January - March 2014 GOODWILL 1

Vol. III Issue No. 1 The Official Publication of the City Government of Tacurong January - March 2014

Quit smoking!An ex-smoker tells you why on page 3

What’s upMARCH?

Women’s MonthRabies Awareness MonthFire Prevention MonthWorld TB Day

ANTI-POVERTY PROJECTS NG LGU, APRUbAdO NG dILG XII

Inaprubahan na ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII ang mga anti-poverty projects para sa taong 2015 na binalangkas at isinumite ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tacurong sa pamamagitan ng Local Poverty Reduction Action Team o LPRAT.

Ang mga proyektong inaprubahan ay popondohan sa pamamagitan ng Grassroots Participatory Budgeting na dating kilala bilang Bottom-Up Budgeting Program. Labinlimang milyong piso ang inilaan ng pamahalaang nasyonal para sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong ito. Samantala, anim na milyong piso naman ang counterpart ng lokal na pamahalaan. Kabilang sa mga proyektong ito ay ang Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development. Sa programang ito, magsasagawa ng skills training para sa mga benepisyaryo. Bibigyan din sila ng kapital upang makapagsimula ng kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng SEA-K scheme. Ilan pa sa mga proyekto ay ang pagbibigay ng mga silya sa sampung paaralang elementarya at tatlong mataas na paaralan. Patatatagin din ang programang Gulayan sa Paaralan sa 26 na paaralang elementarya at pitong mataas na paaralan. Para sa agrikultura, maglalagay ng sampung shallow tube wells with complete accessories sa Barangay New Carmen at Barangay Kalandagan. Magbibigay din ng mga kagamitang pansaka tulad ng hand tractors, mechanical rice planters, at combine harvesters sa mga farmer associations sa iba’t ibang barangay. Magsasagawa din ng agri-fishery trainings para sa mga magsasaka. Ang Integrated Livelihood Program naman ng

THE

Senator Antonio ‘Sonny’ Trillanes turned over to Tacurong City officials the various projects he funded during his visit to the city on March 31. The projects, funded out of the senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF,

Senator Trillanes turns over funded projects to Tacurong City

included a P5 million assistance for the completion of city gymnasium and eighteen public utility vehicles to 18 barangays of Tacurong. In 2012, when he was invited as the Guest of Honor in the city’s Barangay Day, Senator Trillanes promised to allocate funds for the completion of the Tacurong City Gymnasium and at the same time promised to provide utility vehicles for the different barangays in the city. A year later, a 5 million-peso allocation was given for the

implementation of the said pledge. Tacurong was fortunate to receive the above-mentioned projects before the abolition of PDAF.

“We will not be tired in helping Tacurong City,” said Senator Trillanes as he spoke among the civil servants of Tacurong during the LGU’s flag-

raising ceremony on March 31. In 2011, Trillanes allocated P5 million for the construction of the Tacurong City Medical and

Dental Center. In his message, the senator said that If there are more proposed projects from the city, his

office will always be waiting. He explained that despite the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), he will find a way to extend help for the city. Trillanes is currently one of the most productive members of the senate ranking 4th among senators with more than 30 senate bills passed into law. He also ranked second among senators with most number of national bills sponsored and committee hearings conducted. The senator’s visit to Tacurong was also in time with the commencement exercises of the Sultan Kudarat State University where he was the invited speaker. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

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Department of Labor and Employment ay popondohan upang makapagbigay ng livelihood starter kits sa mga may kapansanan, kasambahay, at graduates ng skills trainings. Dadagdagan din ang mga beneficiaries ng Special Program for the Employment of Students. Magkakaroon din ng seedling production para sa riverbank protected barangays; food processing trainings para sa kababaihan, kabataan, at iba pang sektor; at TESDA trainings. Isang barangay health station din ang nakatakdang itayo sa ilalim ng programang ito. Ang Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan kung saan nakasaad ang detalye ng bawat proyekto sa ilalim ng Grassroots Participatory Budgeting para sa taong 2015 ay inaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod sa pamamagitan ng Resolution 053, series of 2014 noong Pebrero 21, 2014. Ang LPRAT ay binubuo ng mga kinatawan mula sa sektor ng kababaihan, agrikultura, negosyo, edukasyon, at iba pa. Kabilang din dito ang mga opisyales at empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan. Ang mga miyembro ng LPRAT ay nagsama-sama upang siyasatin at alamin ang mga naaangkop na proyektong makakatulong sa pagpapaangat ng antas ng kabuhayan ng mga Tacurongnon. Ang mga LPRAT workshop ay pinangunahan ng City Planning and Development Coordinating Office. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Tacurong chosen as pilot city for LCP, UP special course on urban planning

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) selected Tacurong City as among five (5) pilot cities for the Special Course on Urban and Regional Planning for Cities or City SCURP offered by the University of the Philippines-School of Urban and Regional Planning. Other pilot cities include: Muntinlupa City, Balanga City of Bataan, Candon City if Ilocos Sur, and Bogo City of Cebu. Tacurong City officials and planning personnel participated in the first classroom sessions of City SCURP on February 11-13, 2014 in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The team was led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla. On February 14, SCURP participants from five

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2 GOODWILL January - March 2014

TACURONG LEADERS SEEK FUNDING SUPPORT THROUGH SENATE PRESIDENT. Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito pose with Senate President Franklin Drilon in Iloilo City. This photo was taken after Lechonsito handed a copy of a Sanggunian resolution requesting the Senate President to allocate a P20 million peso-budget for the completion of the Legislative Building in Tacurong City. The local leaders hope that despite the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF, Drilon will be able to facilitate the endorsement of the SP resolution to the Office of the President.

Tacurong BOSS earns 9.5 million in 2014 Tacurong City Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) earned PhP9,517,449.26 in January 2014. This amount is 32.11% higher than the revenues generated during the city’s BOSS in 2012 which is P7,096,662.48, according to a comparative report from the City Treasury Office. One thousand two hundred twenty-five (1,225) clients availed the services of Tacurong City’s Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) this year, January 2 to 20. In 2013, Tacurong BOSS earned PhP8,031,596.47 with 1,093 clients. Meanwhile, only 886 clients were served in 2012. Tacurong BOSS starts every first working day of the year and lasts for 3 weeks. Under the BOSS, the fastest a client could complete the processing of business permit is less than thirty (30) minutes provided all the needed requirements are presented. If a client has all the required documents, there are only three steps in renewal of business permits. First is accomplishing the Business Permit Unified Form for computation of business tax and regulatory fees; second is payment and issuance of business permit along with the signature of the City Treasurer; and third is the approval of the business permit by the City Mayor or the City Administrator. A fourth step though is required for new business applications (client goes to BIR for business registration). Offices under the LGU as well as national line agencies are found at the BOSS venue to ease the processing of business operators who have yet to comply the stipulated requirements. “During the term of former Mayor Lino O. Montilla, before other LGUs adopted BOSS, we have started to gather LGU and national offices in one venue to make services more accessible to business operators,” said City Administrator Eduardo Nicolo. “All this to offer a business-friendly environment to our investors,” he added.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

TOwARDS A ‘PLACE TO DO bUSINESS’. Key officials and heads of offices of the LGU-Tacurong City and partner-agencies participated in the Diagnostic Workshop on the Regulatory Simplification for LGUs (RS4LGUs) on Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) on March 26, 2014. Through the workshop, participants assessed the current system of business permit and licensing, determining strengths and areas for improvement. Professor Simeon Elago of UP-NCPAG, workshop facilitator, emphasized the importance

of assessing the LGU’s BPLS from the perspective of the business applicant. This workshop is the LGU’s first step in improving its BPLS. The RS4LGUs program applies a four-phase approach: diagnosis, design, implementation, and evaluation.

The Sultan Kudarat Tacurong Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCII) turned over a new patrol car to the PNP-Tacurong City through the local government unit on March 17, 2014. The turned over vehicle is a multicab fabricated into a police mobile to further PNP-Tacurong’s operations. The Rotary Club of Tacurong also turned over a stereo/amplifier set to help PNP with its information dissemination activities. “This gesture from the business community manifests the strong public-private partnership in the city,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla. P/Supt. Junny Buenacosa, PNP-Tacurong chief, signified his group’s commitment to sustain the city’s peace and order, and public safety. “Our [relatively] peaceful status is a result of our partnerships with the LGU, non-government organizations, different sectors, city and barangay officials, and our friendly forces—the AFP, barangay intelligence networks, barangay tanods, CVOs, EORAs, etc. Their visibility makes lawless elements doubtful to do terroristic acts,” said Buenacosa. Rotary Club of Tacurong is headed by Mr. Rey Miguel Lopez while FFCCCII is chaired by Mr. Manuel Ang. FCCCII actively represents the private sector in the City Peace and Order Council. JLC Billano

Fil-Chinese Chamber donates patrol vehicle to PNP-Tacurong

CITY TwINNING IN THE wORKS. Mayor Lina O. Montilla of Tacurong City (right) and Mayor Jed Mabilog of Iloilo City had their initial talks relative to the plan of forging a sisterhood agreement between the two cities. Mayor Montilla and Vice Mayor Joseph Lechonsito were in Iloilo in January upon Mabilog’s invitation to witness the Dinagyang Festival.

