilitate better response mechanisms in such cases, according to Tacurong DILG Officer Alberto Sero Jr. By JLCBillano

“Isang malaking accomplishment na nakapag-conduct ng assembly ang lahat ng 20 barangay dito sa syudad. 100% ang Tacurong.”

Ito ay ayon kay City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Alberto P. Sero Jr. Mula Oktubre 12 hanggang 27, idinaos ng 20 barangay ng Tacurong ang kani-kanilang 2nd Semester Barangay Assembly. Ito ay ayon sa direktiba ng Department of Interior and Local Government o DILG. Sa bawat barangay assembly, ang punong barangay ay naghatid ng kanyang State of the Barangay Address o SOBA. Nagsagawa din ang City DILG at religious sector ng orientation tungkol sa UBAS o Ugnayang Barangay at Simbahan. Naging kinatawan ng religious sector si Bishop David Salazar. Ang UBAS ay isang programa ng DILG na naglalayong mabantayan ang paggamit ng pondo ng bayan sa pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto at gawaing bayan. Ipinarating din ni CLGOO Sero ang mensahe ni DILG Secretary Mar Roxas sa bawat barangay: ang diwa ng Daang Matuwid ay ang siguruhing ang bawat Pilipino ay may boses at nakikilahok sa pagtatag ng maunlad at payapang pamayanan. Inaasahang sa bawat assembly ay malayang makapagpapahayag ang mamamayan ng kanilang mga hinaing at suhestyon lalo na tungkol sa kapayapaan at kaayusan. By JLCBillano

Petron dealers reach out to barangays One hundred fifty (150) families in Barangay Griño and Barangay Baras received early Christmas gifts from PETDA - SOCCSKSARGEN (Petron Dealers Association) on December 4. The distribution of gift packs was led by PETDA-SOCCSKSARGEN President Victor Rebosura, and Petron Corp. VISMIN Area Manager Lemuel Cuezon. Each family received a bucket filled with rice and grocery items. Children of daycare centers in the said barangays also received gifts from the Association. The activity was conducted in cooperation with LGUTacurong City.

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DOH, LGU nagsagawa ng Dengue Vector Surveillance Nagsagawa ng Dengue Vector Surveillance ang Department of Health sa pangunguna ng Sanitation Section ng Office for City Health Services (OCHS) noong ika-21 ng Nobyembre sa Barangay Poblacion.

Ang nasabing survey ay isinagawa upang malaman kung may namamahay na mga kiti-kiti o larva ng dengue-carrying mosquitoes sa 100 bahay sa nasabing vulnerable area. Sa pamamagitan nito, maaaring ma-monitor at mapigilan ang pagdami ng lamok na nagdadala ng dengue. Kapag may nakikitang kiti-kiti ay kumukuha ang health workers ng sample upang maisailalim sa larval classification. Ito ay upang malaman kung anong species ng lamok ang namamahay sa lugar. Nag-interview din ang health workers sa bawat household. “Nag-interview man kita para mabal-an kung nagalimpyo sila sa ila palibot nila kag kung aware sila sa aton nga dengue program,” ayon kay Marlow Anthony Buenacosa ng OCHS-Sanitation Section. Naglagay ng stickers ang health workers sa bawat bahay na nainspeksyon. Dito nakasaad ang resulta at petsa ng inspeksyon. Pupunan uli ito ng mga health workers sa susunod na survey schedule. Ayon sa DOH, importanteng laging malinis ang kapaligiran upang walang mapangitlugan ang lamok. Ugaliin ding palitan ang tubig ng mga flower vases, mga sisidlan ng tubig, o alulod (gutter). Mahalaga din natatakpan ang mga sisidlan ng tubig. Maari ding gumamit ng net o screen upang hindi makapasok ang lamok sa bahay. By JLCBillano

STOP DENGUE. IN THE PHOTO, personnel of the City Sanitation Section of the Office for City Health Services inspects a possible breeding ground of dengue mosquitoes in a household in Barangay Poblacion, Tacurong City. The Dengue Vector Surveillance is a monthly initiative that aims to monitor and prevent propagation of denguecarrying mosquitoes in vulnerable areas. Surveillance stickers that bear the result of each survey are posted on inspected households for proper monitoring.

DOH advocates youth awareness on HIV/AIDS Regional HIV/AIDS Program Manager Dr. Ali Tumama of the Department of Health encouraged students to be vigilant on reproductive health issues during the Students Awareness Tour on HIV-AIDs and other sexually-transmitted infections conducted on December 2. According to Dr. Tumama, it is high time for the youth to acknowledge issues and face these with an open mind. “To be able to protect yourself, you must be aware. Use what you know to avoid these diseases,” he said.

City Councilor Psyche Sucaldito also backed Dr. Tumama: [Kadalasan] ang problema ay nag-uumpisa kung wala kang alam." Eighty (80) high school and college students participated in the activity sponsored by the Department of Health XII through the Tacurong Office for City Health Services. The activity is part of the celebration of the World AIDS Day 2014, with the theme Getting to Zero. By JLCBillano

Disability affairs committee eyes barrier-free Tacurong

Ramps and hand rails in offices in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

People are ‘disabled’ by barriers in society, which include hindrances in the physical environment, information/ communication, system/ regulations and people’s mindset/ attitude. For the Tacurong City Committee on Disability Affairs (Tacurong CDA), it is high time to provide persons with disability (PWDs) with barrier-free environment, dubbed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE). As a start, Tacurong CDA conducted a benchmarking activity on NHE in Opol, Misamis Oriental, November 19-21. “The Tacurong CDA aims to replicate and build on the best practices of Opol,” said LGU PWD Focal Person Kathy Mae R. Catalan. In a non-handicapping environment, buildings and public transportation will be barrier-free as mandated by the the Accessibility Law B.P. 344. All PWDs (regardless of disability: whether visual, orthopedic, hearing, etc.) will not have difficulty in accessing goods, services, and opportunities because buildings and transportation have assistive devices and features. The municipality of Opol in Misamis Oriental along with New Lucena in Iloilo, received the prestigious Grand Award of the International Association for Universal Design Award 2010 as being part of the Non-Handicapping Environment Project of JICA in partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). The award was given on November 1, 2010 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Tacurong CDA also hopes to facilitate programs that will enforce PWDs' rights on participation, employment, and social welfare. NCDA cited that, in the Philippines, little progress has been made on the implementation of B.P. 344. For example, steep ramps and ramps without handrails are seen in buildings and most buildings are not accessible for PWDs. By JLCBillano

