SMART supports education initiative of Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (29 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (center) and Smart Communications Public Affairs Division Head, Mindanao Area Haydee Bernabe (3rd to the right of mayor) spearhead the orientation of volunteers for the launching of Community Teach project on April 30  at SM City. The Community Teach program is an educational initiative of Mayor Rivera in partnership with Smart Communications to involve the communities around schools in raising the academic performance of children while inculcating good moral values. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Tuna Capital of the Philippines

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 April 2014) – GenSan fishport teems with tuna as City Mayor Ronnel Rivera declares that General Santos City is still the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. This is in reaction to a World Wildlife Foundation report that Occidental Mindoro is the Philippines’ emerging tuna capital because of the region’s significant increase in tuna catch for the past years. In 2011 and 2012, the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and WWF reported that Occidental Mindoro has an average of 600,000 kilos of tuna delivered throughout the Philippines and outside the country. Mayor Rivera quickly debunked
the assertions saying, “there are a lot of factors to be considered before a place can be considered as the tuna capital. This would include the number of canneries and fishing industries present and the rate of tuna export every year.” Six out of seven canneries in the Philippines are situated in GenSan. The fishing company of RD Group of Companies alone has an annual catch of about 10,000,000 kilos which is roughly about 11,000 tons. (Photo courtesy of COCOY SEXCION for GENSAN CPIO)

Mayor Rivera evaluates Barangay Development Plan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera participates in the evaluation of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP) of Barangay Fatima Thursday, April 24. Rivera instructed the technical working group, which includes the police and City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, to immediately finalize their BDP so that it will serve as the blueprint for the priority programs that the city government will focus and provide. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera helps disaster victims

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (21 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (in dark shirt) and Dr. Bong Dacera, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) Action Officer, inspect the aftermath of a twister that struck Barangay Tinagacan Sunday afternoon,  April 20. The CDRRMC reported that as of 3:00pm of Monday, April 21, there are 136 families affected from eight puroks of Tinagacan while there are three persons injured. Twenty-two houses were destroyed. Mayor Rivera has instructed the social welfare, engineering and disaster risk reduction management offices to provide food, water, clothing and other basic needs to the affected families. The mayor also directed the city engineer to immediately reconstruct the destroyed houses mainly made of light materials, and other infrastructures. The financial assistance for the victims will be taken directly from the calamity fund of the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

BHW association officials take oath

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera congratulates the newly-elected officials of Barangay Health Workers in Gensan Association Inc. (BHWGAI) who took their oath of office before the mayor Thursday, April 10, at the Family Country Hotel. Mayor Rivera feted the new officials for stepping up for heavier responsibilities as the body that would represent all Barangay Health Workers in the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mass wedding in Bawing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera officiates the wedding of 24 couples from Barangay Bawing Thursday, April 10. Before their marriages were solemnized, Mayor Rivera informed the couples that the civil wedding will legalize them in the eyes of the law, thus qualifying them to avail of government services for the family. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Twenty-four couples say "I do"

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – Grooms kiss their brides after their mass wedding in Barangay Bawing officiated by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Thursday, April 10. Mayor Rivera told the couples that the civil wedding will legalize them in the eyes of the law, thus qualifying them to avail of government services for the family. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera assures added support for GenSan police

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) of additional support for all the eight police offices spread out across the city.

The mayor visited Pendatun PNP and Lagao PNP to inspect their stations and to see what the police on the ground needs.

Rivera also held a meeting with P/Chief Inspector Edgar Yago, commanding officer of the Pendatun PNP and P/Senior Inspector Benito Rotia Jr., station commander of Lagao PNP.

“I am very alarmed of the escalating crime rates in the city especially of the recent shooting incidents,” Rivera told the two station commanders separately.

In February 2014, the GSCPO posted a total crime index of 355. Out of this figure, 103 cases are labeled under crime against person and 252 are crime against property. 

Mayor Rivera wants to lower the said figure dramatically by strengthening the police force.

“I want immediate and effective solutions for these cases,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera suggested to the police station commanders that they should have a close coordination with the local government in implementing public safety measures in the city.

