Asik-asik entry wins PAGCOR photography competition

A photograph of Asik-asik waterfalls in Alamada, North Cotabato has been adjudged as one of the grand winners of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s National Photography Competition last month.


The winning photo was taken by Ernestina Jacinto from Quezon City. The awarding ceremonies was held at the Airport Casino Filipino in Parañaque City on July 16, 2013.

Asik-asik waterfalls in Alamada. photo by sidney nanini

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza expressed her profound gratitude to the winning photographer for choosing Asik-asik as one of her entries.

“I feel so delighted that Asik-asik has brought another wonderful chronicle in the history of North Cotabato, I thank Ernestina Jacinto for exploring here in our province,” she said.

The governor added that the Provincial Government of Cotabato is now boosting its tourism capability, considering the Asia’s longest zipline and Mt. Apo is also located in the province.

Forty eight out of 5,500 entries from both amateur and professional made it to the final cut for judging on July 5.

Of the 48 entries, only three photographs were chosen from each of the following categories: People, Customs and Traditions,  Nature, and Structures and Historical Landmarks.

PAGCOR adopted Philippine Tourism’s slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” as its competition theme.
People category depicts human scenes for everyday life and the like, while Customs and Traditions category shows celebrations, festivals, food and similar to.

While Nature category illustrates travel destinations, flora and fauna, natural resources and attractions, outdoor scenery, underwater and the like.

And the Structures and Historical Landmark category demonstrates heritage sites, historical landmarks and the like.

The grand winners each received PhP75,000.00 and a trophy. The 36 remaining finalists each received certificate of merit and PhP20,000.00 as consolation prize.

In his statement posted at PAGCOR’s website, Chairman Cristino Naguiat, who is also heading the panel of judges, said it was pretty challenging for almost all of the photos showcased Philippine’s unique character, fun, beauty and tradition.

Naguiat added that with what he saw in the exhibit, there are still a lot of undiscovered natural wonders in the country.

PGCot conducts SRA, partners with Davao’s top BPO

This year, the Provincial Government of Cotabato partners with one of the top contact centers in Davao City through a Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) held at the Capitol gymnasium on August 20-22, 2013.



The recruitment activity is a way of introducing North Cotabato’s 99^th Founding Anniversary themed “Nagkakaisang Lakas Tungo sa Matatag na Bukas,” which will kick-off on August 26.

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza conveyed her acknowledgement to CONCENTRIX for choosing North Cotabato as their hiring target.

“This initiative is really intended to help Cotabateños get better and quality jobs, as it will give break to undergraduates who wish to work in a long term basis. I am confident that many of you will make it,” in her inspiring statement.

Taliño-Mendoza also told the applicants to strive hard and focus in their interviews.

Facilitated by the Provincial Human Resource and Management Office, around 500 applicants, 18 years and above, are expected to flock at the recruitment venue.

Conversant in English, must have undergone at least two years in College, and a bonafide Cotabateño – these are just some of the simple qualifications the company requires for their newly hired employees.
After passing series of interviews and examinations, the successful candidates shall undergo project training to enhance their communication skills and project know how.

Rose Marie Moreno-Beltran, Senior Human Resource Head for CONCENTRIX Davao, and a Cotabateña as well, said they have high hopes that many will get appointed through this one time recruitment in the province.

Moreno-Beltran encouraged more applicants to submit their resumes as this activity will last until Thursday.
In her final statement, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Governor Taliño-Mendoza for collaborating with their company, and for giving them the opportunity to realize the employment capability of the people of North Cotabato.

“Our company has many benefits to offer our successful recruits, we have very competitive compensation packages, relocation and training allowances, and free board and lodging all throughout their training period in Davao,” she added.

One of the qualified applicants on the initial day of hiring said, “I felt so nervous because it was my first job interview after graduating in college, and now I am excited and ready to take my training”.

Qualified applicants will start their first day of training by next week.

CONCENTRIX Davao is a business outsourcing company established eleven years ago, with almost 700 workforces under operation and administration offices.

Kalivungan Feature: Kulintangan Extravaganza

Kulintang is a Maguindanaon term referring to an ancient instrumental form of music in a form of gong kettles. The gongs are laid horizontally to create a kulintang set.

Kulintangan Extravaganza in Pikit last year. PGO File Photo

In North Cotabato, Kulintang is played by some artistic and skillful moslem brethren to uphold their manifestation of their rich cultural heritage.

A musical presentation called “Kulintangan Extravaganza” will again hold attention to Cotabateños on this year’s 99^th Founding Anniversary hailed as Kalivungan Festival 2013.

The musical showdown aims to re-establish and develop Kulintang as component of indigenous cultures in the province.

Kulintangan will be executed by talented musicians teamed by four or five members. Each plays the kulintang itself, a dabakan, a gandingan, an agong, and a pamandil which is optional.