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KAYA NATIN! cites Montilla as good governance champion

acurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla had been named a ‘Champion of Good Governance’ by the Kaya Natin! (KN) Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership. Mayor Montilla took her Pledge of Good Governance and oath of membership before KN Board Member Senator Teofisto ‘TG’ Guingona III on December 13, 2014 at the Club Filipino, Manila. Present during the oath-taking ceremony of Mayor Montilla was one of KN’s founders KN Chairperson former Pampanga Governor Maong Ed Panlilio. With Mayor Montilla was Mayor Nacieno Pacalioga Jr. of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur who also took his oath as new KN Champion. Kaya Natin! is a movement composed of concerned Filipinos from different sectors of society that aim to advocate genuine change and ethical leadership in the Philippines. KN was formally launched in 2008 through the Ateneo de Manila School of Government with former Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, and former Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio. Mayor Montilla was cited for her dedication to excellence in the public service. She was introduced to KN members as one who promotes good local

governance in Tacurong as proven with numerous awards received by the city during her first and second terms. Tacurong City was awarded the Civil Service Seal of Excellence in 2010, the Most Child-Friendly City in Region 12 in 2010, and the Seal of Good Housekeeping-Bronze and Silver. The Department of the Interior and Local Government also recognized Tacurong in the Gawad

PWD leaders urged to focus on potentials “Bilang mga lider, tungkulin nating alamin ang mga kakayahan ng mga PWDs sa ating lugar. Wag lang tayong mag-focus sa mga kapansanan.”

These were the words of Ms. Cheryl Arellano, Manager of the Davao Jubilee Foundation as the Leadership Seminar for presidents of PWD (persons with disability) Barangay Associations in Tacurong ended on December 10. According to Arellano, it is good to know the disabilities of PWD-members but leaders must not forget to conduct skills inventory. This way, the association will be able to plan for livelihood and employment opportunities. “Maari nyo itong gawin kasama ang CSWD na palaging sumusuporta sa inyo,” Arellano added. “Bisan sa nubo nga panahon sang sini nga seminar, nabal-an namon ang amon katungdanan isip lideres,” said Poblacion PWD Association President Wilfredo Gerasmo. “Kinahanglan gali nga panlantaw kita hindi lang sa panimalay kundi sa aton komunidad,” Gerasmo added. Arellano also encouraged PWD leaders to come up with a vision for their associations. “Dapat alam nyo ano ang vision nyo; saan nyo gustong pumunta bilang grupo. At wag nyong gagawin ito mag-isa,” she said. Arellano also stressed unity and cooperation among leaders and members. According to the LGU’s PWD Focal Person Kathy Mae Catalan, the City Committee on Disability Affairs aim to develop skills of PWD leaders so that they can further strengthen their respective organizations. “Gusto natin na buo yung boses ng mga PWDs at maging maayos ang relasyon nila with the barangay officials,” said Catalan. In the afternoon of December 10, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) conducted an orientation on PWD rights among chairpersons of the 20 barangays in Tacurong City. By JLCBillano

Coop Medical Mission. Persons with disability (PWDs) and coop members in Tacurong City availed free medical services such as electrocardiography or ECG, fasting blood sugar test or FBS, and medical check-up on December 9 at the City Cultural and Sports Center (City Gym). The City Cooperative Development Council conducted the said Medical Mission in coordination with LGU-Tacurong through the Office for the Development of Cooperatives, SK Medical Mission Group of Hospital and Health Services Cooperative. PWDs were gathered through the assistance of the City Social Welfare and Development.

Pamana ng Lahi 2012, being one of the Top 5 national finalists. Among the finalists were big cities such as Vigan, Puerto Princesa, and Makati. For Mayor Montilla, to be recognized by Kaya Natin! is an honor. “I share this recognition to all my fellow servants in the city government. We are all champions as we continue to serve the people of Tacurong with integrity and honesty,” said Mayor Montilla. By JLCBillano

Outstanding cooperatives recognized Among the twenty-one existing cooperatives in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat State University Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SKSU-MPC), Tacurong Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and SK MultiCab Operators Multi-Purpose Cooperative were named Outstanding Cooperatives for year 2014. These were for the medium, small, and micro categories, respectively. Plaques of recognition were awarded on October 31, 2014 during the culmination of the celebration of the Cooperatives Month in the city. Tacurong City Employees Association or TACEMPCO was recognized as 2nd Place-Outstanding Coop for the Medium Category, following SKSU-MPC. JLCBillano

Tacurong coops plant 250 trees for riverbank protection Seventy-six cooperative-members in Tacurong City planted 250 bamboo seedlings along the riverbanks of Barangay Rajah Muda and Baras Bird Sanctuary on October 25. This is in support to the riparian zone management program of the LGU-Tacurong City wherein the Office for the Development of Cooperatives is an active stakeholder. A bagging activity was also conducted on the same day. A total of 2,950 seedlings were bagged by 135 participants. The tree-planting activity is part of the city’s celebration of the Cooperative Month on October 2014. The month-long celebration kicked off on October 1 with a motorcade participated by all cooperatives in the city. On October 4, cooperative members cleaned major waterways through the LGU’s Limpyo Kalog (Linis Kanal) program. Cooperative members also engaged in ball games from October 4 to 11. The Tacurong City Employees Cooperative won the championship games on Kickball-Women and Volleyball-Women. By JLCBillano

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Inugyunay Festival December 15-23, 2014

Baras Bird Sanctuary

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The Only City Park Where You Can Commune with 20,000 Birds by Ida Nanette Damo

Located by the Banga River in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, this sanctuary isn’t your usual avian park where the birds are enclosed in a cage. Here, the birds come and go, some stay to nest, while others fly back to where they came from. The herons and egrets are the most conspicuous ones because they lord it over the treetops and skies. The best times to visit are early morning and toward sunset. Why? Early morning, the nocturnal birds come to roost and the day birds fly out. Sunset, because the night birds go out of the sanctuary and the day birds fly home. In short, you’re going to see birds 24/7. The best thing of all is that you can enjoy the experience in peace.