Rivera suggested that every police station should render a weekly or monthly report regarding the crime trends in their designated areas so that he can consolidate these data and formulate a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

He emphasized to Yago and Rotia that he wants General Santos to be a safe and healthy city for people to rear their families and for businesses to takes place, and their role as station commanders is very crucial.

Rivera also assured the station commanders and their subordinates that the local government will help the local police through additional food and gasoline allowances.

Mayor Rivera will also push for additional patrol cars to augment police visibility in their areas.

He also noted that the buildings and offices used as local police stations are dilapidated and not suitable for office use. Rivera promised Inspector Rotia that he will find resources to help in the refurbishing of the Station 3 Lagao.

“While giving the responsibility of keeping the safety of the public to the police force, we should not also forget that they also have needs that the government should address. Kailangan din ng mga police natin ng suporta lalo na at kakaunti lang sila,” Mayor Rivera said.

In General Santos, the estimated ratio of police to civilians is 1 is to 100.

“In keeping the city safe, it should be a collective effort of everyone. We should not give the burden alone to the police or any public safety units” Rivera added. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera hosts youth conference

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (09 April 2014)  - “You will be the next me” -- these are the words City Mayor Ronnel Rivera imparted to the youth participants of the 1st Youth Conference at KCC Convention Center Monday, April 07. Mayor Rivera stressed that he is working hard together with city government officials and employees to pave a bright future for the next generation. The 1st Youth Conference is part of the 1st Gensan Summer Festival which highlights activities to rear the youths’ involvement in civic activities.  (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera holds talks in police stations

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (09 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera visits Police Stations 1 and 3 of the city Monday, April 07, to look into the essential improvements that are needed in the police force to deter crimes. During his talk with PCI Edgar Yago and PSI Benito Rotia Jr., commanders of Police Station 1 and 3, respectively, Mayor Rivera pointed out that coordination between the local government and the police is necessary in maintaining public safety. Rivera is also scheduled to visit the rest of the police stations in GenSan. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Riveras celebrate wedding anniversary with City Hall employees

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 April 2014) – The city’s first couple Mayor Ronnel Rivera and his wife Jane Gollon-Rivera celebrated their wedding anniversary last Friday (April 04) together with employees of the local government unit.

It was the couple’s 16th year of marriage.

City Hall employees treated the couple to a surprise party.

City employees offered roses to the first couple while serenading them.

Employees were also tickled pink when the first couple would grant their request to kiss each other.

It is the first time in the history of  General Santos City that an incumbent first couple celebrated their wedding anniversary at City Hall.

The couple was also subjected to a “compatibility test” by the employees to see how well they really know each other.

Every time the couple got the correct answers, employees would shriek with glee.

Mayor Rivera and Ms Jane got all the answers correct; except when the mayor assumed that “adobo” is the favorite delicacy of his wife.

 “We are really surprised that they (employees) had this party for us. Natutuwa talaga kami because ang daming taong nakisaya sa amin,” Mayor Rivera said.

Ms Jane also said, “actually, sanay kami ni Ronnel na magcelebrate na kami lang dalawa. Nung may mga anak na kami eh medyo dumami na kami mag celebrate at ngayon, marami na talaga ang nakikisaya.”

“Even though he is the mayor now, Ronnel is still thoughtful. Yung mga paalala niya sa mga bata at sa akin, kahit sa text lang yun eh malaking bagay na iyon sa akin,” the first lady added when she was asked to describe her husband.

“Kahit parati ko siyang kinukulit eh di siya nagagalit. Pinagbibigyan niya lang ako sa mga gusto ko,” she added further.

“Kung gaano siya (Mayor Rivera) ka generous sa inyo eh mas generous siya sa akin,” Jane happily told City Hall employees.

Mayor Rivera also narrated that like any other family, their 16 years of marriage has experienced troubles and challenges. He said that their love for each other and for their kids was their key to overcoming marital obstacles.

