Free meds now available in Gensan Hospital

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 September 2014) – A pharmacy for the indigenous and marginalized sector in the city was opened by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Monday (September 01) in partnership with the Mahintana Foundation.

Located at the General Santos City Hospital, the Health Plus Pharmacy is a facility that will give cheap but efficient medicines to the poor of the city.

For the indigents who are patients of the public hospital, the Health Plus Pharmacy will give free medicines as long as they are PhilHealth members.

On the other hand, non-indigent patients will be charged with the medicines, but with significantly lower cost as compared to commercialized pharmacies.

Also, seventy percent (70%) of the profit of the Health Plus Pharmacy will go to the local government unit of General Santos City, and the remaining thirty percent (30%) will be to Mahintana Foundation.

Mayor Rivera assured that the medicines of the Health Plus Pharmacy are safe and effective, as they are being supplied by National Pharmaceutical Foundation, Inc.

Accordingly, this pharmacy will soon be constructed in all 26 barangays of General Santos City, as agreed upon on the memorandum of agreement signed last August 25 between Mahintana Foundation and the LGU-GSC, after the State of the City Address of Mayor Rivera.

“This initiative is for us to extend quality and cheap hospital services to the marginalized sector and indigenous constituents of the city. I want to improve more our public hospital and regain the trust of the people to it,” the mayor said. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City Health Office goes automated

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 September 2014) – The time of processing the City Health ID will now be drastically cut short, as the City Health Office (CHO) has started its systems’ automation.

With the assistance from the Information and Communications Technology Division (ICTD) of the City Mayor’s Office, the CHO launched its City Health Information System Monday (September 1).

This information system of the CHO will automate and hasten the release of City Health ID, reducing the process from days into less than an hour.

The City Health ID is one of the most time consuming requirements to get a Mayor’s Permit—a necessary item before an individual can get work or employment in the city.

But even with the computerized process the other requirements for the said ID still remain, such as medical laboratory tests and a half-day seminar regarding basic health and sanitation.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, who was present during the launching, was one who first tried the automated system. It just took less than 10 minutes before the ID was fully processed.

“I am happy that gradually, we are heading to that goal of making our LGU offices fully automated and computerized. In this way, we can serve our constituents in a much faster, efficient, and convenient rate,” Mayor Rivera stated.

Dr. Benjamin Pagarigan of the CHO said that the launching of the information system is an initiative they have taken, in line with the thrust of Mayor Rivera to fully automate the offices of City Hall.

Pagarigan also added that the system will also simplify the profiling and data-banking of every individual who acquire services from the CHO and the public hospital as well. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan gears up for ASEAN 2015

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 September 2014)  – While the city gears up for the coming of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) this 2015, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera assured that General Santos City is ready for the outcomes it would bring.

In a press conference last Tuesday (August 26) for the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) this September 1-3, Mayor Rivera explicated the implications of the AEC or ASEAN Integration.

Mayor Rivera specifically mentioned the main objective of the ASEAN Integration in 2015 is to create a unified market among ASEAN Member States (AMS) through an unhampered flow of investments, services, and goods. He also said that all entrepreneurs within the AMS can operate in the entire ASEAN region without work permit.

By this, the mayor explained that Gensan will be opening its doors for ASEAN products and services without import duties by 2015.

But even for these information, Mayor Rivera still admitted that the integration may still bring other unexpected outcomes, especially to the economy of the city.

“It is still uncertain what the ASEAN Integration will bring to us, but I will make sure that Gensan will be taking advantages of it,” Mayor Rivera said.

Because of this, the mayor outlined what preparations the city is doing to seize the possible opportunities in 2015.

He said the Sangguniang Panlungsod has recently approved the new Local Investment Code of the city which will make Gensan more business-friendly for investors.

Mayor Rivera has already tasked different organizations such as the SMED Council in equipping small entrepreneurs to be more competitive and aggressive in the ASEAN market.

The Department of Transportation and Communications is expected to grant the General Santos City International Airport P900 million for the construction of a new terminal building by next year.

The construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2015 until 2019.

With this, several airline services are already eyeing additional Manila-Gensan direct flights.

In the recent Port Summit organized by Mayor Rivera, the Philippine Ports Authority and different stakeholders proposed a P1.3 billion budget for the modernization of the General Santos City Port.