Only10-15 visitors are allowed inside at a time. A briefing is done for each batch. Reminders: No loud sounds. No crossing of perimeters. Wear the kudong or native hat to avoid bird poop landing on your hair/head. Then you enter groves of different trees and bamboo, and you’ll get to peek at the nests and the birds perched on the trees. Mr. Rey Malana, the owner of the land and sanctuary donor, gives a walking “lecture” about the birds. Feel free to ask questions! Children are the most inquisitive, Mr. Malana says. He was asking if we were game to climb his observation deck. My travel buddy, Olan TheTravelTeller, gamely climbed a 50-foot sampaloc (tamarind) tree from which you can observe the birds.

Photo by Dan Kenneth Pamplona

There wasn’t any observation deck, but there are plenty of branches where you can perch and find a great view. Had I been wearing shorts or leggings, I would’ve also climbed it. As you can see from Olan’s photo, it was a sight to behold. Day in, day out, 20,000++ birds await your visit at this bird sanctuary that was converted from a black pepper farm. You’ll see fallen feathers and eggs on the ground. This is what the nocturnal visitors of pythons and water monitor lizards come for. Thankfully, you’ll hardly see these visitors during the day. So this bird sanctuary isn’t just a haven for the birds but also for other predators. Every being is welcome here. The only ones unwelcome are the poachers who prey on the birds.

The Sanctuary is supported by the Tacurong City Government which has made it a must-visit for travelers. Go. Visit. Commune with the birds. Be one with nature. Ida Nanette Damo is the Mindanao Editor of Choose Philippines (www.choosephilippines.com).

LGU shares good governance practice.. from p.1

barangay per year,” Mayor Montilla replied when asked to name a good governance practice Tacurong City takes pride in. “Regardless of the political affiliation of its barangay captain, each barangay is earmarked P2 million. “From this amount, P1 million can be spent on infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market road, drainage project. The remaining P1 million may be allotted to other needs of the barangay,” she expounded. . Under this scheme, the Barangay Development Council identifies projects and submits project proposals to the City Development Council. Each year since 2001 LGU Tacurong, which she described as “having the smallest internal revenue allotment in Region 12,” sets aside P40 million for the city aid to the barangays. Tacurong City has 20 barangays under its jurisdiction. “Despite having limited budget, we have been generous with the barangays because we want

the them to participate in the development efforts. More residents will benefit from the projects because the barangay councils know best what projects are best suited in their respective places,” Mayor Montilla pointed out. For purposes of accounting, the city government conducts the bidding for the projects as well as manage the monitoring of implementation of these. Because of this innovation, she added, all 20 barangays have shown improvements. “Even those with less than P100,000 development fund have developed along with barangays that could afford to fund the needs of their communities,” she said. “Thus, no barangay [in Tacurong City] is left out in terms of development. Most our barangays are now connected to the national highway.” Tacurong City is comprised of Barangay Poblacion, Buenaflor, Baras, San Antonio, D’Ledesma, Griño, Tina, San Rafael, San Emmanuel, San Pablo, EJC Montilla, Upper Katungal, Lancheta, Rajah Muda, New Passi, Kalandagan, New Carmen, Calean, New Isabela, and New Lagao . Philippine Information Agency 12

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Republic of the Philippines CITY OF TACURONG PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARAT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS As of December 31, 2014

OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES STATUS OF 20% DEVELOPMENT FUND-CONTINUING As of December 31, 2014

Object of Expenditure

Waste Mgt.Dev't Program Motor Vehicles Other Property, Plant & Equipment LGU FACILITIES-New Passi SANITARY LANDFILL Construction in Progress-Artesian Wells, Etc Subtotal

Class 1902-01 241 250 264-37 264-57 269

TOTAL WASTE MGT. DEV'T PROGRAM OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE 1902-16 DECELA 264-60 Construction in Progress - Roads, Highways and Bridges 266 02/28/14 02-1192-14/CMO OFFICE/CONCRETING BRGY. CALEAN ROADS 03/04/14 03-1258-14/CMO OFFICE/CONCRETING ROADS-D'LEDESMA-GRIﾃ前 03/25/14 03-1648-14/CMO OFFICE/CONCRETING ROADS-BRGY NEW CARMEN 06/04/14 06-3137-14/CMO OFFICE/REHAB BRGY ROADS-PK MAHIGUGMAON, NEW LA 08/26/14 08-4866-14/ROADS, HIGHWAY & BRIDGES-BRGY ROAD MARTINEZ ST 11/21/14 11-7103-14/CMO OFFICE/CONC OF CITY ROADS/STREET GEN LUNA Subtotal TOTAL OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE DEV'T FUND - LOANS EQUITY Capital Outlay DBP-Heavy Equipments 01/21/14 01-0411-14/CMO OFFICE/LOANS PAYABLE & INTEREST EXPENSE-40M 11/03/14

ALLOTMENT

OBLIGATION

300,000.00 1,200,000.00 2,500,000.00 310,063.20 249,999.97 4,560,063.17

4,560,063.17

1,274,952.53 3,615,066.00

1,274,952.53 17,165,066.00

18,440,018.53

1,350,000.00 1,350,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 7,650,000.00 2,200,000.00 13,550,000.00

18,440,018.53

13,550,000.00

4,890,018.53

1,325,170.47 1,325,844.26 488,118.03 456,367.45 4,952,335.23 2,200,000.00 10,747,835.44

4,890,018.53

10,747,835.44

1,169,311.46

1,428,571.43

655,913.34

327,956.67 327,956.67 2,084,484.77

1902-23 444-3

2,915,857.15

1,428,571.43

317,974.26

New Acquisition of Heavy Equipment Units 444-5 2/28/2014 02-1210-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-11.8M-FEB. 2014 5/15/2014 05-2834-14/CMO OFFICE/LOANS PAYABLE & INTEREST EXPENSE-MAY/14 Financial Expenses Interest Expense-NEW Acquisition Heavy Equipment 975-2 01/22/14 01-0444-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-11.8M-JAN. 2014 02/28/14 02-1210-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-11.8M-FEB. 2014 03/13/14 03-1460-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-CON'T.- NEW HEAVY EQUI 04/14/14 04-2107-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-CONTINUING 05/15/14 05-2834-14/CMO OFFICE/LOANS PAYABLE & INTEREST EXPENSE-MAY/14 06/05/14 06-3168-14/CMO OFFICE/INTEREST EXPENSE-JUNE/14-CONT-11.8M 08/18/14 08-4753-14DBP/LOAN AMORTIZATION 11/03/14 11-6542-14/DBP TACURONG BRANCH/INTEREST EXPENSE-SEPT & OCT/14 11/14/14 11-6952-14/DBP/LOAN AMORTIZATION (HEAVY EQUIPMNT) Subtotal

