Mayor Rivera delivers 100 armchairs to Tinagacan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (7 February 2015) - The Tinagacan Elementary School receives 100 armchairs from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and RD Foundation Inc. Thursday, February 5, through the "Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko" Program. This initiative was started by Mayor Rivera himself to fill in the 14,000  inadequacy of armchairs in the public schools of the city. (Gensan CPIO/Russel Delvo)

Mayor Rivera: Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 7, 2015) – "Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!"

This was the short, sincere and heartfelt message written by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on the memorial wall for the "Fallen 44” or the members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP - SAF) who were killed in a deadly operation in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Mayor Rivera was present for the ecumenical service for the Fallen 44 at the Camp Fermin Lira Thursday (February 5) to show his respect and salute the SAF troopers. 

With stern words, the mayor also outlined his support for a thorough and honest investigation as to what really had transpired during, before, and after the Mamasapano encounter.

“We should know first who had the shortcomings, who were those that made the wrong call,” the mayor said.

"I think it is proper for them to face charges,” he added.

 “What we are seeking here is peace and order. Those 44 men did a valiant job in seizing Marwan but of course, that didn’t justify their death,” Mayor Rivera emphasized. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera, RDFI pledge 7,000 additional armchairs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (7 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, along with the RD Foundation Inc. (RDFI), committed to give 7,000 armchairs to further lower the armchair deficiency in public schools within the city.

As many as 3,720 school armchairs are expected to be donated by Mayor Rivera and RDFI after the end of March 2015.

It was revealed during the Education Summit last year that the scarcity of armchairs here in Gensan has reached up to 14,000.

Under the program of “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko”, Mayor Rivera is pursuing to end the inadequacy of armchairs in city schools.

This means that 14,000 out of the 139,000 public school students in Gensan have no armchair to sit on, decreasing their viability to learn and study.

Through the “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko”, the mayor will close the gap into half, making it easier for the DepEd Gensan to provide the rest of the supply.

The ones who are constructing these armchairs are selected persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) here in the city. They were hired by the RDFI to do this project to give them profitable livelihood.

Each of these chairs cost around P700.

By the end of March, the total expense for the 3,720 armchairs is around P2.6 million.

The funding for this program does not come from RDFI or Mayor Rivera alone; several businesses and institutions were also tapped to take part in this initiative.

The far-flung Upper Labay Elementary School is the first recipient of the “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko” this year. They received 128 armchairs Wednesday (February 4).  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City Mayor donates salary to scholars

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 February 2015) - The PTA Donation of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and RCR Foundation resumes again Wednesday, February 4, and this time, the far flung Upper Labay High School becomes its new beneficiary. This PTA Donation is a personal advocacy of Mayor Rivera and carried out by the RCR Foundation to produce deserving scholars through his salary as the local chief executive. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Far-flung public school receives armchairs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera provides 128 additional armchairs to Upper Labay Elementary School on Wednesday, February 4, through his Armchair Donation project in partnership with RD Foundation Inc. This donation aims to fill the inadequacy of armchairs in the public schools here in the city. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Presscon called for infra, peace and order, transportation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 February 2015) - Issues regarding infrastructure, peace and order, and transportation are tackled by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and involved local government department heads during a press conference at City Hall Wednesday, February 4. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Makar Port launches clean, green campaign

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (4 February 2015)  – The Makar Port jump-started its cleanliness revamp through a clean and green initiative launched Tuesday (February 3) by the Philippine Ports Authority – Gensan manager Luis Cuison.

Dubbed as the “Gandang Pantalan sa Gensan”, this advocacy by Cuison aims to transform Makar Port into a clean and environment-friendly place which will complement the upcoming developments in the said facility.

According to Cuison, the entire Makar community will participate in this project, as its effect will be visible not only in the port, but in the entire Barangay Labangal where the port is located.

The Maritime Police, Philippine Coast Guard, South Cotabato Integrated Port Services Inc., and Bureau of Customs are among those who indicated their participation in this program.

Tree planting activities inside and around the Makar Port will be among the initiatives to be taken. Sanitation and waste management policies will be also implemented to maintain and improve the cleanliness of the area.

One of the plants to be planted is the pole bamboo which is said to be very efficient in absorbing air toxins.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, who attended the launching at Makar Port, said that this advocacy is helpful especially on improving the port facility in preparation for the ASEAN Integration this 2015.

