12 Beat

07/08/2025

Kidapawan City has emerged as the top local government unit in SOCCSKSARGEN for directly purchasing goods and services from community-based organizations (CBOs), including farmers, fisherfolk, women’s groups, and 4Ps beneficiaries.

Through the Negotiated Procurement–Community Participation (NPCP) modality, the city has procured over ₱17.6 million worth of agri-fishery products and services as of June 2025.

Mayor Jose Paolo M. Evangelista emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusive procurement, which supports local livelihoods and food security.

The initiative is part of the DSWD-led Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program.

Kidapawan’s agricultural market and trading center was also recognized in the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards for its innovative approach to hunger reduction.

The city’s EPAHP-City Convergence Team, composed of various government offices and institutions, continues to strengthen community engagement and inventory local produce to sustain the program’s impact.

(Story link in the comments)

07/08/2025

Content creator and musician Elias Lintucan Jr., along with members of the Elias J. TV Band, has filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court in Kidapawan City on August 7, seeking to nullify their management contract with former manager Beverly P. Labadlabad.

The petition also requests an accounting of finances, damages, attorney’s fees, and a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against Labadlabad.

Following the filing, Elias and his team held a press conference with their legal counsel, led by Atty. Israelito Torreon, to clarify the nature of the contract and the circumstances surrounding their decision to pursue legal action.

Labadlabad’s camp also held a separate press briefing to present their side of the story.

In a Facebook post, Labadlabad wrote: “Business is business not a joke! Sila ang lumapit! Gusto sila rin ang aalis hanggat gusto nila! Maayong gabie.”

Elias confirmed that Labadlabad still has access to his official Facebook account and page. When asked about rumors of an intimate relationship with his former manager, Elias declined to comment. He also refrained from answering further media questions, leaving Atty. Torreon to address the legal aspects of the case.

The controversy between Elias and Labadlabad has gained traction online in recent months, fueled by speculations about their alleged relationship, booking disputes, and issues involving Elias’s family.

📷 Ronalyn Torreon/Facebook

06/08/2025

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 12 has partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to strengthen its campaign against disinformation and misinformation.

The collaboration was formalized during the “War on Truth: A Consultative Forum” held at Camp Gen. Paulino Santos, in Barangay Tambler, GenSan.

PIA Region 12’s Christian Matullano led a session on fact-checking, emphasizing the role of media and law enforcement in empowering communities to detect false information, especially on digital platforms.

The initiative, part of the 30th Police Community Relations Month, aims to build a well-informed and resilient society through education and strategic communication.

The forum equipped police personnel with tools to identify and counter misinformation, reinforcing public trust and safety in the digital age.

(Story link in the comments)

06/08/2025

Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat — Hundreds of students from across Soccsksargen participated in the school-based Disaster Resilience Caravan led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 12, held at Lambayong National High School.

The initiative, part of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (RDRRMC) efforts, aimed to instill a culture of resilience among youth through interactive learning sessions, emergency drills, exhibits, and contests.

The event highlighted the four pillars of disaster risk reduction—prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery—while fostering hands-on engagement. OCD Region 12 DRRM chief Engr. Diego Laguna emphasized the importance of involving youth as future leaders in disaster management.

Organized in partnership with DepEd, BFP, DOST, MGB, PRC, and local DRRM councils, the caravan also commemorated National Disaster Resilience Month, reinforcing the government’s call for proactive disaster preparedness amid climate challenges.

(Story link in the comments)

06/08/2025

📣CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: 2026 NCCA Competitive Grants Program – Online Technical Assistance

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Program Management Division, invites all interested groups, organizations, and individuals to join the Online Technical Assistance Session for the 2026 Competitive Grants Program Call for Proposals on August 14, 2025.

This session aims to guide prospective proponents through the application process, provide clarity on project requirements, and answer queries.

📆 Date: August 14, 2025

🕛 Time: 9:00AM & 2:00PM

💻 Platform: Online (link to be provided upon registration)

👥 Who may attend: Cultural workers, artists, arts organizations, academic institutions, and LGUs (potential proponents of 2026 Competitive Grants Program) interested in submitting a grant proposal for 2026 implementation.

📝 Registration is required. Kindly register online through this link:

https://forms.gle/SjknuyVQ5nSDJcu17

❗Deadline of Registration: August 13, 2025

Register online to be part of the Technical Assistance for the NCCA's 2026 Competitive Grants Program Call for Proposals. This is intended to guide applicants in preparing complete and eligible proposals. Open to LGus, NGAs, NGOs, IPOs/POs, and Individuals Date: August 14, 2025 (Thursday) Venue: Zoo...

05/08/2025

A recent fare advisory from the city’s Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) has reignited tensions between commuters and tricycle drivers, revealing deep frustrations over fare enforcement and economic realities.

The advisory reminded the public of the official fare: ₱15 for the first four kilometers, plus ₱1 per succeeding kilometer, as mandated by City Ordinance No. 8, Series of 2023.

But many commuters say the rule is routinely ignored, with some drivers charging ₱20 or asking passengers to name their fare.

While some residents called for stricter enforcement and faster complaint channels, others sympathized with drivers facing rising fuel costs and limited passenger capacity.

The TEU acknowledged the challenge, citing limited personnel and a surge in unregulated units operated by non-local drivers.

The fare debate underscores a broader struggle: balancing policy with the lived realities of GenSan’s streets.

(Story link in the comments)

05/08/2025

The city government will begin apprehending tricycles operating without valid franchises or expired Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permits (MTOPs) starting August 18.

The Public Safety Office and Philippine National Police will lead the crackdown, targeting “colorum” units that lack proper documentation.

Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao emphasized that operators were given ample time and simplified requirements to comply, yet many remain unregistered.