1,311,826.68

327,956.67 327,956.67 2,402,459.03

4,227,683.83 220,498.94

1,825,224.80 20.00

220,498.94

25,670.81 25,670.81 20,867.88 23,103.73 22,358.44 20,536.65 40,422.09 35,359.46 6,489.07 220,478.94

20.00

25,670.81 25,670.81 20,867.88 23,103.73 22,358.44 20,536.65 40,422.09 35,359.46 6,489.07 220,478.94

4,448,182.77

2,622,937.97

1,825,244.80

2,304,963.71

264-08

1,254,495.79 50,000.00 1,304,495.79

999,401.50 999,401.50

255,094.29

269

50,000.00 305,094.29

1,304,495.79

999,401.50

305,094.29

TOTAL DEV'T FUND - LOANS EQUITY 1902-30

TOTAL HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PURCHASE OF LAND Capital Outlay Land Subtotal

DISBURSEMENT

11-6567-14/DBP/LOAN AMORTIZATION

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Capital Outlay Electrification 04/21/14 04-2268-14/CMO OFFICE/ELECTRICIFICATION-INTS. ST.LIGHTS-CARME Construction in Progress-Artesian Wells, Etc Subtotal

BALANCE

300,000.00 1,200,000.00 2,500,000.00 310,063.20 249,999.97 4,560,063.17

999,401.50 999,401.50 999,401.50

1902-35 201

TOTAL PURCHASE OF LAND ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT Capital Outlay Construction in Progress-Irrigation, Canals and Laterals 04/15/14 04-2230-14/CMO OFFICE/CONST. DOUBLE BARREL RC PIPE CULVERTS-L 06/17/14 06-3420-14/OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR/CONST.DRAINAGE CANAL-PRK 07/28/14 07-4378-14/CONS D'CANAL-ROXAS AVE,POBLACION Subtotal

2,080,000.00 2,080,000.00

2,080,000.00

1902-37 270

Construction in Progress-Flood Controls 271 01/21/14 01-0409-14/CMO OFFICE/CIP-FLOODS CONTROLS 01/24/14 01-0470-14/CMO OFFICE/CIP-FLOOD CONTROL-GEN. LIM ST. POBLACIO 02/24/14 02-1144-14/CMO OFFICE/CONST. DRAINAGE CANAL-FLOOD CONTROL-NEW 02/28/14 02-1193-14/CMO OFFICE/CIP-FLOOD CONTROLS-BRGY. EJC MONTILLA 02/28/14 02-1191-14/CMO OFFICE/CIP-FLOOD CONTROLS-BRGY. LANCHETA 03/04/14 03-1257-14/CMO OFFICE/CIP-FLOOD CONTROLS-RAJAH MUDA Subtotal TOTAL ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT GRAND TOTAL Prepared by: RUDILIZA A. BELLO Administrative Officer IV

4,051,858.78

2,500,000.00

300,000.00 500,000.00 751,858.78 1,551,858.78

4,051,858.78 8,350,000.00

Fund: 100 (General Fund) Cash Flow From Operating Activites Cash Inflows Collection from Taxpayers Share from Internal Revenue Collection Receipts from Sale of Goods and Services Interest Income Other Receipts Total Cash Inflow Cash Outflows Payments To Creditors/Suppliers To Employees Interest Expenses Other Expenses Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Operating Activities

33,094,574.53 307,000,408.75 6,570.00 1,366,449.47 77,149,422.28 418,617,425.03 123,455,791.34 83,530,719.82 1,671,073.99 132,677,064.44 341,334,649.59

Cash Flow From Investing Activites Cash Inflows From Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment From Collection of Principal on Loans to Other Entities Total Cash Inflow Cash Outflows To Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment To Purchase of Debt Securities of Other Entities To Grant/Make Loan to Other Entities Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Investing Activities

31,349.38 31,349.38 53,940,899.78 53,940,899.78

Cash Flow From Financing Activites Cash Inflows From Issuance of Debt Securities From Acquisition of Loan Total Cash Inflow Cash Outflows Payment of Loan Amortization of Loan Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Financing Activities Net Increase in Cash Add: Cash Balance, Beginning Cash Balance, End

2,250,000.00

8,350,000.00

350,000.00 2,000,000.00 1,350,000.00 600,000.00 450,000.00 1,350,000.00 6,100,000.00

2,250,000.00

248,036.80 607,703.59 18,213.44 594,594.18 286,203.17 867,592.01 2,622,343.19

12,401,858.78 43,234,619.04

7,651,858.78 24,824,198.25

4,750,000.00 18,410,420.79

3,942,388.43 17,994,589.08

8,215,556.84 8,215,556.84

Certified correct: ELMA D. BIDES, CPA CITY ACCOUNTANT

Certified correct: ELMA D. BIDES, CPA City Accountant

FDP Form 6-Trust Fund Utilization Page 1 of 1

Consolidated Quarterly Report on Government Projects, Programs or Activities For the 4th Quarter, CY 2014 City of Tacurong Program or Project

CSWD Feeding Program DA Implementation of Organic Trading Post DA Organic Agriculture Project DA Rice Agenda For 2012 DILG-MDG Faces Project Fund

DOH Region XII-DOTS Waiting Area DOH Region XII-HLGP Program DSWD-Const. & Upgrading of Day Care Center PDAF 2012 Medical Assistance PDAF 2012 Scholarship Program PDAF 2012 Social Services

Philhealth- Prevents Fund Allocation Population Commission RO XII Social Pension-Senior Citizen Special Local Road Fund (SLRF)

Location

Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City Tacurong City

Total Cost

Date Started Target Completion Date

1,725,451.04 1,350,000.00 878,940.00 500,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 250,000.00 200,000.00 2,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 878,920.00 400,502.66 2,085,000.00 1,419,745.50

% of

Project Status Total Cost Incured

Extention

To Date

if any

34.98% 73.12% 99.67% 63% 81.92% 44.09% 38.84% 0.00% 100.00% 93.62% 24.95% 0.00% 28.98% 28.71% 100.00%

We hereby certify that we have reveived the contents and hereby attest to the veracity and correctness of the data or information contained in this document.

