The Goodwill [October-December 2012] by LGU-Tacurong City

INSIDE

Send us your feedback: cityoftacurong@yahoo.com October-December 2012 GOODWILL 1 SP approves 2013 City Budget...p.11 iBus inventor inspires her fellow Tacurongnons...p.5 LGU helps former OFWs start business venture..p.2

Organic vegetable demo launched in New Carmen...p.4 Inugyunay Festival...p.6 Gab-i Sang Pasalamat....p.7 Know Your Elected City Officials...p.10

TRANSPARENCY@Work (pp. 8-9) Full Disclosure of LGU’s Local Budget 2013 Annual Budget Summary

The Official Publication of the City Government of Tacurong

Vol. I No. II

www.tacurong.gov.ph

October - December 2012

SP TACURONG RECOGNIZED AS BEST SANGGUNIAN IN REGION XII The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) recognized the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong as the Most Outstanding Sanggunian-Component City Category in Region XII. SP Tacurong headed by Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado and Mayor Lina O. Montilla accepted the award dubbed as Local Legislative Award during DILGXII’s Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 12, 2012 in General Santos City. Members of Tacurong Sanggunian Panlungsod include Councilors Psyche Sucaldito, Jose Remos Segura, Rodrigo Jamorabon, Joseph George Lechonsito, Cirilo

Flores, Benjamin Fajardo Jr., Virgilio Paredes, Paulino Ledda, Joselito Cajandig Sr., Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, ABC President Silvestre Llanto, and SK Federation President Albert Gulmatico. The Local Legislative Award was launched in 2006 by the PCL together with the DILG to recognize exemplary performance of Sanggunian of component cities and municipalities in legislating measures that establish

Tacurong receives 2M cash reward as region’s best-performing city

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the City Government of Tacurong with a glass trophy and a check worth P2 Million for being adjudged as the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Winner under the City Category. Mayor Lina O. Montilla received the awards during DILG-XII Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 12, 2012 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City. “The national government is assured that Tacurongnons will benefit from this award as the money will be utilized for development projects,” said City Mayor Lina O. Montilla. Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is an award conferred by DILG to a province, city or municipality for reason of exemplary performance in Administrative

Governance, Social Governance, Economic Governance and Environmental Governance. Among the criteria are: Local Government Performance Management System (LGPMS) score; national and international awards; record review of core outcome indicators (NSCB on poverty incidence, DOH on health, BLGF-DOF on financial status, etc); and result of on-site validation. LGPMS assesses LGUs’ institutional capacity in various areas of governance. LGU-Tacurong had already been recognized by DILG Central Office as one of the Top 5 finalists of the National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award following the national evaluation and Mayor Montilla’s panel interview on October 18 at the Sulo Riviera Hotel, Quezon City. Tacurong is the only city in Mindanao that qualified to the list. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Over 1,000 join Tacurong’s 5th Limpyo Kalog activity More than a thousand people joined the city government in the latest massive cleanup of the drainage canals dubbed “Limyo Kalog”.

The cleanup drive held on October 26 gathered young and adult participants from different sectors of the community. Carrying various tools for cleaning, participants trooped to their respective areas of assignment beginning at 5 a.m. to rid waterways of cellophanes and other plastic materials, rotten leaves and wood, and other wastes that could cause clogging especially during heavy rains. Areas were also weeded out. Mayor Lina Montilla led the city officials and employees in cleaning the drainage canals surrounding the city hall compound. Faculty members and students of educational institutions comprised the largest group who joined the activity. The Philippine Army, PNP, Bureau of Fire, and BJMP also sent a huge number of participants. Cont’d on p.5

meaningful local administration and development. Legislative arms are evaluated according to the effectiveness of local agenda and legislative tracking system, availability of legislative documents, efficiency of performance, and quality of office set-up as well as staff complement. By winning the award, SP Tacurong will be contending with other cities in the national level. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU fully implements anti-smoking ordinance An ordinance regulating the the sale of cigarettes and prohibiting of both adults and minors in public places in the City of Tacurong (City Ordinance 13-2011) is now in full implementation. With the said anti-smoking ordinance, business establishments will be required to designate smoking areas to protect non-smokers. The Office of the City Health Services (OCHS), City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Engineering Office will be inspecting the suitability of the smoking areas. Sixty days after the ordinance’s effectivity, OCHS and License Inspection Services Section under the City Mayor’s Office shall conduct ocular inspection to determine the compliance of business establishments in the city. Business establishments are also prohibited to sell cigarettes or tobacco products to minors. Further, smoking inside a government-owned or public utility vehicle Cont’d on p.5

NSCB: Tacurong has least poverty incidence in the region

The National Statistical Coordination Board or NSCB had released the results of its 2003 and 2009 Municipal/City Poverty Statistics. Region XII results show that the City of Tacurong had 18.5% poverty incidence, the lowest among all cities and municipalities in the region for the survey year 2009. This means that out of 100 individuals in the city, only 18.5 are poor. Tacurong is followed by Kidapawan City with 19.2 poverty incidence, Koronadal City with 21.7, and General Santos with 22.5. In 2003, Tacurong had the third least poverty incidence of 15.9. Kidapawan City then only had 12.5 poverty incidence while General Santos City and Koronadal City have have had 14.0 and 16.2, respectively.

Cont’d on p.11

2 GOODWILL

October-December 2012

Montilla to youth leaders: “Be involved in child protection endeavors”

“Young people of Tacurong, help us take the challenge by taking part in every endeavor for the protection of the children’s welfare.” Mayor. Lina O. Montilla challenged youth leaders in her State of the Children’s Report during the opening of the 1st Konsultahan ng mga Kabataan on October 29, 2012. She also shared the city government’s accomplishments that include programs for Children in Conflict with Law (CICL), the Gender and Development Code, early childhood care and development, sports programs, the Special Education Fund (SEF), and health and nutrition. However, she admits that much must still be done. Mayor Montilla assured the youth that the city government’s lines are always open for their concerns and suggestions. The City Social Welfare and Development Office of Tacurong City conducted the 1st Konsultahan ng mga Kabataan in line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month. The two-day forum-workshop themed ‘Empowered Young People: To Right Information and Responsible Journalism’ was held at Edjin Pension House on October 29-30, 2012. Twenty-six youth leaders of school-based, church-based and community-based organizations joined the Konsultahan. Nancy Bawe, focal person of Gender and Development Program, stated that this is one of the city’s strategies to nurture the youth’s participation rights. The City Government of Tacurong is continuously pushing for more child-friendly policies and programs. It has been adjudged as Region XII’s Most Child-Friendly City in 2011.

Photo News: TACURONG HOSTS 40TH REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING. RDC XII Chairperson and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Magnolia R. Antonino Custodio awards Mayor Lina O. Montilla with a plaque expressing the Council’s gratitude to the meeting’s host city. The meeting was attended by 170 individuals including regional directors of various line agencies and local officials all over the region.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LGU helps former OFWs start micro-finance venture The City Government of Tacurong released P75,000.00 to the Balikbayan at Kapamilya SelfEmployment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Association on December 26, 2012, to serve as seed capital in starting its own micro-finance business. The said amount was sourced out from the Mayor’s Fund through Supplemental Budget #3, upon a proposal prepared by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and SEA-K. The Balikbayan at Kapamilya SEA-K is composed of 15 members who are former overseas Cont’d on p.3

342 Tacurongnons enroll in free tech-voc trainings

Three hundred forty-two individuals, all desiring to acquire skills to improve their employability, enrolled in short-term technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong in partnership with Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Each participant enrolled in any of the following eight Practical Skills & Development Trainings: Dressmaking, Massage Therapy NC II, Hair Science & Beauty Culture, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II, Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II, Hollow Blocks-Making & Tiles-Setting, Souvenir Items -Making, and Packaging & Labeling cum Good Manufacturing Practices. Electrical Installation & Maintenance recorded the highest number of enrollees at 66, followed by Hair Science & Beauty Culture with 62. SMAW has 54 enrollees while Massage Therapy has 53. Community Training and Employment Coordinator Josephine Ubaldo said that they had set limited quotas for each course but there was an influx of walk-in enrollees during the launching program on November 20, 2012 at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Gym. “We did not expect the huge turnout of trainees because we were supposed to

accept a maximum of 30 enrollees per course,” Ubaldo said. “We stretched our quotas but not to the extent that we would be sacrificing Photo News: Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Human Trafficking Wakasan Na! Tacurongnons observed Day Against Trafficking on December 12, 2012 (12.12.12) through a motorcade and an anti-trafficking symposium participated by at most 200 students, PNP and Army officers, barangay officials and workers, NGOs, and LGU employees. The activity was sponsored by LGU-Tacurong Sagip Anghel Task Force and Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT).