As of now, there is an on-going construction for the development of the western wharf and is expected to be completed this year. Underwater structures were re-enforced and railings were also added.

Mayor Rivera constantly works hand-in-hand with the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCII)  in addressing the issues that surround the port such as the route of vessels, shipper’s fee and the inadequacy of facilities that will cater to the various shipments and cargos.

The GSCCCII is eyeing to work out the Gensan-Davao-Tahuna-Bitung Port Connectivity.

Along with this, the mayor is pushing for the construction of the Integrated Food Terminal, as this will be the consolidating area for the different products across the region.

Mayor Rivera also confidently declared that Gensan will have a stable power supply by 2015 and up to the next five years. This will support the city for the possible influx of new businesses.

With the entry of PeakPower Plant, the power issue in Gensan is expected to be mitigated before the year ends.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has already committed that the city will get higher power supply this 2015 from the NPC.

On the other hand, companies like San Miguel and Aboitiz are on their way to construct additional power plants that will augment the 1,300MW dependable power supply of Mindanao. Their aim is to increase the island’s energy supply up to 3,000MW. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan marks death anniversary of General Paulino Santos

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 September 2014) - A plaque with an inscribed SP Resolution No.413, Series of 2014 is handed by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles to grandson of General Paulino Santos, Amado Munda, on Friday (August 29). The resolution was for the purpose of commemorating the 69th Death Anniversary of the founder of the city, General Paulino Santos. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

General Paulino Santos remembered

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 September 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera honors the late General Paulino Santos in the latter's 69th Death Anniversary commemoration Friday (August 29). Together with the descendants of the founder of the city and other pioneers, Mayor Rivera led a wreath-laying ceremony to the monument of General Santos. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

All set for Tuna Congress

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 September 2014) - In a press conference held at Rosewood Convention Center on Friday (August 29), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera confidently bared that the city is beefed up and ready for the 16th National Tuna Congress this September 4-5. It is expected that the Tuna Congress will draw a thousand national and international fishing delegates and stakeholders. One of the topics that will be addressed in the congress is the issue of sustainability of the tuna catches as the ASEAN Integration 2015 closes in. (Gensan CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera cites vital role of Barangay Lupon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 August 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera acknowledges Barangay Lupons or mediators for their role in the peace-keeping process during a DILG Seminar for Efficient Mediation on August 28. He said that effective mediation can help in declogging court dockets. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Petalcorin is Gensan’s newest boxing pride

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 August 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera congratulates  Gensan's new boxing champion Randy Petalcorin who won the WBA Interim Junior Flyweight belt from Panamanian Walter Tello on August 26, at Mercedez Benz Arena, Shanghai, in China. (Gensan CPIO/
Russell Delvo)

RMMC teachers, student-volunteers back Community Teach

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 August 2014) - Hundreds of teachers and student-volunteers from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges are lauded by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on August 28 for their eager participation to the re-launching of the Community Teach. This time, the Community Teach program of Mayor Rivera, Department of Education (DepEd) Gensan, and Smart Communications will cater to incoming Grade 3 students from the public elementary schools within the heart of the city. (Gensan
CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan to host MinBizCon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 August 2014) - In a press conference Tuesday, August 26, for the upcoming 23rd MinBizCon this September 01, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera says he is gearing the local government unit of General Santos City for the ASEAN Integration 2015. He said that this will be an opportunity for the city to "grab its dream" to become an Agri-Industrial Hub in the entire Region 12. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera lauds MSMEs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 August 2014) - During the 6th Yaman Gensan Awards on August 23, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera praises the small and medium enterprises for their role in helping the economy of the city. He also emphasized that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been the partner of the local government in improving the business atmosphere of Gensan. (Gensan CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Gensan gets P2.3M for Child Development Center

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 August 2014) - Due to the active implementation of Early Childhood Care and Development Initiatives (ECCDI), the local government unit of General Santos City received a P2.3 million assistance for the construction of its Child Development Center. 

Representatives from the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) came over to the city on August 19 to hand the said amount to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, with the presence of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

According to ECCDC, Gensan was chosen because it “intensely promulgates and implements ECCD schemes,” compared to other cities in the country. 

ECCDC also added that Gensan is among the few cities that passed the criteria set by the council with respect to the cash assistance grant. 

