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List of Municipalities in the Davao Oriental province within Region XI in the Repulbic of The Philippines
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Cities in Davao Oriental: Mati City(Capital)

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List of the 17 Regions in the Philippines
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Province of Davao Oriental - Archived News

12,000 jobs to be offered on Labor Day in Davao Region

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1561335166331
By: Carina L. Cayon
April 23, 2012

Around 12,423 vacancies from the locality and abroad will be offered on Labor Day for many job seekers in Davao Region.

The Department of Labor and Employment in the region will bring these employment openings in two jobs fair events on May 1 to mark the celebration of Labor Day.

Allan Baban, officer-in-charge of DOLE-XI’s technical services support department, said the vacancies are from 88 local and overseas employers who have signified joining the jobs fair.

As of today, April 23, 4,878 vacant positions have been submitted to DOLE-XI by 46 local firms, while 7,545 jobs have been offered by employers abroad, Baban told the media during today’s Kapihan sa SM City Davao.

He said they are still urging more companies to post their vacancies during the jobs fair events to be held at SM City Mall and Gaisano Mall in Davao City, with the theme: “Pagtulungan. Pagbabago. Disenteng Trabaho.”

DOLE-XI’s information officer Joy Flordelis said most of the local positions offered include call center agents, office workers, factory workers and skilled workers such as engineers.

The participating overseas employers mostly need domestic helpers, construction workers, skilled engineers in all fields and experienced nurses, Flordelis stated.

She told the Philippine Information Agency that they are projecting 15 percent of the total registrants during the jobs fair to be hired on-the-spot.

Apart from the jobs fair, different DOLE-attached agencies will render their respective services in a one-stop-shop center to be put up during the event at Gaisano Mall of Davao.

Flordelis said the participating agencies include the Social Security System, PhilHealth, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Foreign Affairs and National Statistics Office.

Meanwhile, Baban disclosed that about P2 million to P3 million cash grants are expected to be released also during the jobs fair, as livelihood assistance to some ten beneficiaries.

He said that most of the recipients are out-of-school youth and farmer women from across the region.

Military Turns Over Infra Projects

Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/357573/military-turns-over-infra-projects
By: mb.com.ph
April 20, 2012

A total of five barangay infrastructure projects (BIPs) worth P10 million recommended through the Philippine Army’s Kalayaan sa Barangay Project (KBP) were turned over on Wednesday to the residents of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

Major Rosa Maria Christina Manuel, executive officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said the projects comprised of the Pintatagan Bridge, Puntalinao Water System Expansion, San Vicente Water System Expansion, Sitio Buhangin Footbridge and Mapagba port.

She said the organizers pushed the inauguration and turnover of the P3.76-million BIP-Mapagba boat landing despite heavy rains Wednesday.

“The BIPs aim to accelerate economic growth in Mindanao and ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the said economic growth,” Manuel said.

The Growth Equity for Mindanao (GEM)-United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) supported the projects on which the benefits are equitably distributed and to help bring about and consolidate peace in the area.

Meanwhile, the turnover of the port was graced by Davao Oriental Vice Governor Mayo Almario, councilors from Banaybanay and representatives from GEM, USAID.

Dos and don’ts in handling ‘dugongs’ out soon

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/176861/dos-and-donts-in-handling-dugongs-out-soon
By: Kristine L. Alave
April 15, 2012

What are the odds of finding a dugong (sea cow) or a whale at your doorstep?

While the answer could be one in several dozens of digits, the head of a conservation group and a bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are preparing guidelines on how to handle the animals. Just in case.

AA Yaptinchay, a veterinarian and head of the Marine Wildlife Watch Philippines (MWWP), has teamed up with the DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) to draft guidelines on the rescue and retrieval of dugongs stranded in shallow coastal areas.

The guidelines, which will be ready next year, would give people step-by-step procedures on the rescue of dugongs and turtles, Yaptinchay said. PAWB will also conduct awareness campaigns in coastal towns and teach residents the basics of giving first-aid to beached marine animals, he added.

Reports abound about the dugong, the largest sea-living mammal in the Philippines, getting caught in fishing nets, being stranded and drowning. They also have been hunted down, PAWB said. According to Yaptinchay, beached whales, dugong and turtles have become common sights in some areas of the country.