EDITORIAL BOARD. Consulting Editor Allan S. Freno Managing Editor Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Writers Allan S. Freno. Jezereel Louise C. Billano. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano Contributor. Nestor C. Leguro Layout Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Photography Jorjohn Cajandig. Joselito Cajandig Jr. Proofreaders Laila S. Gulmayo-Pelaez. Toni Ann M. Ayco-Suboc

Editorial Advisers Lina O Montilla. Eduardo K. Nicolo

MOA for Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong underway The local government unit of Tacurong and colleges in the city will soon enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong (ILT) program in the first semester of school year 2014-2015. The ILT Board has already formulated a MOA and is about to finalize it together with representatives of colleges and technical-vocational schools based in the City of Tacurong. In an initial meeting on March 20, city officials and representatives of Notre Dame of Tacurong College and Sultan Kudarat State University discussed the salient features of the City Ordinance 08-2012. The ordinance known as an ‘Ordinance Establishing and Institutionalizing the Iskolar ng Lungsod ng Tacurong Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor’ was approved in 2012, with an aim to implement the program in 2013. However, the program implementation was affected by the city and barangay elections ban. During the meeting, City Budget Officer Nestor Nomananap and City Accountant Elma Bides confirmed that ILT program has a budget allocation of P500,000.00 for every school year. Each ‘iskolar’ will be entitled to a P5,000.00 aid every semester, given that he/she passes the selection process. This program will be open to incoming freshmen students of SY 2014-2015. Applicants must be residents of Tacurong with good moral character, and whose parents’ annual gross

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January - March 2014 GOODwILL 3

“By the power vested in me as mayor of Tacurong City, I, Lina O. Montilla, declare Tacurong City a Smoke-Free City.” These were the words of the city mayor during the launching of the Smoke-Free ordinance on February 28, Friday at the city hall grounds. The event began with a motorcade and parade participated by different public and private sectors in the community. More than 30 agencies/organizations have shown support during the launch, including: the different offices under the local government unit of Tacurong; the 20 Punong Barangays with their constituents; National Government Agencies; Tacurong City Police Station; Task Force Talakudong; CVO/TRACER/EORA; 33rd IB; 601st IB; RPSB; BFP; BJMP; RTC; City Prosecution Office; PAO; Rotary Club of Tacurong and Rotaract Club of Talakudong; Senior Citizens/Girl Scouts of the Philippines; Tricycles/Operators/Drivers’ Association (TODA); Chinese Chamber; Runners’ Club; Tacurong Bikers’ Association; SUKELCO; SKWD; PMA; PDA; TAMAVA; Amoil Clinic; Radyo Natin FM; Prime FM; and the different high schools and colleges within the city. During the parade, participants were required to pick up cigarette butts along the parade route in exchange for prizes. This is to encourage a cleaner environment and a healthy living by eradicating the effects of cigarette smoking. Francisco Y. Mateo, MD, MPH, OIC Assistant Regional Director of DOH XII, said that passing the smoke-free ordinance is a manifestation of the LGU’s strong commitment to provide its people with a healthy environment. He thanked the city council for coming up with a law that shall protect the health of its constituents, with emphasis on the next generation. He further shared that this move from the city is pertinent to the Department of Health’s “Pilipinas Go4Health” movement for a healthy lifestyle. The author of the smoke-free ordinance, Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito, presented the salient features of the legislation to increase the public’s awareness. Under the ordinance, no individual or establishment shall be allowed to smoke except in designated smoking areas permitted. E-cigarettes are also prohibited. Also, no minor shall be allowed to purchase,

Mayor Montilla: Tacurong is a smoke-free city

distribute, or sell cigarettes. Individual violators of the ordinance shall pay P500.00, followed by a counselling session with the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Establishments found violating the law are to pay 1,000.00 (1st offense), 3,000.00 (2nd offense), and 5,000.00 (3rd and subsequent offenses). Dr. Efraim Collado (Asst. City Health Officer) and

SMby Nestor C. Leguro

KER’S I smoked for 24 years. I started smoking at the age of 16, when I was a first year college student away from home and family. How I started and quit smoking is I think similar to others. However, let me humbly share to you my story, with a prayer that I could make a difference in the lives of others especially those who are still hooked in smoking. Curiosity and peer pressure or “barkada” made me taste my first stick of cigarette, a Philip Morris brand. I had a friend that called me Lord Philip; I called him Count Morris. My first time was just only a stick. As time passed, my addiction to cigarettes grew. I started consuming three to four packs of cigarettes a day. How I was hooked and addicted to smoking for twenty four years was caused further by many factors.

One is the influence of elders and other people through role modeling. They all smoked - my father, my uncles, some of my aunties, my cousins, my friends, and my movie idols Clint Eastwood and John Wayne who can consume 5-6 packs a day. Once, I had a board mate who used to smoke a “dinobla”, a first class pure tobacco rolled into a big stick. The “dinobla” smelled good; it enhanced the macho image of my board mate. It enticed me. So I rolled a big “dinobla”, smoked it in the terrace, feeling like Clint Eastwood. After several puffs, I felt dizzy, my head felt heavy, my stomach churned, and I felt like vomiting. After that experience, I promised to stick to my Philip Morris. That promise was broken when I changed my brand from Philip Morris to

StoryA

Marlboro Short and then later to other brands. My shift to Marlboro brand was influenced by the advertisement of the Marlboro Country which featured model-actor called the Marlboro Man. The Marlboro Man was an outdoor, tough looking macho cowboy riding in a horse, wearing a Stetson Hat. I thought then that every smoking male wanted to be like the Marlboro Man. Later on, I discovered that the two famous Marlboro Men model-actors Wayne McLaren and David McLean died of lung cancer. When I quit school, I also learned to smoke other brands of cigarettes especially the cheaper ones since I had no regular allowance to finance my vices. When I was out of school, I spent days in the farm, in my uncles’ house. I and my cousin worked in the farm to earn money for our needs, our wants and of course, our vices. Our cigarette brand during that time was Champion short. We kept its used filters in the walls of the house made of bamboo slots, so that we can re-use it after consuming all our cigarettes. We also smoked our uncle’s cigarette, the “Bataan Matamis” (no filter brand) by inserting it in our used filters. Smokers especially students and/or tambays (out of school youth) during that time had a very nasty habit of sharing a cigarette stick with each other, we called it 50-50 (half). We did not know that by sharing, we were passing viruses to each other. My father also tried to make me quit smoking, but I never ran out of reasons not to stop. There was that anti-smoking signage in one of the schools in Iloilo City saying: In every stick of cigarette that you smoke, you add one nail to your coffin. My friends and I would just shrug our shoulders and say, “if you smoke you die, if you don’t smoke you die, better smoke.” I would also reason that smoking was helping me concentrate while I’m at

work or doing something; smoking made me feel above others especially if I smoke higher brands or a “blue seal” (a status symbol); that cigarette was a good companion while I was just passing the time; cigarette helped me find new friends; and many other ‘non-sense’ reasons not to quit. My quitting is another one hell of a story. I had many attempts to stop smoking. I tried different strategies but to no avail. Dependence on nicotine, once developed, is fatal and it will make stopping very difficult. I thought I could not get rid of the vicious habit. I thought I had no strength and willpower to stop. Then just one day, I stopped, and here’s the story. The first step in the process of my quitting is the accumulation of knowledge on the risks and hazards of smoking. I learned it from the teachings of knowledgeable people, from friends, through my readings, and through advertisements or anti smoking campaigns. The ads depicted health problems such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, emphysema that cause a constant feeling of drowning, cancer, erectile dysfunction disorder for men, pre-mature wrinkling, and many other consequences. With this knowledge, plus the smokers’ cough that would not abandon me, the desire to stop smoking grew in me. I had many strategies on my attempts to quit smoking. In these attempts I applied the trial and error approach. I tried the comics stand approach: reading all the comics and other reading materials available in the comics stand of our neighbor from sunrise to sunset just to avoid smoking. The snow-bear candy approach: eating or chewing candies instead of puffing a cigarette. The pockets of my pants were always bulging with candies. I was not afraid to become diabetic because I had little knowledge on diabetes during that time. The jogging around the block approach: jogging anytime of the day around

the block of our “purok” instead of smoking. All our neighbors thought that I was preparing for a marathon competition. The mango and santol approach: any time of the day I harvested the fruits of the mango and santol trees in our backyard, and eat in lieu of smoking. Every time I had influenza and not feeling very well, I would always promise to myself that I would quit as soon as I get well.

I discovered that the two famous Marlboro Men model-actors ,Wayne

McLaren and David McLean, died of lung cancer.

However, this promise was broken again and again. All my attempts failed. Temptations stronger than my will were everywhere. Then I grew older and became more mature especially when I was raising my own family. I realized that life is beautiful. It becomes more beautiful if utilized or spent cleanly and wisely to its fullest and with God at its center. Armed with this outlook and belief in life, considering myself and most especially my loved ones, I finally told myself to quit smoking. I just stopped instantly without doing anything, except only stopping. I was so glad that I did it. I started smoking when I was 16. I quit smoking at 40. GOD is good. It has always been my prayer to God to bless me and my loved ones with good LIFE. I firmly believe that it was Gods’ Grace that I have done what I think was impossible: QUITTING SMOKING WITH FINALITY. My friends, the “I CAN” mantra is good and powerful in the pursuit of achieving success in life, but the best and the most powerful mantra I learned is “GOD CAN”. Trust me!

I started smoking when I was 16. I quit smoking at 40.

