Regional Consular Office of DFA to open in GenSan soon

According to a report by Bariles in his blog, the Regional Consular Office of the Department of Foreigners Affairs will be opening at the Gaisano Mall of GenSan compound this month.

This came upon as a directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a few months back.

The GenSan RCO will occupy the vacant two-storey unit beside the restaurants Big Chow, Cafe Uno and Shakeys.

For more info, please check out BARILES REPUBLIC.

First 2 parts of Dela Hoya-Pacquiao 24/7 HBO Specials can now be seen

Good news to all fans of Manny Pacquiao!

HBO Sports has started airing its 4-part series to drumbeat the Dela Hoya-Pacquaiao Fight on December 6th, according to Bariles Republic.

The series entitled "Dela Hoya-Pacquiao 24/7" follows the two protagonists in the course of their preparations for their match up at their respective training headquarters in the US. It also features segments filmed in their native hometowns in Mexico and General Santos City, Philippines.

To view the first 2 parts, please CLICK HERE and HERE.

Source: Bariles Republic

MBS 2, Here I Come with 100 Bloggers from all over!

CO-PRESENTERS:
NOKIA (Philippines), Inc.
Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.
Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
<Bariles Republic

GOLD SPONSORS:
ACLC-Skeptron Ventures, Inc.
Gregoria Printing Press

SILVER SPONSORS:
Asia United Bank
NoKiAHOST.COM - P5/day Philippines Webhosting
Family Country Hotel & Convention Center
East Asia Royale Hotel

BRONZE SPONSORS:
GensanSALE.COM - AnyThings for Sale in Gensan
Blogging from Home Book
Pacific Seas Seafood Market
Shalom-Crest Wizard Academy
Generals Logimark Exponent
Prints and You
Sta. Cruz Seafood, Inc.
Dellosa Design Builders, Inc.

Registration on for Mindanao Bloggers Summit in GenSan!

The Soccsksargen Convenors Collective, the group spearheading the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit this year in General Santos City recently announced the opening of the registration for what is to be the biggest gathering of blog writers in the island.

A project of the Mindanao Bloggers, the first one was held a year ago in Davao City and was meant to organize the bloggers into a cohesive group and encourage them to write more about their home.

For this year, the theme is "Mindanawan, Paminawon Intawon: Blogging the Mindanao Consciousness" which seeks to strengthen the voice of these young islanders.

The 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit is scheduled during the GenSan E-Business Week, from October 25-26, 2008 and will be held at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center.

Anybody who has a BLOG hosted at Wordpress, Blogger, Multiply, i.ph, Live Journal, Friendster or other publishing platforms are welcome to join.

Registration is FREE but they will have to write about the event in their blogs and put the names and links of the sponsors.

Some examples can be found below:

• MISS-Understood
• Pangitster
  

Only 100 slots are to be given out to interested bloggers.

If they are able to fulfill the requirements, they are entitled to the following:

• MBS2 Kit
• Identification Card
• 3 Meal Coupons
• Raffle Tickets
• Sashimi Night Pass
• Tour Pass (October 26)
• Certificate of Attendance
• More Freebies!
  

For more details, check out BARILES REPUBLIC at http://www.gensantos.com or the MINDANAO BLOGGERS at http://www.mindanaobloggers.com .

It's all systems go for GenSan Tuna Festival 2008

Everything is set for the conduct of the 2008 Tuna Festival in Gensan, the only festival of such kind in the whole world.


Now on its 10th year, this festival has been rated as one of the country's Best Festivals by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines in 2007. It was conceptualized in 1998 by then Gensan Mayor Adelbert Antonino to commemorate the Charter Anniversary of the city and as a means to give focus on the Tuna industry to which Gensan owes much of its economic livelihood.

This year's festival officially starts on August 29 and ends on September 7, two days longer than the usual. For the schedule of activities, CLICK HERE.

Gensan awarded 2007's Most Competitive Mid-Sized City of the Philippines

Mayor Jun Acharon's Thank You Message Billboard for the generals

General Santos City has just been proclaimed by the Asia Institute of Management Policy Center as MOST COMPETITIVE MID-SIZED CITY of 2007.

For a more detailed report, CLICK HERE.

Yaman GenSan 2008 Opens

The 6th YAMAN GenSan formally opened today, June 23, 2008 at the KCC Convention Hall attended by city bigwigs and corporate sponsors from Manila.

For more about the event, please read Bariles Republic or click HERE.

