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<center>[[Davao Oriental Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Davao Oriental'''</font>]] - [[Davao Oriental Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
<center>[[Davao Oriental Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Davao Oriental'''</font>]] - [[Davao Oriental Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
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==Globe's vow==
==DavOr nets P8.6 M from quarry and mine revenues==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/334074/globes-vow
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1541336638373
*By: mb.com.ph
*By: Rudolf Ian G. Alama
*''September 12, 2011''
*''Friday, May 11, 2012''
 
MATI CITY, Davao Oriental- The provincial government earned P8,594,538.14 from sand, gravel and mining operations in the from January to April this year.
 
This was a result of the establishment of Mobile Monitoring Points conducted by the Environment and Natural Resources Office-Davao Oriental (ENRO-DO), and the regular conduct of site inspections and verification of sand, gravel and mining operations.
 
A report prepared by ENRO Team Leader Derbert B. General revealed that the collected revenues came from extraction fees for sand, gravel and mining. The team has regularly conducted mobile monitoring across the province.
 
The team also conducted a site inspection and verification in all barangays with possible quarry outlets within the City of Mati, Lupon, San Isidro and Governor Generoso towns.
 
They also conducted mobile patrolling at night within the vicinities of the City of Mati to check on the validity of documents used in the transport of mineral and forest products.
 
General also said that on January 2012, the collected revenue was recorded at P1,850,191.66, on February it reached P3,631,428.36, on March, P195,280.08 and in April – P2,917,638.04, for a total of P8,594,538.14.
 
The provincial government of Davao Oriental under Governor Corazon T. Nuñez-Malanyaon allows the business sector to engage in sand and gravel operation for the improvement of Davornons provided that the extraction of sand and gravel shall be done without harming the environment. The government also collects revenues for the implementation of projects for the improvement of the province.
 
OIC-ENRO Dante M. Ganir said that barangays where the operation of sand and gravel is located will receive 40 per cent share from the total amount of the collected revenue, 30 per cent will go to the city or municipality and 30 per cent share to the provincial government.
 
==1st coconut congress to be held in Davao Oriental==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591336453307
*By: Neela Duallo
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''
 
MATI, Davao Oriental- The Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council (PCIDC) will conduct the first Davao Oriental Coconut Industry Business Congress in pursuit to the aggressive and collective campaign of the province to develop the industry being one of the leading coconut producers in the country.
 
The congress will be held on May 10 to 11 at the Lanes Kita-anan, Bonifacio Street in Mati City.
 
Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Proceso Alcala will grace the activity along with other DA regional and local officials. Also expected to grace the two-day congress would be Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Euplides Forbes and former senator Wigberto Tanada of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF).
 
With the most fitting theme “Industriya ng Niyog ay Palaganapin at Pagyamanin Upang Kasaganaan at Kaunlaran ay Makamtan Natin,” the business congress also aims to emphasize on increasing productivity and expanding value-adding to coconut, thus, giving more substance to Davao Oriental as the one of the leading coconut-producing province in the country.
 
The activity is an ample venue where the province can formally present the provincial strategic development plan for 2012 to 2016 and mechanisms for the plan implementation, promotion and offer market-driven value adding business opportunities for the coconut farmers and an opportunity also where the province, through the provincial coconut development council, can submit proposals on coconut development related to programs and projects tapping the resources of the Dept. of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Coconut Industry Industrialization Fund (CIIDF), and present resolutions and proposals for policy action.
 
This came after the creation of the Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council was approved recently by the 13th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental.
 
The council started as an Executive Order of governor Corazon Malanyaon, Executive Order 08-A series of 2011, issued on March 4, 2011, after the Provincial Agriculture and Fishereis (PAF-C) came up with a resolution for the establishment of the council.
 
For the implementation and operation of the Council, Board Member Eric Rabat authored the Provincial Ordinance 13-2 series of 2012, an ordinance creating the Davao Oriental Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council, and appropriating funds thereof.
 