For the past years, the CSWDO has already made requests to the ECCDC to fund the construction of a Child Development Center in the city. But this was denied because they did not meet the qualifications.

It is only in the time of Mayor Rivera that the request has been finally granted. 

In his administration, Mayor Rivera prioritizes education as one of his major agenda. 

One of his educational thrusts is the Alay sa Kabataang Generals, Lahat ng Alaga at Talino-Early Childhood Care Development Initiative (AKLAT-ECCDI), in which the mayor envisions that every child 3-5 years old will be given enhanced and equal opportunity in every Day Care Center.

As of now, more than 6,000 ECCD Checklists have been distributed to different day care centers in the city, given free by the LGU-GSC through Mayor Rivera. (Gensan CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

68 years later, elementary school gets land title

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 August 2014) - The West Central Elementary School (WCES), one of the topnotch public schools in the city, has finally received its land title after 68 years of waiting. 

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera handed to principal Renato Odi, representative of Department of Education (DepEd Gensan), the land title of WCES on August 18.

The school has been in the same plot of land since December 1946, but it does not have a title due to issues with previous school administrations. It was also attributed to the slow processing by former city administrations. 

Principal Odi expressed his gratitude to Mayor Rivera for hastening the release of their school's land title.

"Sixty-eight years is too long already for us not to have our land title. Finally, we have it now and I am thankful to the city mayor and the DepEd for making this possible," the principal said.

"When I wrote a letter to Mayor, channeled through Councilor Rosalita T. Ñunez for our request, he immediately approved it. Subsequently, DepEd Gensan Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosquesda has also given his approval for our land title," Odi added. 

WCES has a land area of 16,927sq.m. with an estimated value of P238 million. 

As for the mayor, he said that he will do his best to help fix the "problems that surround the public schools in the city."

"The local government is working hand-in-hand with DepEd Gensan to improve the educational system of the city," Mayor Rivera emphasized. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

People’s Day with Mayor Rivera, Alma Moreno

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 August 2014) - Beneficiaries of the People's Day of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera have never been so blessed as they get an opportunity to meet-and-greet actress/politician Alma Moreno Tuesday, August 19. Mayor Rivera invited Moreno, chairperson of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), to discuss the upcoming PCL National Convention that will be hosted by the city this September. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

IPAM pledges support to Mayor Rivera

 GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 August 2014) - Members of the Indigenous People Alliance Movement (IPAM) appear before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Tuesday, August 19, and pledged their support to his administration. They also denied their involvement on the claims of other group regarding fake land titles, in which they said, the latter have been the using the name of the IPs for personal gains. (Gensan CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Gensan to host PCL national convention in September

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 August 2014) - The president of Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Alma Moreno and councilors from General Santos City and Sarangani convey to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera that GenSan has been chosen as the host city for the upcoming PCL national convention this September. Moreno also told the city mayor that they expect some 3,000 participants would attend the convention. Many councilors across the country, she said, want to "experience Gensan". (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Child Development Center to rise in Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 August 2014) - The Early Childhood Care and Development Council, a devolved organization of the Department of Education (DepEd), grants P2.3 million to the local government unit of General Santos City (LGU-GSC)  through City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Tuesday, August 19, for the construction of the Child Development Center in the city. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Youth Day celebrated in Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 August 2014) - In line with the International Youth Day on August 8, the Youth Affairs Division of the Local Government Unit of General Santos City (LGU-GSC) organized a symposium regarding the Freedom of Information attended by the youth sector of the city. During the event, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera outlined his programs for education, as well as the stand of the LGU-GSC on the issue of the freedom of information and government transparency. (Gensan CPIO/Russell Delvo

Yaman Gensan gears up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 August 2014) - During a press conference Monday, August 18, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council and the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) announce that they are all geared up for the 6th Yaman Gensan Awards this coming Saturday (August 23). City Mayor Ronnel Rivera also expressed support to the event while citing the relevance of such in paying tribute to the different enterprises in the city. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Community Teach Program benefits kids

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 August 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera presents some of the 40 new beneficiaries of the Community Teach Program of the local government of General Santos City, in partnership with Department of Education (DepEd) Gensan and Smart Communications. These kids are incoming Grade 3 pupils of West Central Elementary School. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