YAMAN GENSAN 2008 BIGWIGS. GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon (3rd from left) leads the distinguished roster of guests at the opening of the month-long YAMAN GenSan 2008 (GSC Business Month) at the KCC Convention Center on June 23, 2008 consisting of (from left) Tentay Food Sauces, Inc. and speaker Velia Cruz, SMEDCI President Tess Pacheco, Barangay South Captain Flora Aponesto, Muslim Business Forum Chair Sultan Tungko Saikol, GSCCCII Exec Director Pilar Afuang, Office of Muslim Affairs Guialill Kanda, ABS-CBN star Aldred Gatchalian & DTI ARD Doris Delima, among others. The event, now on its 6th year also served as the launching of Globe Bridgecom sa Bayan and the Entrep-Fair 2008. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

YAMAN GENSAN 2008 OPENS. GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon and Vice-Mayor Flor Congson (shown 3rd & 4th from left) formally opens the month-long celebration of the 6th YAMAN Gensan with a ceremonial unveiling of a giant backdrop at the KCC Convention Center on June 23, 2008. This event hosted by TV host Amy Perez was also the launching of Globe Bridgecom sa Bayan & the Entrep-Fair. A yearly project of the local government and the DTI, it focuses on activities geared towards the upliftment of small and medium entrepreneurs. Also shown in photo (from L-R) are SMEDCI Prexy Tess Pacheco, ABS-CBN Bayan's Irma Cosico, Tentay Foods & Sauces Prexy Velia Cruz and Globe Vizmin External Affairs Head Jerry Yntig. (GENSAN CMO/avel manansala)

YAMAN GENSAN ENTREP-FAIR. This is one of the booths featured during the one-day Entrep-Fair at the opening of the 6th YAMAN GenSan 2008 at the KCC Convention Center. The event was graced by ABS-CBN star and host of the weekly business program SWAK NA KABUHAYN Ms. Amy Perez. YAMAN Gensan 2008 will run for one month. For more info, please visit www.yamangensan.ph. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Kalilangan 2008 Opens

KALILANGAN OPENING. Gen.Santos Mayor Jun Acharon in his Welcome Speech during the opening program of Kalilangan Festival 2008 on February 16 at the Oval Plaza stage. Behind him are Department of Agriculture Regional Director Abosama M. Alid, CESO IV, representing the DA Secretary, City Administrator Engr. Teody Dumagan, Counciors Orly Oco and Richard Atendido & former Councilor Minda Atendido. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

KALILANGAN BOAT SAILING HIGH. Gen. Santos City Officials headed by Mayor Jun Acharon (3rd from right) release the Kalilangan boat signaling the start of the Kalilangan 2008 Festival with its theme, "Kalinaw, Kauswagan, Kasadya" (Peace, Progress, Pageantry or Pomp) on February 16 at the Oval Plaza Stage. This was followed by the grand fireworks display at 7:00pm. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Indon Consul Keynotes Kalilangan 2008 Opening

INDON CONSUL KEYNOTES KALILANGAN OPENING. Indonesian Consul General Honorable Lalu Malik Partawanan (extreme right) is the Guest of Honor during the Opening Program of the Kalilangan Festival 2008 Opening slated on February 16, 3pm at the Oval Plaza Stage. The consul was a recent visitor to the city during the Mayor's SOCA on February 7 as evidenced by this photo which also includes (from left) Kalilangan Vice-Chair Rey Billena and City Councilors Jon Gonzales, Lulu Casabuena and Richard Atendido. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Acharon Bares GenSan City Hospital Accomplishments, plans

STATE OF THE HOSPITAL. GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon delivers his SOHA (State of the City Hospital) during the February 14th 34th Foundation Anniversary of the General Santos City Hospital before hospital employees and guests, revealing his plans for the next 2 years and evaluating his performance for the past 12 months. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

LOYAL HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE. GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon congratulates City Government Hospital employee Mercedes Lacera, one of the loyalty awardees given recognition during the hospital's 34th Foundation Anniversary celebration on February 14, 2008 where the former also read out his State of the Hospital Address. Looking on (from left) are City Hospital Chief Dr. Arvin Alejandro and Hospital Administrator Marcelino Dospueblos. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

GenSan Mayor delivers State of the City Address

VISION AND MISSION. The Mayor delivering his SOCA at the SP Session Hall before the city council and Gensan's movers and shakers. (GenSan cmo/avel manansala)

BUSINESS SECTOR. Association of Barangay Captains Prexy Lulu Casabuena (center) in a souvenir pose with Gen. Santos City Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive Director Pilar Afuang and Vice-President Orman Manansala at the SP Hall for Mayor Jun Acharon's SOCA on February 7, 2008. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

US Ambassador Graces Waste Water Treatment Facility Project Presentation

MOA SIGNING. US Ambassador Kristie Kenny (sitting, 3rd from left) pose with Gensan Mayor Jun Acharon (to her right) after presenting to him the contract of BNS Phils. to the city government directing them to prepare a Detailed Engineering Design for the city's public market Wastewater Treatment Facility in simple ceremonies on February 8 at the public market access road. The project is a joint undertaking of the city government, the US government through USAID's Philippine Environmental Governance Project (EcoGov), DENR and DILG. Also in photo are left-right (standing) EcoGov's Ernesto Gulang, USAID Deputy Mission Director Ezadia Washington, DENR's Datu Tungko Saikol, City Administrator Teody Dumagan, City Assistant Administrator and program emcee Glennville Gonzales, City Planning Officer Nael Cruspero, City Environment Officer Dr. Val Lastimoso; and (sitting) Councilors Odjok Acharon and Richard Atendido, Amb. Kenny, Mayor Acharon, Vice-Mayor Flor Congson, & BNSP's Engr. Jonas Maronilla. (GenSan City Mayor's Ofc/avel manansala)

RMMC's Teatro Ambahanon Sparkles at CCP

Just when City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon Jr. declared 2008 as the year of Excellence in General Santos City, Teatro Ambahanon - the resident Dance and Theater Company of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - was invited to perform at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for “Galaw, Galaw… The Filipino Soul in Dance”, CCP’s program offering for the National Arts Month Celebrations.