Unaware that these animals belong to protected species, some residents simply gawk at the animals while recording their last breath on the cameras of their mobile phones. Others kill stranded creatures for their meat and shell, Yaptinchay said.

He said recently, several dugongs have drowned after getting caught in fishing nets in Mati, Davao Oriental. “Early last year, up to four dugongs died during a three-month period,” he said.

“The release of turtles is commonly seen in the news, but a lot of them are not done properly. Hopefully this will be corrected with the issuance of the release guidelines,” he said.

Yaptinchay reminded communities that dugongs, whales or turtles caught in fishing nets should be released immediately to the sea. A stranded animal, on the other hand, requires more attention.

If you see a beached whale or dugong, the first thing to do is to assess its condition, Yaptinchay said. A beached animal should be protected from the sun. Residents could put a shade or a wet cloth over it, he said. It is vital that the skin of the species be kept wet. People should also be careful not to cover or put sand or water over the animal’s blow hole or nose. A superficial wound does not require major treatment, the vet added.

If the animal is injured and cannot be released, call an expert to handle it, Yaptinchay said. Residents should immediately report the beaching to the nearest DENR or PAWB office and also report data on the animal such as its size and injuries.

Dead animals, on the other hand, should be turned over to the DENR for disposal, Yaptinchay said.

He also urged residents to report incidents like these to MWWP through its Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/marinewildlifewatchofthephilippines) or to PAWB at telephone number (02) 9246031.

The dugong, which used to abound in Palawan and is found in lesser numbers in Zamboanga City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Surigao City, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras and Polilio Island in Quezon, have been under threat because of increasing disturbances in the ecosystem, the PAWB said.

Aside from threats from fishermen, climate change is also a daunting challenge for the survival of these animals. These include changes in sea temperatures and storm surges that have put the dugong and other marine mammals at higher risk of beaching than ever.

Yaptinchay said dugongs may not be iconic or cuddly, but they play a vital role in the country’s marine ecosystem. “Green turtles and the dugong are the biggest herbivores in the sea and [contribute] to the nutrient cycle in the oceans. They affect seagrass beds through cultivation grazing, making seagrass beds more productive and nutritious,” he said.

“The turtles and dugongs have been around for millions of years and have been important players in the balance of the marine ecosystem. If we lose them, there will be some serious effect on the ecosystem which provides us with so many benefits including water, oxygen, food and even medicine,” he added.

A gentle sea creature, the dugong can measure up to 3 meters from snout tip to tail when fully grown. Breastfeeding mother dugongs are said to have inspired myths of mermaids.

PNoy to DOE: Solve Mindanao power crisis ASAP

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1711334214673
By: Robert E. Roperos
April 12, 2012

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the energy department to solve the power crisis at the soonest time possible without sacrificing the future.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras today said in press conference today in Davao City that the President has instructed him to focus on identifying and providing solutions to the Mindanao power crisis.

The DOE chief stressed, however, that the President wants a solution that will not "jeopardize the future."

“This means that the President want a long-term solution to the power crisis in Mindanao," Almendras said.

Almendras added the solution to the prevailing power crisis must be felt not only at present but also in the future. “Thus, the president wants to have it solved without jeopardizing the future of Mindanao,” he added.

The energy secretary said also said that the President will grace the Mindanao Energy Summit tomorrow, Friday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

Almendras said the President will preside over the summit where private and public stakeholders are expected to present the scenario of the power crisis, as well as to identify and solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Almendras explained that the seven-day shutdown of Malampaya Plant which is scheduled in July will be implemented since the demand of electricity during rainy season (July-September) is low as compared to the summer season. This, according to Sec. Almendras, must be made for the maintenance of the plant.

Davao cacao farmers target 100,000 tons of export demand

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1551334124278
By: Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat
April 11, 2012

Cacao farmers here in the region are bent on reaching the 100,000 tons of cacao demand needed by the global chocolate leader, Mars.

Cacao farmer Charita Puentespina disclosed in today's Club 888 the struggles of the local cacao producers in order to reach the target demand by its chocolate partner.

" It was in 2008 that the cacao industry started to rise up as Mars Chocolate found our cacao having the exact quality that importers need," Puentespina said.

When Davao cacao farmers started exporting to Mars, other importers and traders from Europe and the Netherlands followed suit.