Certified Correct:

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA City Accountant

Verified by:

LINA O. MONTILLA City Mayor

(53,909,550.40)

300,000.00 446,074.03 573,971.21 1,320,045.24

2,500,000.00

77,282,775.44

603,487.00 987,076.61 876,119.01 312,958.95 245,750.00 88,170.50 97,095.00 2,000,000.00 9,361,616.60 498,924.00 116,080.00 598,500.00 1,419,745.50

No. Of

Remarks

(8,215,556.84) 15,157,668.20 151,196,838.88 166,354,507.08

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF TACURONG PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARAT OFFICE OF THE CITY ACCOUNTANT

SEF UTILIZATION For the Quarter ending December 31, 2014

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS As of December 31, 2014

City Government of Tacurong Fund: 200 (Special Education Fund) Account 1.0 BEGINNING BALANCE

Fund: 300 (Trust Fund Consolidation)

Cash Flow From Operating Activites Cash Inflows Collection from Taxpayers Share from Internal Revenue Collection Receipts from Sale of Goods and Services Interest Income Dividend Income Other Receipts Total Cash Inflow Cash Outflows Payments To Creditors/Suppliers To Employees Interest Expenses Other Expenses Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Operating Activities

Cash Flow From Investing Activites

0.00 0.00 0.00

908,792.25 0.00 0.00 908,792.25 -908,792.25

Cash Flow From Financing Activites Republic of the Philippines CITY OF TACURONG PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARAT OFFICE OF THE CITY ACCOUNTANT

Fund: 200 (Special Education Fund)

Cash Flow From Operating Activites

Cash Outflows Payments To Creditors/Suppliers To Employees Interest Expenses Other Expenses Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Operating Activities

0.00 0.00 0.00 30,182.27 0.00 11,727,310.92 11,757,493.19

Capital Outlay Other Property, Plant and Equipment Construction in Progress - Agency Assets 4.0 BALANCE before Depreciation Depreciation-Land Improvements Depreciation-Electrification,Power and Energy Structure Depreciation-Office Buildings Depreciation-School Buildings Depreciation - Office Equipment Depreciaton- IT Equipment Depreciation - Library Books Depreciation-Communication Equipment Depreciation - Sports Equipment Depreciation-Motor Vehicles 5.0 BALANCE after Depreciation (Non-cash transaction)

2,353,469.76 2,764,692.52 0.00 5,331,065.65 10,449,227.93 1,308,265.26

4,752,023.99 16,109.25 44.00

4,768,177.24

705 711

1,082,075.20 120,000.02 45,000.00 102,489.00 83,510.28 11,147.60 8,250.00 5,582.30 4,226.76

1,462,281.16

731 732 733 734 742

R/M-School Bldg-Ma. A. Montilla Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Tina Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-San Rafael Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-San Antonio Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Casilda P. Venus Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Josue Alcasid Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-V.P. Dasmari単as Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-District Office Repair & Maint - Other Structures Repair & Maint - Motor Vehicles Other Maintenance and Operating Expenses OMOE-ALIVE OMOE-SUMMER READING CAMP OMOE-CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT OMOE-ALS OMOE-TEACHERS FESTIVAL

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS As of December 31, 2014

591 664 664

724 725

Maintenance & Other Operating Expenses Travelling Expense-Local Training Expenses Training & Sem.-Sports Dev't. TRAININGS & SEM-DISTRICT OFFICE Training - INSET Office Supplies Expense Gasoline, Oil and Lubricants Expense Other Supplies Expense Water Expenses Electricity Expenses Telephone Expenses - Landline INternet Expenses Cable, Satellite, Telegraph, and Radio Expenses Printing and Binding Expenses R/M-School Bldg-East Tacurong District R/M-School Bldg-Tac. Pilot Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-San Emmanuel Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Pedregosa-Acosta Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-New Isabela Central School R/M-School Bldg-Rajah Muda Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Ma. Elisa P. Bernardo Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Upper Katungal Elem School R/M-School Bldg-Ma. Bayya Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Hector Lacson Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Lourdes Pama Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Lancheta Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Dr. M. Gri単o Memorial Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Abang Suizo Elem. School R/M-School Bldg-Buenaflor Elementary School R/M-School Bldg-A.H. Eliseo Elem. School

2,385,314.84

Cash Inflows Collection from Taxpayers Share from Internal Revenue Collection Receipts from Sale of Goods and Services Interest Income Dividend Income Other Receipts Total Cash Inflow

2,554,041.40

Less: DISBURSEMENTS Personal Services Salaries and Wages - Casual Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) Cash Gift Year End Bonus Life and Retirement Insurance Contributions-G.S. PAG-IBIG Contributions PHILHEALTH Contributions ECC Contributions Terminal Leave Benefits

18,411,953.16 0.00 0.00 3,937,732.43 22,349,685.59

Cash Outflows To Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment To Purchase of Debt Securities of Other Entities To Grant/Make Loan to Other Entities Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Investing Activities

Acct Code

Receipt from SEF Special Education Tax Interest Income Interest Income

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24,735,000.43 24,735,000.43

Cash Inflows From Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment From Collection of Principal on Loans to Other Entities Total Cash Inflow

The GOODWILL l 9

751 753 753-1 753-3 753-4 755 761 765 766 767 772 774 775 781 812-01 812-02 812-04 812-05 812-10 812-12 812-13 812-14 812-15 812-17 812-18 812-19 812-23 812-24 812-25 812-26

321,859.00 14,175.00 441,993.05 443,785.00 89,963.75 42,349.20 142,995.94 357,503.75 16,758.60 93,096.67 22,894.31 25,000.06 3,600.00 63,825.00 10,000.00 120,000.00 30,000.00 50,000.00 60,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00 19,865.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 19,460.00 20,000.00 25,000.00 8,021.44 19,488.28 25,000.00

812-27 812-28 812-30 812-31 812-35 812-37 812-39 812-42 815 841 969 969-12 969-16 969-18 969-19 969-21

25,000.00 29,879.40 29,701.89 25,000.00 30,000.00 37,058.00 30,000.00 17,412.55 110,000.00 7,710.00 556,385.00 40,000.00 10,000.00 199,390.00 135,979.84 156,921.58