Mr. Asher Moral (Supervisor, South Tacurong District), both former cigarette smokers, shared their testimonies during the program. “Kung kaya ko, kaya nyo rin,” said Dr. Collado as he shared his struggle to quit smoking for a better lifestyle. Esperanza Municipal Mayor Helen Latog also shared her LGU’s experience in enforcing the town’s anti-smoking ordinance which was passed and approved in 2011. Participants during the city’s anti-smoking launching also signed the pledge of commitment as a symbolic act of support to the city’s endeavor. Winners of the on-the-spot poster making contest held in the morning of February 28 were also awarded during the program. Mayor Montilla added that this ordinance would only be successful if there is a strong partnership with the constituents to make the city a healthier place to live in especially for the youth and the children. A post-valentine smoke-free concert followed the launch with performances from the 6ID Band and the Tacurong City Band. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

Winning entry of Tacurong National High School during the SMOKE-FREE Tacurong poster-making contest

4 GOODWILL January - March 2014

Umabot sa 951 na mga kabataan mula sa dalawampung baranggay ng lungsod ng Tacurong ang nakinabang sa Mobile Operation Tuli ng LGU simula Abril 21 hanggang Mayo 2 nitong taon. Ang Operation Tuli na libre at taunang ginagawa ay naglalayon na palawakin ang kaalaman ng mga magulang at kabataan tungkol sa ligtas at malinis na pamamaraan ng circumcision o pagtutuli. Ang programang ito ay sinimulan ni Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito noong konsehal pa lamang siya at pinuno ng Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health. Bilang isang doktor, alam ng vice mayor ang panganib na dala ng nakaugaliang pagtutuli sa mga barangay na kung tawagin sa salitang hiligaynon ay “paltak”. Nagiging sanhi umano ng tradisyunal na pagtutuli ang impeksyon at pagkakasakit ng mga kabataan. Simula nang ipatupad ang Operation Tuli sa

dalawampung barangay noong taong 2009, libu-libong mga kabataan na ang nabigyan nito ng libreng serbisyo. Noong 2012, umabot sa 659 ang bilang ng mga kabataang naabot ng programa. Pansamantala namang itinigil ang programa noong nakaraang taon dahil sa election period. Ngayong 2014, target ng LGU na maabot ang 800 kabataan na magpatuli ngunit dahil sa malawakang information drive, lumampas sa 900 ang nabigyan ng libreng serbisyo. Pinangunahan ni Vice Mayor Lechonsito ang mga doktor at nurses ng Office for City Health Services na umikot sa mga barangay. Katuwang nila ang medical team ng 601st Infantry Brigade ng Philippine Army at Sandig Medical Clinic and Hospital sa naturang programa. Nagpapasalamat ang vice mayor sa malaking suportang ibinigay ni Mayor Lina Montilla sa programang ito kasabay ng pangakong magpapatuloy ang Operation Tuli hanggang sa susunod na mga taon. Allan S. Freno

Nothing about us, without us. This is the firm advocacy of National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) led by its Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga as it promotes persons with disabilities’ (PWDs) participation rights in decision-making processes. Zubiaga discussed inclusive, barrier-free, and rights-based society to LGU officials and heads of offices, NGAs, and PWD representatives during the City Stakeholders Forum on Disability Inclusive Development on 21-22 January in Tacurong City.

PwDs, NCDA: Nothing about us,

without usIn an inclusive, rights-based, and

barrier-free society, there is no room for discrimination on gender, age, religion, disability, etc.

The Local Health Board (LHB) passed the resolution endorsing to the city council for deliberation and approval the proposed ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Establishing City Community Volunteer Health Workers/Barangay Health Workers Tacurong City Chapter (CCVHWs/BHWs-TCC), Setting Guidelines For Their Qualifications, And Providing Funds Thereof” on 9th of January, 2014 at the City Mayor’s Office Conference Room. Patterned after the Republic Act No. 7883 known as the “Barangay Health Workers Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” which defines the CCVHWs/BHWs as a person who has undergone training programs and is voluntarily renders its health care services to the society, the ordinance seeks to adopt this in the local legislation in order to institutionalize the organization as well as provide appropriate incentives and benefits for the health workers. Under the said ordinance, the government recognizes the rights of the CCVHWs/BHWs such as the security of tenure, entitlement of incentives as hazard allowance and subsistence allowance, and the grant of second grade Civil Service Eligibility for those who are already five years in continuous service. It also enables any community volunteer health worker of free legal representation and consultation from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in cases that may involve their duties at hand. The ordinance further addresses the hiring process and the assurance in terms of security of tenure of the health workers. It has been clarified in the said document that CCVHWs/BHWs should not be “placed at the mercy of the politicians every time there is a change in administration,” emphasizing that there is a process mandated by law regarding the matter. The Local Health Board also approved the re-appointment of 145 community volunteer health workers in Tacurong City in the said meeting. AFM Dimaano

Local Health Board institutionalizes community health workers

“The rights of persons with disabilities (PWD) go beyond accessibility in infrastructure; we need to hear their voices as we plan for development programs,” said Zubiaga. To be able to participate, PWDs should be organized in communities. “Being organized gives them a collective voice. They will definitely be acknowledged,” Zubiaga said. “We have to groom them into negotiators and lobbyists,” she added. Promotion of PWD participation in political and decision-making processes is among the goals set by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), known as the Incheon Strategy to Make the Right Real for PWDs. Other goals include poverty reduction and increased employment prospects; enhanced access to physical environment, public transportation, knowledge, information, and communication; strengthened social protection; expanded early intervention and education of children with disabilities; gender equality and women empowerment; disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management; and improved reliability of disability data. Equipped with understanding of the Incheon

Strategy, participants of the stakeholders’ forum prepared a plan of action towards being a PWD-friendly city. This plan contains programs and activities for each goal in the Incheon Strategy. Workshop facilitator Cynthia Barriga of NCDA also helped participants in preparing the composition of the proposed City Committee on Disability Affairs. “We see the need to pass an ordinance for the realization of PWD rights in the city, in support to the national laws,” said Councilor

Charito Collado, Chairperson on SP Committee on PWD. Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Regional Director Olivia Sudaria of PIA XII also supported this cause to increase awareness and involvement of PWDs in the city. Gary Baño, PWD Federation President of Tacurong City was somewhat overwhelmed with what he has witnessed for two days: “Wala ko kabalo nga makaabot kami sa amo ini..nga may amo gali sini para sa amon. Nami panumdumon kung matuod ini tanan nga mga plano. Salamat sa pagsali sa amon, (I did not know we will come this far..I did not know that there is something like this for us. Thank you for involving us).” According to Mike Penalosa of CHR XII, people are entitled to participate in the development process; everyone is accountable. President Benigno S. Aquino III, through Proclamation No. 688, declared the period of 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of ‘Make the Right Real’ for persons with disabilities (PWD) in support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific decade of persons with disabilities. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Mahigit 900 kabataan, nakinabang sa libreng Mobile Operation Tuli ng LGU-Tacurong

LGU Tacurong signs MOA on use of PhilCRIS. Mayor Lina Montilla and NSO XII Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon sign the Memorandum of Agreement on the LGU’s use of the Philippine Civil Registry Information System or PhilCRIS on January 8, 2014. With PhilCRIS, the LGU’s local civil registry office can print preview and print directly to the new civil registry forms, encode relevant information, store vital data, generate transmittal files, and retrieve encoded records. The system is used for free.

LGU promotes gender sensitivity in public service

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City engaged 34 city, barangay, and DILG officials in a Gender Sensitivity Training on February 27-28, 2014 at Edjin Pension House & Restaurant, Tacurong City. The activity facilitated awareness on gender concerns affecting public offices and clients, and even those that affect the participants and their families. Participants were also informed about gender and development laws. Equality of women and men officials and officers in development and nation-building was also emphasized. Through the training, the LGU hopes to encourage the integration of gender and development perspective in the workplace. It gears on making the local government unit employees strong partners of the community in promoting gender and development in Tacurong. Republic Act 7192 or the Women in Development and Nation Building Act Sec. 27 and Republic Act 8174 (1996 General Appropriations Act) mandates all government agencies and instrumentality to integrate gender and development concerns into their plans, programs, projects, and office activities. The resource speaker on gender sensitivity from the Civil Service Commission was tapped for this training. LGU gender sensitivity trainings are conducted through the initiative of the City Human Resource Management Office. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

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LCP, UP special course on urban planningCont’d from p. 1

pilot cities visited Quezon City Planning and Development Office. They were briefed on the city’s Planning Department structure, data gathering and management, and use of the Geographic Information System or GIS. SCURP applies the blended learning approach: five (5) sessions will be devoted to classroom/face-to-face interactions; 10 days for distance learning; and about three (3) months worth of actual field work for data collection and analysis. SCURP will officially end on April 2014. “We are more than grateful to have been selected as a pilot city for this program. I am very willing to learn and get my hands on to new strategies to effectively manage the city,” said Montilla. Other participants from LGU-Tacurong include City Administrator Eduardo Nicolo, Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto

SP passed 217 resolutions and ordinances in 2013 A total of 217 resolutions and ordinances were passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in the year 2013 as stated in the accomplishment report presented by City Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon during the monthly convocation program sponsored by the Office of the City Vice Mayor and Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on February 24. In the report presented by Councilor Jamorabon in behalf of all the members of the Sanggunian, he said that the legislative branch of the local government unit worked hand-in-hand with Mayor Lina Montilla who has been handling the executive functions. The viable partnership between the executive and legislative departments were the reasons for the fast approval of legislations that are geared to benefit the general welfare. Councilor Jamorabon also gave credits to the leadership of the former and current vice mayors for the accomplishments in the preceding year. The first half of 2013 was under the leadership of then last-termer Vice Mayor Charito Collado, while the second half was taken over by Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito after winning in the local elections. Based on the report, there were 114 resolutions and ordinances under general administration in 2013. Other legislations included: Building operations (1); Capital projects/Improvements in public works (9); City planning, zoning, beautification, and tourism (4); Education and culture (7); Enactment of ordinances (12); Appropriations ordinances (6); Environmental quality and protection (2); Health and sanitation (11); Peace and order (6); Profession/Occupation (3); Business establishment and market (10); Public safety (2); Public utilities (1) and; Social services (30).