“This advocacy will certainly complement the further developments we will implement to the Makar Port as our preparation for the ASEAN Integration this year. Right now, we have around P1.3 billion dedicated for the improvement of our port,” Mayor Rivera said.

“Hopefully, this will make us a beacon for all investors,” the mayor said.

During the event also, the mayor happily announced that through the General Scheme of Preferences (EU-GSP), exports from Gensan can now enter European countries without tariff.

The new PPA manager Cuison came from the Philippine Ports Authority – Puerto Princesa. There, the port won three consecutive years in the search for the most environmental port, winning over 22 other major ports.

Cuison is positive that this year, Gensan will take the title. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Calumpang gets compost machine

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (3 February 2015) – A compost machine amounting to P700,000 was officially handed by the Villar Foundation to Barangay Calumpang Monday (February 2) during the local government employees’ flag ceremony at the Oval Stadium.

This is a project originally sourced by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera from Senators Manny and Cythia Villar as part of the cleanliness drive for the community and to provide necessary livelihood for its constituents as well.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Committee Agriculture and Food, and Mayor Rivera have constant talks regarding possible livelihood projects that can be given to the city. The compost machine is the first one to be given.

                            

According to the mayor, this compost machine will be managed by a women’s cooperative. He already tasked Councilor Dominador Lagare III, the Committee on Cooperatives, Economic Enterprises and Livelihood chair, to keep a close eye on project.

Barangay Calumpang has three public markets and  generates a fair amount of waste every day. This compost machine will be efficient in converting these wastes into fertilizers that farmers could also use.

The machine also has a faster mechanism for decomposing waste products.

The mayor is hopeful that the Villar Foundation has more livelihood projects that Gensan can tap. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Calumpang gets compost machine

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (3 February 2014) - The Villar Foundation gives a P700,000 compost machine to Barangay Calumpang Monday, February 2, during the local government employees' flag ceremony, as requested by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Councilors Dominador Lagare (2nd from right), Mario  Empal (4th from right), Rosalita Nunez (5th from right), Ramon Melliza (6th from right), and Beth Bagonoc (7th from right) received the project from the Villar Foundation on behalf of the city. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

PPA, Makar Wharf get facelift

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (3 February 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Philippine Ports Authority manager Luiz Cusion plant a young pole bamboo in front of the PPA office Tuesday, February 3, as a ceremonial rite for the launching of "Gandang Pantalan sa Gensan Project". (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera supports port clean-up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (3 February 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera indicates his support to the new clean and green advocacy of Philippine Ports Authority manager Luiz Cusion dubbed as the "Gandang Pantalan sa Gensan Project" Tuesday, February 3. The mayor said this initiative is important in the further development of Makar Port in preparation for the ASEAN Integration this 2015. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Training for Gensan Rescue 727

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 February 2015)  - In partnership with the City Mayor's Office - Integrated Barangay Affairs, Bong Dacera, action officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, lectures about Rapid Community Response Project before different barangay representatives on January 28. This four-day seminar is under the Gensan Rescue 727 program of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to make the city disaster-resilient. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan officials, residents give honor to dead SAF soldier

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (2 February 2015) – The remains of P/Senior Inspector Ryan B. Pabalinas, who is among the 44 slain Philippine National Police – Special  Action Force (PNP-SAF) soldiers, finally arrived in Gensan, his home town, on board Cebu Pacific on January 31.

His father, Nelson Pabalinas, a retired police officer, accompanied the remains of his son in the flight.

Upon their arrival, they were received by the local government officials and executives as directed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as a sign of their utmost respect to the fallen hero.

The local officials personally accompanied the immediate family and relatives of Pabalinas in a mass held at the tarmac of General Santos City Airport.

His body was then transported to Camp Fermin Lira after the mass for a two-day wake.

Afterwards, his remains will be transported to Zamboanga City, the hometown of his wife, for the burial.

Mayor Rivera has already extended his condolences to the family of Pabalinas and assured that the local government will do its best to help them.

“I am extremely grieved by this sad, sorry incident. What we lost is more than our soldiers, but the chance of attaining peace in Mindanao itself,” Mayor Rivera said.

“To Pabalinas and to all his comrades, we in General Santos salute your bravery,” the mayor added.

Currently, some of the Pabalinas family members are staying in Camp Fermin Lira, the city police headquarters.

P/Senior Inspector Ryan B. Pabalinas, 31, was born in General Santos City but was raised in Banga, South Cotabato by his grandparents.