250 264

347,250.00 158,603.00

902 905 911 912 921 923 924 929 935 941

133,553.65 6,824.40 695.21 591,350.81 22,782.30 532,051.44 2,700.00 7,010.82 972.00 15,685.71

4,127,072.31

505,853.00 2,238,718.17

1,313,626.34 925,091.83

We hereby certify that we have reviewed

0.00 0.00 0.00

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA Local Accountant

937,454.54 0.00 0.00 937,454.54

LINA O. MONTILLA Local Chief Executive

-937,454.54

FDP Form 8 - Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Utilization LOCAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT FUND UTILIZATION For the Quarter 4th, CY 2014 City of Tacurong

Cash Flow From Financing Activites Cash Inflows From Issuance of Debt Securities From Acquisition of Loan Total Cash Inflow

Province/City/Municipality/Barangay:

0.00 0.00 0.00

Particulars

Cash Outflows Retirement/Redemption of Debt Securities Payment of Loan Amortization of Loan Total Cash Outflow Net Cash from Financing Activities

Net Increase in Cash

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

370,810.72

Add: Cash Balance, Beginning

12,420,946.46

Cash Balance, End

12,791,757.18

Certified correct:

City of Tacurong

A. Sources of Funds: Current Approp Continuing Approp Prev Year's Appropriations transferred to the Special Trust Fund CY 2011 CY 2012 CY 2013 Transfers/Grants Total Funds Available B. Utilization Motor Vehicles Travelling Expense Training Expense Animal/ Zoological Expense Food Supplies Drugs and Medicines Expenses Medical, Dental and Laboratory Supplies Expense Gasoline, Oil & Lubricants Expense Agricultural Supplies Expense Other Supplies Expenses Other MOOE-Calamity IT Equipment & Software Communication Equipment Other Maintenance & Operating Expenses Transfer to Other LGUs Total Utilization Unutilized Balance Prepared by:

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA CITY ACCOUNTANT

LDRRMF Quick Response Mitigation Fund (QRF) Fund 30% 70%

From Other LGUs

NDRRMF

From Other Sources

5,421,573.90

12,650,339.10 9,267,652.00

18,071,913.00 9,267,652.00

4,423,513.90 4,557,334.90 4,039,920.10 18,442,342.80

2,744,362.60 2,872,506.50 2,182,304.90 29,717,165.10

7,167,876.50 7,429,841.40 6,222,225.00 48,159,507.90

2,000,000.00 39,680.00 299,466.00 98,022.00 trust fund 1,968,813.00 299,900.00 1,550,000.00 79,000.00 1,710,513.13 856,778.36 trust fund 8,902,172.49 39,257,335.41

2,000,000.00 39,680.00 299,466.00 98,022.00 1,968,813.00 299,900.00 1,550,000.00 79,000.00 979,856.13

730,657.00

979,856.13 17,462,486.67

7,922,316.36 21,794,848.74

856,778.36 -

Certified correct:

RUDILIZA A. BELLO Administrative Officer IV

Total

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA City Accountant

10 l The GOODWILL

“To work for the welfare of children is to work for the best interest of all humanity.”

Mayor Montilla delivers State of the Children Report Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla delivered her State of the Children Report during the conclusion of the Children’s Month celebration on October 29, 2014. Through this report, Montilla shared the LGU’s endeavors as a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Student leaders and out-of-school youth were among her audience. The mayor shared LGU programs and policies to promote a child-friendly environment. “We still have a long way to go. We should never stop. The real achievement is on how we can sustain and translate child-friendly programs into concrete actions,” said Montilla as she ended her report. “Mas maayo man nga sa aton nga mga ginahimo, isali naton ang mga kabataan kag hatagan sila sang boses para sa pagpaayo pa guid sang aton nga mga programa,” she added. 2014 Children’s Month Celebration carries the theme “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga”. By JLCBillano

Highlights of Mayor Lina O. Montilla’s State of the Children Report

Health and Nutrition

The City Health Office, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), delivers interventions for health, sanitation, and nutrition. Among the recent outstanding accomplishments of the health office is the 99% coverage for measlesrubella immunization in all of Tacurong’s 20 barangays. Tacurong exceeded DOH’s 95% target coverage. The LGU also sustains a comprehensive maternal health care program, micronutrient supplementation, breastfeeding promotion, and continuous campaign against dengue, malaria, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mother-tochild transmission.

Children in the Slums

A project for children in the slum was implemented in 2013 through DILG’s MDG-FACES program (Millennium Development Goals-Family Based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum). The LGU dubbed this as Project PAGLAUM. Project PAGLAUM has 40 children beneficiaries in Purok Onse, Poblacion. Each child’s family is called a family-partner. PAGLAUM interventions include livelihood trainings for familypartners, vegetable gardening for income and consumption, health and sanitation activities and policies, anti-illegal drugs and gambling operations, and street lights rehabilitation, among others. All this aimed at improving the living conditions of children and their families in the area.

Education

For education, the LGU actively supports various development services such as the Day Care Service Program, reduction of school drop-out rate, and alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth. The LGU also provides for the construction of more school buildings and for the upgrading of children’s learning materials and equipment. Students who belong to indigent families are also given the chance to have summer jobs in the LGU through DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES). The LGU earmarks P800 thousand pesos annually for SPES. In 2013, the LGU employed a total of 294 high school and college students. Salary from SPES are used for their enrolment fees.

Children with Disabilities

According to Montilla, continuous public awareness campaigns is conducted to change negative attitudes and prevailing prejudices against children with disabilities. More so, the LGU replicated Surallah’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for Persons with Disability. To do this, LGU City Social Welfare and Development Office sought the assistance of Davao Jubilee Foundation to effectively implement this program. Through CBR, persons and children with disability will be provided with a package of services on prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. This year, LGU also created the Tacurong City Committee on Disability Affairs. This committee will especially plan for and implement initiatives on accessibility, social protection, and labor and employment for PWDs and their families.

Livelihood, skills and capability training activities

are also conducted for out-of-school youth in partnership with Tacurong City Police Station, TESDA, DOLE, and the religious sector. Day Care children perform dances during the culmination program of the 2014 Children’s Month in Tacurong City.