Tacurong SP releases first issue of The Legislative The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the city of Tacurong launched its very first news publication during their last week of sponsorship in the flag raising ceremony, Monday, February 24, 2014. The publication, dubbed as “The Legislative,” highlights the different activities in the last two quarters of 2013 on its first issue. Contents of the first issue include news articles regarding the 2014 annual city budget, Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) week celebration, different ordinances passed by the SP (including the “Comprehensive Tobacco/Smoking Control Ordinance of the City of Tacurong), feature articles on the recent SP members of the city, and many other information tools for public knowledge. Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, in his message in the publication, hopes that “The Legislative” in effect would make the constituents be better informed on matters regarding their Sangguniang Panlungsod and would motivate them further to be involved in community-building activities of the LGU. The Legislative will be published quarterly. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

Cont’d on p. 7

TACEMPCO declares 24-Million total assets In its annual general assembly attended by 273 members comprising 70 percent of the total membership, Tacurong City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TACEMPCO) declared that its total assets has gone up to P24.87 million at the end of 2013. TACEMPCO Manager Shirley Fernandez, in her report presented during the 15th on March 29, said that the coop’s assets recorded an increase of P3.30 million compared to its 2012 assets of P21.57 million. Fernandez also reported that at the end of 2013, the coop recorded a net income of P2.36 million from its lending services, cash loans, and consumer services. Aside from Fernandez, other officers and various committee chairpersons of the TACEMPCO also rendered their respective annual reports during the assembly. TACEMPCO Chairperson Imelda Pamplona presided over the annual assembly and also rendered her report. The impressive performance of TACEMPCO was commended by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Specialist Flora Castro who graced the event and gave inputs on how to improve the operation of the coop. Castro said that out of the more than 700 cooperatives in Sultan Kudarat registered to the CDA, there are only 90 that remained to be active and TACEMPCO is one of those active cooperatives. Mayor Lina Montilla and City Councilor Benjamin Fajardo Jr., both present during the assembly, lauded the good standing of TACEMPCO in the cooperative circle. Both promised their all-out support to the future activities of the coop. Another highlight of the assembly was the election of new set of officers for vacant positions. Newly-elected Board of Directors included Diana Guadalupe, Roger Arzagon and Radney Ganzon. Ms. Rudiliza Bello was elected as Audit Committee member, while Ms. Candy Leen Baulete and Ester Layam were reelected as members of

MAYORS, LCP INK MOA ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROJECT.League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) President and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and mayors of pilot and observer cities sign the MOA of the Traffic and Transport Management for Philippine CDS Cities Project on February 5, 2014 at UP National Center for Transportation Studies. Tacurong City is among the project’s 11 observer cities nationwide. As an observer city, Tacurong City will participate in intensive training and capacity building activities towards transport plan formulation.

Cont’d on p. 12

Sero Jr., City Engineer Catherine Leguro, City Budget Officer Nestor Nomananap, City Planning and Development Coordinator Jaime Cedullo, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nemesio Carigaba, Engr. Alfredo Zuriaga (NGO sector representative), and Amelia Bochorno and Elmer Felongco from CPDCO. LCP, in partnership with the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, offered SCURP to provide an accessible and practical capacity development program for city managers. The course uses the Rationalized Local Planning System as its basic framework. This planning system contains four elements: Planning Structure, Planning Mandates, Planning Processes, and LGU Authority Levers. This special course is part of LCP’s project entitled Developing Knowledge Management and Exchange System for City Managers. LCP is headed by its President, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

REGION’S bEST. The Department of the Interior and Local Government recognized Tacurong City Local Government Operations Officer Alberto P. Sero Jr. as Region XII’s Best LGPMS Coordinator for 2013. This stewardship award is conferred to CLGOO Sero for effectively advocating, implementing and ensuring the utilization of results of the Local Governance Performance Management System of LGPMS. These results are used in planning development projects in the city. The award was given on December 18, 2013 in Mandaluyong City.

6 GOODWILL January - March 2014LGU FULL BUDGET DISCLOSUREAS OF MARCH 31, 2014

Republic of the Philippines

CITY OF TACURONG

PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARAT

OFFICE OF THE CITY ACCOUNTANT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

As of March 31, 2014

Fund: 100 (General Fund)

Cash Flow From Operating Activites

Cash Inflows

Collection from Taxpayers 18,758,578.84

Share from Internal Revenue Collection 76,735,542.00

Receipts from Sale of Goods and Services 5,750.00

Interest Income 198,027.88

Dividend Income -

Other Receipts 30,869,230.20

Total Cash Inflow 126,567,128.92

Cash Outflows

Payments -

To Creditors/Suppliers 38,680,961.99

To Employees 14,729,572.84

Interest Expenses -

Other Expenses 30,299,606.84

Total Cash Outflow 83,710,141.67

Net Cash from Operating Activities 42,856,987.25

Cash Flow From Investing Activites

Cash Inflows

From Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment 15,499.38

From Collection of Principal on Loans to Other Entities -

Total Cash Inflow 15,499.38

Cash Outflows

To Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment 8,274,814.43

To Purchase of Debt Securities of Other Entities -

To Grant/Make Loan to Other Entities -

Total Cash Outflow 8,274,814.43

Net Cash from Investing Activities (8,259,315.05)

Cash Flow From Financing Activites

Cash Inflows

From Issuance of Debt Securities -

From Acquisition of Loan -

Total Cash Inflow -

Cash Outflows

Retirement/Redemption of Debt Securities -

Payment of Loan Amortization of Loan 2,053,889.21

Total Cash Outflow 2,053,889.21

Net Cash from Financing Activities (2,053,889.21)

Net Increase in Cash 32,543,782.99

Add: Cash Balance, Beginning 151,196,838.88

Cash Balance, End 183,740,621.87

Certified correct:

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA

CITY ACCOUNTANT

&

Republic of the PhilippinesCITY OF TACURONG

PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARATOFFICE OF THE CITY ACCOUNTANT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSAs of March 31, 2014

Fund: 200 (Special Education 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 - Dividend Income - Other Receipts 5,575,757.00 Total Cash Inflow 5,575,757.00 Cash Outflows Payments - To Creditors/Suppliers 1,030,292.24 To Employees 735,296.36 Other Expenses 1,540,847.11 Total Cash Outflow 3,306,435.71 Net Cash from Operating Activities 2,269,321.29

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

T P h f P Pl & E i To Purchase of Property, Plant Equipment 378 817 62378,817.62 To Grant/Make Loan to Other Entities - Total Cash Outflow 378,817.62 Net Cash from Investing Activities (378,817.62)

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 ActivitiesNet Increase in Cash 1,890,503.67Add: Cash Balance, Beginning 12,420,946.46Cash Balance, End 14,311,450.13

Certified correct:ELMA D. BIDES, CPACITY ACCOUNTANT

FDP Form 8 - Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Utilization

LOCAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT FUND UTILIZATION

For the Quarter 1st , CY 2014

City of Tacurong

Province/City/Municipality/Barangay: City of Tacurong

LDRRMFQuick Response Mitigation From Other From Other

Particulars Fund (QRF) Fund NDRRMF LGUs Sources Total30% 70%

A. Sources of Funds: Current Approp 5,421,573.90 12,650,339.10 18,071,913.00 Continuing Approp 9,267,652.00 9,267,652.00 Prev Year's Appropriations transferred to the Special Trust Fund 8,980,848.80 5,616,869.10 14,597,717.90

CY 2011 4,423,513.90 2,744,362.60 7,167,876.50 CY 2012 4,557,334.90 2,872,506.50 7,429,841.40 CY 2013 4,039,920.10 2,182,304.90 6,222,225.00

Transfers/Grants - - - Total Funds Available 27,423,191.60 35,334,034.20 - - - 62,757,225.80 B. Utilization Training Expense - Food Supplies 18,559.00 18,559.00 Drugs and Medicines Expenses Medical, Dental and Laboratory Supplies Expense - Gasoline, Oil & Lubricants Expense Other Supplies Expenses Other MOOE-Calamity 1,077,878.13 66,000.00 1,143,878.13 IT Equipment & Software Communication Equipment Other PPETransfer to Other LGUsTotal Utilization 1,077,878.13 84,559.00 - - - 1,162,437.13 Unutilized Balance 26,345,313.47 35,249,475.20 61,594,788.67I hereby certify that I have reviewed the contents and hereby attest the veracity and correctness of the data or inofrmation contained in this document.