Message Throughout the years, Tacurong had welcomed people from all walks of life, people of different tongues and different cultures. Amazingly, even in diversity, these people united and assumed a common identity—being Tacurongnons. What makes us one? I can say, Goodwill. Goodwill is the very essence of being a Tacurongnon. Ang kabutihan sa kapwa; ang pag-aalay ng buong lakas at kaalaman para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami; ang pagsusumikap upang maiangat ang pamilya at bayan. Kapag nasa Tacurong ka, mas nararamdaman mo ang kahulugan ng pagkakaisa at pamumuhay na may kaakibat na responsibilidad sa kapwa. 2012 had been a fulfilling year for Tacurongnons. The efforts of the City Government, both of its executive and legislative arms, the hard work of our stakeholders and partners, and even our local talents have been recognized and commended. Through our diligence and honesty at work, we show high respect to the City and its people. As 2013 unfolds, we continue to become the best Tacurongnons we can ever be. We may be divided by our different beliefs, but we remain as a family looking after each other’s welfare. More people will come knocking on the doors of Tacurong, seeking for a better life, hoping to contribute positively to this family. The City of Goodwill will welcome them with arms wide open. Together, we continue to pursue a life of peace and sustainable progress. May God bless us all. Lina O. Montilla City Mayor

the quality of the training,” she added. During the launching program, Mayor Montilla was happy to note the increase in the number of enrollees compared to the skills training the LGU conducted last summer with only less than 150 participants. “Based on the big number of enrollees this time, we can really see the significance of the skills training program for the unemployed adults and the out of school youth,” Mayor Montilla said. “We also decided to add more courses so that our constituents can have a wide array of choices. Last summer, we only offered four courses; we doubled the number this time,” the mayor added. The mayor also shared to the participants the story of Aileen Apostol, one of the beneficiaries of the massage therapy training last year, who is already earning as much as P1, 000.00 a day. Aileen is now employed by LGU-financed Massage Clinic and also doing home massage services. “Aileen is now enjoying the comfort of life because of the skill she got from our Massage Therapy Training. I want more Aileens to come out from your batch,” Mayor Montilla said. City Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito and Benjamin Fajardo also delivered their messages of support to the skills training program of the city. Jamorabon, in his message to the enrollees, said that “the city government is not spending money in you but investing in your future instead. We know that once you are employed or start your own business out of the skills you will get from the trainings, you will bring comfortable life to your families”. DOST Provincial Director Szalina Mercado, who also served as trainer in the Cont’d on p. 4

Editorial Board Managing Editor: Allan S. Freno News Editors: Allan S. Freno; Jezereel Louise C. Billano Photographers: Jorjohn C. Cajandig; Joselito Z. Cajandig Jr.; Karina Mae P. Maribao Contributor: Amie D. Tomala Lay-out Artists: John Arlin Padernal; Jezereel Louise C. Billano Proofreaders: Laila S. Gulmayo-Pelaez; Toni Ann Ayco-Suboc Circulation Managers: Myla D. Muyco; Mark Anthony Cajandig Editorial Advisers: Lina O. Montilla; Eduardo K. Nicolo Local Government Unit of Tacurong Alunan Highway, City of Tacurong Sultan Kudarat 064-384-1263

October-December 2012

GOODWILL 3

Peace and Order Council holds meeting ahead of Tacurong’s Christmas Festival

Members of Tacurong City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) held its regular meeting on December 3 to discuss preparations for the city’s Christmas festivities dubbed as Inugyunay Festival. Mayor Lina Montilla presided over the meeting at the Conference Room of the Office of the City Mayor. The CPOC meeting primarily focused on laying out the security plan for the Inugyunay Festival with the PNP and AFP committing their full force in the duration of the festivities. Inugyunay Festival, which runs from December 7 to 23, gathers hundreds of people inside the city hall compound to marvel on the lights and colors of the entries for the Light-a-Christmas Tree Contest and the pyro-musical show. The number of people coming to the venue increases to thousands at the start of the nightly presentations on December 16; but the annual Fireworks Display every December 23 records the most number of people not fewer than 15,000. Those who cannot be accommodated by the space inside the city hall compound converge on the national highway from the rotunda up to the entrance of the city hall. Present during the CPOC meeting were regular member organizations including the Tacurong City Police Station headed by Supt. Junny Buenacosa, its newly-assigned Chief of Police. 601st Brigade Commander Col. Edmundo Pangilinan and Joint Task Force Talakudong Commander Col. Dece Yabo were also present. Heads and representatives of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire (BFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) were also present. Aside from the festival preparations, the CPOC also tackled other matters related to the peace and order condition of the city. Mayor Montilla assured the PNP and the Joint Task Force Talakudong that additional patrol vehicles will be prioritized in the ensuing year’s budget. The mayor likewise said that the Tacurong Fire Station is also set to receive an additional fire truck from the DILG as committed by the late Secretary Jesse Robredo. Concerns of the PDEA and the BJMP were also addressed by the council. Allan S. Freno

Stakeholders pose in front of the newly-rehabilitated comfort rooms in San Rafael Elementary School.

Aboitiz Foundation facilitates school infra rehabilitation Pupils of San Rafael Elementary School can now enjoy more sanitary facilities with their newly rehabilitated comfort rooms sponsored by the Aboitiz Foundation. Aboitiz Foundation representatives Theodore U. Bisnar and Kenneth Manzano graced the turn-over ceremonies on November 7, 2012. The Rehabilitation of School Infrastructure Project is Aboitiz’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy that prioritizes the needs of ‘depressed’ and distant communities. Aboitiz Power through the Aboitiz Foundation had closely worked with the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO), DepEd-Tacurong, and the local government unit for the project to materialize. DepED Tacurong is convinced that the project will not only benefit the students but the community as well. “In DepEd, we advocate for transformation not only in schools but in the whole community. That is why we tap external stakeholders who are also concerned with the improvement of school infrastructure and services,” said Mr. Jesus de Gracia of DepEd. Principal Melanie delos Santos assured the project stakeholders that the school will maintain the cleanliness of the comfort rooms. She looks forward to more partnerships not only with Aboitiz but with other organizations as well. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Samahan ng mga Byuda holds annual assembly

Photo News: 68 indigent families in Tacurong receive gifts from PETDA-SOCSKSARGEN The Petron Dealers Association (PETDA) chose Brgy. San Antonio as their beneficiary for its annual gift-giving on Dec. 5, 2012. Sixty-eight indigent families identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office received grocery packs from PETDA. According to PETDA-SOCSKSARGEN President Victor Rebosura, the association had been doing this for almost 5 years and that this is the first time that they conducted the activity outside General Santos.

LGU employees and officials aid 250 indigents

Two hundred twenty indigents and 30 inmates received ‘media noche’ packs from the Tacurong City Employees Association (TACEA) on December 27-28, 2012. The indigents were identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office from the 20 barangays in Tacurong. Each ‘media noche’ pack included a spaghetti set, fruit salad set, bread, soft drinks, and canned goods. Aside from the grocery packs, inmates in the custody of BJMP-Tacurong received individual toiletry packs. The indigents were gathered on December 28 at the city hall grounds for the gift-giving activity. The program was facilitated by Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado, Councilors Psyche Sucaldito and Jose Remos P. Segura, TACEA President Amelia A. Bochorno, and TACEA members and officials. “Tani sa bisan gamay namon nga paagi, mabatyagan nyo ang amon nga pagpalangga,” said Vice Mayor Collado. TACEA members, who are LGU-Tacurong employees and officials, donated cash for the purchase of the said endowments. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