Children in Conflict with the Law & Street Children

Kalinga sa mga Batang Lansangan is now on its third year. Initiated by Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito, it is implemented in partnership with DepEd-Tacurong and PNP. Through the program, beneficiaries are enrolled in DepEd’s Alternative Learning System or ALS. LGU-Tacurong provides for their needs while attending classes, including transportation, allowance, and school supplies. Youth beneficiaries are identified Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), child laborers, and street children. The LGU hopes to help these children finish their studies and obtain more decent jobs in the future. Kalinga sa mga batang Lansangan was institutionalized in January 2014. It was also accredited as a community-based literacy and preventive intervention program.

Busog Lusog Talino

The LGU, according to Montilla’s report, engaged in public-private partnerships to implement innovative programs for children. These programs include Busog Lusog Talino (BLT) Daily Lunch Feeding Program with Jollibee Group Foundation. BLT started in 2013 with only four school beneficiaries. LGU and Jollibee, with partner organizations, feed 40 undernourished children in each school. For 2014, BLT now have a total of six school beneficiaries. “BLT is expanding because the program has shown good results in improving pupil’s health and in uniting agencies for this cause,” said Montilla. BLT aims to provide children with free lunch daily to improve nutritional status, boost their academic performance, and reduce school drop-out.

LGU also intensifies its campaign against child trafficking and gender-based violence. Various sectors are tapped to strengthen policy implementation and enforcement.

2 schools in Tacurong bag Brigada Nat’l Awards Maria A. Montilla Memorial Elementary School (MAMMES) and Apolinario S. Bernardo Memorial National High School (ASBMNHS) of the City Schools Division of Tacurong (CSDT) were recognized during the National Awarding of the 2014 Search for Brigada Eskwela (BE) Best Implementers, Meralco Theater, November 26. MAMMES and ASBMNHS were awarded during the said ceremony for being the Region XII BE Champions for Elementary- Small School Category and SecondarySmall School Category, respectively. The National Search for BE Best Implementers recognizes champion-schools in every region in the country. , MAMMES Principal Memvie L. Alesna and ASBMNHS Principal Ma. Teresita H. Escobia accepted the awards in behalf of their schools and stakeholders. They were accompanied by City Schools Division Superintendent Romelito G. Flores, CESE and their respective BE Coordinators Geonex M. Leonin (MAMMES) and Victor Amborgo (ASBMNHS). Mayor Lina O. Montilla, Vice-Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chairperson on Education Ariel Ferdinand Dela Cruz, and Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon were also present during the ceremony. They, together with other government officials, department’s external stakeholders, were acknowledged by the DepEd Secretay himself, Bro. Armin A. Luistro. Their support, according to the Secretary, satisfies the essence of Brigada Eskwela which is the spirit of volunteerism and public private partnership for education. Earlier this year, on September 5, MAMMES and ASBMNHS received their awards from DepEd XII during the 7th Regional Management Committee Meeting cum Awarding Ceremony in Tacurong City. By Memvie Alesna, P-1, CSDT

The GOODWILL l 11

Brigada Eskwela Awardees. MAMMES Principal Memvie Alesna and ASBMNHS Principal Ma. Teresita Escobia (center) accompanied by (L-R) Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, CSDT Superintendent Romelito Flores, Mayor Lina O. Montilla, and Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon during the National Awarding of 2014 Search for Brigada Eskwela Best Implementers, November 26.

Tacurong top regional performer in Best PESO Search

CAREER COACHING FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

The city government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), visits secondary schools in the city every year to conduct Career Guidance and Employment Counseling. This year, the career advocacy activity was conducted in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment-Sultan Kudarat Office and Rotary Club of Tacurong.

For its contribution in the advocacy of carrying out full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all, LGU-Tacurong Public Employment Service Office (PESO) was recognized as the Top Regional Performer by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for year 2013. Tacurong PESO Manager Allan S. Freno received the award during the 14th National PESO Congress, October 22, General Santos City. Tacurong PESO was also a nominee to the National Best PESO Search-Component City Category. “This award is for the efforts of the whole PESO Tacurong Team. We are very positive that with the support of the LGU and DOLE, we will make more ways for Tacurong workforce to prosper,“ said Freno. PESO is a non-fee charging multi-employment service facility established in LGUs through the assistance of DOLE. Through the PESO, the LGU organizes job fairs and assists employers in conducting special recruitment activities. The PESO also gives referrals to job seekers and monitors job placement in different establishments in the city. The PESO also maintains a skills registry system (SRS) with the assistance of DOLE. SRS is an offline system wherein jobseekers’ skills are encoded and stored to serve as reference of employers looking for potential manpower. By JLCBillano

Local budget to sustain mdg-faces program in the city Project PAGLAUM will be sustained through the city government fund, according to Mayor Lina O. Montilla. PAGLAUM is under the MDG-FACES or Millennium Development Goals-Family Based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum is a program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto P. Sero Jr, backed up the mayor’s statement. “Kahit maubos na natin ang budget from the national, at matapos na ang implementation phase base sa kanilang timeline, magpapatuloy ang Project PAGLAUM through local budget allocation,” said Sero. The announcement was made during the Project PAGLAUM beneficiaries’ orientation on responsible parenthood and reproductive health, environmental sanitation and solid waste management, and anti smoking, anti-drug abuse, and anti illegal gambling on September 23, 2014.

As provided in a Memorandum of Agreement entered into by the LGU-Tacurong, Local Government Academy, and DILG in 2013, the national government earmarked P300,000.00 for project implementation until September 2014. Project PAGLAUM interventions include livelihood trainings, vegetable gardening for income and consumption, health and sanitation activities and policies, anti illegal drugs and gambling operations, and street lights rehabilitation, among others. All this aimed at improving the living conditions of children and their families in Purok Onse, Poblacion. “Sadtong wala pa ang MDG project diri, ang lugar namon sugalan guid,” said Nena Gerasmo, mother of chil-beneficiary of Project PAGLAUM. “Karon, imbes na mag hampang o chismis kami, naga garden kami. Kag mas safe na ang dalan kay sanag na kung gab-i,” she added. Project PAGLAUM is being implemented by LGU Tacurong City with the support of various stakeholders in the community.