“Our main task is to strengthen the different farmer organizations in the province. We could not pursue our aggressive effort towards the development of the coconut industry if we do not start with them, if they remain fragmented. This is the reason why often times, they are at the mercy of the middlemen and the traders, so we have to get them out from such plight. Remember that the economic indicator of the province is anchored on agriculture, particularly the coconut industry,” explained Mr. Armando Angsinco, Chairman of the Davao Oriental PAF-C.
 
Angsinco reiterated the importance of maintaining the coconut productivity level of the province so it can go further with the development plan. He furthered that the 2 billion nuts annual production of the province in the 80’s can still be achieved. And one way is through rehabilitation of former coconut production areas that were lost because of uncontrolled or unregulated cutting of coconut trees.
 
“We do not say we are not allowing cutting of coconut trees, we are. I had mentioned this even at the Regional Coconut Industry Development Council (RCIDC). But the cutting has to be regulated, and as such, there has to be replacement with every coconut tree being cut,” added Angsinco who also happens to be the RCIDC Chair.
 
The establishment of the coconut industry development council is also designed to generate employment for the people of Davao Oriental.
 
"So our people don't have to look for jobs elsewhere. The industry can provide it for them. And the government can now collect revenue from the industry," he furthered.
 
Another task of the Council is facilitating the creation of local coconut industry development council in the local government units.
 
With the local coconut industry development councils, there can now be venues where coconut farmers and other stakeholders can discuss about the coconut industry, but Angsinco emphasized that they have to get the guidelines from the Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council. As yet, the municipality of Manay and the City of Mati already established their respective local coconut industry development councils, and to follow are the municipalities of Governor Generoso, San Isidro, and the rest of Davao Oriental.
 
However, the PCIDC is keen on monitoring the establishment of the local council for Baganga, since Baganga has the biggest coconut production area in the province, followed by the City of Mati, Caraga, Gov. Generoso, and Cateel.
 
The council also plan to conduct a coconut data survey.
 
It aims to get the clear picture of the coconut industry of the province, since through the survey, a concrete data on the total land area of the province with coconut production and the number of coconut farmers in the province will be accomplished.
 
As such, members of the Council plan to have an audience with the Association of Barangay (ABC’s) and explain the coconut data survey, and get the support of the barangays.
 
The first stop to the plan was the ABC in the City of Mati in their last meeting, and will soon follow in other parts of the province.
 
Participants to the business congress are the coconut industry stakeholders, from coconut farmer organizations, processors, traders, technology, and logistic providers, members of the Council, and City, Municipal and Barangay local government units.
 
“We are very grateful to Gov. Malanyaon for the all out support. Honestly, this our fifth attempt in pushing the creation of the Counci. We started the push in 2000, but those attempts did not succeed because we did not get the support of the previous leaderships. The incumbency of Gov. Malanyaon gave what we need, and she even allocated a 4-Million development fund for the Council, all for the development of the coconut industry” Angsinco disclosed.
 
He stressed that developing the industry is no longer a big task because it’s been there for years, for generations, and what is needed is the enhancement of the industry, and manage it well.
 
The PCIDC is also hopeful that it can access to the coconut levy fund already for downloading. If the province through the PCDIC can get the access, still, it will be geared still, towards the coconut industry development.
 
Members of the Council include the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), TESDA, Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST), and the Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR).
 
“Our potential investors will be there at the business congress, after all they are just waiting for us. And hopefully, the wait will soon be finally over. They just want to see our capability, and so what we have to do also is to keep on producing to satisfy their needs,” he concluded.


Globe Telecom further strengthens its commitment to be the leader in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education (ICT4E) by providing select public high school teachers in the Davao Region with advanced skills that would enhance the learning experience of their students.
==Another radioman slain in Davao Oriental==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/190017/another-radioman-slain-in-davao-oriental
*By: Inquirer Mindanao
*''Tuesday, May 08, 2012''


Considering the importance of a strong technology backbone in education, Globe brings to Davao its Global Filipino Teachers (GFT) program – an intensive 54-hour, six-day teacher training program that focuses on the proper use of ICT application for school-centered classroom activities.
Unidentified assailants shot dead a broadcaster of the Mati-based Catholic-run dxHM radio station as he was leaving Tarragona, Davao Oriental Tuesday, reports reaching the Davao Oriental police said.