The first couple reminded everyone present to remain in love in marriage. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Sen. Angara lauds GenSan’s poverty reduction thrust

By Michelle Ann Gonzales

GENERAL SANTOS CITY  (05 April  2014) - Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara lauded City Mayor Ronnel Rivera’s thrust of poverty reduction through  women empowerment during the Women’s Month Culmination Wednesday (April 02) at the Oval Gymnasium.

“Women nowadays have shown an exemplary performance in leadership and various decision makings. This shows that we are beginning to recognize that women are full and equal partners of men in development and nation building. If we continue this, we can improve the condition of our city,” Senator Angara said in his speech.

The senator specifically cited Mayor Rivera’s direction to reduce the poverty rate through intensifying gender and development initiatives. This is anchored on Rivera’s banner program CLEAN GenSan which means “Creating a Liveable Environment for All Generals towards Nation building in GenSan.”

CLEAN GenSan recognizes women and children as the most vulnerable sector of the society who must be empowered and protected by giving them quality government services in health, education and social services.

Mayor Rivera for his part encouraged local undertakings to continually adhere to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which aims “to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, as effective ways to combat poverty, hunger and disease and to stimulate development that is truly sustainable.” (GENSAN CPIO/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

GenSan hosts national hog convention

GENERAL SANTOS CITY  (4 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera welcomed Senator Cynthia Villar and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as he led the opening of the 23rd Hog Convention Wednesday (April 2).

South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) president Chester Warren Tan and National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) president Vicente Mercado were also there to witness the event.

SOCOSPA and NFHFI are the major organizers of the 23rd Hog Convention

Secretary Alcala expressed his gratitude at the enthusiasm that Mayor Rivera showed when it comes to agriculture related initiatives.

Earlier this year when Sec. Alcala was also in the city, Mayor Rivera proposed two projects to the Department of Agriculture for the development of the mango industry and of the Integrated Food Terminal in the city.

"Sana di ka magsawa na makita ako ni Mayor kung ganito," Alcala kidded.

Senator Cynthia Villar, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chair, also thanked Mayor Rivera for inviting her to the hog convention.

In the same event, Mayor Rivera also led the ceremonial slicing of lechon (roasted pig) and the ribbon cutting ceremony which signaled the start of the Trade Exhibits.

The 23rd Hog Convention is the biggest gathering of swine investors and stakeholders in the country. It is a three-day event, starting from April 3 to 5.

Seminars regarding swine herd health management and strategies, updates on the prevention and control of swine-related diseases, consolidation of swine market ideas and schemes will also be held as part of the convention.

SOCOSPA president Warren Tan said he is happy that after 17 years, the city was able to host the Hog Convention.

"Proud tayo after 17 years, malaki na ang pagbabagong narating ng GenSan kaya ngayon ay napili ang city para maging host ng convention," Tan stated.

"There are two factors bakit matagal ulit naging host city ang GenSan. First, dahil ang selection ng city ay cycle and second, dahil nung nakaraan, kulang pa ang hotels ng GenSan para mag accommodate ng at least 2,500-3,500 na participants," he added.

The emergence of Greenleaf Hotel, Sun City Suites, Microtel and Roadhouse hotel have supplemented to the capacity of East Asia Royale Hotel and other existing inns and hotels in the accommodation of the visitors for the convention.

Tan stressed that they want to expand the hog industry in GenSan and the rest of Region 12.

Tan said that every year, there is an increasing production of swine and swine products in the region by not less than 10%.

In the 2013 data given by the Department of Agriculture Region 12, the hog production of Region 12 ranks 3rd in Mindanao and 7th in the entire Philippines.

He is also thankful to Mayor Rivera for the support given by the local government of General Santos City to the hog convention.

"I really appreciate the support of the local government, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, other government agencies and of course to the city mayor. They are all very cooperative"

Aside from staging the expansion of the hog industry, Tan said that he wants to promote GenSan as a hog industry player to help Mayor Rivera make the city as the agri-industrial hub of the region.

A map shown by the DA indicated GenSan as the hub for the market trade of livestock. Products from the areas of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani are delivered here in GenSan before being marketed in Davao, Iloilo, Negros and Cebu.