It's more fun in SPED! Seventy (70) children with exceptional needs of SPED-Tacurong City Pilot Elementary School celebrated their FUN DAY on November 12, 2014. SPED-TPES started to hold Fun Day in 2013 to gather SPED students, their parents, teachers, and community stakeholders for a day of exciting activities and games. “We sing, dance, and play together. This activity is a chance to express themselves and enjoy time with people that support them,” said Kathy Catalan, LGU PWD Focal Person. The City Government of Tacurong funds the SPED Fun Day through its Gender and Development (GAD) Fund. Moreover, numerous organizations and individuals extended support by giving toys and school supplies for the children. Sponsors include Tacurong City Employees Cooperative, Rotaract Club of Talakudong, and Jimm’s Place 2. SPED-TPES aims to promote the right of every child with disability to develop her/his maximum potential. It aims to educate children to be self-reliant for them to take full advantage of opportunities for a full and happy life.

12 l The GOODWILL

Para sa taong 2014, nakapagbigay ng libreng mga serbisyo ang

Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Tacurong sa libu-libong Tacurongnon sa 20 barangay nito sa pamamagitan ng City Hall sa Barangay.

cITY HALL SA BARANGAY2014 9,210

Serbisyong Medikal

1,764

Mga serbisyo ng iba’t-ibang tanggapan ng LGU

1,736

Serbisyong Dental

1,277

Libreng Gupit hatid ng Phil. Army at PNP

Kaya naman, patuloy ang aming pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta at nakikibahagi sa dakilang layuning ito!

Total

13,999 What happens when you

MOVE

LGU calls for strong partnerships vs human trafficking “Human Trafficking is modern-day slavery. The government and the public must work together to stop this crime,” said Tacurong Sagip Anghel Chairperson Councilor Psyche Sucaldito during the AwarenessRaising Activity on Human Trafficking, December 9. Sucaldito noted how important strong partnerships are in combating this crime. “Recently, Sagip Anghel Task Force of LGU-Tacurong and PNP rescued two minors, with ages 12 and 15, who work as entertainers [in a bar] in the city,” reported Sucaldito. “It was a very long, careful process. But it paid off with the help of our partners,” she said.

A participant shares her story of getting her daughter back from human traffickers.

LGU-Tacurong implements Ordinance 01-2011 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Ordinance of the City of Tacurong with the help of the CIACAT-VAW or the City Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and VAWC. “Hindi kaya ng city government o ng pulis lang ang paglaban sa ganitong krimen. Kelangan magsimula sa barangay, tahanan, sa mga magulang. Dapat may alam sila para hindi sila mabiktima,” addressed Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito to the participants. The awareness-raising activity was conducted in celebration of the International Day Against Human Trafficking on December 12. Representatives of participating sectors delivered campaign and commitment messages, inspiring everyone to speak up and take action against violence and slavery among vulnerable population especially women and children. A participant even shared her own story in trying to get her daughter back from a syndicate in Manila. “Daw halos mag-surrender ako pero sa bulig sang mga taga munisipyo sa akon, nakaipon guid ako sang isog para magkadto sa hindi ko pa nakadtuan para mabawi ang bata ko,” said the participant whose name was kept for confidentiality. “Kung may mabal-an kita nga mga mali nga nagakaratabo sa komunidad, hindi kita magduha-duha nga magpabulig sa mga awtoridad,” said LGU VAWC Foccal Person Nancy M. Bawe. “Nagasalig man kita sa mga VAWC Desk In-Charge sa mga barangay nga mahimo sila nga strong advocates against VAWC and trafficking,” Bawe added. By JLCBillano

Men as advocates of women’s rights. Well, why not? In the city government of Tacurong male employees organized themselves into what is now called the MOVE or Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere. Members of the MOVE are dedicated in educating various sectors on how to reduce or completely eliminate discrimination and violence against women and children. MOVE organizes activities for its members and the public, speaking out against VAWC or violence against women and children. On 6 June 2014, MOVE sponsored a seminar on the RA 9262 or the Anti VAWC Act for personnel of Philippine Statistics Administration, LGU-Tacurong, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA, Senior Citizens, and PLDT Co. MOVE also sponsored the same seminar among fathers of Project PAGLAUM children-beneficiaries on November 28, 2014. Project PAGLAUM is a project implemented by the LGU and DILG to improve living conditions of children in Purok Onse, the city’s lone slum area. MOVE aims to influence more men (and women) to be active watchdogs, and not be perpetrators of VAWC. Sultan Kudarat Water District (SKWD) heeded the MOVE’s call for more advocates. On 4 December 2014, MOVE-SKWD was organized. Indeed, gone are the days when women are for women and men for men. It is high time to be for each other. We move, because we care. And when we move, we cause a ripple of change. “We are hoping that more agencies will be willing to organize their MOVE. It is everyone’s duty to protect women’s rights,” said MOVE President Jessie Fuentevilla. By JLCBillano

New barangay-based rescue teams to build up DRRM Two new barangay-based rescue teams were organized in Tacurong City on November 2014. These were the NCER (New Carmen Emergency Response) and BRERT (Barangay Rajah Muda Emergency Response Team). Barangay-based rescue teams serve as disaster response frontliners in their respective barangays, according to City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Eufemia Robles. These trained, local rescue teams are expected to respond immediately when incidents arise in their area. They are also tasked to monitor risky situations

and to efficiently coordinate with the barangay officials, city officials, and the city rescue team when incidents arise. TRACER or the Tacurong Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Response Team facilitated the 5-day training of NCER and BRERT on November 4-8 and November 9-13, respectively. The teams are composed of public school teachers, barangay civilian volunteers, and barangay health workers. Through the training, the new rescue teams learned basic life support, basic first aid, and casualty

handling. They also learned ropemanship (rapelling, high line), and swimming. With NCER and BRERT, Tacurong now has a total of four barangay-based rescue teams. The other two teams are New Isabela Rescue Team (NIRT) and San Pablo Emergency Response Team (SPERT). TRACER is SOCCSKSKSARGEN’s Best Government Emergency Response Management recognized by the Regional CDRRMC 2014 Gawad KALASAG.

Tacurong Team places third in Natl Arnis Encounter The Tacurong City Arnis Team racked up 8 golds, 19 silvers, and 2 bronzes in the National Arnis Encounter and placed third place in the overall. The National Arnis Encounter was held on December 1-5, 2014 at the Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Tacurong Team was composed of eleven (11) arnisadors. The tournament was a Qualifying Event for the next Asian Games. City Councilor Welson Ferrer, the head of delegation, said that the Tacurong players will compete again in September 2015 to determine who will finally join the Philippine Team for the Asian Games. By ASFreno

In this photo, the Tacurong Arnis Team was set to board their flight to Manila.