“Galaw, Galaw…” which ran from February 1, 2, and 3 was dubbed “the Concert of the Best in Philippine Dance”. RMMC’s Teatro Ambahanon (TA) shared the limelight with world class dance companies like Ballet Philippines, Lisa Macuja and Ballet Manila, the Philippine Allstars, Philippine Ballet Theater, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Dance Troupe, among others.

TA performed their critically-acclaimed dance piece called “Sa Ngalan Sang Inahan” from their “Oraciones” series choreograped by Julius Lagare. The nine-minute program slated for General Santos City’s dance company was well received by both audience and critics.

TA was discovered by Nestor O. Jardin, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, when the group competed in July 2007 at the National Modern Dance Competition in Koronadal City. Mr Jardin, who was one of the judges of the competition, invited the group to perform at CCP immediately after the program, to the surprise of the group considering the piece only ranked fourth in the competition. Apparently, the CCP President saw the appropriateness of the piece and its aesthetic appeal.

Vision of Excellence and Community Involvement

Teatro Ambahanon Contemporary Dance Company started as a dance arm of RMMC Theater company as its training laboratory for dancers and choreographers in the region. In the four years since its founding, the group won in many local, regional and national competitions.

TA is also a training ground for emergent leadership and has produced three GSC Youth Awardees and a finalist. Julius Lagare, the group’s Principal Dancer, was a 2005 recipient and is now based in Cebu as the resident choreographer and teacher at Nicolas Pacaña’s Ballet Center; Hosen Ngilay was a 2006 Finalist; Jan Robert Acharon was a 2007 Awardee. Both are sough-after choreographers. Another member, DeeJay De Vera danced for Exquizyth as guest performer when it competed and won in ABS-CBN’s TV show “You Can Dance Competition” in 2007.

Alongside leadership and excellence, the group is also active in community extension program. Jan Robert Acharon, the group’s Dance Master, formed Renegade 360 and Extreme Boys, two hiphop dance groups composed of both in- and out-of-school boys in Barangay Bula. These two groups, both award-winning in local dance competitions, are recipient of the program Tulbong - a training initiative by RMMC and Teatro Ambahanon in the fields of leadership and excellence.

Promoting Dance Appeciation and Introducing New Form

Having rooted its artistic direction on contemporary or modern dance form, Teatro Ambahanon has been active in its mission of bringing to fore this relatively new dance mold. Utilizing materials which are of rural and provincial appeal, the group creates dance pieces that depict “Philippine-ness” of dance. This did not escape the eye of Ms Edna Vida, a premier Filipina ballerina who directed the CCP show “Galaw, Galaw…”. “The choreograhy and movements have a distinct Filipino flavor. It’s a raw, pure Filipino form and I would love to see you choreograph more pieces like that…”, Ms Vida enthused.

Future Performances

Aside from such raving reviews after the 3-day performance, the group also received two invitations. Myram Beltran, Artistic Director of Dance Forum and the forerunner of WIFI Body Festival which has supported independent Filipino choreographers and dancers, invited the group to participate in WIFI’s 2008 season at CCP this June.

Another invitation came from Floy Quintos, a respected Theater, Movie and Television Director who said he was enthralled and “moved to tears” by the performance. He personally requested the group to perform, along with Filipino luminaries in world Opera, in his upcoming show “Virtuosos” on February 28, 2008 again at the CCP Main Theater.

With all these pouring-in of invitations, Gensan Dancers sparkle with the stars of Philippine Performing Arts, proving that Generals are indeed a breed of excellent artists. (press release)

_______________________________________________________________________

RMMC Teatro Ambahanon recruits new members through its Summer Dance Workshop. This workshop is free for incoming RMMC Freshmen enrollees. Six new members will be chosen. College scholarships will be granted to successful auditioners. For information and inquiries, see the RMMC Admissions Office.

Teatro Ambahanon displays a trademark structure before an appreciative crowd as Philippine Allstars looks on, at the Main Entrance of CCP after the February 3, performance

Jamming with a full house crowd after the performance inside the Main Theater

City Coop Dev Council Inducted

The City Cooperative Development Council officers were inducted Monday, February 4, 2008 by Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. during the flag ceremony at the City Hall grounds.

Art Aller of the Workers Cooperative of the Philippines (WCP) chairs the council and Co-chaired by Mr. Danilo Paredes. Melvin Tolibas of the General Santos City Government employees' multi-purpose cooperative was elected as the vice chairman, Mila Eugenio-GSTENPC treasurer and Emma Gatmaitan of Land Bank of the Philippines as auditor.

The officers sworn to perform their duties and responsibilities in accordance with law provided for the cooperatives in front of the city government employees.

Aller and the other officers' challenge is the hosting of the 9th National Cooperative Summit in October where around 5,000 delegates are expected to arrive have in the city and join the 3 days activity.