More than five hundred widows (byudas) who are members of the Samahan ng mga Byuda (SMB) of Tacurong gathered for their 8th Annual General Assembly at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Gym on November 30, 2012. The 506 byudas who attended the assembly represented almost 60% of the 847 total active members from the 20 barangays of the city. SMB regularly set their annual assembly every November 30 in time with the birthday of former Congressman Angelo ‘Roncal’ Montilla, the founder of the SMB. The former congressman was also present during the assembly and was greeted by the SMB members with a very warm and emotional welcome. Organized in 2004, the ‘byudas’ have been enjoying support from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong. The SMB’s active membership is attributed to the leadership of Vice Mayor Charito Collado who has been guiding the members since the group’s inception. The SMB is the first sector in the country to be formally-organized and recognized by a Local Government Unit. In the SMB’s Assembly this year, newly-elected officers took their oath of office administered by Mayor Lina Montilla. The officers are: Ma. Lourdes Bogador (President), Delia Ramay (Vice President), Juliet Garces (Secretary), Emma dela Cruz (Treasurer), Lourdes dela Cruz (Assistant Treasurer), Jocelyn Lademora (Auditor), Erlinda Perez (PIO), Arceli Gumban (PIO), Lydia Somblingo (Business Manager), and Norlyn Ronimo (Business Manager). In her message after the oath-taking of officers, Mayor Montilla assured the members that the LGU’s support, particularly in providing

livelihood assistance, will continue to be given priority in the ensuing years. Also, one of the highlights of the SMB annual assembly in the afternoon was the Search for SMB Queen 2012. Five candidates represented their respective clusters with each cluster composed of four barangays. Sixty-nine year old Charlita Saavedra of Cluster 3 (San Pablo, San Emmanuel, New Isabela, and Tina) was crowned as the SMB Queen after topping the Personality, Talent, and Interview Categories. Luzviminda Dagcutan (49 years old) of Cluster 4 (San Rafael, D. Ledesma, San Antonio, and Griño) was 1st runner-up; and Jocelyn Lademora (55 years old) of Cluster 1 (Baras, New Passi, Rajah Muda, and Lancheta) was declared as 2nd runnerup. Rounding up the other winners were Winifreda Silverio (61 years old) of Cluster 5 (Poblacion, EJC Montilla, Buenaflor, and New Lagao) – 3rd runner-up; and Araceli Gumban (57 years old) of Cluster 2 (Upper Katungal, Calean, New Carmen, and Kalandagan) – 4th runner-up. Present during the whole-day gathering of ‘byudas’ were the other city officials of Tacurong including Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito, Benjamin Fajardo, and Lino Ledda. ABC President Silvestre Llanto and former ABC President Jose Ganayo also showed their support by gracing the event. Barangay Chairpersons Bogador (SMB Federation President) of Tina and Welson Ferrer of New Carmen joined the ‘byudas’ from their barangays in the said celebration. Some parlor games were also facilitated in which some ‘byudas’ received prizes and tokens from Aseana Marketing. Allan Freno

OFW micro-finance.. Cont’d from p.2

Filipino workers and family members of OFWs residing in barangays within the city. The association is interested to undertake and manage a sustainable income and contribute to the development of their community. The organization was divided into three groups of 5 members. Each member received P5,000.00, hence the P75,000.00 seed capital. The group shall adopt loan procedures and lending policies as stipulated in the SEA-K scheme. Project Evaluation Officer Josephine Ubaldo is positive that the group shall be able to generate sufficient savings after paying back the said capital to the LGU. “I believe they will be able to continue and administer their own savings and credit program,” Ubaldo said. Balibayan at Kapamilya SEA-K agreed on a monthly loan repayment amounting P3,125.00 for 24 months. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

4 GOODWILL

October-December 2012

City Treasury Office exceeds non-tax revenues collection target by 5 percent A recent report from City Treasury Office (CTO) of Tacurong states that the office achieved 105 percent efficiency in the collection of non-tax revenues for fiscal year 2012. During the monthly convocation sponsored by Treasury Office, Local Treasury Operations Officer III Romulo Paclibar presented the accomplishment report of the office as of November of the current year. He reported that collections of non-tax revenues exceeded the P30 million-target by 5 percent or P1.5 million. CTO had already collected P31.5 million as of report date. Non-tax revenues include fees, charges, and receipts from economic enterprises. On the other hand, collection efficiency for tax revenues is coming close to its target. Out of the target amounting to P29 million, the office collected P24.9 million or equivalent to 86 percent collection efficiency. Tax revenues are generated from real property taxes, taxes on business, and other taxes. Merging the tax and non-tax revenues, CTO collected a total of P56.4 million against its target of P59 million for the current fiscal year translated to 96 percent collection efficiency. The office vows to continue its efficient and honest service towards the attainment of the city’s fiscal goals. It also hopes to attain or surpass its targets at the end of the year. Meanwhile, CTO also reported that as of November 26, the city government of Tacurong already received P227.9 million out of its P253.2 million Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). In her message, Mayor Lina Montilla lauded the personnel of the CTO headed by City Treasurer Jessie Batchar for their untiring effort in tax collection and for disclosing to the public their collection performance. The city government continues to advocate transparency by encouraging its departments to publicize necessary information on performance and processes. Jezereel C. Billano

Rotary Club recognizes outstanding Tacurongnons The Rotary Club of Tacurong distinguished an EORA member, CVO commander and a traffic enforcer as 2012 Outstanding Tacurongnons. The outstanding Tacurongnons were awarded with plaques of recognition by the Rotary, SK Chamber of Commerce, and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on December 22, 2012 during Inugyunay Festival’s Business Sector Night. The awardees were instrumental in the apprehension of the suspect responsible for an explosion on November 16, 2012 at Crossing Exit, Brgy New Carmen. The explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device or IED. The bomber was intercepted at Panlaque Machine Shop and was brought to the police station for further investigation, says a report from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Battalion, Philippine Army. The incident was jointly dealt with and investigated by PNP-Tacurong, Task Force Talakudong, and Philippine Army. In 2011, Rotary Club started to award Tacurongnons who have shown bravery and heroism, and those who brought great and positive impact to the community. Identity of the awardees are kept confidential due to the sensitivity of their duties. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Photo News: ORIENTATION FOR NEW LGU ENTRANTS. Newly hired permanent and casual employees of the City Government of Tacurong have undergone an orientation-workshop on November 1315, 2012 at the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Hall. Eighteen new entrants from different departments participated in the orientation which was conducted by the City’s Human Resource Management (CHRM) training staff and pool of trainers.

Organic vegetable techno demo launched in New Carmen Technology Demonstration on Organic Vegetable Production with Farmer Field School component was formally launched in Barangay New Carmen, Tacurong City on December 11, 2012. The project was funded and implemented by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII), Agricultural Training Institute (ATIXII) and the Local Government of Tacurong. This is also in collaboration with the Tacurong City Agriculture Office (OAS) and the Barangay Council of New Carmen headed by Brgy. Captain Welson Ferrer. The launching ceremony was attended by thirty four (34) vegetable farmers coming from New Carmen and other neighboring barangays who are also recipients of the project. City Agriculturist Ramon B. Losañes gladly and proudly told the vegetable growers that marketing of farmers’ own produce is not anymore a problem since the City of Tacurong is one of the recipients of the Organic Trading Post Project that will cater the organic products produced by local vegetable growers in the area. Dr. Gerry Pagarigan, Project Leader from ATI-XII, also takes pride on the project’s Farmer Field School (FFS) component that will not only showcase technologies but also intends to capacitate participants in acquiring adequate knowledge, skills, and orientation on the critical aspects of organic vegetable production. The training also aims to discuss the concept of Agri-Pinoy Framework; discuss the overview, economic and marketing prospects of vegetables in the Philippines; discuss the nutritional and health benefits of vegetables; understand the concept of climate change and identify ways to mitigate and adapt to its adverse effects; discuss the management practices of organic vegetable production, particularly highland, lowland and indigenous vegetables; identify organic fertilizer and pesticides and ways to prepare it; identify market opportunities for vegetables and to expose the participants to organic farms at the end of the training. Engr. Nestor D. Casador, Provincial Agriculturist of Sultan Kudarat. expressed the province’s full support to the organic vegetable growers. “It’s an honor to be chosen as the recipient of this program that will basically serve as a stepping stone in the shifting of farm practice from conventional to organic way of farming,” said New Carmen agri technologist Artemio Mundo. Amie D. Tomala

Photo News: Opening of NEWLY-RENOVATED City Health Office. The newly-renovated Tacurong City Health Services Office was officialy opened on December 10, 2012. TCHO is the only 4-in-1 PhilHealth-accredited Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Region XII. The office operates in line with President Aquino’s Health Agenda to provide Universal Health Care for all Filipinos also known as Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP).