He then settled in Zamboanga after he married Erica Pabalinas, a local of the said area.

Ryan and Erica have a three-year old kid.

He finished as the class salutatorian of Notre Dame of Banga when he was in high school.

Pabalinas studied one year in Mindanao State University – General Santos City and then left to pursue his dream to become a policeman.

He graduated in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in 2006, under the Bagsay-Lahi Batch.

Pabalinas and 43 other SAF troopers were killed-in-action while carrying out a mission to arrest  the Malaysian Jihadist terrorist, Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan” at an MILF-held territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

“He should turn 32 this coming July 21. But now it won’t happen. I am really, really sad,” said Pabalinas’ sister. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City honors own SAF hero

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 February 2015)  - The remains of Police Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, a native of General Santos City who was among the 44 slain SAF troopers in the Masasapano clash, arrive at the General Santos City Airport Saturday, January 31. Local government officials, as directed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, would accompany the immediate family and relatives of Pabalinas, in a two-day wake at Camp Fermin Lira.  (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

City condoles with PSI Pabalinas’ family

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 February 2015) - Erica Pabalinas (2^nd from left) , wife of P/Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, one of the 44 slain SAF troopers, is escorted at General Santos City Airport Saturday, January 31. She was warmly received by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas Nograles and other local government officials headed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Erica is originally from Zamboanga and will be in Gensan for the two-day wake of her husband before going back to her town with the remains for the burial. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

City holds transportation summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 January 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera is positive that the first Public Transportation Summit of Gensan on Thursday, January 22, will yield comprehensive results that would gradually solve the long overdue problems in the transportation system of the city. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Drivers, city official in transportation summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 January 2015) - Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers got a chance to give their recommendations to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and the rest of panelists of the first Public Transportation Summit Thursday, January 22, on how to solve the existing problems of the transport system of the city. The mayor thanked them for their suggestions and stated that what these drivers raised will be listed and will be integrated to the transportation management plan. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Cash assistance for elderly

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 January 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera hands the cash assistance to the elderlies of the city Tuesday, January 20, inside the City Hall. The cash assistance is a program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and is implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Senior citizens get cash allowance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 January 2015) - Around 300 elderlies are at City Hall Tuesday, January 20, to receive their quarterly cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the city government with support from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Elderlies receive cash allowance from LGU-Gensan, DSWD

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 January 2015) – Calixta Bacalso, 91, a resident of Barangay Conel, beamed with happiness despite the queue inside the City Hall Tuesday (January 20). She was there after all to claim her quarterly pension from the city government.

The pension, which is a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), is a dedicated stipend for the elderlies of Gensan.

Each month, a senior citizen is entitled to P500 cash which is distributed quarterly.

The DSWD is allocating P6.5 million every year for this program.

Bacalso, knowing her circumstances, was very happy when she finally received her allowance.

“I am very old already. Even if I want to, I cannot work anymore. My body is not as it used to be. That is why this (money) will be helpful to sustain my daily needs,” Bacalso said in vernacular.

She said the money will be used to buy her medicines, milk, and rice.

To qualify for the cash assistance program, a senior citizen must be 77 years old and above, with no pension, and is a bona fide resident of General Santos City.

Currently, there are 1,052 registered senior citizens in this program.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, in a statement, said that he is thankful for the support of the DSWD towards the local government’s campaign to ensure the welfare of the elderly.

“As I always said, I cannot do it alone. That is why I need everybody’s help in developing Gensan into a competitive city that cares for the indigents and the vulnerable sector,” Mayor Rivera said.

The mayor also conveyed his support to the thrust of the DSWD to enroll all senior citizens under the Phil. Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC).

“Right now, the DSWD is currently supporting the Senate Bill No 712 or a measure that would mandate the PHILHEALTH to cover all senior citizens in the country,” the mayor explained.

“If finally implemented, this would certainly profit our senior citizens, adding to the benefits that they must receive,” Mayor Rivera added.

As of now, this bill has been already approved and is currently on its third reading. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City government gives assistance to farmers, fisherfolk

GENERAL SANTOS CITY(16 January 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera together with the City Agriculturist Office distributed seedlings to farmers from Barangay Tinagacan and Barangay Batomelong Thursday (January 15).

The farmer-beneficiaries’ crops were destroyed by strong winds commonly known as ipo-ipo last April 2014.