ELMA D. BIDES, CPACity Accountant

FDP Form 6-Trust Fund Utilization

Consolidated Quarterly Report on Government Projects, Programs or Activities

For the 1st Quarter, CY 2014

City of Tacurong

Location Total Date Started Target Completion Project Status No. Of Remarks

Program or Cost % of Total Cost Incurred Extentions,

Project Date Completion to Date if any

DILG-MDG Faces Project Fund Tacurong City 210,000.00 48.79% 102,460.00

DA Organic Agriculture Project Tacurong City 878,940.00 96.22% 845,691.56

DA Implementation of Organic Trading Post Tacurong City 1,350,000.00 60.905% 822,223.61

PDAF 2012 Scholarship Program Tacurong City 10,000,000.00 84.99% 8,499,481.64

PDAF 2012 Medical Assistance Tacurong City 2,000,000.00 19.90% 398,774.00

PDAF 2012 Social Services Tacurong City 2,000,000.00 0% -

DA Rice R&D AGENDA FOR 2012 Tacurong City 500,000.00 0% -

CSWD FEEDING PROGRAM Tacurong City 1,749,600.00 95.84% 1,676,867.92

S0cial PENSION-Senior Citizen Tacurong City 714,000.00 100% 714,000.00

Population Commission RO XII Tacurong City 400,502.66 0% -

Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) Tacurong City 1,419,745.50 53% 745,910.43

We hereby certify that we have reviewed the contents and hereby attest to the veracity and correctness of the data or information

contained in this document.

Certified Correct: Verified By:

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA LINA O. MONTILLA

City Accountant City Mayor

Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly.It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.

Margaret Chase Smith

January - March 2014 GOODWILL 7LGU FULL BUDGET DISCLOSUREAS OF MARCH 31, 2014

income is not over 120,000.00. An applicant must not be over 22 years old and must have an average grade of 80%, without a failing grade in all his/her high school subjects. The program will not be accommodating those who have already availed government scholarships. No two members of a family shall be granted with ILT benefits at the same time. Grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES are also disqualified to avail of this scholarship. “We are very eager to pursue with what we have started in 2012. We will identify and support brilliant students belonging to indigent families,” said Mayor Lina Montilla. The ILT Board through its coordinator, Mr. Allan Freno, will soon release an announcement indicating the date of listing of applicants. Councilor Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz (author), Councilor Psyche Sucaldito (co-author), and Councilor Benjamin Fajardo Jr. are positive that this program will not only sustain the iskolars’ education but will also give them opportunities to establish their careers. ILT grantees will be supported by the LGU until they graduate from any vocational or tertiary courses. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Other milestones of the legislative branch were also mentioned in the report. The 4th and 5th SP respectively were back to back winners of the Local Legislative Awards. The 5th SP even joined the elite top ten national finalists of the best-performing legislative bodies under the component cities category last year. Moreover, Councilor Psyche Sucaldito was also adjudged by as one of the most outstanding councilors in the Philippines. She was also recognized by the AFP in connection to her active partnership with the various battalions of the Philippines Army for Project PSYCHE (Protects and Saves Young Children’s Hope for Education and a Clean and Healthy Environment). The SP was also recognized in their blood donation programs such as the conduct of the Blood Donors Day every May 19th and the PCL Blood Donors Day every first week of September. Said programs paved way for the conferment of the “Sandugo Kabalikat” award to the SP by the Philippine Red Cross. Jamorabon further emphasized that the SP aspires to improve on health services, disaster preparedness, environment, and education, so they could give the best for the constituents of Tacurong in the year ahead. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

Republic of the PhilippinesCITY OF TACURONG

PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARATOFFICE OF THE CITY ACCOUNTANT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSAs of March 31, 2014

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 7,513,292.10 Total Cash Inflow 7,513,292.10 Cash Outflows Payments - To Creditors/Suppliers 3,979,105.32 To Employees - Other Expenses 801,980.00 Total Cash Outflow 4,781,085.32 Net Cash from Operating Activities 2,732,206.78

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 134,253.46 To Grant/Make Loan to Other Entities - Total Cash Outflow 134,253.46 , Net Cash from Investing Activities (134,253.46)

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 ActivitiesNet Increase in Cash 2,597,953.32Add: Cash Balance, Beginning 31,252,592.21Cash Balance, End 33,850,545.53

Certified correct:ELMA D. BIDES, CPACITY ACCOUNTANT

FDP Form 11 - SEF Utilization

(SEF Budget Accountability Form No. 1)

SEF UTILIZATION

For the Quarter ending March 31, 2014

City Government of Tacurong

Fund: 200 (Special Education Fund)

Account Acct Code

1.0 BEGINNING BALANCE -

Receipt from SEF

Special education Tax 591 3,298,210.16

Interest Income 664 - 3,298,210.16

Less: DISBURSEMENTS

Personal Services

Salaries and Wages - Regular Pay 701 -

Salaries and Wages - Casual 705 723,460.14

Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) 711 132,000.00

Clothing/Uniform Allowance 715 100,000.00

Productivity Incentive Allowance 717 8,709.60 Longevity Pay 722 20,000.00

Cash Gift 724

Year End Bonus 725 -

Life and Retirement Insurance Contributions-G.S. 731 96,496.56

PAG-IBIG Contributions 732 12,945.02

PHILHEALTH Contributions 733 9,375.00

ECC Contributions 734 6,252.30

Terminal Leave Benefits 742 - 1,109,238.62

Maintenance & Other Operating Expenses

Traveling Expense - Local 751 -

-Tranings & Sem. - Sports Dev't 753-1 659,979.95

-TRAININGS & SEM-DISTRICT OFFICE 753-3 -

-TRAINING INSET 753-4 -

Office Supplies Expense 755 -

Textbooks and Instructional Materials Expense 763

Water Expenses 766 23,897.70

l Electricity Expenses 767 58,719.43

Telephone Expenses - Landline 772 15,852.01

INternet Expenses 774 19,545.24

Cable, Satellite, Telegraph, and Radio Expenses 775 1,510.00

Repair & Maint-School Buildings-Tacurong Pilot Elem. Sch 812-02

-ALIVE 969-12 20,000.00

-CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT 969-18 -

-ALS 969-19 -

-JOB ORDER SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS 969-20 - 799,504.33

Financial Expenses

Bank Charges 971 3,500.00 3,500.00

Capital Outlay

School Buildings 212

IT Equipment and Software 223

Construction in Progress - Agency Assets 264 - -

BALANCE END 1,385,967.21

BALANCE before Depreciation -

We hereby certify that we have reviewed the contentsand hereby attest to the veracity and correctness of thedata or information contained in this document.

ELMA D. BIDES, CPA

Local Accountant

LINA O. MONTILLALocal Chief Executive

FDP Form 8 - Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Utilization

LOCAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT FUND UTILIZATION

For the Quarter 1st , CY 2014

City of Tacurong

Province/City/Municipality/Barangay: City of Tacurong

LDRRMFQuick Response Mitigation From Other From Other

Particulars Fund (QRF) Fund NDRRMF LGUs Sources Total30% 70%

A. Sources of Funds: Current Approp 5,421,573.90 12,650,339.10 18,071,913.00 Continuing Approp 9,267,652.00 9,267,652.00 Prev Year's Appropriations transferred to the Special Trust Fund 8,980,848.80 5,616,869.10 14,597,717.90

CY 2011 4,423,513.90 2,744,362.60 7,167,876.50 CY 2012 4,557,334.90 2,872,506.50 7,429,841.40 CY 2013 4,039,920.10 2,182,304.90 6,222,225.00

Transfers/Grants - - - Total Funds Available 27,423,191.60 35,334,034.20 - - - 62,757,225.80 B. Utilization Training Expense - Food Supplies 18,559.00 18,559.00 Drugs and Medicines Expenses Medical, Dental and Laboratory Supplies Expense - Gasoline, Oil & Lubricants Expense Other Supplies Expenses Other MOOE-Calamity 1,077,878.13 66,000.00 1,143,878.13 IT Equipment & Software Communication Equipment Other PPETransfer to Other LGUsTotal Utilization 1,077,878.13 84,559.00 - - - 1,162,437.13 Unutilized Balance 26,345,313.47 35,249,475.20 61,594,788.67I hereby certify that I have reviewed the contents and hereby attest the veracity and correctness of the data or inofrmation contained in this document.

ELMA D. BIDES, CPACity Accountant

Iskolar ng Lungsod ng TacurongCont’d fr. p. 2

SP passed 217 resolutions & ordinancesCont’d fr. p. 5

8 GOODWILL January - March 2014

MARCH!All in

CELEbRATE JUANA. It’s Philippine Women’s Month! About 24 groups took part in Tacurong City’s kick-off event for the 2014 Women’s Month celebration on March 8. Women organizations, and public/private groups and agencies in the city joined the Purple Walk for a Cause, Zumba workout, and an opening program. On March 21, a forum on the role of women in times of conflict, disaster, and calamities was conducted with participants from 30 groups and organizations. After the forum, lady doctors of Philippine Medical Association and Philippine Dental Association offered free medical and dental services for all women. Women’s month celebration activities were spearheaded by the Local Women Development Council in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and SP Committee on Gender and Development. This year’s celebration theme is Juana, ang tatag mo ay tatag natin sa pagbangon at pagsulong.

RAbIES-FREE TACURONG. The Provincial Veterinary Office chose Tacurong City as the venue of the kick-off celebration of 2014 Rabies Awareness Month on March 8. This is because the city continues to be free of the rabies virus through the years. A short program was conducted wherein stakeholders expressed their commitment spreading awareness about rabies, and how to prevent it. Among those present were: The Rotary Club of Tacurong; the Provincial Veterinary Office; all livestock personnel from the 11 municipalities of Sultan Kudarat; Canine Club Association of Tacurong; UNAHCO; Last Option Petshop; SKTSI; and the different public and private establishments/organizations in the province. After the program, the office of the city veterinary services conducted free dog vaccination. The Canine Club also had a dog walk at dawn of March 8. On March 26, health workers gathered for an anti-rabies forum. During the forum, Department of Health (DOH) Regional Rabies Coordinator for SOCCSKSARGEN Ali Tumama, MD advised all participants to educate the community regarding wound care, specially those who are exposed to animals who might be infected with rabies virus. The 2014 Rabies Awareness Month carries the theme Working together for a Rabies Free Philippines.