"With this 23rd Hog Convention, we want to showcase GenSan as a must-visit city. 70% of GenSan's visitors are first timers so we want to take this opportunity to help promote the city's tourism," Tan added. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Senator Villar visits GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera welcomes Senator Cynthia Villar after the latter visited the City Public Library Thursday, April 03. Senator Villar toured the library which was refurbished with the help of a P2 million assistance fund from former Sen. Manny Villar and through the support of Mayor Rivera. Sen. Villar was in the city for the 23rd Hog Convention at SM City Gensan.  (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera, Sen. Angara join Women’s Month Celebration

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) – A rare conversation between City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara takes place during the culmination of Women’s Month Celebration Wednesday, April 02, at Oval Gymnasium.  (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Invest more in GenSan - Jane

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) - The 5th Livestock and Suppliers Night, part of the 23rd Annual Hog Convention of the Philippines Wednesday, April 2, highlights GenSan First Lady and Tourism Council Chair Jane-Gollon Rivera inviting the entire hog industry to invest more in General Santos City. Rivera said that GenSan has "came a long way" in growing itself as a booming city in the South that is why the city is capable of catering to any agri-industrial business that would come here. She also assured them that City Mayor Ronnel Rivera is working hard to create a healthy business atmosphere in GenSan. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

National hog convention in GenSan

ENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (7th from left), South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) president Chester Warren Tan (3rd from left), National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NFHFI) president Vicente Mercado (4th from left) together with Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food Sen. Cynthia Villar (6th from left), Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (5th from left) and DA Undersecretary on Operations, Livestock Jose C. Reano (8th from left) do the ceremonial slicing of two lechon  (roasted pig) to signal the start of the 23rd Hog Convention at the 3rd floor of SM City GenSan Thursday, April 03. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan hosts national hog convention

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel  Rivera (4th from left), Agriculture  Secretary Proceso Alcala (5th from left), Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food Sen. Cynthia Villar (7th from left), South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) president Chester Warren Tan (6th from left) and National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NFHFI) president Vicente Mercado (extreme right) cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of the Trade Exhibits of the 23rd Hog Convention at the 3rd floor of SM City GenSan Thursday, April 03. More or less 78 companies from different lines of business are participating in the exhibit. Some 3,000 participants and stakeholders from all over the country came to GenSan to take part in the biggest convention for swine and agri-industrial business entrepreneurs. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera launches Gensan Summerfest

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera launched the first Gensan Summerfest on Monday (March 31) at Robinsons Place.

“Gensan Summerfest: The First Youth Festival” was devised by Mayor Rivera to improve the erstwhile annual Summerkadahan.

“Summerkadahan is very lacking as a youth activity because it only highlights basketball and volleyball tournaments,” Rivera said.

“Now is the time to change it so that we can involve more of our youth sector in our activities,” he added.

According to the Youth Affairs Division Office (YADO), the Gensan Summerfest is envisioned by the local government and Mayor Rivera to help the youth of the city be socially active, productive and become partners in development.

It is in keeping up with the mayor’s banner program “CLEAN GenSan” (Creating a Livable Environment towards All Generals towards Nation-building).

The GenSan Tourism Council (GTC) headed by first lady Jane Gollon - Rivera will lead the event.

Marjorie Cartojano, GTC member, said that “to sell the city as one of the premier cities in the Philippines, the participation of the youth is critical.”

She emphasized that the activities integrated in the Gensan Summerfest can help boost tourism in the city, as the youth can show why GenSan is an interesting place to visit.

Gensan Summerfest is a one and half months-long activity starting this April up to May.  It will involve youth participants of 13-22 years old. It has an allocated budget of P1.6 million.

According to Lady Manalo of YADO, they have already included various sport activities in Gensan Summersfest such as volleyball, beach volleyball, boxing, lawn tennis, checkers or “dama” and chess; softball, baseball, sepak takraw and football.

The games have three categories: Inter-Barangay, Inter-School and Open category.