"The demand was so high that we felt the need to consolidate. Fortunately, a non-government agency such as ACDI-VOCA helped us organize ourselves, look for other cacao farmers to consolidate our produce." she said.

At present 10,000 hectares of land in the country are planted with cacao. Seventy percent of the national production comes from Davao Region.

Data showed that cacao production reached an all-time high of 40,000 tons in the mid 80s but got lost in the coming years due to the problem on quality and shipping cost.

Not until an international buyer of cacao discovered the potentials of cacao beans produced in the Davao Region. This paved the way for the start of cacao production despite the lucrative export income from banana production.

Puentespina narrated the interest of Mars Cocoa in helping out the farmers' association to transfer knowledge to those interested of engaging into cacao production.

In May, the farmers' association will open the Cacao Information and Development Center where farmers and even those non farmers but interested to learn could avail of the technology transfer seminar as well as the knowledge upgrading about the industry.

Experts will be teaching students techniques and ways for proper cacao production. The said center is also envisioned to have its processing plant where value-adding of the product will be maximized.

The center is also targeted to come up with a database in which target beneficiaries could make do with it as they plan to engage into this kind of industry.

Autism society invites Dabawenyos to national meet

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1551333761667
By: PIA
April 07, 2012

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) invites Dabawenyos to its 12th National Conference on Autism and 2nd Southeast Asian Conference on Autism on April 28 and 29, 2012 (Saturday and Sunday), with the theme “Living with Autism: Hope@Home” at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Avenue corner ADB Avenue, Quezon City.

This year’s conference aims to promote, first and foremost, acceptance of autism within the family. It seeks to empower families to make informed decisions and to take bolder steps to ensure quality life for their member with autism.

It will also provide a fresh perspective to professionals as collaborative and supportive partners of families in the management of autism.

It will feature interactive web interviews with Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Stephen Shore, two of the renowned experts on autism in the world. Also sharing their knowledge during the conference are local experts Dr. Alexis L. Reyes, one of the country’s leading Developmental Pediatricians, Dr. Michael Tan, and Dr. Lourdes “Honey” Carandang. It will showcase local experiences of parents, siblings and persons with autism as self-advocates.

It will also showcase initiatives of the government (Carmona, Cavite) and the private sector [Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)], both in the rural and urban settings, to provide programs and services for families and communities facing the challenges of autism.

A special registration rate is available for a group of ten (10) participants. Registrants may pay by depositing payment to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank-Kamias Branch, Savings Account No. 047-3-04751874-2. Kindly fax to (632)9266941 or e-mail to the address below a copy of the deposit slip with the name/s of the participant/s.

For more information on the conference, please contact our Conference Coordinator, Reynaldo Refran at telephones (02)926-6941, (02)929-8447, mobile number (0926)694-4936 or email aspnc2012@gmail.com .

DOE assures of govt. efforts in addressing Mindanao power situation

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1561333517823
By: Carina L Cayon
April 04, 2012

The Department of Energy has assured energy stakeholders in Mindanao that the government is taking its best efforts in addressing the power situation in the island.

DOE Undersecretary Josefina Patricia Asirit made the assurance in the Mindanao Energy Stakeholders Meeting on Tuesday here, as she presented DOE’s undertakings and recommended solutions to improve the power supply in Mindanao.

Asirit told power distributors and electric cooperatives across Mindanao of the current power supply deficit of 100-160 mega watts in the Mindanao grid from 360 MW during the previous months.

As part of the short-term solutions to this condition, Asirit said DOE is pushing for the re-opening of the Iligan Diesel Power Plant (IDPP), which has been shutdown since June 2010 pending evaluations and clearance by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Once operational, IDPP is expected to produce an initial power of 20-30 MW and may increase up to its full capacity of 100 MW upon rehabilitation, Asirit stated.

“We hope we can put it online within the next four months, if not earlier,” she told the media in a press conference held after the stakeholders’ meeting on the same day at the Grand Regal Hotel, this city.

Another short-term solution being mulled by DOE is the transfer of power barges as stop-gap measures needed in Mindanao.

Asirit said two power barges are up for transfer next year that would provide 120 MW and 70 MW respectively. “This would certainly be more than enough to help augment the 200 MW shortfall,” she stated.