WALk FOR PEACE. Approximately 500 students, civilians, and soldiers celebrated the Philippine Army (PA) 117th anniversary on March 22, 2014 by joining the Walk for Peace 2014. The 601st Unifier Brigade organized this event to commemorate the national celebration. The event gathered PA’s public and private partners in maintaining peace and order. These include various organizations such as: LGU-Tacurong City; Rotary and Rotaract Club of Tacurong; religious sector; business sector; the Philippine National Police (Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat); Local Women Development Federation; academic institutions; and media. Prior to the walk, participants enjoyed a Zumba session. “Kailangang unahin ang pagbigay-pansin sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Kaya nagkaron kami ng paradigm shift: instead of winning the war, we want to win peace,” said Col. Melquiades Feliciano, 601st Brigade Commander. Phil. Army’s 117th Anniversary carries the Army Core Purpose as its theme—Serving the People, Securing the Land.

FIRE-FREE.The Bureau of Fire Protection in Tacurong City trained members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) as fire volunteers on April 6, 2014. CVO members deployed in the barangays learned basic fire skills during the said training. BFP-Tacurong also conducted a Fun Run on April 5, 2014 to enjoin stakeholders in sustaining a fire-free community. Fire drills were also conducted to increase people’s awareness on what to do in case of emergencies caused by fire. BFP-Tacurong also continues to ensure safety of public buildings and establishments through regular monitoring and inspection. This year’s Fire Prevention Month carries the theme: lsulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay lwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan.

EMPOWEREd. “I am glad that the OSCA in region XII is very active,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla during the 2014 first quarter meeting of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Regional Board of Trustees on March 7 in Tacurong City. OSCA heads and members from five cities and four provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN attended the meeting. Matters such as the updates on OSCA Heads Association Inc. (OHAI), membership of senior citizens in Region XII, review of their ratified by-laws, planning of annual general assembly, and good practices among the different OSCA chapters were discussed.

January - March 2014 GOODWILL 9

One in every three

slum dwellers is a CHILD.

Sino pa ba ang magdadamayan, kundi tayo-tayo rin, says a song for the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals.

These lines were truly evident during the Project PAGLAUM Strategic Formulation and Action Planning Workshop on 21 March 2014. LGU-Tacurong City’s Project PAGLAUM continues to gain support from local stakeholders for the improvement of the lives of 40 family beneficiaries in one of the city’s slum areas—Purok Onse, Barangay Poblacion. During the workshop, stakeholders identified and submitted their proposed services and programs that could strengthen Project PAGLAUM.

One of the activity highlights was the commitment building ceremony wherein stakeholders posted their personal and organizational commitments towards the sustainability of the Project PAGLAUM.

Prior to this planning workshop, family beneficiaries identified three key problems and issues through surveys and interviews: economic (poverty, hunger, and low family income; peace and order (illegal drugs and gambling); environmental (improper solid waste management and unsanitary/no toilet ).

Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative or SUKELCO committed to help in addressing the problems on peace and order by rehabilitating street lights in the area. This includes free light inspections and free light installations. Families said that dark alleys encourage lawless acts at night. SUKELCO will also explore the possibilities of funding livelihood programs for the families.

Meanwhile, the Extension Office of Sultan Kudarat State University-Tacurong Campus guaranteed their support in the conduct of livelihood trainings through their existing programs such as urban gardening and Cavendish banana processing. With the LGU Agriculture Office, SKSU is determined to offer these trainings to uplift the economic status of the 40 families under Project PAGLAUM.

The Tacurong City Police Office also vowed to intensify Oplan Kalampag, its campaign against illegal drugs. Drug users and pushers are said to usually take refuge in Purok Onse because of its location. DepEd Tacurong further committed to conduct drug education symposia to spread awareness on the disadvantages of illegal drugs. This effort will supplement PNP’s goal to eradicate the use of illegal drugs.

Tacurong City Employees Association and Tacurong City Employees Cooperative are also determined to help families by conducting parent effectiveness seminars.

Aside from these local partners, other LGU offices such as the Planning and Development Office Coordinating Office, Engineering Office, Public Employment Service Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Health Office, Treasury Office, Accounting Office, and Registry Office committed their services for the project. The barangay government of Poblacion has also expressed its commitment in sustaining the project.

“We will consolidate these plans of action for finalization. We will unify our efforts so that there will be no duplication of programs; DILG and the LGU will make sure that our efforts will converge towards poverty alleviation,” said City DILG Officer Alberto Sero.

Project PAGLAUM prioritizes children’s rights to a peaceful and healthy environment. This project was conceived when LGU-Tacurong City became a recipient of DILG’s MDG Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum (FACES) Program.

One in every three slum dwellers is a child. “I believe that we will achieve our goal. Project PAGLAUM will be sustained because of this tremendous support from local partners,” said Mayor Lina Montilla during the workshop.Project PAGLAUM monitoring team is headed by City Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito.

JLC Billano

Project PAGLAUM wins more support from stakeholders

LGU-TACURONG CITY WANTS ZERO TB DEATHS LGU-Tacurong City through the Office for the City Health Services (OCHS) enjoined the participants of the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day Forum to be advocates of TB testing, treatment, and cure for all towards achieving zero TB deaths. This call is in line with the 2014 World TB Day theme: A TB Test, Treatment, and Cure for All. The forum was conducted on March 28. OCHS advised participants to encourage suspected TB-infected individuals to avail of the free sputum exam at the city health center. TB, if detected and treated early, can be cured. Tacurong TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) center caters child and adult patients with TB of all forms for free, whether they are PhilHealth members or not. TB treatment takes a minimum of six months given that the patient is not multi-drug resistant. Once detected, TB patients must undergo treatment for two weeks to eliminate the possibility of infecting other people around them. Right after detection, the patient will have to immediately proceed to the city’s TB-DOTS center for counseling and to get his/her medicines. From the second day to the sixth month, the patient must meet with the barangay health worker everyday. However, the patient must again undergo a sputum exam at the city health center before the second month ends. The patient will again undergo the sputum exam before the fourth and fifth month ends. In 2013, Tacurong OCHS detected 138 TB cases, and cured 89 patients. Most patients cannot complete the free 6-month TB counseling and treatment. “Karamihan sa mga pasyente, hindi kayang makipagkita sa kanilang rural health worker araw-araw for treatment. Sabi ng iba, dahil walang pamasahe, dahil sa stigma, o dahil wala daw sapat na pagkain araw-araw,” said Lorelie Muyuela, OCHS Nurse. TB patients constantly feel hungry especially if they are in high dosage medication. “We hope to increase our TB cure rate this year by involving sectors in the community. We hope to encourage TB patients to complete their treatment to be cured,” said Dr. Giovanni Deles, City Health Officer. Tuberculosis remains the 6th cause of death and morbidity in the Philippines. Three out of ten Filipinos have tuberculosis. World TB Day was celebrated on March 24, 2014. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

LIMPYO KALOG 2014. Almost 1,000 students, employees, businessmen, and uniformed personnel supported Project PAGLAUM through their participation in the LGU’s Limpyo Kalog on January 18, 2014. Participants de-clogged canals in Purok Onse to provide children with a cleaner and safer environment. From year 2010-2013, the LGU have had facilitated eight Limpyo Kalog activities that solicited great community preparation. Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito seeks insitutionalization of Limpyo Kalog this year.

LGU, Jollibee’s Busog Lusog Talino Program helps schoolchildren achieve normal BMI

One hundred thirty (130) pupils achieved normal body mass index (BMI) after having completed the 136-feeding day cycle of LGU-Tacurong and Jollibee Group Foundation’s Busog Lusog Talino (BLT) Program for School Year 2013-2014, according to LGU BLT Team year-end report. When the BLT program started on 5 August 2013, 160 pupils were selected from four schools—Dr. Manuel J. Griño Central Memorial Elementary School, Tina Elementary School, J. Hector Lacson Elementary School, and Josue S. Alcasid Central School. Out of 160 pupils, 96 or 60% were severely wasted while 64 or 40% were wasted. However, only 151 out of 160 were able to complete the 136-feeding day cycle; nine pupils were not able to complete the feeding days because they changed residence or they transferred school. Out of 151, only one remained severely wasted; 20 are wasted; and 130 achieved normal BMI. “The program, based on these results, has a significant impact on pupils’ nutritional status,” said Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, head of the LGU BLT Team. “However, we hope that next year, we will be able to help all pupils to normalize their BMI,” Sucaldito added. Pupils’ BMI were evaluated by personnel under the RN Heals Program of the Department of Health-SK Chapter. In addition to the improved nutritional status, teachers also attested to the pupils’ better class participation. LGU-Tacurong gave BLT Academic Excellence Awards to BLT pupils who were included in the school’s honor roll. There were 27 awardees in all. The LGU also recognized the contribution of partner-stakeholders, school feeding coordinators, and principals during the BLT Year-end Stakeholders Meeting on March 31. Stakeholders include the Jollibee-Tacurong, Rotary Club of Tacurong, DOH-SK, DepEd Tacurong, Phil. Medical Association-SK, Phil. Dental Association-SK, Tacurong City Employees Association, Tacurong City Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative, COTAMPCO, PICPA-SK, Fil-Chinese

Cont’d on p. 12

10 GOODWILL January - March 2014

LGU TacUronG PESo

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City was hailed as regional winner of the Best-Performing PESO Award under Component Cities Category for 2013. PESO Manager Allan Freno received the award during the Regional PESO Year-end Performance Assessment and Planning organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City on January 22-23, 2014. DOLE 12 Regional Director Ofelia Domingo conferred the award. Assistant Regional Director Yahya Senti and retired DOLE Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte were also present during the awarding rites. The LGU PESO of Polomolok, under PESO Manager Maria Lourdes Hormigos, bagged the regional award for the 1st to 2nd Class Municipalities while Gay Claudio of Southern Baptist College, North Cotabato won for the Best PESO School-Based Category. Each winner received a plaque and P5, 000.00 cash incentive. Awardees for the region’s Best-Performing PESOs were evaluated and screened using the criteria set by the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) and PESO Philippines, Incorporated (PESOPhil). Nominees vying for the awards submitted their annual accomplishments on the PESO core services, namely: Referral and Placement, provision of Labor Market Information (LMI), Employment and Career Counseling, and implementation of the DOLE-Integrated Livelihood Program.