At last, public school gets land title

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 August 2014) - Stakeholders of West Central Elementary School (WCES) headed by its principal, Renato Odi, are all thankful to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as he finally handed their school's land title on Monday, August 18. WCES has waited for 68 years before receiving its land title due to some impediments in the process encountered in the past. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mobile space planetarium to tour Gensan schools

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11August 2014) – Recognizing the need of students to have deep learning and interest in the field of science, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera supports former Senator Nikki Coseteng and her first digital space planetarium caravan here in the city. This is a free mobile space planetarium that will tour different public schools in General Santos starting second week of August. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

JTF Gensan changes command

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 August 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera witnesses the change of command ceremony of the incoming commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Gensan Col. Paterno Reynato Padua and OIC-JTF Gensan outgoing commander Col. Orlando Labutong at the JTF Gensan headquarters in Barangay Bula on August 8. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce donates 8 classrooms to city

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 August 2014) - A MOA-Signing takes place between City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and South Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce officers Sunday, August 10, for the latter's donation of 8 classrooms for the different public schools in the city. During the event, the Filipino-Chinese community also pledged their support to the mayor in his thrust to create a better educational system in Gensan. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Day care centers receive ECCD Checklist

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 August 2014) – After delivering his State of the City Address (SOCA), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, together with Councilors Ramon Melliza and Shandee Llido-Pestaño, continues to fulfill his promise to serve the constituents of the city by distributing Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) Checklist to two Daycare Centers at Barangay Batomelong. This ECCD Checklist is the first uniform module in the entire country that will help track the learning of young children. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera’s first SOCA, big success

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (7 August 2014) – The first-ever State of the City Address by Mayor Ronnel Rivera was greeted with applause and compliments after what could only be described as a huge success.

The executive report Rivera delivered Tuesday (August 5) before the Sangguniang Panlungsod and thousands of government officials and employees, guests and constituents focused on the improvements in the areas of education, health, social service and local economy – all identified as areas of priority for his administration under his CLEAN Gensan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) agenda.

Mayor Rivera also highlighted achievements of the city government under his administration for the past year. 

On education, Mayor Rivera reported that he has already distributed 4,000 armchairs to different public schools and built 40 classrooms in collaboration with the Department of Education. 

"These initiatives," the mayor said, "is to address the backlogs of school equipment and facilities."

The mayor also reported that after more than a decade the General Santos City Hospital has re-opened its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the help of the P67 million fund from the Department of Health (DOH). The same budget also paved the way for the mayor to open additional Operating Rooms and the refurbishment of Hemodialysis Clinic and Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Clinic.

Mayor Rivera also bared several data that depict the growth of the local economy, with the help of the tuna industry and increased local revenues. He described this period of General Santos economy as one that is akin to a golden age of opportunity for business. 

Ordinary local government employees were happy that the mayor included the performance-based incentives they are wishing for.

Even City Hall department heads expressed their gratitude to Mayor Rivera for citing their achievements in their respective departments.

Mayor Rivera indicated in his SOCA that it would be impossible for him to   create progress without help from everyone -- public and private groups alike.

City Councilor Elizabeth Bagonoc voiced her elation for the first SOCA of Mayor Rivera. "It is my first time to attend a SOCA that is well-received by the constituents of the city," Councilor Bagonoc said.

Despite the numerous successes that Mayor Rivera has made during his first year as the city mayor, he still humbly said that there are still a lot of challenges waiting ahead that needs to be solved and hurdled.

Aside from this, Mayor Rivera also left a message to his co-workers in government, reminding them to "give to the public what is due to them."

The mayor also left a promise, saying: "Dili ko kamo pakyason" (I will not fail my constituents).

The SOCA earned more than 60 rounds of applause as well as a long standing ovation in the end.  (GENSAN CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City hospital, education, social services priority - Mayor Rivera’s SOCA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 August 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera delivers his first State of the City Address (SOCA) Tuesday, August 5, at Lagao Gym highlighting the inroads the city have made for the past year of his administration. Mayor Rivera especially pointed out the improvement of the city hospital, education, and the social services being ran by City Hall. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera thanks SP as partner in progress

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 August 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera stands proud with the entire 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) led by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles after he delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) Tuesday, August 5, at Lagao Gym. In his speech, Mayor Rivera thanked the entire SP family being the partner of his administration for the city’s progress. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