GFT is being conducted by Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) in partnership with the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Nestor Libaton, 47, had just attended a fiesta celebration in Barangay Ompao and was on his way home on a motorcycle along with another broadcaster, who was not identified in the report, when shot dead by two men on another motorbike.


With the success that GFT achieved in Central Visayas where it was piloted in 2009, Globe deemed it relevant to replicate the program in other parts of the country.
Libaton, the report said, died from gunshot wounds in the face and body while his companion was unharmed.


Globe has already launched GFT in North and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.
Juvy Tanio, Mati City information officer and a colleague of Libaton in DXHM, said authorities recovered six empty shells and one live bullet from .45 and .38 cal. pistols from the crime scene.


“Globe understands that in this modern society, technology is already an essential aspect of education but it is not enough to simply provide schools with the equipment. With GFT, we are transforming computers and the Internet from just being desktop sources of information into instruments of interactive teaching and online collaboration,” said Yoly C. Crisanto, head for Globe Corporate Communications.
Tanio said the slain broadcaster was not hard-hitting and was more known for his market reports.


GFT is geared towards helping teachers apply ICT in Project-based Learning Approaches (PBL) where the core subject areas such as Math, Science, English, and HeKaSi (Heyograpiya, Kasaysayan, at Sibika), and inter-disciplinary themes are embedded across curriculum.
==9,220 migratory birds found in Davao Region==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1561336112054
*By: PIA
*''Friday, May 04, 2012''


It demonstrates how ICT can provide teachers and students with more accurate and quicker access to information, tools for easier and faster learning, and a chance to collaborate with the rest of the world.
A total of 9,220 migratory birds were found in Davao Region during the bird watching and bird counting activity for the first quarter of 2012.


It was proven that by using ICT, there is increased teacher motivation and improved student memory retention and comprehension of various subjects.
Migratory bird count found in 2011 reached to 7,836.


==Irrigation project ensures sustainability of fish biodiversit==
The migratory birds came from different species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt, to name a few.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r11&id=52144
*By: Noel T. Provido
*''September 02, 2011''


CATEEL, Davao Oriental- Aside from boosting the province’s rice production, the irrigation project to be constructed here will also ensure sustainability of fish biodiversity.
The municipalities of Malalag in Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental are the only three identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents.


The P256 million irrigation project of the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) and the provincial government of Davao Oriental integrates social environmental safeguards (SES) to ensure that people and environment are not negatively affected by the project implementation.
Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-11) explained that the bird watching and bird counting activity aims to obtain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region.


In compliance with the World Bank operation policy, SES is a measure that mitigates and protects the environment from the cumulative adverse impact that might be brought by failure to recognize that inherent value of natural resources.
The activity, being conducted by DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD), would able to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.


“Fishing aside from farming is also one of the important sources of food and livelihood in the province. While irrigation project will greatly boost rice production, we must also ensure that other sources of livelihood will not be jeopardized,” said program director Lealyn Ramos.
This is also in line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds. AWC is a yearly event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January.


“While we want to spur rural development, MRDP also puts premium on environmental protection.
The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries.  
Environmental safeguards are being observed and integrated in the design, site selection and implementation,” she added.


Citing the soon to be established irrigation project in Cateel, Ramos said the program ensures that aside from quality engineering standards it also conforms to the recommended environmental safeguards.
==BFAR nat’l fisherfolk director hails from Davao==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1561335772113
*By: Jeanevive D. Abangan
*''Thursday, May 03, 2012''


The dams and other structures that will be constructed may tend to block and pose hazard to fishes’ natural migration, a fish-friendly infrastructure was incorporated to the final design of the irrigation project.
This year’s national fisher folk director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is from the Davao Region.


“A fish ladder design was recommended to prevent damage to fish biodiversity and fish stocks along Cateel River ,SES specialist Arnel Areglado said.
Fisher folk leader Natividad C. Gunayan, 62 years of age, resident of Nasa Village, Poblacion Lupon in Davao Oriental has been chosen to take the place of BFAR national Director Atty. Asis G. Perez, for one month in line with the observance of the month of May as the “Farmers and Fisher folks Month.