The city hotels and lodging houses can only accommodate half of its expected participants. The council encourages the residents here to cooperate in the "Home Stay Accommodations" which will answer the deficiency of the City's Accreditation.

"If we will be able to maximize the support from residents in the city, we can accommodate roughly around 10,000 visitors", said Aller.

Mayor Acharon on the other hand encourages the participation of local government employees and civil society in the said program so as to invite more groups to conduct their seminar here in the city.

It is a known fact that the city government supports the small and micro entrepreneurs. Acharon believes that leadership of the CCDC such endeavor will succeed with the aid and cooperation of the civil society.

Newly inducted offices are optimistic in meeting the necessity for the summit before the month of October. They are also hoping for the cooperation of everyone in achieving the goals of the council. (CPIO-ALJVillanueva)COOPERATIVE COUNCIL. GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. inducts into office the new leaders of the City Cooperative Development Council during the Flag Raising Ceremony of city government employees on February 3, 2008. The city is hosting the National Cooperative Summit this year where it expects more than 5,000 delegates. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor's SOCA airs live over cable & radio

Everything is set for City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr.'s delivery of his State of the City Address (SOCA) on February 7, 2008 at exactly 9:00 in the morning.

Timed during the regular session of the City Council at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall, the city mayor's office have invited multi-sectoral representatives including business leaders, heads of NGO's and NGA's to the event.

A wide screen will be set-up at the lobby of the city hall to accommodate walk-in visitors and government employees. Chairs will be provided at the area including the balcony of the second floor.

For those who couldn't be there, the mayor's SOCA could be seen LIVE over SkyCable's Kapamilya Channel 28 (with replays in the evening) and heard simultaneously over radio stations, Bombo Radyo, Radio Mindanao Network, DXCP, RPN DXDX, DXGS, Bay Radio and K101.

The full transcript of the address will also be published over the city's print dailies and weeklies. It can also be downloaded from the city government's website at http://www.gensantos.gov.ph immediately following the mayor's delivery.

This is to ensure that everyone can have access to the more important points in the city mayor's review of his administration for 2007 and a preview for 2008 and beyond.

For more inquiries, please contact the City Public Info Office at 302-2309. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

MEDIA TAPPED FOR SOCA. City Mayor Jun Acharon while being interviewed by news reporters at his office has tapped all forms of media to broadcast LIVE his State of the City Address on February 7, 2008 which he will deliver at the SP Hall at the City Hall Building. It will be seen in its entirety at SkyCable Kapamilya Channel 28 and heard at various FM and AM stations in real time. Replays will be aired intermittently afterwards while full transcripts will run at the city's print dailies and weeklies. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

DILG to strengthen Barangay Development Councils

City Director Rodolfo Bernardino of the Department of Interior and Local Government disclosed that they are going to prioritize the strengthening of Barangay Development Councils in the 26 barangays of Gensan within the first quarter of 2008.

During the City Development Council Good Governance Committee Meeting this week, Bernardino pointed out that the BDCs are already organized and what is needed is to strengthen them because BDCs are tasked to provide priority listing of projects of every barangay.

He also added that accredited Non-Government Organizations and People's Organizations must be ensured of their seats so that they can participate in the process of selecting projects and programs to be given priority.

He clarified that NGOs and POs must also apply for accreditation with the barangay where they operate.

Meanwhile, former Rep. Mario Aguja, chairperson of the CDC Good Governance Committee, disclosed his plan to hold a one-day Orientation for all barangay captains and department heads to discuss concerns on livability, bankability, competitiveness and good governance.

The orientation is to be scheduled within this quarter of the year. (CPIO/ping aponesto)

Mayor Turns over crime-fighting car

NEW CRIME-FIGHTING CAR. Gensan City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. turns over a new patrol car to Joint Task Force Gensan HQ Commandant Major Evacuado during the flag ceremony at the city hall grounds on February 4, 2008. The mayor has committed to release more vehicles this year to the Philippine National Police. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

City Intensifies investigation on GenSan Bomb Blast

City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr., with PRO 12 Regional Director, CSupt Felizardo Serapio, Jr. and City Director PSSupt Robert Po, CEO VI in today's Press Briefing has orderdered an intensified investigation on the bombing incident that traspired at 6:40pm on January 30, 2008 outside the fenced property of Philbest Canning Corporation (owned by Rd Group of Companies) in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.

GSCPO investigators were directed to interview the victims including the owners of the two motorcycles damaged by the explosion to gather exploitable information that may facilitate in the identification of the perpetrators or motives behind the incident.

On the previous information that the possible motives for the explosion are extortion and labor/management-related, this could have not been possible. According to Mr. Rodrigo Rivera, Chairman and President of the PhilBest Canning Corporation, their companies and affiliates have never received any demand in any manner from anyone for cash or extorting in "exchange" for "protection".

Mr. Rivera further revealed that they have a harmonious relationship with their employees and that they take care of their workers as members of the family. Nevertheless, our Office will look into a previous labor dispute filed by at least eighteen individuals for "illegal dismissal" against an affiliate company, RD Fishing Industry. The initial decision on this case was favorable to the company owners, however, it is on appeal by the dismissed workers.