 “The Youth in Performing Arts”, a four-events competition that will be held on May 11 at SM Gensan, were added in the line of activities to elevate the field of performing arts as one of the areas in which the youth of General Santos can perform.

Performing arts events are cheer dance, hip-hop dance, beatboxing, and freestyle rap.

Two big symposiums, namely “Youth Conference” and “Youth Coverage” will also take place on April 7 and April 9, respectively. These symposiums are a strategic opportunity to inculcate to the youth about their significance in gearing the city towards development.

The two events are expected to attract more than 3,000 youths from the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera opens Gensan Summerfest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera leads the city government and GenSan Tourism Council in launching the first Gensan Summerfest Monday, March 31, at Robinsons Place. Mayor Rivera explained that Gensan Summerfest is a youth-oriented festivity dedicated to develop holistically the young Generals or residents of GenSan as responsible constituents. The fest also aims to promote GenSan's tourism by letting the youth showcase the reasons why GenSan is a nice place to visit. Starting this April up to May, Gensan Summerfest will hold sports and performing arts competitions, youth symposiums and seminars, and other civic activities for the youth. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

People see peace at last in Mindanao

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014)  - After four decades of conflict in Mindanao, people in GenSan can now see a glimmer of peace thru the signing Thursday, March 27, of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Multi-sectoral stakeholders celebrate CAB signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - To celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday, March 27, different stakeholders in the city simultaneously release doves that signify the start for a lasting peace in Mindanao. Some of these stakeholders are Col. Paterno Morales, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander (extreme right); PSSUPT Manolito Labador, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (3rd from right); Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, Mindanao State University-General Santos City chancellor (4th from right); Fr. Angelo Buenavidez, SOCSKSARGEN Peace Network convenor (6th from right); Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, JTF GenSan Commander (8th from right); and Janena Tito, Indigenous Community and Cultural Affairs Division consultant (10th from right). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan residents gather for CAB signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - After four decades of conflict in Mindanao, people in GenSan can now see a glimmer of peace thru the signing Thursday, March 27, of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera declares war vs. Dengue

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has declared war against the deadly mosquito transmitted disease – Dengue.

Dr. Eduardo Sandig, head of the City Health Office (CHO), said that Mayor Rivera ordered the CHO and other related agencies to help prevent the rising number of Dengue cases in the city

The mayor’s order came after he saw last year’s report which posted a 231% increase of recorded cases compared to 2012.

Sandig indicated that under the banner program of “CLEAN GenSan” (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) of Mayor Rivera, the CHO is required to have functional health programs that would mitigate Dengue and other preventable ailments.

As of March 2014, the city has recorded 344 cases of Dengue six of which resulted to deaths.

“Summer is when mosquitoes are very ‘hot’. They are more susceptible to bite people on this period of the year compared to other seasons,” Sandig explained.

Dr. Sandig also boasted that Barangay West, one of the hotspots for Dengue cases, has still zero reported incidents for this year.

“This success was due to the information dissemination drive we give to the constituents of Barangay West. Aside from that, we also intensify the implementation of ‘search and destroy’ operation to demolish possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” the doctor said

CHO and other related agencies will be going from barangay-to-barangay in their information dissemination campaign and will proceed to different public schools in the city to educate the people on how to combat Dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

“We are also hopeful that we can bring anti-Dengue programs in the regular Barangayan activities of Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera so that we can inculcate to the people the preventive ways of hampering Dengue,” he added.

In the 2014 budget as indicated in the Executive Legislative Agenda (ELA), the CHO has an allocation of P12 million.

“With the support of Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, we can ensure our constituents that we will do everything to make GenSan a healthy and conducive place to live,” Dr. Sandig said. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

IP kids receive assistance

By Michelle Ann Gonzales 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has led a team to the Indigenous People (IP) community of Sitio Datal Salvan in Barangay San Jose to extend help among school children.

Together with Ronnel C. Rivera (RCR) Foundation, the team crossed four rivers and rocky terrains to reach Datal Salvan High School (DSHS), one of the many beneficiaries of Mayor Rivera’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) donation.