Fish ladder, also known as a fish way, fish pass or fish steps is a structure designed to allow migrating fish pass around barriers such as dams or locks by swimming and leaping up series of relatively low steps. Protection and recovery of fish stocks in the area is ensured since fishes have the opportunity to migrate and spawn in downstream and upstream ecosystems.
BFAR XI Regional Director Fatma Idris Tuesday revealed Gunayan as the second woman fisher folk leader chosen by colleagues to sit as the national fisherfolk director.


“The Cateel irrigation project which incorporates a 42-meter fish ladder structure is the first of its kind in Mindanao . It also showcases how the perceived negative impact of development projects can be addressed by putting in place the recommended environmental safeguards,” Areglado said.
“This shows that we are empowering women to take hold of positions usually held by men,” she said.


The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) revealed that Cateel River which is the major water source of the irrigation project is a home to ecologically important fish species.
In a separate interview, Gunayan looked at her present position as an opportunity to push forward the welfare of fisher folks as well as to find ways to assist women on fishing, to find alternative livelihood.


“These fish species are found to be either andromous (migrating from the sea to the river) or catadromous (migrating from the river to the sea) and the tributary of Cateel River is crucial in their life cycle,” Areglado said adding:
“Gibati nako nga dako ko ug kaakuhan o responsibilidad nga mapalambo ang panginabuhi sa mga mangingisda. (I feel that I bear great responsibility to improve the lives of my fellow fisherfolks.),” she said.


“The IEE identified the presence of “Pigek” the country’s most expensive but nearly endangered fish along Cateel River .
In her one-month stint as the national fisherfolk director of BFAR, Gunayan lines up a three-pronged agenda geared towards addressing coastal environment issues, poverty situation of fisherfolks and strengthening BFAR in general.


Pigek which is also known as Pigok in Northern Mindanao and Ludong in Luzon swims to salt water to spawn from October to December and returns to upstream ponds after. It undergoes upstream migration during December, January, and February, and this coincides with other species of fry also undergo upstream migration.
On top of her agenda is to drum up calls to elevate BFAR into a department as the “Philippines is the only country in Asia where a government agency on fisheries is a bureau only.


“Since Pigek was found to be endemic in the Cateel River , there is a need to protect and conserve this valuable fish species along with the establishment of dams and other engineering structures.  
As such campaign has been there since 2005, the fisher folk sector will be bringing a position paper on the conversion of BFAR into a Department of Fisheries to the Senate, and that it is eyeing the support of senators Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes IV.


Construction of a fish ladder as part of the irrigation project is the best way to address this need,” Areglado said.
Under her stewardship as the national fisheries director, the fisherfolk sector will also be working for the inclusion of the fisher folks as beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).


==Communities get 57 more projects==
“Daghang mga fisherfolks ang wala naapil sa lista sa mga makadawat sa 4Ps. (There are a number of fisherfolks who have not been included as recipients of 4Ps.),” she said.
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/09/01/communities-get-57-more-projects-176635
*By: Carmelle Marie Harrow
*''September 01, 2011''


THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) completed a total of 57 sub-projects in Governor Generoso, New Corella, Talaingod, and Laak in '''Davao Region'''.
Along this line, she noted that some have yet to fully grasp the meaning of fisher folks which, she said, refers not only to those catching fish but also to any man and woman involved in the small fishing industry such as fish vendors and fish processors.


The projects range from potable water system, flood control facilities, drainage lined canal, hanging cable footbridge, school building, barangay health station, tribal housing, day care centers and birthing facilities.
During her term, she will also be pushing for intensive coastal protection through massive planting of mangroves.


"This is where we need more help from major stakeholders. By our convergence, we will be able to help these municipalities in their community-driven projects," said Priscilla Razon, assistant regional director of DSWD.
This runs in line with the thrust of BFAR which is granting an incentive to fisher folks who would want to actively engage in mangrove planting by giving them P3 for each planted mangrove propagule and additional P2 for each grown mangrove.