San Miguel Brewery donates “Silid Pangarap” and school building

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 August 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Pinky Aquino-Abellada, sister of President Aquino and AGAPP chairperson, join the AGAPP (Aklat, Gabay,Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa) Silid Pangarap Blessing and Turnover of School Building at Conel Central Elementary School on July 31.This school building was donated by San Miguel Brewery thru the initiative of AGAPP. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera welcomes IP Representative to city council

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - After decades of waiting, the indigenous community here in the city finally got a representative in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

On the afternoon of Tuesday (July 22) at the City Hall lobby, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera made good on his promise to provide a voice for members of the Indigenous People (IP) in the city.

Blaan chieftain Mario Empal took his oath as the official IP Representative of General Santos City in front of the mayor, city councilors, LGU-GSC employees, and different IP groups.

“I am thankful that Mayor Rivera had pushed for an IP representation in SP. We asked this for a very long time and it was only now that this was realized—when Mayor Rivera is already the mayor of the city,” Empal said.

Representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) also witnessed and certified the legality of putting Kagawad Empal in one of the seats of SP.

According to the DILG, Section 16 of RA 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 says that the State shall ensure that all Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and IPs must be given a mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.

The DILG ascertained that there was no irregularity in naming Empal as the IP representative and as the 13th city councilor of the 17th SP.

This thrust of Mayor Rivera is also supported by the SP through Ordinance No. 8 authored by City Councilor Rosalita Nunez.

The ordinance outlines the need for an IP representative in the city, as well its functions and responsibilities.

In the said ordinance, Empal will have a three-year term which officially started on the day of his induction.

“I am happy that for how many years and administrations, we finally have an IP representative in the SP that will push the welfare and rights of our IP constituents,” Mayor Rivera said.

“But aside from that, I also expect Councilor Empal to also help in resolving the problems that affect the city, such as of the poverty incidence. Since he is in the SP already, improving the lives of every General should also be his utmost priority,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera is also hoping that the next IP representative would come from other indigenous tribes here in Gensan.

Councilor Empal assured the city mayor that he will do his role to be the voice of his fellow IPs and ICCs. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Blaan chieftain is new city councilor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) – Blaan chieftain Mario U. Empal (center) takes his oath of office Tuesday, July 22, before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as the 13th city councilor being the Indigenous People’s (IP) representative to the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP). After so many years, it is only now that the IP representation in the SP has finally been realized. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

City highway brightens up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera speaks after switching on the new 180 LED streetlights of the Hadano Park-to-DARBCI highway Monday, July 21, as part of his streetlighting project. In this 4.5-km stretch, LED lights illuminate numerous establishments such as the Mindanao Polytechnic College, Holy Trinity College Annex, the Citi Hardware, and some adjacent residences. Also, 105 temporary sodium streetlights were simultaneously lit up in the 1.3-km Makar-to-Hadano Park while the LED streetlights are still not in place. As of July 22, the electrification and street lighting project of Mayor Rivera in partnership with the City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, and SOCOTECO II is already 60% completed--with a running cost of P14,451,125 out of the P27,971,394 earmarked for the project. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Day care centers get child devt checklist

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - To fully push the Early Childhood Care Development Initiative (ECCDI), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera distributes Child Development Checklist (CDC) to 32 day care centers at Barangay Calumpang Tuesday, July 22, during their Nutrition Month celebration. This checklist serves as a unified teaching module for all day care centers in the city to enable young children learn faster and more efficiently. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Irineo Santiago High School reports SOSA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera conveys his thrust towards improving the educational system of the city to the students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders during the State of the School Address (SOSA) of Irineo Santiago High School Tuesday, July 22. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera joins Nutrition Month celebration

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera takes part in Barangay Calumpang's Nutrition Month celebration Tuesday, July 22, which was attended by different day care center contingents. The city mayor told the parents and teachers that it is important to keep their kids nourished and healthy. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera reports educational reforms

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera reports his on-going educational projects to the parents, teachers, and students of Katangawan Central Elementary School during their induction of Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) officers Thursday, July 17. The mayor also conveyed to them that he strengthened his ties with the Department of Education (DepEd) Gensan to fully realize his aim to raise the educational system of the city. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan celebrates disability prevention and rehab week

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera leads the local government unit of General Santos City in celebrating the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Thursday, July 17, which was participated in by over 600 persons with disabilities (PWDs) from different schools and barangays. The city government, in partnership with private organizations, rendered free services for the PWDs such as medical check-up and feeding program. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

13 families relocated by Mayor Rivera

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 19, 2014) - Carmen Villarosa, 50, a former resident of Purok Matinabangon, Barangay Labangal, an area beside the Silway River, expressed her joy after she and her family were relocated to Promise Land Village at Barangay Mabuhay with the help of the local government led by the city mayor.