The initial findings of our EOD personnel and PRO12 crime laboratory personnel is that the blast was caused by an explosive material of small quantity. From the evidences gathered, a grenade blast is discounted and that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device or IED. The order of detonation is also high is revealed by the gathered pieces of evidence. They are small or minute pieces which means that the IED almost completely disintegrated. The pieces of evidence are being examined and pieced together at the office of CL,PRO12, Their final report on the shape and make of the IED including the type of explosive material will be submitted anytime soon.

Our investigation as of this moment is looking into other possible causes or motives aside from those mentioned. Another report will be submitted as soon as the examination of our EOD and CL personnel will be finished.

The OIC, GCSPO has already directed all COP's of (8) police station/CMG/SWAT to undertake appropriate security measures to all vital installations, economic key points places of convergence and public places to thwart occurrence of same incident within this city.

PRESS BRIEFING. GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. answers a query from a media personnel during the January 31st Press Briefing conducted at the Camp Fermin Lira, Jr. in relation to the previous night's bombing incident in Barangay Tambler. The mayor together with PR 12 Regional Director CSupt. Felizardo Serapio and City Director PSSupt. Robert Po announced that an intensified investigation is still going on with regard to the identity and motives of the perpetrators of the crime. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor Finishes 2nd Module on Toxic Waste Management

Gen. Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. recently finished another round of training seminar on his road to completing a Certificate Program on Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).

The 5-day training course which was on “Chemical Emergency and Preparedness (THW 220)” was conducted by the UP through the National Engineering Center (NEC). This is the 2^nd module in the 4-module program which aims to build the technical capacity of staff from the government and private sectors on the key elements of toxic and hazardous waste management as a requirement for the implementation of RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990).

The mayor has placed Environment Regeneration and Protection in the forefront of his administration’s guiding policies under the SHEEP program and has always been cognizant of the need of the local government to be adept, updated and knowledgeable on issues related to it.

In November of 2007, he finished the program’s first module together with City Planning Officer Engr. Nael Cruspero and will be going back for the 3^rd and final modules next month and March 2008 at the same university in Quezon City. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

TOXIC WASTE MANAGEMENT. GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon assisting his team (where he acted as Incident Commander) in preparing to respond to a hazardous chemical spill simulation at the Clark Development Corporation grounds in Angeles City last January 24, 2008. This activity is part of the 2nd phase of his 4-module course leading to a Certificate Program on Toxic & Hazardous Waste Management conducted by UP Diliman through the National Engineering Center (NEC). (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

TransCo finishes repairs on damaged towers

The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) said it has completed repairs on eight of the nine transmission line towers that were damaged by the recent series of bombings in the Lanao provinces.

TransCo assistant vice president for Mindanao OIC Emmanuel Abellanosa said TransCo’s line crews have already repaired Towers 22, 26, 4, 36, 19, 15, 8 and 9.

“We are now rushing repairs on the ninth, Tower 50, in Lanao del Sur,” he said.

Abellanosa also reiterated that contingency measures to address the situation are firmly in place.

“Although the bombings have affected the efficiency and reliability of our system, we are in control of the situation. If these destructive acts continue, we have a system in place to mitigate a possible prolonged power interruption,” he added.

Abellanosa cited TransCo’s linemen for risking their lives in order to repair the transmission towers and energize the lines at the soonest possible time.

He also thanked the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army contingents assigned in the Lanao areas for their help. “We are constantly in coordination with them in these trying times,” he said. (transco pr)

TransCo Adopts Contingency Measures on felled towers

The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) has activated a number of contingency measures today, January 25, to normalize power supply in the grid following the reduction of its power transmission capacity to various parts of Mindanao due to three separate bombings of its transmission line towers early morning today.

TransCo line crews have been dispatched to the trouble spots to immediately start repairs on Tower 8 and 9 of the Abaga-Tagoloan line in Balo-i, Lanao del Sur and Tower 50 of the Agus 2-Kibawe line in Brgy. Fatima, Iligan City respectively.

TransCo OIC-Assistant VP Emmanuel Abellanosa said TransCo is dealing with the reduced transmission capacity in accordance with its contingency plan. The recent series of bombings have affected the efficient delivery of electricity to several provinces in Mindanao.

“All remedial measures are being done to restore the affected lines at the earliest time possible,” Abellanosa said.

Expanded City Hall sa Barangay Starts

City Hall sa barangay is scheduled to resume this coming January 23, 2008.

City Administrator Engr. Teodorico Dumagan met yesterday with barangay officials and department heads of the city government to thresh out last minute arrangements.

First to be visited will be barangay Fatima (Jan. 23-25) to be followed by barangay Dadiangas North on January 30-February 1.

Administrator Dumagan said City Hall sa Barangay will now be expanded to 3 days. Offices under the different clusters will be deployed to deliver services on separate days.

Barangay residents could now expect an improved service delivery by various offices of government participating in city hall sa barangay activities Dumagan said.