Sixty-one farmers (53 from Tinagacan, 8 from Batomelong) identified by the City Agriculturist Office will be able to start again after receiving different varieties of seedlings and fertilizers.

The seedlings are mango (630), coconut (500) and banana (3,012). Aside from that, 100 sacks of organic fertilizers and 100 complete fertilizers were also given to these farmers.

Even with a limited budget of P299, 000, Merlinda Donasco, head of City Agriculturist Office, said that they have to maximize whatever they have to help the victims.

“The mayor already asked us to help these affected farmers. For us, enabling them to start again is the best assistance we could give. It is more than money,” Donasco said.

Fishermen from Barangay Bawing and Barangay West also received shallow water fish shelters (locally known as “payao”) with the help of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Eighty-five fisherfolk (30 from Bawing, 55 from West) became the recipient of the project which has a total cost of around P200, 000.

According to Mayor Rivera, the project will ensure rapid restoration of depleted fisheries resources and at the same time will provide sustainable livelihood for small fishermen. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan celebrates Sto. Niño patronal fiesta

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) – At least 200 fishing vessels sailed the waters of Sarangani Bay to join the fluvial procession for the Feast of Sto. Niño Thursday (January 15).

The Feast of Sto. Niño is one of the most awaited festivals here in General Santos City.

It is a celebration centered in Barangay Bula as a way of giving thanks to the patron saint for the bountiful catch of fishing firms that have flourished in the city.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera was present to show support for the festival and explained why it is a very significant event.

“Gensan is a city made and built by fishing. A huge portion of our economy is sustained and developed by our fishing industry for decades already. It is a good thing that we celebrate… and we give thanks,” Mayor Rivera said.

In line with that, the SOCKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries has already stated that they support Mayor Rivera in strengthening the fishing industry of the city.

“We may not expect a huge rise in the industry anymore but we do not expect also a big fall. The fishing industry will remain stable for the years to come,” the mayor said.

The fluvial parade is one of the most anticipated events of the festival. It features Bula’s fishing vessels sailing from the shore of Gensan at Queen Tuna Park towards Sarangani Bay and then back while carrying the statue of Sto. Niño.

A fishing boat from the RLG Fishing Company carried the Sto Niño statue and led the fluvial parade which started at around 6:30am and came back to shore at around 8:30am.

Later the Sto. Niño was handed to an amphibian vessel owned by Domeng Congson to be transported to Barangay Bula. This part of the festival is locally known as the “Salubong”.

Devotees rushed towards the amphibian vessel as it reached the shoreline in attempt to get a flower from its decorated bow. The faithful believed that the flower will bring blessing and abundance for an entire year.

Some devotees have also brought their own Sto. Niño statues to partake in the celebration.

More or less 2,000 people were present during the fluvial parade.

Aside from the parade, the Isda-Isdaan Festival is also integrated in the Patronal Feast of Barangay Bula giving more color and flavor to the activity.

It was anticipated that thousands of people from other barangays of Gensan were coming to Bula for the celebration.

The Joint Task Force Gensan and Philippine National Police deployed additional personnel in the area to beef up security throughout the duration of the festival.  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Fluvial parade for Sto. Nino

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) - The amphibian boat (center) carrying the statue of Sto. Nino heads towards the shoreline of Queen Tuna Park after the fluvial parade for the patronal festival of Barangay Bula Thursday, January 15. The Sto. Nino was then brought back to the Bula Parish Church through a foot procession. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Fisherfolk, coastal villagers mark Sto. Nino fiesta

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) - At least 200 colorful and decorated fishing vessels participate in the fluvial procession at Sarangani Bay for the annual Sto. Nino patronal festival of Barangay Bula Thursday, January 15. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has expressed his support for the festivity, emphasizing the role of fishing industry in the economy of Gensan. (Cocoy Sexcion for Gensan CPIO)

Calamity victims get seedlings

GENERAL SANTOS CITY  (16 January 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Councilor Arturo Cloma and City Agriculturist Office head Merlinda Donasco distribute mango, coconut, and banana seedlings to 61 farmers Thursday, January 15. The farmers’ crops were damaged by a twister last April 2014. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

LGU-Gensan, new partner gear for Kalilangan 2015

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (14 January 2015) – After being recently crowned as “Hall of Famer” in the Best Festival, Culture and Arts Category of the Department of Tourism, the local government of General Santos City is getting ready for Kalilangan 2015.

One of the major changes that Kalilangan will undergo this year is the transition of the festivity’s organizers—from Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) to Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC).