The far-flung DSHS has only one classroom made from used tarpaulins repurposed as walls. The usage of the classroom depends on schedule.

This school year they were able to serve 37 grade seven and 52 grade eight students.

Students mostly come from the Blaan tribe.

The school received P20,000 as PTA Donation from Rivera.

Furthermore, the city mayor also pledged to put up more classrooms in DSHS through the Local Government Unit employees unions’ build a classroom advocacy.

“Hangyo lang nako sa atong mga ginikanan nga ibutang gyud ang mga bata sulod sa eskwelahan. Mga bata, paningkamot pud kamo nga mag-eskwela ug magdamgo para sa inyong kaugmaon (My plead among our parents is to send your children to school. Children, also strive to study and dream for your future),” Mayor Rivera said.

The Blaan students, teachers and parents expressed their gratitude to Rivera.

“Nalipay ko nga gitagaan ug prayoridad kaming mga Blaan. Gusto gyud namo makatapos og eskwela (I am happy that we the B’laans were given priority. We really want to finish our studies),’’ said Aljun Melody, student.

To date Mayor Rivera has helped almost 150 IP kids in their pursuit for education including those who were enrolled in the Alternative Learning System.

Aside from the PTA Donation, Rivera also assisted in feeding children in the community through a feeding program by the RCR Foundation.

Two large pots of rice porridge and several packs of candies, biscuits, and pouched juices were served by Mayor Rivera‘s team to the Blaan kids. (GENSAN CPIO/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

Mayor Rivera swears in purok officials

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - Purok officials of the 23 puroks of Barangay San Jose take oath before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on March 19  at San Jose Elementary School. Mayor Rivera posed the challenges that these officials have to take as leaders. Along with that, Rivera assured them the support of the city government especially on projects for education, health and modified social services which are prioritized in the "CLEAN GenSan" (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) platform of the mayor. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera delivers check to remote village

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - The Datal Salvan National High School, another far-flung public school in General Santos City, receives a check from the PTA Donation program of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and the Ronnel C. Rivera (RCR) Foundation. Datal Salvan is a purok situated on a plateau atop the mountain ridges of Barangay San Jose. Datal Salvan National High School was prioritized by Mayor Rivera to be a part of his donation program to help the needy but deserving Blaan students there. All in all, Rivera has helped almost 150 Blaan students in their pursuit for education including those who were enrolled in the Alternative Learning System. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Kids enjoy Mayor Rivera’s feeding assistance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - Aside from the PTA Donation in Datal Salvan High School in Barangay San Jose on March 19, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera also helps in feeding children in the community through a feeding program by the Ronnel C. Rivera (RCR) Foundation. Two large pots of rice porridge and several packs of candies, biscuits, and pouched juices were served by Mayor Rivera to the Blaan kids. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo

City government holds 1st Health Sanitation Consultative Forum

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - City Administrator Arnel  Zapatos talks about the CLEAN GenSan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) banner program of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera before the city's health stakeholders during the 1st Health Sanitation Consultative Forum at Sarangani Highlands on March 20. In line with CLEAN GenSan, Zapatos emphasized that for the sanitation program to be implemented successfully, they must operate in partnership and in synergy with the city government which prioritizes such areas. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

ALS student, 64, thanks Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - Linda Melody Cano, 64, the oldest student of the Alternative Learning System (ALS), expresses her gratitude for the visit of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera at Datal Salvan High School in Barangay San Jose on March 19. Cano said she is not ashamed at enrolling in ALS despite her advanced age because she wants to learn. Mayor Rivera’s education agenda under "CLEAN GenSan" (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) aims to help people like Cano by assisting the Department of Education in improving the accessibility of public education to all constituents by augmenting the number of classrooms, school facilities and even the number of teachers. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

New public high school to rise in GenSan

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 March 2014) - A new government-funded high school is set to rise in General Santos City.

This is after the city government donated a 1.3-hectare land at Barangay Calumpang to the Department of Education (DepEd) -GenSan to be the site for a new public high school in the city. 

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signed the deed of donation on March 12.