As of early August, only 2,600 units renewed their MTOPs, with just over 2,000 applying for new franchises—far below the estimated number of active tricycles.

Legal drivers have voiced concerns over unfair competition, while the city tightens border checks to prevent out-of-town units from operating illegally. Operators are urged to complete their documents to avoid fines or impoundment.

(Story link in the comments)

| via Guia A. Rebollido/MindaNews

04/08/2025

Coffees from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur are among the top 10 winners in the National Selection for the Southeast Asia Green Coffee (SEA Green) Competition, held from July 22–25, 2025, at the Specialty Coffee Depot in Davao City.

The competition featured three main categories: Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa/Liberica. Judges evaluated coffee entries from various regions across the country based on quality, uniqueness, and overall excellence.

A total of 65 entries were submitted: 52 Arabica, 12 Robusta, and 1 Excelsa.

The winning entries will represent the Philippines in the SEA Green international competition, scheduled for October in Sultan Kudarat province, where they will compete against selections from other Southeast Asian nations (excluding Cambodia).

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Top 10 Winners – Robusta Category:

• Roan Basco (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Idelberto Deramos (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Reyjohn Basco (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Denz Bert Deramos (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Orlando Bayudan (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Ricky Sagayno (Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental)

• Catherine Joy Alipit (La Trinidad, Benguet)

• Junerd Ambay (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat)

• Elizar Lucariza (New Cebu, Macagong, Maragusan, Davao de Oro)

• Elmor Jay Seguma (Lebak, Sultan Kudarat)

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Top 10 Winners – Arabica Category:

• Cherry Gil Cabanday (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Janet Escalera (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Finca de Garces (Pangantucan, Bukidnon)

• Josephine Libres (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Salome Milagrosa (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Cyril Jerome Almanzor (Amai Manibilang, Lanao del Sur)

• Marcia Elumirag (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Jenny Morales (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Jhon Lawrence de la Cerna (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

• Lowell Padrones (Bansalan, Davao del Sur)

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Excelsa/Liberica Category:

Angelbert Cortes (Cavite State University) was the sole winner in the Excelsa category.

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SEA Green is a platform dedicated to celebrating the quality and diversity of Southeast Asian coffees. It aims to connect producers with global markets while fostering excellence, innovation, and collaborative learning within the international coffee community.

The Filipino Coffee Institute (FCI) served as the country selection partner for SEA Green. In collaboration with Specialty Coffee Depot, FCI organized the national selection in the Philippines.

(photo from Specialty Coffee Depot/Facebook)

04/08/2025

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has announced that SOCCSKSARGEN’s population reached 4,462,776 as of July 1, 2024, based on the latest census results declared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Proclamation No. 973.

The region’s population growth rate rose to 1.55% from 2020 to 2024, up from 0.55% in the previous five-year period.

Provincial Breakdown:

• Cotabato: Largest population at 1.29 million; Kidapawan City (160,864) and Midsayap (115,735) lead in urban and municipal counts.

• South Cotabato: 1.01 million residents; Koronadal City (201,844) is the most populous.

• Sultan Kudarat: 863,651; Isulan tops municipalities with 101,455.

• Sarangani: Lowest population at 580,915; Glan is the largest town with 117,017.

• General Santos City: The region’s only highly urbanized city, with 722,059 residents.

Nationally, the Philippines’ population stands at 112.7 million. The census, conducted from July to September 2024, included Filipinos abroad.

(Story link in the comments)

03/08/2025

Maria Edna B. Solivio, founder of Punta Isla, sat down to recount the inspiring journey behind her iconic lakeside resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She reflected on its humble beginnings, the challenges they faced along the way, and the resilience that fueled their success.

From navigating early setbacks to expanding into a thriving hospitality enterprise, Solivio’s story is a testament to vision, perseverance, and community-rooted growth.

Maria Edna B. Solivia, founder of Punta Isla, sat down to recount the inspiring journey behind her iconic lakeside resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She r...

03/08/2025

In a recent episode of the video podcast In Focus, Yadu Karu sat down with Maria Edna B. Solivio, founder of Punta Isla Lake Resort, to explore the inspiring journey behind her iconic lakeside resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Solivio shared how the resort began with modest roots, the challenges they overcame, and the resilience that shaped its growth.

Among her proudest achievements is empowering her Tboli staff to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity—making them feel seen, valued, and proud of their heritage.

Punta Isla has not only become a beloved destination but has also played a vital role in positioning the Municipality of Lake Sebu as a key player in Region 12’s tourism industry.

From early struggles to becoming a flourishing hospitality enterprise, Solivio’s story is a powerful testament to vision, perseverance, and community-driven success.

Yadu Karu is a writer, publicist and content creator known for his advocacy-related work, particularly in SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) region. He features interviews, news, and stories highlighting various social issues, cultural topics, and inspiring individuals.

(Video interview link in the comments section)

03/08/2025

Chamber President Miguel Rene A. Dominguez projected a strong economic future for General Santos City, citing a 6.2% GDP growth that surpassed the national average.

Speaking at the General Membership Meeting and Induction of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCII) on August 1, Dominguez credited the city’s resilience and key sectors like canned and processed tuna for driving momentum.

He highlighted the billion-dollar Panhua Steel investment in the Alsons Kaidec Economic Zone—the country’s largest FDI in three years—as a major boost for jobs and investor confidence.

Dominguez also pointed to rising investments in housing, retail, and PPP projects, alongside infrastructure upgrades such as the airport expansion and Makar Port privatization.

Emerging ICT and BPO sectors were identified as future growth areas, with calls for digital infrastructure and skills training to retain local talent. Dominguez urged stronger public-private collaboration to sustain progress and position the city as a regional economic hub.

The event also marked the induction of new chamber members and provided a platform for business networking.

| source: GenSan Chamber of Commerce -