Author: Lorielyn Patoc

Mahintana Foundation Inc. and the MENRO-Polomolok conducted a follow-through meeting regarding the Waste-to-Energy Proposal on July 6, 2020 at MFI Conference Room, Cannery Housing, Brgy. Cannery Site, Polomolok.

The meeting agenda focuses on the proposed project’s financials and preparatory activities prior to its implementation. Present in the meeting was Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, Ms. Ella Mae Babao and Mr. Luwee Roy Siacor of MFI and Mr. Eric Leonardo, Mr. Efren Lapinid and Mr. Jaime Lumbos of MENRO-Polomolok. It was discussed that to sustain the project, sure market must be established by tapping potential partners (Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PICAPI) – Polomolok Chapter, industries/companies within Polomolok area) prior to its implementation. Among the key agreements are the following: conduct financials review, meet PCAPI-Polomolok Chapter and Dolefil Pollution Control Officers regarding the proper disposal of special wastes, plan strategy to convince households to pay for garbage fees, revisit the Genar 22 Facility in Laguna for assessment of project feasibility and sustainability in Polomolok, secure a copy of current Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) data from, and conduct a meeting prior to project presentation to mayor.

Mahintana environment team led by Project Coordinator Ms, Ella Mae M. Babao monitored the vegetation in the field gullies 112B/113C, Polo, 103AC, Cannery and 113A, Brgy. Kinilis on July 4, 2020.

During the flight, the following were observed: a) Field gully 112B/113C has increasing vegetation and stability of banks. Although there are some areas that need to be reinforced with bamboo planting; b) Field gully 103A/C leading to Ma. Rosa Creek has dense vegetation at the upstream area however, the gully bed and bank after the last drop structure going downstream has widened and has lesser vegetation; c) Field gully 113A has high vegetation on the whole stretch. There is a sighting of a Black-shouldered Kite (though not confirmed) midstream of the gully last June 2019 and during the gully walk (July 2020). There are also areas observed that needs indigenous stone dike reinforcement. The recommendation is to prioritize tree growing and indigenous stone dike construction at field gully 103AC.

Mahintana Foundation, Inc. (MFI) in partnership with the St. Lorenzo School of Polomolok, Inc. (SLSPI) conducted a photo documentation of the Black Shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) also known as Australian black shouldered kite and other avifauna found at Field 113A/B gullies, Brgy. Kinilis, Polomolok, South Cotabato on July 4, 2020

A team composed of five instructors went to the area to witness the peculiar bird. The kite is a raptor found in open habitat throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a specie that has in the past also been called “black-shouldered kite.” Although mainly seen on plains, they are sometimes seen on grassy slopes of hills in the higher elevation regions of Asia. They are not migratory, but show nomadism in response to weather and food availability. They are well adapted to utilize periodic upsurges in rodent populations and can raise multiple broods in a single year unlike most birds of prey. A pair of mature avifauna has been seen at the site since the adoption of the biodiversity strip by SLSPI back in 2018 and has produced four (4) offsprings to date.

Mahintana Foundation Inc. (MFI) turned over 500 goggles, 500 head covers, 500 isolation gown sets (including foot cover and head cover), 500 N95 NIOSH masks and 300 pcs face shields to Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato for use by the COVID-testing Center located at Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Memorial Medical Center (DAPMMC) on July 2, 2020.

The PPEs are worth Php 608,240.13 taken from the proceeds of Palo Kontra Droga Golf Tournament held in 2018 realigned to COVID-19 response and management.

Mahintana Foundation, Inc. participated the reopening of Tiwan’s Bato Peak Agri-Tourism Park and dedication of kubo on July 1, 2020 at Prk. 6,Sitio Bato, Brgy. Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. The agri-tourism park accommodates travelers to meditate, relax and enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape and the overlooking Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. The park’s soft opening was held on March of 2020 but was stalled by the current pandemic.

The peak is said to be a sacred ground for the Blaan tribe who also protects and preserves the area. It was also noted that a total of 10 centenarians were living in the area, including Yabing Masalon Dulo, who is known as a weaver of traditional Blaan costume called “Ikat”. Tourists can now visit the place in limited slots and are advised to follow IATF Guidelines on COVID-19 (wearing of facemasks and social distancing).