She said there is one power barge existing with a 32-MW capacity but is only generating 5 MW due to its location in a cement plant.

The rest of the existing power barges also with a 32-MW capacity each require maintenance to operate full generation capacity, she added.

DOE’s short-term solutions include the installation of the Mindanao Coal-fired Power Plant of the STEAG State Power, Inc. which has a 10 MW un-contracted capacity, and the acceleration of energy efficiency program.

Asirit explained that these short-term solutions are temporary just as not to hamper the development of the industry, while DOE is also making efforts for the long-term solutions.

In averting the power situation in Mindanao from becoming a crisis in the future, DOE saw the need for technical rehabilitation and upgratdng of power generation plants to generate more power.

The DOE official said the 180-MW Pulangi Complex run-off river hydropower plant will need to be repaired starting this month to operate in its full generation capacity.

For the period of April to May, Pulangi river will be at its lowest water elevations which will reduce power generation of about 100-130 MW.

However, Asirit clarified that Pulangi Complex is still generating in its full capacity of 180MW as of this time, and explained that the rehabilitation plan is aimed at preventing the plant from further damage.

The Agus 6 Complex, a hydropower plant, is also set for rehabilitation and uprading in June this year, she said adding that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has already approved three weeks ago the P2.6 budget for the plant’s repair.

Asirit said the rehabilitation of the Units 1 and 2 of the Agus 6 plant will bring about additional 19 MW to produce a total of 44 MW, and will ensure another 30 years of existence.

The Energy Undersecretary has also reported that the issuance of DOE Circular DC2012-03-00419 in March 2012 aiming to rationalize the power supply in Mindanao has already gained positive results.

The Circular directs electric cooperatives to nominate their needed power to supply their demands which DOE said has resulted to reduction of power outages.

Asirit said that as of Sunday, only nine out of the 27 electric cooperatives in Mindanao have experienced brownouts since January this year, with reduced duration of at least 30 minutes to two hours.

She clarified that not all areas in Mindanao have power outages such as the areas of Cotabato, Panabo, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Davao.

With the issuance of the Circular, areas not experiencing interruptions now include Malaybalay, Dipolog, Dapitan, Valencia, Camiguin, Panabo, Digos, Tagum, Mati, Cotabato, Surigao, Butuan, and Cabadbaran, DOE said.

Snorkeling site opens in Davao Oriental

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R11&article=1561333254237
By: Carina L Cayon
April 01, 2012

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental- A snorkeling site in the city is now open for local and foreign enthusiasts and tourists to take in their itineraries when they visit the province especially this summer season.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region recently opened the snorkeling area at Barangay Tamisan in Mati City as an offshoot to the enterprise development efforts of DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP).

DENR-XI signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of Mati City and the Tamisan Marine Protected Area Fisherfolk Association (TAMPAFAS) in implementing the ICRMP in the city.

As part of the agreement, 17 reef rangers were trained, and are now ready to guide tourists who want to explore the surface of the bay.

The trained reef rangers received their brand new snorkeling gears such as mask, fins, life vests, goggles and diving suits after the MOA signing on March 27.

Mayor Michelle Rabat who represented Mati LGU in the MOA, emphasized the need of protecting and conserving the coastal area of Barangay Tamisan in order to lure more tourists to come and snorkel in the area.

“Protecting and conserving the coastal areas also means sustaining your livelihood and enjoying the coastal resources specifically fishes. I am very happy that this enterprise development activity is finally realized,” Rabat said.

Rabat pledged to provide TAMPAFAS a service vehicle for their snorkeling and livelihood activities.

TAMPAFAS was represented by its president Giovanni Lazaro in the MOA signing, while DENR-XI was headed by its regional technical director Emmanuel Isip.

The snorkeling package also features food treat of special native delicacies of Mati City such as taro (local name for gabi), cassava cooked with coconut milk and sugar, salvaro, puto-cassava, lumpia, ube and the local version of mudslide made of milo, milk, tuba (coconut wine) and many more.

Meanwhile, DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna said that DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje have been closely monitoring the ICRMP implementation all over the country.

Paje was instrumental for the early release of the P441,603.00 as a funding support to the association for its start-up capital.

The DENR-ICRMP will continuously monitor the association’s activities and provide them technical assistance when necessary.