17 couples avail of City’s Kasalang Bayan Seventeen couples availed of free civil and church weddings sponsored by LGU-Tacurong on December 18, 2012. The Kasalang Bayan 2012 accommodated 9 couples for a church wedding in Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria Parish, and 8 couples for a civil wedding at the city hall facilitated by Mayor Lina O. Montilla. The LGU had been organizing the Kasalang Bayan annually since 2005. The City Planning and Development Coordinating Office and the City Civil Registry Office spearhead the said project to help unmarried couples who are living together legalize their union as husband and wife. Included in the free wedding package are: church and seminar fees, sponsor fees, CENOMAR fees, meals and snacks during baptism and wedding day, and decorations. The LGU publicly announces the Kasalang Bayan through radio and by sending invitations to barangays. Couples are pre-listed at the Civil Registry Office on October 10-November 20, 2012. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Brgy. New Carmen Chairperson Welson Ferrer thanks DA, ATI, and the city government for supporting the agri sector in the community.

Free tech-voc trainings Cont’d from p.2

Packaging & Labeling Course, said that “Tacurong is very lucky to have a developmentoriented mayor who is truthfully looking after the welfare of her constituents”. TESDA Provincial Director Reynaldo Bernal also commended the efforts of the LGU in “aggressively pushing for the conduct of various skills training program in Tacurong”. He gave his commitment to assist the graduates through facilitating the granting of National Certificates or NC. “We laud the LGU’s initiative of bringing these tech-voc courses especially for those who do not have access to established training centers,” Bernal said. Allan S. Freno

October-December 2012

GOODWILL 5

iBus inventor inspires her fellow Tacurongnons In 2011, Tacurongnon Elma Arboleras with her co-inventor Rodel de Guzman won the gold medal in the 11th British Invention Show with her iBus invention. iBus or the Intelligent BUS Utility System is a bus monitoring and management system that can make the buses load and unload passengers at designated areas only. “When you see a problem, you should see it as the best opportunity to improve,” Arboleras said in her inspirational message during the LGU’s flag raising ceremony on November 19, 2012. The crowd of employees cheered on as Arboleras pointed out Tacurong’s world class asset: “We may not have a majestic volcano like Mayon in Albay, or the wings of the Philippine Eagle in Davao, but we have something that we can take anywhere we go. That is, our strong-willed spirit as a people.” Arboleras believes that Tacurong is made for greatness, just like the Tacurongnons. “I am proud that I have come from Tacurong.

Mayor Lina O. Montilla awards a plaque of recognition to Elma Arboleras, iBus inventor and a proud Tacurongnon.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Limpyo Kalog Cont’d from p.1

This is where I was able to establish my strongest foundations,” she added. Arboleras congratulated the city government for the vast development evident in the city. She especially remarked the city’s excellent performance in the past years through the leadership of Mayor Lina O. Montilla. “The improvement is not only reflected by rising and increasing infrastructure but also in the numerous awards reaped by the city for exhibiting quality service and governance,” said Arboleras. The city government awarded Arboleras with a Plaque of Recognition for her achievements. The city government thanked Arboleras for informing and encouraging Tacurongnons to be engaged in various opportunities like Project Pagsulong—a million peso challenge inviting young Filipinos to come up with innovative business ideas towards poverty alleviation. “We are pleased to know that Tacurong has yielded yet another humble and empowered individual to the world,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

School Board holds final regular meeting for 2012

The Tacurong City School Board held its last regular meeting for 2012 on December 4 to discuss and approve

National line agencies, business groups, NGOs, transport groups, the proposed 2013 budget of the City Schools Division and other matters. religious groups, rescuers/barangay tanods, and other groups also The approved budget, according City Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda, will be allocated joined the activity. for expenses on trainings, sports programs, travel, textbooks and instructional materials, binding and printing, Also notable in the 5th Limpyo Kalog was the participation of the barangay constituents who cleaned the canals in their information technology equipment, among others. However, the said budget does not include the allocation for personal services with which teachers’ salaries respective barangays. Sangguniang Panlungsod Environment Committee are included. Chairperson Psyche Sucaldito said that the latest Limpyo Kalog Mosqueda also reported the development on the construction of a library hub in the East Tacurong District. activity had the largest number of individual participants. Since the local government had made the cleanup drive a regular activity, He also presented the proposal for the establishment of e-learning classrooms for the Alternative Learning huge turnout of participants had been recorded every year. System program of the city. Limpyo Kalog is a regular activity of the city government Further, district supervisors delivered reports on the status of repair and maintenance of school facilities in that aims to clean and desilt drainage canals to avoid flooding due to heavy rains. their areas. Repair cost in each school range from P20,000 to P50,000. It also serves as a campaign to destroy the habitats of The meeting was presided by Hon. Lina O. Montilla and was attended by City Schools Division Superintendent dengue-carrying mosquitoes through facilitating free flow of water Gildo Mosqueda; Chairperson of the Committee on Education Hon. Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz; City Treasurer Jessie in the canals. P. Batchar; PTA Federation President Robert P. Batchar; District Supervisor and School Board Secretary Arlene Rosa The city government initiated Limpyo Kalog in 2010 when Tacurong joined the worldwide “10.10.10 Campaign (October G. Arquiza; and Non-Teaching Personnel member Roberto G. Marquez. also in attendance were Mr. Asher Moral of 10, 2010)” that sought stakeholders’ positive action on climate South Tacurong District; Mr. Joseph R. Pilotos of Central TD; Mr. Frank T. Nawal, Jr. of North TD; and Ms. Agnes G. change. Muyco of East TD. It is the city government’s response to the said campaign The City School Board meets monthly to tackle concerns and priorities in the education sector. and it solicited positive responses from the community. Jezereel Louise C. Billano Mayor Montilla said that the public’s willingness to join the cleanup drive manifested how every member of the community took serious ways to take care of Mother Earth. Allan Freno

ANTI-SMOKING... Cont’d from p. 1

whether moving or stationary is considered illegal. Corresponding penalties will be meted to those who will violate the provision of the ordinance. “This implementation needs an extensive information and education campaign among the citizenry. They should be well-informed of all our undertakings on this matter,” said Mayor Lina Montilla. City Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, one of the principal authors of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, said that billboards and signages will be posted in various areas to notify the public of the restrictions and penalties of the ordinance. Prior to the full implementation of said ordinance, an orientation among the determined city antismoking enforcers was conducted on November 26, 2012. Salient points of the ordinance were discussed among 33 representatives of Task Force Talakudong, DepEd, PNP, civilian volunteer officers, barangay leaders, traffic enforcers, etc. Tacurong Anti-Smoking Task Force (TAS-TF) was also created to take charge of the full implementation of the ordinance. Aside from Councilor Sucaldito, other sponsors of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance are Councilors Joseph George L. Lechonsito, and Benjamin P. Fajardo Jr. Jezereel Billano

ADVISORY: CITY HALL SA BARANGAY will resume after the local elections. In the photo: Former ABC President and Officer for Barangay Affairs Jose Ganayo facilitates clients availing of various services during City Hall sa Barangay in Brgy. New Lagao.

LGU employees and uniformed personnel repack relief goods for Typhoon Pablo victims.

LGU-Tacurong sends aid to Pablo-stricken areas The City Government of Tacurong prepared 740 packs of relief goods and 16 sacks of clothes for Typhoon Pablo victims in New Bataan, Compostella Valley and Cateel, Davao Oriental on December 17, 2012. The LGU, with the initiative of City Mayor Lina O. Montilla, allotted P200,000 from its Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) fund. With the said budget, 74 sacks of rice, 52 boxes of noodles and 37 cases of sardines were purchased for the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Used clothes were donated by LGU employees and private organizations. SP Tacurong and CSWDO staff, PNP personnel, Task Force Talakudong, 601st Brigade-Philippine Army, and BJMP helped in repacking the goods. The goods were delivered by LDRRM Officer Eufemia L. Robles and SP Committee Chair on Peace and Order Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon to the DRRM Headquarters in Davao City. According to Malacañan updates, cost of assistance to 199,991 families or 840,172 persons affected by typhoon Pablo has reached P94,599,037.00 as of December 17. Of the total amount, P55,424,720.00 came from DSWD; P29,124,590.00 came from LGUs and P10,049,727.00 came from NGOs and other GOs. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

6 GOODWILL

St. John Learning Center, Inc.