Under Kalahi-Cidss, communities in different municipalities identify key development changes that they need and they are the ones who design and develop the projects through a participatory and collective approval process, wherein criteria are developed by the members of the communities.
Meanwhile, Gunayan has also seen the need to assist fisherfolk women in search of alternative livelihood to support their espouses.


Potable water systems are the major problems in the towns of Governor Generoso in '''Davao Oriental''' and New Corella in Compostela Valley, wherein 12 were already constructed in these areas.
“May mga training na sila pero wala silang puhunan. (They already have undergone training but they don’t have the capital)” she said.
She also would want women to learn “the values” to sustain their venture, and to stick with their groups’ desire to collectively prosper.


"Ito ‘yung mga basic needs at situations that could help them in living a decent quality of life, dito kami pumapasok to help them with their decision-making, looking for resources and opportunities in accessing these basic services," Razon said.
“Di man pwede pa-isa isa lang ang molambo, kay para man kini sa tanan. (Their progress has to collective not individualistic.),” she said referring to government assistance which is usually granted to groups of beneficiaries.

Latest revision as of 14:17, 11 May 2012

List of Municipalities in the Davao Oriental province within Region XI in the Repulbic of The Philippines
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Province of Davao Oriental - Archived News

DavOr nets P8.6 M from quarry and mine revenues

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental- The provincial government earned P8,594,538.14 from sand, gravel and mining operations in the from January to April this year.

This was a result of the establishment of Mobile Monitoring Points conducted by the Environment and Natural Resources Office-Davao Oriental (ENRO-DO), and the regular conduct of site inspections and verification of sand, gravel and mining operations.

A report prepared by ENRO Team Leader Derbert B. General revealed that the collected revenues came from extraction fees for sand, gravel and mining. The team has regularly conducted mobile monitoring across the province.

The team also conducted a site inspection and verification in all barangays with possible quarry outlets within the City of Mati, Lupon, San Isidro and Governor Generoso towns.

They also conducted mobile patrolling at night within the vicinities of the City of Mati to check on the validity of documents used in the transport of mineral and forest products.

General also said that on January 2012, the collected revenue was recorded at P1,850,191.66, on February it reached P3,631,428.36, on March, P195,280.08 and in April – P2,917,638.04, for a total of P8,594,538.14.

The provincial government of Davao Oriental under Governor Corazon T. Nuñez-Malanyaon allows the business sector to engage in sand and gravel operation for the improvement of Davornons provided that the extraction of sand and gravel shall be done without harming the environment. The government also collects revenues for the implementation of projects for the improvement of the province.

OIC-ENRO Dante M. Ganir said that barangays where the operation of sand and gravel is located will receive 40 per cent share from the total amount of the collected revenue, 30 per cent will go to the city or municipality and 30 per cent share to the provincial government.

1st coconut congress to be held in Davao Oriental

MATI, Davao Oriental- The Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council (PCIDC) will conduct the first Davao Oriental Coconut Industry Business Congress in pursuit to the aggressive and collective campaign of the province to develop the industry being one of the leading coconut producers in the country.

The congress will be held on May 10 to 11 at the Lanes Kita-anan, Bonifacio Street in Mati City.

Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Proceso Alcala will grace the activity along with other DA regional and local officials. Also expected to grace the two-day congress would be Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Euplides Forbes and former senator Wigberto Tanada of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF).

With the most fitting theme “Industriya ng Niyog ay Palaganapin at Pagyamanin Upang Kasaganaan at Kaunlaran ay Makamtan Natin,” the business congress also aims to emphasize on increasing productivity and expanding value-adding to coconut, thus, giving more substance to Davao Oriental as the one of the leading coconut-producing province in the country.

The activity is an ample venue where the province can formally present the provincial strategic development plan for 2012 to 2016 and mechanisms for the plan implementation, promotion and offer market-driven value adding business opportunities for the coconut farmers and an opportunity also where the province, through the provincial coconut development council, can submit proposals on coconut development related to programs and projects tapping the resources of the Dept. of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Coconut Industry Industrialization Fund (CIIDF), and present resolutions and proposals for policy action.