MSU-GSC, which has held Kalilangan for four straight years, has waived its role as one of the lead organizers of the event, citing the institution’s academic pursuits as the main reason.

The management of RMMC, headed by France Chris Millado, bared on Monday (January 12) during the flag ceremony at City Hall that they are happy for the opportunity of hosting Kalilangan 2015.

“We in the RMMC are in gratitude to Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera as well as to the tourism personnel of the city like Councilor Shandee Llido-Pestaño for trusting us Kalilangan this year,” Millado said.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed this January to formalize the partnership of RMMC and LGU-GSC.

“Kultura Ko, Identity Ko” is the theme of Kalilangan 2015 as divulged by the RMMC.

This theme will highlight once again the very inception of the culture of the city and its significance to the current generation.

“We will add new flavors to Kalilangan 2015 while following the regular course of activities,” Martin Millado, one of the organizers, said.

RMMC also promised that they will tap other key institutions in running the festivity “to maximize the potentials of the Generals.”

Academes like the Holy Trinity College and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University are among the institutions.

Kalilangan 2015 will be celebrated for one week starting February 23 up to February 27.

The soft launching is tentatively scheduled on February 9 while the Flea Market will open as early February 2.

Kalilangan 2015 also marks the 76th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City government, UP, partners to conduct flood assessment

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (January 14, 2015)  – The University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) in partnership with the RD Foundation, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (GSCCCII) and the city government will start a study here in General Santos City for the enhancement of landslide and flooding susceptibility information.

The study which will take 180 days will start on January 13 and will analyze the susceptibility of areas around Makar River in terms of flooding and landslide.

This research is expected to provide an updated and more comprehensive information, following the data given by the Department of Environment of Natural Resources – Mines and Geoscience Bureau (DENR-MGB) last 2005 on the flooding susceptibility of Makar River.

“We are very aware of the changes that Makar River has been going through for the past decade as caused by natural and man-made factors and detriments. We are expecting that this study will guide the city to what will it do in order to protect its constituents living beside the river,” City Mayor Ronnel Rivera explained.

“We in the local government also support this study so that we can develop Gensan as a disaster resilient city,” Rivera addeed.

The study will cover the seven-kilometer stretch of Makar River starting in its estuary.

The UP-NIGS will bring specialists who will conduct hydrogeologic and hydrographic studies in Makar River to determine the site’s vulnerability to flooding. They will also evaluate the city’s predisposition to landslide hazards.

Also, the research will give particular emphasis to the possible effects of these natural phenomena to Gensan and its development plans by integrating various climate change scenarios.

Profiles on Makar River’s average depth, sediment thickness, flow rate—factors for flooding—will be provided by the study.

Inventory of local flooding events, Morphometry, Geomorphic Evolution, Bathmetry studies are also expected to be carried out by UP-NIGS specialists.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office headed by Bong Dacera will assist the UP-NIGS in the study.

On the other hand, the GSCCCII will shoulder the P3 million cost of the study while the RD Foundation will cater the entire accommodation of the UP-NIGS team.

The GSCCCII is also expected to fund future hard projects, if in case the study will recommend the construction of any structures/facilities that will mitigate the flooding and landslide along the banks of Makar River.

A Memorandum of Agreement has already been signed by the involved parties last November 25, 2014 to pursue the research. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

First overpass in Gensan breaks ground

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 January 2015) - Gensan will soon have its first pedestrian overpass.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, and other local government officials spearheaded the ground-breaking ceremony of the footbridge in Barangay Calumpang Friday (January 9).

The overpass will be constructed at the corner of Cahilsot and the National Highway and will have an estimated length of 30 ft. It will also follow the standard vertical clearance of 5.6 meters so that big trucks can pass underneath it.

It was strategically positioned in the said area as many students from nearby schools such as General Santos City National High School (GSCNHS) are daily exposed to road hazards as they cross the highway.

Vehicular accidents are also common in the area prompting the necessity of a footbridge.

Mayor Rivera expressed his delight for the construction of the overpass.

“Now, we can have a peace of mind knowing that our children are safe while they cross the streets,” Mayor Rivera said.

“Actually, we also have talks with the DPWH for the construction of two other footbridges. One will be at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University area and the other one will be placed adjacent to St. Elizabeth Hospital,” Mayor Rivera added.

He also pointed out that the construction of the footbridges is another way to ease traffic in the city.