Tacurong Pilot Elementary School

Association of Barangay Councils

Sultan Kudarat State University Winner-Gangnam Style w/ a Twist by SUKELCO and SKWD

Montessori Learning Center Musikahan 2012

October-December 2012

More than 40,000 witness Inugyunay ‘12 highlight At least forty thousand Tacurongnons and local visitors flooded the city hall grounds and surrounding roads to witness the annual Inugyunay Festival fireworks display on December 23, according to PNP-Tacurong report. The pyro-musical show, which was the festival’s highlight, wowed the crowd of thousands as it started at around 9:00 in the evening, and lasted for 13 minutes. It was said to be a feast for the eyes as the sky glowed with colors and lights with the rhythm of the Tacurong City Hymn and popular Christmas songs. The finale that amazed the audience was executed to the beat of the hit song Gangnam style. “This is indeed a season to celebrate not only the holidays but also Tacurongnons’ unity towards achieving a sustainable and progressive community,” said City Mayor Lina O. Montilla. Mayor Montilla as well thanked Task Force Talakudong, PNP-Tacurong, 33rd IB-PA, 601st Brigade-PA, and civilian volunteers who safeguarded the event. The 8-day Inugyunay Festival was concluded not only by the fireworks display, but also of the Musikahan 2012 and the awarding of the winners of the Light-a-Christmas Tree Contest. Sultan Kudarat Water District, Light-a-Tree Contest Champion, received P70 thousand, while Notre Dame of Tacurong College and Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative received P50 thousand and P40 thousand, respectively, for being 1st and 2nd runners-up. Inugyunay Festival 2012 formally opened on December 16. Nightly presentations were staged from Dec. 16-22 by private and public schools and agencies. The Festival serves as the City’s annual thanksgiving celebration. Inugyunay is a Hiligaynon term which means ‘to cooperate’ or ‘to unite’ . Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Notre Dame Sienna College of Tacurong

Notre Dame of Tacurong College

STI

Visual Concepts Studio

Tacurong Business Sector

Slow Drag Race

Valdez Mother and Child (VMC) City College

Bingo Socials

October-December 2012

GOODWILL 7

World Champion Tacurong Arnis Team Coach

Rotary Club of Tacurong

The City Government of Tacurong conducted the Gab-i sang Pasalamat kag Pasidungog 2012 on December 27, Palm Pavilion, Tacurong City. The said night was dedicated to private and public agencies and individuals, who have contributed to the success of the LGU’s projects and programs on social and health services, environmental protection, anti-red tape, infrastructure, livelihood, peace and order, and barangay development. Among those that were recognized were the LGU special bodies such as the Local School Board, Local Health Board, City Development Council, City Peace and Order Council, Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Search and Rescue or TRACER, Explosives Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent (EORA), City Council for the Welfare of Children, and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong and barangay councils were also awarded with plaques of recognition during the event. Also distinguished for their contributions were government entities such as DILG, BFP, BJMP, DOLE, DTI, DepEd Tacurong, BIR, NSO, DOST, TESDA, Civil Service Commission Field Office for Sultan Kudarat, Social Security System, Sultan Kudarat Water District, PNP-Tacurong, 601st Infantry Brigade, 33rd Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Talakudong, and 46th Infantry Battalion. The Philippine Medical Association-Sultan Kudarat Chapter; Philippine Red Cross- Sultan Kudarat Province, Tacurong City Chapter; and Philippine Dental Association - Sultan Kudarat Dental Chapter were also recognized. Private agencies and groups that were recognized were Makasining Lahi, Rotary Club of Tacurong, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Tacurong Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc., Nuestra Señora Dela Candelaria Parish, and Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Sports teams that garnered local and international awards were also distinguished: Tacurong Arnis Team, Tacurong City Dance Sports Association, and Tacurong Tae Kwon Do Team. Moreover, individuals and teams that have been instrumental in the achievement of the Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award and Local Legislative Award were given tokens of appreciation. “[We] put value on excellence every time we deliver our services to our constituents. With the help of our partners in the private and public sphere, we have put Tacurong City in the map of good governance as one of the top performing cities,” addressed Mayor Lina O. Montilla to the awardees. She stressed the importance of synergy in the achievement of the city’s goals for sustainable peace and progress. Vice Mayor Charito Collado, likewise encouraged everyone to continue to work together for a more productive 2013. This is the first time that the LGU had recognized the sectors directly involved in the success of its programs. The city government hopes to conduct the same activity in the coming years. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Vice Mayor Charito L Collado

Mayor Lina O. Montilla

Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong

City Council for the Welfare of Children

City Peace and Order Council

City Development Council

City Local School Board

City Local Health Board

Tacurong Investment Promotion and Incentives Administration Board

Philippine Medical Association-SK Chapter

Philippine Dental Association-SK Chapter

transparency at work

lgu full budget disclosure 8 GOODWILL October-December 2012

October-December 2012

GOODWILL 9

lgu full budget disclosure

transparency at work STATUS OF 20% DEVELOPMENT FUND-CONTINUING For the Month Ended December 31, 2012 Fund: 100 (General Fund) Object of Expenditure Waste Mgt.Dev't Program Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Rep and Main.ͲSANITARY LANDFILL Other MOOEͲCLEANLINESS & BEAUTIFICATION FUND Subtotal

Capital Outlay Office Building Subtotal TOTAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEV'T PROGRAM Purchase of Medicines/Medical suppl Capital Outlay Medical, Dental and Laboratory Equipment Subtotal

Capital Outlay City Public Market Facilities & Perimeter AreaͲPub Mkt Construction in Progress Ͳ Roads, Highways and Bridges Construction in ProgressͲIrrigation,Canals and Laterals 01Ͳ0388Ͳ12/CONST. DRAINAGE CANALͲLAPULAPU ST 07 4381 12/CONST DRAINAGE CANALS 07Ͳ4381Ͳ12/CONSTͲDRAINAGE CANALS Subtotal

264Ͳ37 264Ͳ38 264Ͳ60 269

2,500,000.00 153,500.00 982.50 361,336.97 3,015,819.47

Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ

2,500,000.00 153,500.00 982.50 361,336.97 3,015,819.47

5,515,819.47

500,000.00 500,000.00

Ͳ Ͳ

500,000.00 500,000.00

500,000.00

814 29,921.16 851Ͳ1 126,203.69 855 304,742.59 460,867.44

Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ

29,921.16 126,203.69 304,742.59 460,867.44

264Ͳ100 256,256.00 256,256.00

Ͳ Ͳ

256,256.00 256,256.00

717,123.44

579,889.00 579,889.00

Ͳ Ͳ

579,889.00 579,889.00

579,889.00

501,466.80 501,466.80

Ͳ Ͳ

501,466.80 501,466.80

264Ͳ75 88,465.65 266 339,740.31 270 3,193,582.86

Ͳ Ͳ

88,465.65 339,740.31 Ͳ

1902Ͳ08 269

1902Ͳ09

1902Ͳ14 233

1902Ͳ16 855

428,205.96

1,798,056.49 1 1,131,632.12 131 632 12 2,929,688.61

3,193,582.86

929,672.76

2,929,688.61

753Ͳ01 300,000.00 762 50.00 300,050.00

Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ

300,000.00 50.00 300,050.00

300,050.00

140,301.00 140,301.00

Ͳ Ͳ

140,301.00 140,301.00

140,301.00

759Ͳ1 330,110.00 969Ͳ08 200,000.00 530,110.00

Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ

330,110.00 200,000.00 530,110.00

530,110.00

51,160.89 51,160.89

Ͳ Ͳ

51,160.89 51,160.89

TOTAL OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Training Expense Agricultural Supplies Expense Subtotal

269

4,123,255.62

1902Ͳ25

TOTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Repairs & Maint Ͳ Electrification,Power & Energy Struc. Subtotal

1,848,747.58 1 1,344,835.28 344 835 28 3,193,582.86

1902Ͳ19

TOTAL WATER & SEWERAGE SYSTEM

NUTRITION PROGRAM Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Drugs and Medicines Expenses Other MOOEͲOther Maintenance&Operating Expense Subtotal

3,621,788.82

1902Ͳ17

TOTAL LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM WATER & SEWERAGE SYSTEM Capital Outlay Construction in ProgressͲArtesian Wells, Etc Subtotal