The succeeding CHB schedules will be discussed by barangay captains in a meeting to be called by Barangay Captain Lulu Casabuena, Liga President, next week. (CPIO/ping aponesto)

Mayor's Stand on IRA cut

SOLID STAND. GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. wears a black arm band on his left arm during an interview by ABS-CBN in solidarity with the stand of the League of Cities of the Philippines where he is the Vice-President for Mindanao, against the congress' plan to convert 16 municipalities into cities without having to comply with the laws on cityhood. GenSan will stand to lose about P57 million this year from its IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) increase of P82 million with the plan. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

OFW's form association

Former Overseas Filipino Workers and their immediate family members residing in barangay Fatima were orgaized into an association by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-12) and the OFW Desk of City Hall Wednesday this week.

The 22 OFWs who joined the Fatima OFW Association also participated in the 3-day Capability-building Training and Seminar on Leadership, Value Formation and Team-building held at the Senior Citizens building at barangay Fatima.

The training was facilitated by Ms. Nurul Ashiqin Basman, Family Welfare Officer of OWWA 12 and Ms. Erlinda Abara, OFW Desk in-charge of the city.

The group is beneficiary of OWWAs livelihood assistance. After the training, they are scheduled to start their Groceria Livelihood Project.

This is the first OFW association in Gensan which was lucky to be the beneficiary of OWWAs livelihood assistance program.

Another group, the Barangay South OFW Association, is also scheduled to undergo a separate 3-day training on January 24-26, 2008.

OFWs of Barangay Dadiangas South are also set to benefit from OWWAs Groceria Livelihood Project this first quarter of 2008.
(CPIO/ping aponesto)

City's Biz Permits Collection Increases

General Santos City – The local treasury has recorded an increase in its collection for the first quarter of this year compared to the same period the previous year.

City Treasurer's Office Chief Rodilon Lacap said in a press conference that this year's collection on the renewal of business permits reached P57 million, higher by P2 million compared to the same period last year.

Lacap said that as of January 21, total assessment of the amount collectible has managed to reach P119 million, which is higher by P17million compared to the same period the previous year.

Councilor Jong Gonzales, Committee Chairman on Finance during last week's council meeting, backed the treasurer's claim by reporting that there are a lot of new business registrations this year.

"Media reports that the city did not hit its target collection is not true", he said.

Lacap attributed the increase in revenue collections to the massive tax collection campaign launched by his office and the City Mayor's Office through their "One Stop Shop" Documentation at City Hall.

He is optimistic that his office could surpass this year's target set forth by the Department of Budget and Management.

The Permits and Licenses division has reported a total of 2427 printed permits as of today , 144 of which are new businesses. The figures shows that it is about the same trend last year in the same period.

More than 6,200 business permits were issued last year and has recorded 1,118 new applicants. It is expected that there were still other businesses that will come for renewal in the coming weeks. (GENSAN CPIO)

New Bank Opens in Lagao

NEW BANK OPENING. GenSan City Acting Mayor Florentina Congson (right) chats with One Network Bank President Alex Buenaventura and a bank employee during the inauguration of their new branch at Barangay Lagao recently. Earlier during her speech, she thanked the management for their continued belief in the economic potential of the city and vowed to strenthen the city's support measures for the benefit of new investors, through the Sangguniang Panlungsod. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

SMART VISITORS

SMART VISITORS. SMART Communications' top honchos recently paid a visit on GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. (5th from left) at this office. They discussed possible ways to extend assistance to the mayor's flagship projects, most notably SHEEP which provides computers to the city's public schools and technical support for their computer literacy programs. From left are Engr. Rodel Agustin (Mngr - Subscriber Network Connectivity- Mindanao), Dennis Gatuslao (Senior Mngr, Usage Voice), Kathryn Carag (Mainstream Mktg. Head), Danilo Mojica (Wireless Consumer Division Head), Annie Naval (Marketing Services Head) and Steve Alcoseba (VISMIN Senior Sales Mngr.) (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

New GSC Chamber Visits City Hall

NEW GSC CHAMBER @ THE CITY HALL. New officers of the Gen. Santos City Chamber of Commerce & Industry pay a visit on Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. (seated) on January 17, 2008 where they reiterated their support of the city's economic policies and committed to reinforce their partnership with the local government towards moves to further strengthen the viability and vitality of the city's economy. Standing from left are Raymund Salangsang (Director for Gen. Services), Engr. Manuel F.D. Yaphockun (Director for Real Estate & Construction); Domingo Teng (Director for Fishing & Aquaculture); Jan Ced (President & Director for Information Technology); Pilar Afuang (GSCCCII Executive Director); Thomas Y. Haw (Director for Commerce & Trade); Ms. Bebei Gonzales (Director for Sector-at-Large); and Orman O. Manansala (Vice-President & Director for Financial Sector). (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor tenders dinner for Papal Nuncio

DINNER WITH PAPAL NUNCIO. Gensan City officials led by Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. (standing, extreme right) in a souvenir shot with Papal Nuncio to the Phils. Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams during the welcome dinner for him tendered by the mayor at the residence of fishing magnate Marfin Tan on January . Archbishop Adams is in town upon the invitation of Diocese of Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez to grace the 30th Patronal Fiesta of Sto. Niño Parish in Bula. Also in photo are (standing from left) City Councilors Ramon Milleza, Meg Santos, Nep-nep Natividad, Bing Dinopol, Lulu Casabuena and Orly Oco. Sitting at the front row (from left) are First Lady Dr. Rose Acharon, Monsignor, Archibishop Adams and Bro. Bob Mcgovern, FMS. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor fetes Pasko personages