It is played by striking the bosses of the gongs with two wooden beaters harmonized by other instruments.
Three pieces – the Tinidto, Binalig, and Sinulog will be performed by the instrumentalists in maximum of two minutes per melody.

Professional and skilled musicians will judge the contest through identification of style, melody, and synchronization.

The competition will be facilitated by the Local Government of Pikit chaired by Board Member Dulia Sultan, and will be held at Pikit Municipal Plaza on August 29, 2013.

TUCP, PGCot grants 2.5M covered court once more

With high hopes and faith, residents of Barangay Marbel in Kidapawan City felt gratified for receiving 2.5M worth of covered court from the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) last week.

The turn-over ceremony was scheduled in time with Marbel’s 66^th Founding Anniversary themed “Pagkahiusa, Dalan Ngadto sa Kalambuan.”

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J.Taliño-Mendoza came to personally visit the residents and handed out the said facility. TUCP Representative Raymund Democrito Mendoza extended his warm greetings to the people of Marbel through the governor.

In her message of support, Taliño-Mendoza said the ceremony is a true ensemble of a genuine public service, adding that the provincial government is really working hard to bring services to its constituents, with the help of TUCP Partylist.

Apart from the many covered courts distributed in the past three years of her administration, the Governor enlightened the residents how TUCP Partylist rendered support to the Provincial Government of Cotabato.

She further added that TUCP also contributed in the distribution of green multi-cabs to the many barangays.
In line with the upcoming barangay election, Taliño-Mendoza also emphasized how important cooperation and support among residents are, in inspiring the provincial and city officials to strive more in bringing the necessary services for their village. She clearly advised the people not to ruin their relationship with each other just for politics.

Both the barangay officials and some city officials were able to attend the event.

Barangay Chairperson Allan Pancho in his acknowledgement said he was so glad that finally their village received a big project like this. He thanked Governor Taliño-Mendoza and TUCP Representative Mendoza for giving them the chance to show their support to the present administration.

Pancho also guaranteed that people from Marbel will continue to shore up the programs of the government.

2^nd District Board Member Cris Cadungon was also present during the turn-over.

Matalam beats 5 on kalivungan street-dancing comp 2013

Proud students of the Matalam National High School representing LGU Matalam beats five other contingents of the Kalivungan  street-dancing competition 2013 at the North Cotabato provincial grandstand yesterday morning.

Matalam’s Grupong Mascuvado champs Kalivungan’s Street-dancing competition 2013 at the North Cotabato Provincial Grandstand on Sept. 1, 2013

Around 25,000 people comprising parents and relatives of the participants, barangay, municipal, city, and provincial officials of North Cotabato, and guests and visitors from other provinces flocked together to witness the major event of the long-week festivity.

Six delegates battled for the most awaited event of North Cotabato’s 99^th Founding Anniversary hailed Kalivungan Festival 2013: the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Kabacan, Matalam, Makilala, Carmen, and the lone city of Kidapawan.

Matalam bagged Php150, 000.00 cash and a trophy for the grandprize. Carmen received PhP100,000.00 cash and a trophy for the 2^nd prize. While Kabacan gets PhP75,000.00 cash and a trophy for the 3^rd prize.

All six delegates each received a plaque of recognition and a subsidy worth PhP20,000.00.

Of the three top placers, Matalam depicts “grupong mascuvado”. Mascuvado is a spanish term for the sweetest sugar generated out of sugarcane, the major product of their town.

Carmen ensembles “Grupong Pulangi” and Kabacan represented the “Grupong Kabaceños”.

In the middle part of the competition, 3^rd District Board Member Ivy Dalumpines delightedly introduced Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Estrada as the guest of honor.

Senator JV Estrada expressed his appreciation to the warm welcome of the people of North Cotabato especially to Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza for the successful conduct of the occasion.

He took the opportunity to thank the people of Cotabato for supporting him during the May 2013 election, making him ranked 3^rd in the province beyond other senators.

“Because you have endowed and greatly contributed on my victory, I will make sure that your province will benefit my legislations, this will serve as your incentive in return for choosing me as one of your policy-maker,” he said.

“We will work hand in hand in uplifting the economic stability of your province,” in his final message.

Meanwhile, Governor Taliño-Mendoza announced that the upcoming Centennial celebration of the Kalivungan Festival or the 100^th Founding anniversary next year will be a grandiose and pompous one.
She said the Provincial Government of Cotabato is looking forward into making the events bigger, more enjoyable, and entertaining.

Given this, she also made known that the same day is the launching of the 100^th Founding Anniversary of North Cotabato.

After the launching, the Provincial officials proceed at the ground breaking and capsule-laying of the Centennial Pavilion and Centennial Museum at the capitol grounds.

The Cotabato Hymn entitled “Ok sa Cotabato”, composed and performed by the MAKI-RUDY band was also officially launched.

This year’s champ will compete on the Aliwan Festival at Pasay City while 1^st runner-up will contend for Sinulog Festival in Cebu, both conveying Cotabato Province.