DISBURSEMENT

2,000,000.00 500,000.00 2,500,000.00

TOTAL PURCHASE OF MEDICINE/MEDICAL SUPPLIES OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Repair and MaintͲIrrigation,Canals and Laterals Subtotal

BALANCE

Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ

TOTAL DECELA/Ecology(Mun. Profem) Infrastructure Dev't Program Maint. & Other Oper. Expenses Repairs & Maint Ͳ Markets and Slaughterhouses Repair and Maint Ͳ Roads (Brgys) Repair and MaintͲIrrigation,Canals and Laterals Subtotal

OBLIGATION

860Ͳ2 2,000,000.00 969Ͳ10 500,000.00 2,500,000.00

TOTAL WASTE MNGT DEV'T PROGRAM DECELA/Ecology(Mun. Profem) Capital Outlay Construction in ProgressͲArtesian Wells, Etc Subtotal

ALLOTMENT

1902Ͳ30 805

transparency at work

Capital Outlay LGU FACILITIESͲNew Passi NURSERY CENTER DECELA Construction in ProgressͲArtesian Wells, Etc Subtotal

Class 1902Ͳ01

10 GOODWILL

KNOW YOUR ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS with report from Sangguniang Panlungsod Office

LINA O. MONTILLA - City Mayor A civil engineer by profession, she was a

businesswoman and manager of the family-owned corporation, before her stint in the political arena. She was a reluctant candidate, but has surpassed many expectations by her sheer political will coupled with an effective management style. Through her leadership, the City garnered multiple awards in various aspects of governance. Tacurong City was the Regional Winner of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012, and one of the Top 5 Finalists in the national level. Tacurong is the only city from Visayas and Mindanao, besting other big and older cities in those areas. This award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is a proof that her management of the Local Government Unit is outstanding. During her first term, the City Government received the following awards: 1. Seal of Excellence in 2010 - Civil Service Commission; 2. Region’s Most Child Friendy City in 2011 - Regional Council for the Welfare of Children; 3. Seal of Goodhousekeeping (Bronze) in 2011 - DILG; 4. Seal of Good Housekeeping (Silver) in 2012 - DILG; and 5. Gawad Pamana ng Lahi in 2012 - DILG. Mayor Lina was also instrumental in the award received by the City Police Station as the 2nd Best PNP Station in the Philippines-Component City Category, with her full support of the PNP’s thrust and operations. The Tacurong City Responsive Assistance and Coordinated Emergency Search and Rescue or TRACER was also recognized as the Gawad KALSAG-3rd Best Volunteer Organization in the country. These awards and citations demonstrate Mayor Lina’s persistence in offering the best service to the people of the City of Tacurong.

PSYCHE M. SUCALDITO - City Councilor

‘Inday Sayke’ started her public life in 1986 as a Girl Scout Executive. Ater about 10 years, she was appointed as Private Secretary to the Mayor in 1996 to 1998. She joined politics in 1998 when she was elected as Municipal Councilor and was twice elected as City Councilor in 2001 and in 2004. After her third term, she was employed as a Girls Scouts Executive and returned to politics in 2010 wherein she was voted as No. 1 City Councilor.

Known for her passion in addressing environmental issues, she authored the landmark 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan of the city. She is the author and coauthor of various ordinances that benefitted the people of the city. For the present 3-year term, she had authored the following ordinances: 1. Anti-Trafficking in Persons Ordinance; 2. Ordinance Prohibiting the Nailing, Posting, and Hanging of Streamers, Posters, Banners, Political Ads, and Other Advertising Materials on Trees; 3. Ordinance Declaring May 19 of Every Year as Blood Donors’ Day; 4. Ordinance Providing Guidelines for the Increase of Monthly Honorarium of Day Care Workers; 5. Ordinance Regulating Smoking in Public Places and Prohibiting Smoking for Minors; and 6. Ordinance Enacting the Gender and Development Code of the City.

She is currently the Chairperson of SP Committee on Environment, Social Services, Cleanliness, Beautification and Sanitation. She is also working for the passage of the Environment Code of the City. Inday Sayke was and still is a tireless worker for the benefit of Tacurongnons. She was awarded as one of The [Ten] Most Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines by the Junior Chamber International Philippines, Philippine Councilors League, and the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara

JOSE REMOS P. SEGURA - City Councilor ‘Toto Remos’ started as a Casual Clerk and later as driver

at the Office of the Provincial Governor in 1998 until 2001. He was elected as City Councilor in 2001 and was re-elected in 2004. In 2007, he ran as Vice Mayor but was not successful. He then ran and won a seat as barangay councilman of Brgy. Poblacion. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2010 as an independent candidate. He is presently the Chairperson of the SP Committee on Utilities, Energy and Communications.

RODRIGO P. JAMORABON - City Councilor

More popularly known as ‘Bogz’, he started his political career as a Barangay Council Member of Brgy. Poblacion in 1989. In 1994, he was elected as Barangay Chairperson and served with distinction. He was subsequently elected as City Councilor in 2007 and was re-elected in 2010. As the Chairperson of SP Committee on Peace and Order, Cooperatives, Economic Enterprises, Livelihood, Human Rights, and Dangerous Drugs, he was one of the prime movers in the creation of the Joint Task Force Talakudong (JTFT).

He was also instrumental in various livelihood grants and assistance to underprivileged groups. For the present 3-year term, he had authored the following ordinances: 1. Ordinance Establishing and Regulating Vegetable and Fruit Dropping Zone (Bagsakan Center); 2. Ordinance Establishing and Regulating the Live Poultry and Small Animal Market in the City; and 3. Ordinance Banning the Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, and Possession of Marble Guns in the City.

October-December 2012

CHARITO L. COLLADO - City Vice Mayor

‘Nanay Chit’, as she is fondly called, was a public school teacher from 1964 up to her retirement in 1992. She was a well-loved teacher by both students and peers. She was so well-loved that she was elected to the Municipal Council in 1995, and was re-elected in 1998 and 2001 as City Councilor. After completing 3 terms as councilor, she ran and won as City Vice Mayor in 2004, 2007, and 2010. As the head of the Legislative Council of the City, her leadership was one of the primary reasons why the Council was awarded as the Region’s Most Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod in 2012. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Samahan ng mga Byuda, the Light-a-Tree Contest and Inugyunay Festival, and other accomplishments which manifests her being a genuine public servant.

JOSEPH GEORGE L. LECHONSITO, MD - City Councilor

In 1996 to 1999, Doc or Toto Joseph served as a Medical Officer in Cotabato Regional Medical Center. He then embarked on a private practice as a physician and anesthesiologist. He was elected as City Councilor in 2004 and was reelected in 2007 and 2010. He was the instrument in the passage of the Ordinance Creating the City Community Health Workers and Standardizing and Increasing Honoraria, Ordinance Regulating PhilHealth Operations, Birthing Clinic, and Modernization of the City Health Center, among others. Most prominently, he was the prime mover for the approval of the Priority Development Assitance Fund (PDAF) which greatly aided people with illnesses. He was the creator of the highly successful Surgical Mission which benefitted indigent people who cannot afford the expenses for surgical procedures. His large network of medical practitioners and organizations was an advantage for the city in its conduct of various medical service initiatives. For the present 3-year term, he had authored the Ordinance Requiring all Pregnant Women to Give Birth at the Birthing Clinic, Rural Health Unit, Barangay Health Station, Or Hospital He is also currently working on the enactment of the Health and Sanitation Code that will boost the City’s Health and Sanitation Program.

CIRILO Y. FLORES, LLB - City Councilor

Atty. Ciloy as he is widely known was initially elected as Municipal Councilor in 1998 and was re-elected as City Councilor in 2001 and 2004. After returning to private life as a legal practitioner, he was again elected as City Councilor in the 2010 local elections. As the SP Committee Chairperson on Finance and Appropriations, he was instrumental in the enactment of the LGU’s budgets and other

financial transactions. He was the author of the city’s annual and supplemental budget which resulted in the maximized utilization of the city’s resources. For the present 3-year term, he had authored the following Ordinances: 1. Ordinance Fixing the Rates, Charges and Fees in the New City Slaughterhouse; 2. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 01, for CY 2010; 3. Ordinance Re-appropriating PhP 5,167,541.33 for Repair and Maintenance of the City Public Market and Slope Protection for the road to the New Cemetery at Barangay Calean; 4. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 02, fr CY 2010; 5. Ordinance for Hazard Pay of LGU Officials and Employees; 6. Ordinance Declaring the Annual Budget of the City for CY 2011; 7. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 01, for CY 2011; 8. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 02, for CY 2011; 9. Ordinance Enacting the Revenue Code of the City of Tacurong; 10. Ordinance Declaring the Annual Budget of the City for CY 2012; 11. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 03, for CY 2011; 12. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 04, for CY 2011; 13. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 01, for CY 2012; 14. Ordinance Authorizing for a loan to finance the acquisition of several Heavy Equipment for the city; 15. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 03, for CY 2012; 16. Ordinance Declaring the Annual Budget of the City for CY 2013; 17. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 04, for CY 2012; and 18. Ordinance Declaring Supplemental Budget No. 05, for CY 2012.