Witnessing the event were DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mario Bermudez, DepEd GenSan division supervisors and City Housing and Land Management Office head Mary Ann Bacar

Also present to witness the signing were Barangay Calumpang Chairman Reynaldo Salubre and students, faculty and staff of General Santos City National High School (GSCNHS).

The new school will be constructed at Opring Village, Barangay Calumpang in a land formerly owned by the Cahilsot family and has been purchased by the city government for P4.9 million.

The new school will be named as the Calumpang National High School, an annex of GSCNHS

ASDS Bermudez disclosed that the DepEd  has allocated P9.5 million for the construction of  two- storey building in the said area. One building will be consisting of four classrooms.

Bermudez said that the DepEd GenSan is just waiting for a resolution coming from the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) that authorizes Mayor Rivera to donate the land before they begin the immediate construction of the school buildings.

Bermudez said that the new school’s target is to accommodate as much as 1,000 students. 

During the event, Mayor Rivera bared his educational programs such as the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Development Initiative (ECCDI) to daycare centers; the Community Teach of Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino (AKLAT) Office; the incoming Project 100 which will aim to erect 152 classrooms in the city; the launching of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) Jobs Fair in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); the collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council for the Entrepreneurship Program for high school students; and his own PTA and Armchair Donation programs. 

SDS Gildo Mosqueda said "it will be great help for the DepEd GenSan in investing in quality learning system in the public schools of the city." (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera OK’s first phase of transport scheme

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 March 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera formally started the first phase of the implementation of the city transport scheme Monday (March 17).

During the first phase, teams from the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), GenSan's Task Force Transportation and hired surveyors will implement a "traffic count" to determine the number of plying vehicles in the city.

Glenville Gonzales, assistant department head of the City Administrator's Office, said that the figures will be used by the LCP as preliminary data for analysis and interpretation to have a scientific basis for the transport master plan.

The systematic approach was specifically ordered by Mayor Rivera so that the transport plan as well as the city's other traffic system plans will be based on scientific data and studies, not on guess work.  

"We need that. We can’t just craft a transport system without being backed by scientific studies," Gonzales said.

The composite team doing the traffic count is composed of more or less 110 personnel, divided and designated into eighteen different intersections and main lanes of the city.

These lanes include the four entry points of GenSan (Apopong, Bawing, Tinagacan, Buayan), Upper Silway Bridge, Lower Silway Rivera, Catolico-RTC NLSA, Catolico-Tiongson St., National Highway-Leon Llido St., Aparente-Yumang, Aparente-Salazar, Pendatun-Osmena, Roxas-Osmena., Pedro Acharon-Bulaong, PhilAm-Makar Siguel Road, Aparente-Nunez, San Pedro St.-National Highway Lagao, and Pan Phil Highway-National Highway.

The traffic count will be conducted 24/7 for one week to monitor every plying vehicle -- both public utility vehicles (PUVs) and private vehicles.

Bicycles and trucks will also be counted.

The traffic volume or the number of passengers riding the public transport vehicles from point of origin to destination will also be tallied.

A specialized gadget for traffic volume assessment called "transit wand" will be used by the team for the entire duration of the traffic count to ensure the margin of error will be minimized.

For the analysis of data up to the creation of the transport scheme, the LCP will coordinate with the city government team composed of Gonzales, Engr. Teodorico Dumagan, City Councilor Arturo Cloma, and engineers from the Office of the Building Official with Mayor Rivera himself as overall chairman.

Consultants from the University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies will also assist in designing GenSan's transport plan.

Four workshops will be conducted to discuss the data that were extracted from their studies.

The GenSan transportation scheme is free and funded by the World Bank through the CDS Council with the LCP as the implementing agent. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Summer Youth Olympics coming up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 March 18 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Socsksargen Peace Network (SPN) headed by Fr. Angelo Buenavidez tackle the Summer Youth Olympics. This coming April, a football summer clinic organized by the SPN will be integrated to the Summer Youth Olympics along with other sport programs. Mayor Rivera pushes for the revival of the Oval Grounds to be a venue for football tournaments. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)