This came after the creation of the Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council was approved recently by the 13th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental.

The council started as an Executive Order of governor Corazon Malanyaon, Executive Order 08-A series of 2011, issued on March 4, 2011, after the Provincial Agriculture and Fishereis (PAF-C) came up with a resolution for the establishment of the council.

For the implementation and operation of the Council, Board Member Eric Rabat authored the Provincial Ordinance 13-2 series of 2012, an ordinance creating the Davao Oriental Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council, and appropriating funds thereof.

“Our main task is to strengthen the different farmer organizations in the province. We could not pursue our aggressive effort towards the development of the coconut industry if we do not start with them, if they remain fragmented. This is the reason why often times, they are at the mercy of the middlemen and the traders, so we have to get them out from such plight. Remember that the economic indicator of the province is anchored on agriculture, particularly the coconut industry,” explained Mr. Armando Angsinco, Chairman of the Davao Oriental PAF-C.

Angsinco reiterated the importance of maintaining the coconut productivity level of the province so it can go further with the development plan. He furthered that the 2 billion nuts annual production of the province in the 80’s can still be achieved. And one way is through rehabilitation of former coconut production areas that were lost because of uncontrolled or unregulated cutting of coconut trees.

“We do not say we are not allowing cutting of coconut trees, we are. I had mentioned this even at the Regional Coconut Industry Development Council (RCIDC). But the cutting has to be regulated, and as such, there has to be replacement with every coconut tree being cut,” added Angsinco who also happens to be the RCIDC Chair.

The establishment of the coconut industry development council is also designed to generate employment for the people of Davao Oriental.

"So our people don't have to look for jobs elsewhere. The industry can provide it for them. And the government can now collect revenue from the industry," he furthered.

Another task of the Council is facilitating the creation of local coconut industry development council in the local government units.

With the local coconut industry development councils, there can now be venues where coconut farmers and other stakeholders can discuss about the coconut industry, but Angsinco emphasized that they have to get the guidelines from the Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council. As yet, the municipality of Manay and the City of Mati already established their respective local coconut industry development councils, and to follow are the municipalities of Governor Generoso, San Isidro, and the rest of Davao Oriental.

However, the PCIDC is keen on monitoring the establishment of the local council for Baganga, since Baganga has the biggest coconut production area in the province, followed by the City of Mati, Caraga, Gov. Generoso, and Cateel.

The council also plan to conduct a coconut data survey.

It aims to get the clear picture of the coconut industry of the province, since through the survey, a concrete data on the total land area of the province with coconut production and the number of coconut farmers in the province will be accomplished.

As such, members of the Council plan to have an audience with the Association of Barangay (ABC’s) and explain the coconut data survey, and get the support of the barangays.

The first stop to the plan was the ABC in the City of Mati in their last meeting, and will soon follow in other parts of the province.

Participants to the business congress are the coconut industry stakeholders, from coconut farmer organizations, processors, traders, technology, and logistic providers, members of the Council, and City, Municipal and Barangay local government units.

“We are very grateful to Gov. Malanyaon for the all out support. Honestly, this our fifth attempt in pushing the creation of the Counci. We started the push in 2000, but those attempts did not succeed because we did not get the support of the previous leaderships. The incumbency of Gov. Malanyaon gave what we need, and she even allocated a 4-Million development fund for the Council, all for the development of the coconut industry” Angsinco disclosed.

He stressed that developing the industry is no longer a big task because it’s been there for years, for generations, and what is needed is the enhancement of the industry, and manage it well.

The PCIDC is also hopeful that it can access to the coconut levy fund already for downloading. If the province through the PCDIC can get the access, still, it will be geared still, towards the coconut industry development.

Members of the Council include the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), TESDA, Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST), and the Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR).

“Our potential investors will be there at the business congress, after all they are just waiting for us. And hopefully, the wait will soon be finally over. They just want to see our capability, and so what we have to do also is to keep on producing to satisfy their needs,” he concluded.