BENJAMIN P. FAJARDO, JR. LLB – City Councilor

Known as Atty. Sonny Boy, he started his public service as an appointed Municipal Councilor in1986 to 1987. He then served as Public Attorney III at the Public Attorney’s Office from 1988 until his early retirement in 2007 where he served with distinction and assisted indigent people with legal problems. He was elected as City Councilor in 2007 and was re-elected in 2010. As the Chairperson of the SP Committee on Rules, Civil Service, Labor and Employment and Good Governance, he was the author of the Internal Rules and Regulations of the Council paving the way for an efficient and effective operation of the Legislative Body. He also acts as a fiscalizer, a good watchdog of the August Body, and an advocate of Good Governance. He also acts as presiding officer when the City Vice-Mayor is out of town or on leave. He is also a member of the Personnel Selection Board (PSB) where he showed good judgment skills and fair insight.

October-December 2012

GOODWILL 11

Sec. Coloma to info officers: Seize the opportunities; share the good news

VIRGILIO C. PAREDES – City Councilor

Fondly called “Vir”, he was first elected as Municipal Councilor in 1992 and was re-elected in 1995 and 1998. He unsuccessfully ran for City Vice-Mayor in 2001. He returned as City Councilor in 2007 and was re-elected for another 3 terms in 2007 and 2010. As the Chairperson of the SP Committee on Infrastructure and Public Works, he was one of the principal sponsors and backers of the city’s rapidly growing infrastructure projects. He was also instrumental in the establishment of housing projects in the city.

PAULINO R. LEDDA – City Councilor

Lino Ledda was first elected as City Councilor in 2007 and was re-elected in 2010. As Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, Trade, Commerce and Industry, he was recognized as an avid supporter of the transport sector in the city through several ordinances and timely amendments on transportation resolutions and ordinances to better serve the people of the city. He is well-loved by both tricycle operators and drivers whom he helped to attain better conditions. Being a businessman he is always looking for ways and means to support the business community. His timely intervention also propped up the passage of an ordinance (Supplemental Budget No. 3, Series of 2012) which resulted in the acquisition of the traffic barriers without the city allocating for it but was charged to the accumulated traffic penalties and fines--a well-planned innovation. For the present 3-year term, he had authored the Ordinance Banning Drag Racing Speed Contests in the City. He is currently working for the enactment of Truck Ban Ordinance to reduce traffic congestion in the city proper.

JOSELITO L. CAJANDIG, SR. – City Councilor

Ote, as he is fondly known, was elected Barangay Councilor in 1992 to 1994. He was then elected as Barangay Chairperson in 1997 to 2007 because of his good leadership and performance. He was elected as City Councilor in 2007 and was re-elected during the 2010 local elections. He was the author of the landmark Investment and Incentive Code of the city and the ordinance making the Inugyunay Festival and fireworks display permanent every December.

He also authored other ordinances that are for the benefit of farmers being the Chairperson of SP Committee on Agriculture. He is also SP Chairperson on Tourism, Cooperatives, and Agrarian Reform. He is currently working on the passage of the Tourism Code and an Ordinance adopting Policies and Regulations to Ensure Smooth Operation of Irrigation Facilities in the city.

ARIEL FERDINAND M. DELA CRUZ – City Councilor Nonoy Ariel started as Barangay Councilman and later as

Barangay Chairperson of one of the biggest barangays in the city, New Isabela. He was instrumental in the growth and progress of the said barangay. His success in leading the community was one of the reasons why he was elected as City Councilor in the 2010 elections. As the Chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, Culture and Arts, and Science and Technology, he was intrumental in the formulation of policies for the concerned sectors.

“I challenge the proposition that good news does not sell,” said Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) to a hundred government information officers from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA and ARMM. Sec. Coloma was keynote speaker during the opening of the Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop themed Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities and Best Practices on November 28. “Good things still happen. Let us be heralds of good news. Promote the goodness of Mindanao,” Coloma said. In his message, Coloma cited Mindanao’s biggest priorities: peace and its people. “Project the people power in Mindanao; believe that we can excel and be outstanding throughout the world,” he urged the communicators. “When we seize these opportunities, potentials [are] realized and fulfilled,” he added. Coloma also cited the increasing empowerment of local government units (LGUs) brought about by mechanisms devised by former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jessie Robredo. Moreover, Coloma also emphasized the power of social media in sharing stories that empower the people. Excellent governance and social media, according to him, will result to convergence, institution, and alliance building. Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan II, Chair of the Committee of Public Information and Mass Media, also discussed the salient features and implications of the Freedom of Information Bill during the MindaCom Congress. During the plenary session, MindaComNet members passed several resolutions that include those expressing the group’s support to the FOI Bill and the institutionalization of public information offices in government units. 2012 Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop ran from November 2830. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

SP approves 2013 City Budget The Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong approved Ordinance No. 11 Series of 2012 or An Ordinance Appropriating an Amount of 343, 531, 335 pesos for the Annual Budget of the City of Tacurong for Calendar Year 2013 during their regular session on November 7, 2012. The ordinance was approved through the motion of Councilor Cirilo Y. Flores, seconded by all council members. Of the approved amount, P150,137,227.00 will go to Personal Services that comprise employees’ salaries and wages, other benefits and allowances. This also includes the General Fund Adjustment. Meanwhile, P83,949,684.00 was allotted for Maintenance and Other Operating Expense (MOOE) and P347,500.00 for property plant, and equipment. The amount of P22, 950,000.00 has been earmarked for other development projects and other needed services under the Locally Funded Projects Fund. Aside from a reserve fund amounting to P16,133,067.00 for Local Risk Reduction Management Program, the city government allotted 40 million pesos for 20 barangays taken from 20% Development Fund and Locally Funded Projects Fund. The said amount is evenly distributed with 2 million pesos for each barangay. This has been appropriated for infrastructure and development projects such as construction/ concreting of roads, drainage canals, and box culverts. The 2-Million City Aid to Barangays is one of LGU-Tacurong’s innovations since 1992. The City’s 2013 budget increased by at least 23 million pesos compared to its 2012 budget of 320, 037,355 pesos.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Poverty incidence Cont’d from page 1

He recently passed an ordinance Establishing and Institutionalizing the Iskolar ng Tacurong Program including its appropriation. This will serve as an assistance to poor but deserving students and their parents.

The said poverty statistics is part of the output of the Intercensal Updating of Small Area Poverty Estimates Project which used small area estimation (SAE). According to a communication forwarded by NSCB XII, the SAE method combined survey and census data to generate poverty estimates at lower level geographic aggregation. In 2009, among the data used were from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), Labor Force Survey (LFS), and Census of Population and Housing to estimate poverty incidence in all towns and cities in the country. With the data provided, NSCB hopes to help local community policymakers in the formulation of strategic programs towards poverty reduction. Police Superintendent Junny Sembrano Buenacosa assumed office as For more information, visit www.nscb.gov.ph. Jezereel C. Billano Buenacosa, the new police chief of Tacurong Tacurong’s police chief effective December

Ex-UN Peacekeeper is Tacurong’s new police chief City Police Station, had a one-year stint as member of peacekeeping contingent sent to Haiti to support the United Nations mission. Buenacosa served his tour in the Caribbean country in 2007 when he was still a Police Senior Inspector. The UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti aimed at providing stability, promoting peace and order, and restoring and maintaining the rule of law in the area. After completing his UN peacekeeping service, he went back to the Philippines and was assigned to the Regional Police Office in Region XII. He got promoted as Chief Inspector in 2008 and as Superintendent in 2011 at the age of 38. In 2003, Buenacosa served as Company Commander of the 12th Regional Mobile Group. He assumed higher positions when he was assigned as Chief of Police of Lambayong and Bagumbayan police stations in 2004 and 2009, respectively. He also served as Investigation Officer of Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office prior to his assignment in Tacurong.