Other PESO services like conduct of Job Fairs, implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), and Anti-Illegal Recruitment advocacy that fall under other services of PESO were also used as criteria. Under the Component City Category, the criteria requires that the PESO achieves at least 75 percent placement/hired rate against applicants being registered and referred to employers. For 2013, LGU Tacurong PESO had achieved an 87.16 percent placement rate. On Employment and Career Counseling, LGUs are required to reach at least 3,000 students and parents. LGU Tacurong PESO more than doubled the target last year after reaching out to 6,154 participants in the employment and career advocacy. The organization of the guidance counselors of schools in Tacurong was also one of the best practices of the LGU PESO in 2013. The PESO also performed well on the offline and online skills registration of applicants using the Skills Registry System (SRS) and the PhilJobnet website of the DOLE. Aside from Job Fairs, SPES and Anti-Illegal Recruitment advocacy, the LGU’s PESO also performed other services such as the Kasambahay orientation and registration, conduct of Local Recruitment Activities, OFW Reintegration programs, scholarship facilitation, and PESO sa Radyo among others. The institutionalization of PESO also gave the LGU’s PESO additional points during the evaluation. In 2013, the Personnel Oversight Committee had approved the creation of Information, Labor & Employment Section under the Office of the City Mayor and likewise created a plantilla position for the PESO Manager. Mr. Freno was grateful for the support of Mayor Lina Montilla and the city council through Labor and Employment Committee Chairperson Benjamin Fajardo, Jr. who pushed for the PESO’s institutionalization. He said that DOLE-Sultan Kudarat Field Office under Arlene Bisnon also contributed hugely to the outputs of PESO. He also cited the contribution of his colleagues in the PESO and the Tri-Media for their huge help in preparing the entry for the regional awards. “The award is special because we achieved this despite having limited personnel to carry out the tasks”, Mr. Freno said. He said that he is sharing the recognition with Ms. Myla Muyco, the only PESO staff who had been a big help in the implementation of the PESO programs. As a regional winner, LGU Tacurong PESO will vie for the national awards. Eight national finalists will be chosen and the national winner will be declared during the PESO National Congress set in September, which will be hosted by Region 12.

iS rEGion’S bEST PErformEr amonG comPonEnT ciTiES

LIVING ASIA visits Tacurong City The Living Asia channel visited Tacurong City on February 27 for Department of Tourism XII’s 12th Paradise promotion. Tacurong is among the major cities in Region XII that Living Asia visited. Among the tourist spots and attractions shot were the Baras Bird Sanctuary, Monte Vicenteau Resort, and the City Hall. Tacurong’s very own products were also presented together with its craftsmen. Also, the winner of the 2013 Talakudong Fest from North Tacurong District performed and welcomed the guests from the regional, provincial, and local units of DOT. The three reigning winners of Mutya ng Lungsod ng Tacurong 2013 were also present in the shoot. The said promotional ad envisions to exhibit the best and yet to see tourist destinations in Region XII. Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

DOLE at LGU Tacurong PESO, nilibot ang mga recruitment agencies para alamin

ang estado ng kanilang operasyon

Sa layuning mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga aplikante tungkol sa estado ng operasyon ng mga recruitment agencies sa lungsod ng Tacurong, nagsagawa ng monitoring ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at ang Public Employment Service Office (PESO) ng lokal na pamahalaan noong Pebrero 21. Kasama sa paglilibot sa mga tanggapan ng agencies sina Allan Freno at Myla Muyco mula sa PESO at Ginang Mercy Uy mula sa DOLE Provincial Field Office Sa talaan ng DOLE at PESO, mayroong labing-isang recruitment agencies para sa overseas employment na nakabase sa lungsod noong taong 2013. Sa kanilang paglibot, napag-alaman na tumigil na sa kanilang operasyon ang Pacific Mediterranean Recruitment Agency sa lungsod at umano’y lumipat na sa ibang lugar. Samantala, sa sampung agencies na mayroon pang branch offices sa lungsod, tanging ang Zontar Manpower Services Inc. at Nonstop Overseas Employment Corporation pa lamang ang nakakumpleto sa pagproseso ng business permit sa city hall. Apat na agencies naman ang patuloy pang nagpoproseso ng kanilang business permits. Ito ay ang Al-Alamia International Manpower Services, MMML Recruitment Services Inc., Stronghold Manpower International Recruitment Agency Corporation, , at Mondial Overseas Corporation. Hindi naman nakunan ng impormasyon ang apat pang recruitment agencies dahil sarado ang mga ito sa noong dinalaw ng grupo. Ito ay ang Bobstar International Recruitment Agency, A-M Phil Professional Services Corporation, Al Romaithi International Manpower Services, at United Placeman Philippines, Inc. Samantala, hinikayat naman ng PESO ang mga agencies na hindi pa nakapag-renew ng business permit na tapusin muna ang renewal nila bago sila mag-recruit ng mga aplikante. Inoobliga naman ng DOLE ang bawat agency na bago mag-proseso ng business permit, kailangan muna nitong dumaan sa kanilang tanggapan para humingi ng certification. Ang certification ng mula sa DOLE ay nagpapatunay na kumpleto ang mga papeles ng agency kalakip na ang valid POEA license nito at dokumentong nagsasaad ng “Authority to Operate a Branch Office” sa lungsod ng Tacurong. Allan S. Freno

[L-R] DOLE Asst. Director Yahya Senti, DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo, LGU Tacurong PESO Manager Allan S. Freno, Retired DOLE Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte, and DOLE-Sultan Kudarat Provincial Head Arlene Bisnon during the awarding ceremony on 22 January, Davao City.

TACURONG bNEO Training. Tacurong barangay officials simulate a council meeting during a workshop on barangay legislation on February 18, 2014 at the London Beach Resort Function Hall, GenSan. A total of 200 officials of 20 barangays in Tacurong City participated in the BNEO Training on Feb. 18-20 (first batch) and Feb. 24-26 (second batch). City DILG and the City Planning and Development Office facilitated the training that covered topics like financial accountability, barangay development planning, budgeting process, public service ethics, legislation, and transparency. Another set of officials from 10 barangays will undergo the same training on Feb. 24-26, 2014.

January - March 2014 GOODWILL 11

Tacurong City’s Baras Bird Sanctuary was showcased during Zamboanga City’s 1st Ecotourism Fair for the 9th Philippine Bird Festival on February 27 to March 2, 2014.

Baras Bird Sanctuary showcased in 9th Philippine Bird Festival

Photos of migratory birds inhabiting Tacurong’s one and three-fourth hectare-bird sanctuary were displayed for local and international bird watchers, students, and locals. These migratory birds include the

Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Rufous Night Heron, Black-Crowned Night Heron, and Javan Pond. The exhibit also included the the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines’ sightings of the Variable Dwarf Kingfisher and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo.

The Philippine Bird Festival is organized by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) in different regions annually. Each festival is conducted in coordination with local government units, Department of Tourism, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This

year’s festival theme is Birds: Fly Without Fear, Without Worry. In Chavacano, Pajaros: Bula sin Miedo, Sin Lingasa.

This year’s bird festival is participated by local and international bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and government and non-government organizations. Among the list were:

Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Bird Watch Palawan, Haribon Foundation, Malaysian Nature Society, Polillo

Islands Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc., Katala Foundation (Palawan), Save Freedom Island Movement, Earth Island Institute, Philippine Native Plant Society, Borneo Bird Club, Swarovski Optik,

PENAGMANNAKI (Negros), DOT-CARAGA, Balanga City, and Bataan Province.

Delegates were treated with a pre-festival tour to Victoria wetlands and Mt. Baluno, two of the popular bird-watching sites in Zamboanga City. During these visits, bird watchers spotted the Philippine woodpecker, whiskered

tree-swift, sunbirds, serpent eagles, the endemic Zamboanga bulbul, among others. Bird watchers also had a glimpse of the Rufous hornbill, one of the most threatened birds in the Philippines.

WBCP also engaged college, high school and elementary students in the festival through lecture series on biodiversity and birding. Students also enjoyed guided bird watching trips and nature walks with the WBCP in the Intake watershed, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) fishponds/bird sanctuary, and Bog Lake.

The ZSCMST opened its gates to the public to showcase their bird sanctuary in their fisheries campus at the heart of the city. Mangroves serve as habitat and breeding grounds to migratory birds such as egrets and herons. After this year’s festival, WBCP identified 10 bird species in the sanctuary, in addition to the 31 previously identified species.