PASKO THANKSGIVING. Some of the personages who were behind the success of Pasko-sa-Gensan 2007 in a souvenir shot taken during the Thanksgiving dinner hosted by City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. at the Queen Tuna Park last January 11, 2009. From left are Councilor Meg Santos, Assistant City Administrator for Operations Glennville Gonzales, City Engineer's Ofifice's Mylene Gecosala, City Planning Office's Rizza Paces, Congressional Office's Bebe-i Gonzales, and Kagandahan Gensan Chair Dr. Rose Acharon. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Notre Dame Golden Jubilarians Honored

NOTRE DAME GOLDEN JUBILARIANS. Notre Dame of Dadiangas University President Bro. John Tan, FMS (extreme left) with some Golden Jubilarians from Batch 57, who were honored during last month's Grand Alumni Homecoming at the NDDU Football Grounds. The homecoming affair was spearheaded by the Silver Jubilarians from Batch 82 with the assistance of the group of NDDC Alumni Coordinator Chair Mea Dayot. From left are Bro. John, Marcelino Dospueblos, Asuncion Rodriguez, Milagros Robleza, Floradora Abaoag, Janina Tito, Dr. Zenon Plateros and Bro. Robert McGovern, FMS. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Electronic Queuing Machines Ease Up Paying at CTO

ELECTRONIC QUEUING MACHINES. Florentino Magoncia, Lilia Salera and Solomon Vinculado, of the Cash Receipts Divison of the City Treasurer's Office of Gensan are caught in action while receiving payments from their numerous clients who are processing their business permits. Their tasks have been made easier with the installation of the "electronic queuing machines" above them which control and regulate the flow of payment transactions. The local government has set January 20 as the deadline for the registration of business permits. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

US-Based Pioneer's Kin Calls on Mayor

PIONEER'S KIN. General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. in a souvenir shot with (from right) Carmelita Larrabaster-Vinson who flew in from San Diego, California and her sister, Zamboanga-based Shirley, both daughters of Lt. Jesus Larrabaster, former pioneer and overseer of the Marbel Settlement District when it was created on January 10, 1940 under the National Land Settlement Administration. Together with them is (extreme left) Koronadal Program Evaluation Officer Jennifer Malinao. They were guests of the Koronadal LGU which celebrated its Hinugyaw Festival this week. They called on Mayor Acharon to map out the possibility of a program which could strengthen the viability of Gensan and the whole of the Socsargen Area in the areas of commerce and tourism among retiring Fil-Americans. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor Calls First Cabinet Meeting

FIRST CABINET MEETING. General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. (center) is flanked by Vice Mayor Florentina Congson and OIC City Administrator Teodorico Dumagan during his first Cabinet Meeting for the year on January 7th at the city mayor's conference room where priority projects were discussed. 2008 has been declared as "YEAR OF EXCELLENCE" by the mayor, details of which will be explained during his State of the City Address (SOCA) scheduled on February 7, 2008. (GenSan cmo/amanansala/foto by pbernaldez)

GenSan Youth Achievers Proclaimed

GENSAN YOUTH ACHIEVERS. Past & present winners of the GSC Youth Achievers Award pose for the camera after the awarding ceremony for Batch 2007 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall, City Hall. From left to right are Joanna Grace Banting-Lapore (2001 awardee), Jonie Rose Louise R. Wee (In-school youth category high school), Jan Robert D. Acharon of RMMC (college), Hannan M. Masdoc (Cultural Communities category), Jovar G. Pantao (2005 awardee), Jessie Augustus R. Lagon of RMMC (in-school youth college category), Eugene L. Dato-on of the Youth Community Service Club (Young Professionals and Workers Category), Allan S. Remedious (2000 awardee), Alfie Maria Rio-Custodio (2003 awardees), City Youth Affairs & Development Officer Elmer Cequiña, and Faustino Jerome G. Babate, MBA (2001 awardee). (CMO/avel manansala/FOTO from YADO)

VIS-MIN'S Biggest Cold Storage Complex Opens in Gensan

P300M GENSAN COLD STORAGE COMPLEX. Gen. Santos City's Igloo Cold Storage Corporation, the biggest refrigeration warehousing service facility outside of Luzon opened last month with a simple inauguration ceremony graced by (L-R) owner and RD Group of Companies Chairman Rodrigo Rivera, EVP Dolores Rivera, Security Bank First VP Loretta Mangilit, Philbest FVP-COO Roland Salangsang, City Councilor Richard Atendido, RD AVP Richie Rivera and wife Cecille. This P300-million world-class project with its ten state-of-the-art cold storage rooms which can store 10,000 metric tons of frozen resources is located at Barangay Tambler, along the coast of Sarangani Bay. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Just before the year 2007 came to a close, the P300-million Igloo Storage Complex Corporation, another testament to Gen. Santos City's economic boom, opened its doors through a simple inauguration ceremony on December 18, 2007 at its sprawling compound in Barangay Tambler, Gen. Santos City .