Another radioman slain in Davao Oriental

Unidentified assailants shot dead a broadcaster of the Mati-based Catholic-run dxHM radio station as he was leaving Tarragona, Davao Oriental Tuesday, reports reaching the Davao Oriental police said.

Nestor Libaton, 47, had just attended a fiesta celebration in Barangay Ompao and was on his way home on a motorcycle along with another broadcaster, who was not identified in the report, when shot dead by two men on another motorbike.

Libaton, the report said, died from gunshot wounds in the face and body while his companion was unharmed.

Juvy Tanio, Mati City information officer and a colleague of Libaton in DXHM, said authorities recovered six empty shells and one live bullet from .45 and .38 cal. pistols from the crime scene.

Tanio said the slain broadcaster was not hard-hitting and was more known for his market reports.

9,220 migratory birds found in Davao Region

A total of 9,220 migratory birds were found in Davao Region during the bird watching and bird counting activity for the first quarter of 2012.

Migratory bird count found in 2011 reached to 7,836.

The migratory birds came from different species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt, to name a few.

The municipalities of Malalag in Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental are the only three identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents.

Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-11) explained that the bird watching and bird counting activity aims to obtain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region.

The activity, being conducted by DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD), would able to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.

This is also in line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds. AWC is a yearly event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January.

The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries.

BFAR nat’l fisherfolk director hails from Davao

This year’s national fisher folk director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is from the Davao Region.

Fisher folk leader Natividad C. Gunayan, 62 years of age, resident of Nasa Village, Poblacion Lupon in Davao Oriental has been chosen to take the place of BFAR national Director Atty. Asis G. Perez, for one month in line with the observance of the month of May as the “Farmers and Fisher folks Month.”

BFAR XI Regional Director Fatma Idris Tuesday revealed Gunayan as the second woman fisher folk leader chosen by colleagues to sit as the national fisherfolk director.

“This shows that we are empowering women to take hold of positions usually held by men,” she said.

In a separate interview, Gunayan looked at her present position as an opportunity to push forward the welfare of fisher folks as well as to find ways to assist women on fishing, to find alternative livelihood.

“Gibati nako nga dako ko ug kaakuhan o responsibilidad nga mapalambo ang panginabuhi sa mga mangingisda. (I feel that I bear great responsibility to improve the lives of my fellow fisherfolks.),” she said.

In her one-month stint as the national fisherfolk director of BFAR, Gunayan lines up a three-pronged agenda geared towards addressing coastal environment issues, poverty situation of fisherfolks and strengthening BFAR in general.

On top of her agenda is to drum up calls to elevate BFAR into a department as the “Philippines is the only country in Asia where a government agency on fisheries is a bureau only.”

As such campaign has been there since 2005, the fisher folk sector will be bringing a position paper on the conversion of BFAR into a Department of Fisheries to the Senate, and that it is eyeing the support of senators Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes IV.

Under her stewardship as the national fisheries director, the fisherfolk sector will also be working for the inclusion of the fisher folks as beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Daghang mga fisherfolks ang wala naapil sa lista sa mga makadawat sa 4Ps. (There are a number of fisherfolks who have not been included as recipients of 4Ps.),” she said.

Along this line, she noted that some have yet to fully grasp the meaning of fisher folks which, she said, refers not only to those catching fish but also to any man and woman involved in the small fishing industry such as fish vendors and fish processors.

During her term, she will also be pushing for intensive coastal protection through massive planting of mangroves.

This runs in line with the thrust of BFAR which is granting an incentive to fisher folks who would want to actively engage in mangrove planting by giving them P3 for each planted mangrove propagule and additional P2 for each grown mangrove.

Meanwhile, Gunayan has also seen the need to assist fisherfolk women in search of alternative livelihood to support their espouses.

“May mga training na sila pero wala silang puhunan. (They already have undergone training but they don’t have the capital)” she said. She also would want women to learn “the values” to sustain their venture, and to stick with their groups’ desire to collectively prosper.

“Di man pwede pa-isa isa lang ang molambo, kay para man kini sa tanan. (Their progress has to collective not individualistic.),” she said referring to government assistance which is usually granted to groups of beneficiaries.