1, 2012 replacing P/Supt. Gilberto Tuzon. His assignment to Tacurong brings renewed promise of maintaining peace in the locality as he had tucked under his belt vast experience in police matters. A bonafide resident of Tacurong, Buenacosa had long desired to be assigned in the locality. “Leading the police force of our city is more special because I was born and raised here”, he explained. Mayor Lina Montilla is confident with Buenacosa’s capability to create a more peaceful and secure environment in the locality. The mayor however emphasized that in maintaining peace and order, it is not enough that we entrust everything to the PNP. “As concerned residents of our city, it is still our responsibility to be vigilant at all times and be cooperative in the peacekeeping efforts of the uniformed personnel,” Mayor Montilla said.

Allan S. Freno

Media practitioners interview P/Supt. Junny Buenacosa during turn-over of command ceremony.

12 GOODWILL

sports

October-December 2012

Tacurong jins bag 14 golds in Mindanao Taekwondo tourney

Awarding of medals (L-R) Tacurong Taekwondo Council President Rodrigo Jamorabon, Phil. Taekwondo Association Regional Director Robert Danao; Mayor Lina Montilla; Col. Dece Yabo of Task Force Talakudong; Councilor Joselito Cajandig, Sr. and Councilor Psyche Sucaldito

TACEA sweeps 7th PSEAS badminton tourney

The Tacurong City Employees’ Association (TACEA) Badminton Team bagged the Championship title for Doubles Men and Women during the 7th Public Sector Employees Alliance of SOCSKSARGEN (PSEAS) Sports Fest held in Polomolok, South Cotabato, October 25-27, 2012. TACEA Badminton Team was composed of Jorjohn C. Cajandig, Mark Oliver C. Salinas, Richel B. Sinoy, and Julie Anne Llavore. TACEAn Jan Leslie Latiza also bagged the gold for Word Factory. Schzilt Weysen Devera was 2nd runner-up for Table Tennis Women. Twenty-four local government unions contended for the championship of at least 10 sports events and mind games. The event themed, Unity through Sports for a Stronger PSEAS, was hosted by the Polomolok Government Employees Association (PGEA). During the opening ceremonies, last-termer PSEAS President Tomas Robles of TACEA, reminded the participants of the event’s goal: to build camaraderie with fellow service providers. Sarangani Province Employees Union (SPEU) was proclaimed Overall Champion; General Santos City Government Employees Association (GSCGEA) was 1st runner-up; Sultan Kudarat Association of Public Employees (SKAPE) was 2nd runner-up; Tampakan Municipal Government Employees Association (TMGEA) was 3rd runner-up; and TACEA was declared 4th runnerup. “TACEA thanks the city government of Tacurong for its all-out support to our teams. We will continue to strive not only to excel in sports but to maintain our integrity in public service,” said Amelia Bochorno, TACEA President. The next PSEAS Sports Fest will be conducted in 2014. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Playing inspired in their own turf, 14 Tacurong taekwondo jins amassed gold medals after blowing past their tough opponents in the championship matches of the Mindanao New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championships hosted by the City of Tacurong on November 24-25 at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Gym. The Tacurong Jaguars, representing the city in the said tournament, also bagged 17 silver medals and 12 bronzes. However, despite Tacurong Team’s strong effort in the tournament, its medal tally was only good for a first runner-up finish. Dragon Heart Team of General Santos City won the overall championship trophy after getting 19 golds, 10 silvers and 5 bronzes. Defenders Team of Koronadal City was second runner-up with 10 gold medals, 8 silvers, and 6 bronzes. The gold medalists for Tacurong Team were: Renzel Anating, Jowilbert Breboneria, Paulo Joshua Caluya, Jeriel Clarito, Noel Chris John Laforteza, Nikoshi Lapuz, Jaecinth Salvador, Angela Jane Segura, Keansean Tasic, Neejamah Ulangkaya, Keren Jirah Valdez, and Yves Rey Vidal. The silver medalists included Aries Andal, Reeyan Mae Callao, Carlos Diaz, John Daniel Espino, Aaliyah Freno, George Karl Garces, Ivan Malicudio, Florence Ann Mogan, Kean Samuel Momay, Reanold Navarro, Chrstian Kyle Olidan, Andrea Camille Origenes, Regine Marie Paba, Maxine Jane Palpalatoc, Dan Francis Posadas, Alfredo de Tomas, and Mary Angeli Yap. The following bronze medalists completed the medal haul for Tacurong Team: Arianne Agao-agao, Alex Bañas, Jerrick Braza, Rolf Cabras, Albeth Dimapiles, Kyle Jervis Duadua, Harry Mark Ines, Kim Sheena Iwag, Krish Paola Magbanua, Zayton Mamasalido, Daisy Mae Ortele, and Earl Tristan Trinidad. Mayor Lina Montilla graced the

Thirty-one teams from Far Eastern University, and local table tennis clubs in Kidapawan, General Santos, Kabacan, Isulan and Polomolok battled for the championship title of the 3rd Talakudong Table Tennis Tournament- Open Category, December 22-23, 2012, Tacurong City Gymnasium. All in all, 93 individual participants registered for the open tournament while 55 players enlisted for elementary and secondary categories. “This number implies a positive response in the promotion of sports in the city,” said Mr. Alex Parcon, coordinator of the Tacurong City Table Tennis Club (TCTTC). Tournament champions were: Kidapawan Table Tennis Club-End of the World Team (Open Category-Men); Arlene Opillo of SUKELCO (Inter-agency Category); Christian Jay Villanueva (Secondary-Boys); Kimberly Ortouste (SecondaryGirls); Jansiem Quimba (Elementary-Boys); and Cheska Jocson (Elementary-Girls). Winners were awarded with cash prizes and medals. “It has been a pleasure for the City of Tacurong to host events such as this.. because we are able to see the potentials of our players. Thank you for giving us your all in each game,” Mayor Lina Montilla said. TCTTC, in cooperation with the city government, aims to discover and develop a new breed of competitive athletes in the locality, hence the annual table tennis tournament. The activity also helps the Club maintain strong bonds with fellow enthusiasts. Jezereel C. Billano

Allan S. Freno

TACEANs (L-R) Schzilt Weysen Devera; Jan Leslie Latiza; Mark Oliver C. Salinas; Jorjohn C. Cajandig; Julie Anne Llavore; and Richel B. Sinoy

31 teams clash in 3rd Talakudong Table Tennis Open Tournament

opening program of the tournament as well as the awarding ceremonies. The mayor was joined by City Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito and Joselito Cajandig. Army Col. Dece Yabo of Joint Task Force Talakudong and Capt. Alex Escalante of 601st Brigade, both supporters of the taekwondo discipline, also watched the tournament. In her message, Mayor Montilla inspired the delegates after saying that the city will continue to host similar tournaments in the coming years. She added that the city government has already allocated funds for the sport for year 2013. Tournament Director Master Robert Joshua Danao, who also is the Regional Director and Chairman of Philippine Taekwondo Association Region 12-A, appreciated the continued support of the city government in nurturing taekwondo in the region. “With the untiring support of local governments like Tacurong, taekwondo will continue to flourish in the region and players will go on excelling in national and even international competitions”, Master Danao said. Councilor Jamorabon of the Tacurong Taekwondo Council, thanked the LGU’s cosponsors of the event: 601st Brigade, Joint Task Force Talakudong, Tacurong PNP, the City Schools Division of Tacurong, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Idustry, Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, Fortune Place, Vice Mayor Charito Collado, Councilors Joseph Lechonsito, Lino Ledda, Psyche Sucaldito, Cirilo Flores, Benjamin Fajardo, Jr., Virgilio Paredes, Ariel dela Cruz, Joselito Cajandig, Sr., Silvestre Llanto and Albert Gulmatico, former ABC President Jose Ganayo, Brgy. Chairperson Welson Ferrer, Mr. Erwin Garcia, Mr. Manuel Ang, Mr. Alex Bumatay, Mr. Jesucito Casipit, Mr. Martin Te, and the parents of Tacurong Jaguars Taekwondo players.