Due to the succeeding swelling of Silway River, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera ordered a mandatory relocation of residents living within the 10-meter "no residential zone" of the said area. This 10-meter no residential zone is from the main river to the riverbank where Purok Matinabangon is located.

The Villarosa family is among the13 families relocated to Promise Land on Wednesday (July 16).

The most recent flooding that struck the river was on June 30 which had scoured the foundations of Silway Bridge resulting into its one-day closure. Also, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRM) reported at least 20 families were affected during the flooding.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the standard "no residential zone" should be 25 meters away from the river, but has limited it to 10 meters after considering the plea of the residents of Purok Matinabangon.

In the case of Carmen, her family is among the 13 families that were identified by the City Housing and Land Management Office (CHLMO) and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) that are living in the danger zone of the river.

Carmen is happy that she and her family are finally relocated here in Promise Land, knowing the dangers of living in the Silway riverbank.

"We lived there for 21 years already. We had experienced a lot of floods already and it really scared us," Carmen stated in vernacular.

"For many years, we have been requesting the local government of General Santos City to relocate us to a safer place, but it is only now, when Rivera is already the city mayor, that we have been finally relocated," Carmen divulged.

The Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit organization, has also helped in the relocation of the families. They have provided the materials for the construction of their new houses in Promise Land.

The Promise Land village is a government-owned relocation site that has the basic amenities that makes it conducive for living such as electricity, water system, and paved roads.  (GENSAN CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera accelerates city's development with PPP

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (17 July 2014)  - The local government unit of General Santos City has partnered with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center for the development of the city as the trade hub of the region.

On Tuesday (July 15) at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, and PPP Center representative Atty. Sherry Ann Austria signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will help LGU-GSC in engaging PPPs, specifically on agri-industrial projects.

The MOA, known as the "Integrated Economic Development of Regional Trade in General Santos City", is an approved project supported by SP Resolution 535 that aims to expedite the development of the city's agri-industrial sector.

In this agreement, the PPP Center will provide assistance to the local government in fast tracking the implementation of PPP projects and programs. This involves the provision of technical assistance, trainings, and capacity development to LGU-GSC.

An Internship Program Strategy will also be employed by the PPP Center in training specific LGU-GSC departments so that they will learn the technicalities in implementing PPP programs in the city.

PPP Center is an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority.

"One of the problems in implementing PPPs here in the city is that no one has the exact knowledge on how to do it. This assistance coming from the PPP Center will be a great help so that we, in the local government, can finally engage knowledgeably in such ventures," Mayor Rivera said.

The mayor also stressed the importance of PPP in the development of the city.

"There is a need for us to adopt PPP projects and initiatives in the city. We don't operate with an unlimited budget; that is the reason why we have to find ways to develop the city, and for now, engaging in a PPP would be beneficial," the mayor pointed out. 

A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) on the Integrated Economic Development for Regional Trade in General Santos City was already commissioned by the Cities Development Initiatives for Asia (CDIA) in response to the request of LGU-GSC to pre-assess the economic situation of the city.

The city mayor targets to have linkage with private entities for the construction of an Integrated Food Terminal (IFT), as well as the development of farm-to-market roads, support facilities and the refurbishment of the General Santos City Public Market.

"Our goal here is to make Gensan as the Agri-Industrial hub of Region 12. In doing so, we also want to give opportunities to small enterprises as well as open employment to the constituents of the city," Mayor Rivera surmised. 

Finally, the mayor clarified that engaging in PPP is not a step towards privatization.

"All of these facilities are still owned by the public even though we enter in PPP projects. We just ask help from the private companies to assist us, but it doesn't mean that they will assume ownership. It is a given consensus between them and us," Mayor Rivera affirmed.  (GENSAN CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)