MAITUM, Sarangani (October 18, 2010) – Some 60 members of the Confraternity of the Passion of Jesus of General Santos City take a break from their religious activities to experience the beauty and nature of Maitum Sunday, October 17. Most of the members are senior citizens. (Beth Ramos-Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 18, 2010) – Provincial Security Guard Roldan Gerodias checks on the content of one of the 600 sacks weighing 25 kilos per sack of mineral ore from a 10-wheeler truck intercepted by joint forces of 73rd Infantry Battalion and Sarangani local government unit at Seguil Bridge 9:00pm Sunday, October 17, transported from Everlasting, Lomuyon, Kiamba town. Governor Migs Dominguez said the apprehension is part of the government’s duty to regulate, monitor and become strict implementers of mining laws. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 18, 2010) – Fr.Michelle Tacoque, Sto. Nino Parish Priest, gives a certificate of appreciation to Sr. Maria Fe Rollo, SMSM, for her effort in sharing her ideas about the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Sunday celebration October 17. Looking on are officers of the Parish Pastoral Council. (Beth Ramos-Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 18, 2010) – A Holy Mass is celebrated by Fr. Michelee Tacogue during the Indigenous Peoples Sunday celebration October 17. The Holy Mass was attended by a thousand Tbolis in sitio Antam, barangay Upo. Maitum celebrated the Indigenous Peoples Sunday with a program, parlor games and a hearty lunch. (Beth Ramos-Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

MATALAM, NORTH COTABATO—Infrastructure projects don’t have to be “big ticket” in order to have an impact. Relatively small, but strategic infrastructure improvements can have a dramatic impact on productivity and thus can create livelihood opportunities in underdeveloped rural areas. For example, an irrigation canal upgrade implemented by the Matalam municipal government in partnership with USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program is helping farmers in this Central Mindanao community to improve rice production and, consequently, their incomes. “Malaking tulong ang project na ito sa amin [This project is a big help to us],” said rice farmer Nashrudin Kandalayang, who is a board member of the Malamote Irrigators Service Association, the project’s promary beneficiary. Before the project was built, Kandalayang recalled, farmers were experiencing low yields, as the aging Malamote irrigation system suffered from high seepage loss and frequent siltation. “Mahina ang daloy ng tubig at laging barado ang canal. Kailangan araw-araw linisin [The water flow was weak and the canal always clogged. We had to clean it every day],” he related. The municipal government of Matalam submitted a proposal to the GEM Program, asking for help in upgrading the irrigation canal system. Under its Barangay Infrastructure Project (BIP), GEM works in partnership with local governments to construct community infrastructure—such as boat landings, post-harvest facilities, water systems, trading centers, barangay bridges and footbridge—in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority. As its counterpart contribution to the irrigation project, the Matalam municipality committed to shoulder 25 percent of the project’s total cost, while the association committed to maintain and operate the facility. The GEM Program concreted a 1.16-kilometer section of the irrigation system in Barangay Central Malamote, and constructed turn-outs and road crossings to allow small farm equipment, such as hand tractors and threshers, to cross the canal. The project was completed in November 2009. According to Kandalayang, the project has been a boon to local rice farmers, who are now enjoying significantly higher yields. Prior to construction they would harvest only about 45 to 50 sacks of palay per hectare. Following the irrigation system’s improvement, he said, farmers are harvesting from 95 to 120 sacks per hectare. “Dumoble ang aming kita [We have doubled our incomes],” he said, adding that most of the association’s 150 members had been able to purchase new farming equipment with their additional income. He and his wife plan to use their earnings for the education of their three children. Kandalayang said that the improved irrigation has also helped to dispel tension within the community. “Dati nag-aaway away ang mga miyembro dahil kulang ang tubig. Ngayon, maganda na ang samahan at nagkakasundo na ang lahat [Before, members used to have altercations because of the low water supply. Now, they get along very well].” The irrigation facility is among the 123 infrastructure projects the GEM Program has built with local farmers in the province of North Cotabato, a demonstration of the continuing commitment of both the Philippine and U.S. Governments to foster peace and development in Mindanao. GEM

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 16, 2010) – The 25 participants from barangays Poblacion, Malbang, Kanalo, Lumasal, Amsipit, and Lumatil are now TESDA-certified skilled workers who completed the three-day basic skills training in carpentry, masonry, and plumbing thru the program of Kalahi-CIDSS implemented by DSWD held at Gimena’s Place in barangay Colon Thursday, October 14. “I would like to congratulate the participants who passed the training, sana ito na ang simula ng kanilang pangarap na makaahon sa kahirapan at mabigyan ng magandang bukas ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Mayor Jose Zamorro said. Kalahi-CIDSS is the national government’s flagship poverty–alleviation project which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay through the financial support of the World Bank. “Actually hindi matatawag na training ito kasi three days lang, we will just screen them for those who qualified for TESDA (Technical Education and Skills development Authority) certification,” said Engr. Wilnard Quiῆones, deputy area coordinator of Kalahi-CIDSS. “The program really aims to encourage these indigents to become more productive, ang training na ito will be beneficial especially to skilled workers of Maasim to gain employment opportunities,” Kalahi-CIDSS area coordinator Abdullah Lilangan emphasized. Of the projects being implemented, basic social service facilities such as water system, school building, day care centers and health stations top the list. “Sa aking pagkakaalam, may malalaking industrial company na papasok dito sa Maasim, isa na rito ang Conal Holdings Corporation. Through this training kakailanganin talaga ang kanilang mga skills,” said municipal engineer Elisio Diola II. “I would like to thank Mayor Zamorro for being supportive to the implemented program of the DSWD. He understands the situation of our community that is why all out ang support niya dahil nakikita niya na kailangan talaga dito sa Maasim ang mga ganitong programa,” said municipal social welfare and development officer Malou Busano. Kalahi-CIDSS project follows the Community-Driven Development (CCD) model designed to mobilize the capacity of the local people to analyze their own need, manage resources, and implement appropriate interventions. CCD employs strategies that development priorities are addressed in a participatory, collective and inclusive decision-making. In Kalaji-CIDSS, control over resources is in the hands of the poor. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/Joel Pinos)