It will take 142 days before the footbridge will be finished, starting January 12.

Engr. Pio Lumungsod, DPWH Gensan head, said the total allocated budget for the project is P12.2 million, but winning bidder Reydan Builders had it lowered to only P11.9 million.

“The budget was taken from the Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC) which is managed by the Road Board of the DPWH,” Lumungsod said.

“I am really glad that the local government of Gensan is really working hand-in-hand with us in our projects, especially on the road constructions and street-lighting,” the engineer said.

Aside from the footbridges, the DPWH is also in partner with the city government for the street-lighting of the dark city routes such as in Katangawan and Apopong.

For the past year alone, 617 LED street lights were already installed by the DPWH, City Engineers’ Office (CEO), and SOCOTECO II in the main routes in the city: 180 in the DARBCI-Hadano Park junction; 247 in the Lagao to Katangawan stretch; and 190 in the Lagao to Katangawan road.

The sum of P47M was allocated by Mayor Rivera with the help of the Sangguniang Panglunsod for the street lighting. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

First Gensan overpass breaks ground

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (10 January 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera initiates the ground-breaking ceremony of the first overpass in General Santos at the Cahilsot-National Highway Junction in Barangay Calumpang Friday, January 9. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Fire victims get relief goods from City Hall

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (10 January 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera visits the 20 families in Barangay Bula Friday, January 9, whose houses were razed on January 4. Together with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Mayor Rivera also distributed relief goods to the fire victims. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera: No to fixers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 January 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera checks the different transactions in the One-Stop-Shop for business permits and renewals Wednesday, January 7, in the ground floor of the One-Stop Building. He also made sure that there are no "fixers" who would be present throughout the duration of the one-stop shop operation on January 5- 20. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

No fixers at One Stop Shop

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 January 2015) – The Business Permits and License Division (BPLD) of the City Mayor’s Office is strengthening its policy against the alleged operation of "fixers" in the said office.

“Starting January 5, 2015, only professionalized bookkeepers and processors are allowed to transact here in the one-stop shop for the business permits and renewals,” according to BPLD head Geraldine Zamora.

Zamora said City Mayor Ronnel Rivera strictly ordered the end for fixers during the business renewal and application season as mandated by the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (RA 9485).

“Mayor Rivera is really serious with this matter; he doesn't want any kind of delays to be caused by these fixers. Moreover, he doesn't want any of the local government unit employees to be involved in these kind of undertakings,” Zamora added.

The BPLD conducted a seminar last November 2014 for designated company and business bookkeepers, processors, and representatives. The purpose of the seminar is to identify and regulate these individuals, as well as to orient them regarding the process flow of the one-stop shop.

“Those who were not in the seminar are automatically forbidden to perform any transactions here in the one-stop shop,” Zamora said.

Vicky Oculam, an owner of a water refilling station in Lagao, said that the seminar is good because it somehow guaranteed that everyone will be treated fairly.

“Having fixers is really unfair. If you don’t have money, you can’t do anything,” Oculam said.

The one-stop shop will last until January 20.

Mayor Rivera has already instructed the involved departments to extend their services even on weekends if necessary.

The one-stop shop consolidates every necessary procedure into a single venue to lessen the expense of money and energy of any processor.

Philhealth, SSS, Pag-Ibig, and respective barangay offices are positioned in the ground floor of the One-Stop Building at the back of the Old City Hall to decongest the lobby of the City Hall.

For those who are trying to apply for new business permits, pre-requisite requirements include:

Unified Application Form, Barangay Clearance, Certificate of Registration of Business Name from DTI (single proprietorship), Certificate of Registration from SEC and Articles of Incorporation / Partnership and By-laws and Secretary’s Certificate (corporation), certificate of registration from CDA, Articles of Cooperation, By-laws and Secretary’s Certificate (cooperatives), and certificate of registration with DOLE, By-laws and Secretary’s Certificate (associations).

The other requirements are Zoning Clearance, OBO Clearance, Conditional Sanitary Permit to Operate, RPT Clearance, ENR Clearance, Cedula, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig clearances, and BIR Form 0605 duly paid.

For business renewals, the barangay clearance, community tax certificate, gross sales forms starting November 2014 onwards, building permit/occupancy clearance from December 2014 onwards, RPT clearance starting December, 2014 onwards, ENR clearance starting December 15, 2014 onwards, and SSS, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig clearances starting December 2014 onwards. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)