One of the forty existing business units under the RD Group of Companies, a wholly-owned Filipino conglomerate based in the country's Tuna Capital, this state-of-the-art refrigerated warehousing complex is the biggest of its kind outside of Luzon, capable of storing 10,000 metric tons of frozen resources.

This facility was designed to handle fresh and processed fish, meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables and other finished frozen products in any of its 10 cold storage rooms, six of which could store up to 1,200 metric tons of materials.

Local government and business leaders including City Councilor Richard Atendido, representing Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr., suppliers and contractors of the company, and the top honchos and employees of the RD Group were among those who graced the inauguration rites.

In his message before a guided tour inside the complex, RD Chairman Rodrigo Rivera said that aside from being equipped with an internationally accepted method of Cold Storage processes, Igloo upholds the commitment to comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements of food retailers and regulatory bodies including those from the European Union and the USFDA, among others.

It has also started to seek accreditation with other international relevant sectors such as Kosher Certifying Organizations, Earth Island Institute, ISO standard bodies and others applicable to its operations, he added.

For his part, Councilor Atendido thanked the RD Group of companies for continuing to support the local government in its goal to provide employment opportunities for the people while vowing in his capacity as a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to be more responsive to the needs of the city's investors. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Pasko sa Gensan 2007 A Colorful Success

CHRISTMAS TRICYCLE WINNER. The grand prize winning entry of driver Juan Calidina at the "Ilawan-ang-Daan" contest of the recently concluded Pasko sa Gensan 2007. (foto by paul bernaldez/aom)

BEST TRICYCLE ENTRY. Juan Calidina receives a cash prize of P15,000 and a trophy from Gensan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. and Pasko-sa-Gensan chair Dr. Rose Acharon after his tricycle entry was judged as the winner in the "Ilawan-ang-Daan" Competition, one of the major events of the recently concluded Pasko Sa Gensan 2007 Festival. (foto by paul bernaldez/aom)

General Santos City – Pasko sa Gensan ended with a high note for the generals and for those who have participated and won in the different competitions held during the celebration.

The month-long showcase of events prepared by the City Government under Mayor Pedro B. Acharon Jr. and his wife, Dra. Rose Acharon, chairperson of Pasko sa Gensan met its aim of giving everyone a more meaningful and colorful way of celebrating the yuletide season.

A triumphant display of talents, creativity, camaraderie, cheer, and sharing ignited the hearts of everyone who shared their time in staging the underwater-themed Christmas Pavilions at the Grand Reef aka oval plaza.

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges's star shone the brightest and grabbed the championship in the Best Pavilion with a Php15,000 cash prize and best centerpiece with Php10,000 cash prize while Notre Dame Of Dadiangas University, Holy Trinity College, Mindanao State University, and Golden State College received Php7,000 consolation prize each.

Pedro B. Acharon Sr. Central Elementary School bested nine other schools in the "Tunog Tambol, Tunog Lira, Tunog Pasko" Drum & Lyre contest held during the December 3rd opening. RMMC High School Department and GSCSPED High School placed second and third place respectively.

In the various Expo Competitions, Emily Duarte won in the Christmas Card contest, Jezhel Rabino for Christmas ornament, Randy S. Ventic in the bottle décor and Kenjie John Dabon for Christmas character design contest.

They received a cash prize of Php2,500 each for their victories. In addition, James Ryan Sarmogenes of RMMC was also victorious in the Ostrich décor contest while Mon Paolo Lanega of NDDU and Julius Seneigo the next two slots.

Gensan Pop Idol 2007 grand finalist Martin Van Honor of NDDU IBED Lagao through his piece "Noche Buena" emerged as the champion in the Pasko Pop Music Fest, a song writing competition b esting Kathleen Kei Eula's "Paskong Gensan" who came in second and Jereme dela Pena's "Ilaw ng Pasko who was third.

2006 winner Juan Calidina still became the undefeated in the "Ilawan ang Daan" Light-Up-Your-Tricycle contest after winning first prize in the same contest again this year. He won the cash prize of P15,000 and trophy. In second place was Norlito Lopez who got P12,000 and Normilito Utlang who was in third place, getting P10,000 in the process.

A lone participating team in the Coastline Course Surveying contest from NDDU became the winner in the said competition and they brought home Php15,000 cash prize.

Hyper Boys outshined eight other teams in the Dance Fusion contest after being named as the grand winner in the said contest. S.P.A. Kalingaw Dancers ranked second place and Extreme Boys was the third placer.

After the successful holding of the annual Christmas extravaganza of the city government, the organizers are thankful for the support of the different groups who have contributed much to the smooth conduct of the celebration.

Mayor Acharon is hopeful that same partnership will be shown in the coming years of Pasko and is encouraging all others to join as one in making Gensan come alive during Christmas time.

Dr. Acharon on the other hand wants to thank all the event managers, the partipating schools and private corporations, the sponsors, the volunteers, the police, military and other peace-keeping forces, the local government and other government agencies, and the Task Force Pasko for ensuring the success of the festival. (CPIO-aljvillanueva)