WBCP donated a spotting scope and four binoculars to ZSCMST for the school to continue to educate the public about bird conservation through their sanctuary.LGU Tacurong City plans to work with WBCP to further develop and protect the Baras Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary serves as habitat and breeding ground for more than 20,000 egrets and herons. “There could still be more bird species that we can discover with the help of the wild bird club,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla.

Twenty-seven lucky job applicants from Tacurong City were hired on the spot in the Job Fair joined by ten employers for local employment and one recruitment agency for overseas employment during the city’s patronal fiesta. The Job Fair, one of the activities of the 64th anniversary celebration of the city’s patron saint Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria, was organized by the parish church in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sultan Kudarat Field Office and the city government through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Armed with their resume and credentials, 105 flocked to the church compound on January 30 to match their qualifications to 204 various job vacancies posted by the participating employers. Twenty-one year old Jomar Gabato, a part-time disc jockey of a local radio station in the city, got the nod of Sutherland Global Services, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company based in Davao City. His impressive interview gave him the chance to be hired on the spot. Of the 105 job applicants, 95 qualified for the positions they applied for.

27 jobseekers hired on the spot in Tacurong’s patronal fiesta Job Fair

A CLOSER LOOK. AVLDA LED Project, with assistance from the Government of Canada through their Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development (DFATD), donated thirteen binoculars to LGU-Tacurong City on March 10, 2014. Ms Genevieve Asselin, First Secretary of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and Project Team Leader of the LGSP-LED Project turned over the equipment to Mayor Lina O. Montilla with Mr. Francis Gentoral Program Director, LGSP-LED. In the photo, Asselin and Gentoral watch birds in Baras Bird Sanctuary (BBS) using the binoculars. The LGU Tourism Office will soon let BBS visitors to use these binoculars.

Meanwhile, the 27 HOTS (DOLE’s acronym for those Hired On The Spot) constituted 28 percent of the total number of qualified applicants. Participating employers said that those who qualified have big chances of being hired provided they present other documents required. Aside from Sutherland Global Services, other employers that have HOTS were KCC Mall of Marbel, Tacurong Fit Mart, and Nonstop Overseas Employment Corporation. Other participating employers included Talakudong Foods Corporation (Jollibee), Kimsan Plaza, Swana Mercantile, Kenram Industrial Development, Inc. or KIDI, Yakult, Delinanas, and COSEDA Security Agency. Fr. Armand Dice, parish priest of Tacurong, said he was happy with the turnout of the job hiring and that the church will continue working with DOLE and the city government in this kind of endeavor. A part from the Job Fair, DOLE and PESO also conducted advocacy talks on Kasambahay Law, Anti-Illegal Recruitment and the DOLE’s Project Jobs Fit. Allan S. Freno

Photo by Reynard Navarro

TACURONG IN LURING ILOILO. Tacurong City participated in the Department of Tourism XII’s Selling Mission dubbed as Luring Iloilo to the 12th Paradise on March 18-25 in SM Iloilo City. Baras Bird Sanctuary, Talakudong Festival, Monte Vicenteau, Arnis, and products made of water hyacinth were among those showcased by the city. The 12th Paradise is DOT XII’s tourism brand for the region’s attractions. Luring Iloilo aims to promote Region XII’s tourist packages that is hoped to increase number of tourist arrival from Iloilo. It also aims to help increase sales of local tourism establishments.

Text: JLCBillano; Photo: Juniel Buday, Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines

Variable Dwarf Kingfisher

12 GOODWILL January - March 2014

BUSOG LUSOG TALINOCont’d fr. p. 9

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and SP-Tacurong. Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito expressed their support to the continuous implementation of the BLT Program in SY 2014-2015. “We might even expand the program to other schools in the coming years. With the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for budget allocation, and of more groups and individuals, nothing is impossible,” said Montilla. For SY 2014-2015, Jollibee Group Foundation reduced the feeding days to 120, with a budget of P12.00/meal/pupil from P11.00 last year. The LGU encourages groups and individuals to sponsor BLT pupils; only P1,440.00 is needed to feed a child in 120 days. Jezereel Louise C. Billano

the Election Committee. The distribution of more than P1 million dividends on share capital and patronage refunds for the coop members also highlighted the whole-day activity. Various prizes were also given away during the raffle draw. The grand prize, a brand new refrigerator, was won by Leilani dela Cruz of the City Treasury Office. Allan S. Freno

TACEMPCO declares 24-M assetsCont’d fr. p. 5

MAYOR MONTILLA TAKES OATH AS LCP SEC GENERAL FOR MINDANAO.Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla takes oath among new officers of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) as Secretary General for Mindanao. President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted into office the new officers of LCP, Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LnB), National Movement of Young Legislator (NMYL), Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL), Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VMLP), Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines (PBMLP), League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) and the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on March 18, 2014. Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau

15 cycling enthusiasts from Tacurong finish Ten Enduro Pilipinas Round 1 Members of the Tacurong Federation of All Terrain Cycling Enthusiasts (FACE) were the only delegates from Mindanao who participated in the 1st leg of the Enduro Pilipinas Tour 2014 held at San Pablo City, Laguna last January 25, 2014. About 46 teams from all over the Philippines cycled through 6 races for the Season 1 finals of the event, with the FACE Team making it to the Top 20 of the final team standings. Among the finishers from Tacurong City were: Patrick Parreño, Jogil Causing, Myra Causing, Ricky Olofernes, Milton Macanas, Joselito Flores, Noli Bayya, Justin Bayya, George Bayya, Ricky Dayon, Eric Limon,

Gaudencio Hagoriles, Jose Maria Espiritu, Noel Catudan, and Dennis Pande. Myra Causing was the sole female delegate who finished the entire series, while Justin Bayya is the youngest Enduro racer in the run. After their participation in the TEN Enduro Pilipinas, FACE formalized their group on February 24. City Mayor Lina O. Montilla administered the group’s oath-taking ceremony. FACE President Patick Parreño said that the transition from being a friendship group into an established organization would help in building activities and events that will will help Tacurong’s tourism.

Mayor Montilla also acknowledged the team’s contribution in promoting the city’s tourism and hopes for a good partnership with them. FACE’s main objective involves establishing cycling as a means of achieving a healthy lifestyle, promote environmental awareness and development, and develop eco-tourism in the city. Enduro is a form of mountain bike racing where there are larger percentages of sections that are timed, from downhill to uphill and cross country sections. The Enduro Network (TEN) is the primary group of cycling enthusiasts who espouse the Enduro style of racing.

Ariesha Faith M. Dimaano

LGU Tacurong now issues civil registry documents in security paper In a bid to simplify procedures in civil registration, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong started issuing civil registry documents in Security Paper (SECPA). In a launching ceremony at the city hall on March 10, City Mayor Lina Montilla, National Statistics Office (NSO) 12 Regional Director Maqtahar Manulon, NSO Provincial Director Rafael Sambrano, and City Civil Registrar Josephine Balino unveiled bundles of security papers before LGU employees. Aside from the LGU officials and employees, officials of the Department of Education-City Schools Division headed by OIC Superintendent Romelito Flores were present during the launching. National line agencies such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) also sent representatives to witness the event. Alma Labrador, president of Sultan Kudarat Civil Registrars Association, was also present. With the SECPA implementation, Tacurong’s Civil Registry Office is authorized to print vital documents such as

birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates in security papers. In her message, Mayor Montilla said that the launching of the SECPA program is an offshoot of the LGU’s desire to shorten the service time in issuing civil registry documents. “Our constituents need not also spend huge amount of money in going to NSO General Santos and idly wait in long queues waiting for the issuance of their registry documents in SECPA”, Mayor Montilla said. The mayor also dubbed the SECPA program as “Project Lily” in honor of former City Civil Registrar Iglesia ‘Lily’ Madrigal who worked it out before she retired from government service. Madrigal was not able to witness the realization of the project she initiated as she succumbed to an illness and died last year. Director Manulon lauded the city government for another notable accomplishment. He said that through the SECPA program, the work being done by the NSO is made

available to the LGU and thus the services are made accessible to the public. Meanwhile, representatives of the agencies who were present during the launching signified their support to the SECPA program of Tacurong saying that they will recognize the locally-issued civil registry documents their clients will submit. Civil Registrar Balino informed the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), despite not having a representative to witness the launching, will accept civil registry documents in security paper issued by the LGU. She added that her office is still waiting for the same commitment from the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC). The SECPA launching was realized after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed late last year among the participating agencies including LGU Tacurong City, NSO (currently the Philippine Statistics Authority), Philippine Association of Philippine Civil Registrars, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that prints the security paper.

Allan S. Freno

www.facebook.com/lgutacurong

LIKE & FOLLOwthe

CITY GOVERNMENT OF TACURONG

FREE SKILLS TRAININGS. Fifty-nine individuals graduated from free skills trainings on Hair Science and Beauty Culture (HSBC) and Basic Welding NC II on March 21, 2014. Thirty graduated from the basic welding course while 29 graduated from HSBC. HSBC graduates were also given individual tool kits worth P600.00 each. The LGU through Councilor Benjamin Fajardo funded the HSBC training while Brgy.New Passi sponsored the free welding course. Welders will soon take the NC II assessment. Meanwhile, Brgy. Griño also sponsored a free driving course wherein 37 individuals graduated on March 24. The City Social Welfare and Development Office facilitates these skills trainings in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.