Davao City News April 2018

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Davao City - Archived News
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Davao City Aerial View
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Entrance to Davao City
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Nat'l Hwy Through Davao City
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Davao City Victoria Mall
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Old Davao City Airport
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Mangrove forests are critical for the stability of coastal areas and the sustainability of fish and marine resources which provide food and livelihood to people in more than 800 coastal towns in the Philippines. USAID, through the Philippine Environmental Governance Project, assisted the local government (Davao City) in establishing, through a local ordinance, the mangrove area as a marine protected area.
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USAID, through the Philippine Environmental Governance Project, assisted the local government (Davao City) in establishing, through a local ordinance, the mangrove area as a marine protected area. A crucial part in effective coastal resources management is law enforcement with Bantay Dagat teams playing a crucial role by safeguarding local waters. In Davao City Philippines, Bantay Dagat members protect mangrove areas from illegal cutting, thus conserving areas for fisheries and marine biodiversity habitats.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Davao City prepares for P1.108-billion construction bonanza

By Antonio L. Colina IV

Davao City – The construction of a P1.08-billion food exchange complex, and a bridge that will link this city and Samal Island will soon commence with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) now in the final phases of completing the process needed for their implementation.

The Davao Food Exchange Complex project, which will be situated in a 20-hectare property, will be offered for bidding within the year, according to NEDA Region 11 Director Maria Lourdes Lim.

Lim said the NEDA Board approved the project last April 25.

Lim said the food exchange complex will have food processing centers, cold storage/warehousing facilities, trading post, technology/business incubation center, tourism component, agri-aqua culture, and water filtration and bottling facilities.

She added the food complex will be open to processors of agriculture-based products.

The construction of the entire development will take about two years, she said.

Lim also said a grant worth P90 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been set aside to conduct a full-blown feasibility study on the Davao City-Samal Bridge.

Lim, who is also vice chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11, said that the feasibility study will likely be undertaken this year.

She said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is negotiating with Hong Kong-based consultants, who could undertake the study.

She said the RDC 11 requested for a budget from DPWH to fund the study but “it was picked up by DPWH as a grant from ADB.”

Davao City gears up for Kadayawan festival

By Armando Fenequito, Jr. (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- This early, the Davao City government is gearing up for this year's Kadayawan festival, an annual showcase of culture and abundance of resources held every month of August.

This, after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio signed an executive order creating the executive committee (Execom) and sub-committees in preparation for the 2018 Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebration.

In her Executive Order No. 08, the mayor, who chairs the committee, named City Administrator Zuleika Lopez as her official representative while Assistant City Administrator for Administration Tristan Dwight Domingo was designated as vice-chairperson.

The members of the Execom are: Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification; Ermelinda Gallego of the City Budget Office; Regina Rosa Tecson of the City Tourism Office; and the incumbent Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative.

They are mandated to plan and ensure the smooth coordination of programs, events, and activities in connection with the celebration of the festival.

Duterte-Carpio also tasked the members to encourage greater private sector participation the staging of all events and activities, ensure the optimal exposure of the festival, both locally and internationally.

The committee is tasked to find ways and means to support the effective implementation of programs, events, and activities during the celebration. Kadayawan festival features the culture and traditions of the city’s different tribes.

Last year’s festival was successful and one of its showcase -- the Cultural Village at the Magsaysay Park -- has been retained as one of the city’s attraction.

‘Science of Addiction’ now in DepEd-11 curriculum

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – Starting June, students in formal education from Grades 4 to 12 in both public and private schools and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) will take lessons on drug education.

The enhancement of school curricula with the inclusion of the “science of addiction” is part of the Davao city government’s campaign to prevent and control drug abuse here.

The drug education lessons have been approved by Education Secretary Leonor Briones for Davao.

Initiated by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), the drug education instructional materials and its integration in the elementary, secondary and tertiary were products of hardwork of the DepEd technical teams from evaluators, writers, illustrators for the formal education and ALS.

Dubbed the CADAC Drug Education Modules, the lessons in Science of Addiction are the Physiology and Pharmacology, Co-Occurring Disorders, Treatment and Management, Community Development and the Role of Higher Education Institutions in the implementation of the program Tabangan Atong Reformists Aron Naay Asenso (TARA NA) and the sustainability of the Community Based Recovery Support System (CBRAP).

There's also the Recovery and Relapse Prevention, Department of Health Program, Science of Addiction Alcoholism, Risk Factors of Drug Use and Abuse, and Stress lead to drug use. The Modules are included in Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH).

The CADAC Modules were finally launched Friday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel after these were pilot tested in March.

At the launching, CADAC Action officer Michael Denton Aportadera said the program is the only way to protect the children from drugs.

He said it the best option given that drugs already affected a lot of families and has become an epidemic.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lauded the project as it is being the first in the country.

Mayor Sara described drug education modules as a "breakthrough and the first of its kind" as it brings together efforts of various agencies – the city government, health, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The modules will enter the DepEd portal and can be used by all teachers in the country.

Health Assistant Secretary from Mindanao, Dr. Abdullah Dumama, lauded the project as this would "strengthen the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte."

The Department of Health (DoH), Dumama said, has also its support programs offered in Treatment Rehabilitation Centers, which are established nationwide.

In Mindanao TRCs are located in Bukidnon and in Malagos, Davao City. DoH will be setting up in Zamboanga and Cotabato.

Ronald Rivera, adviser of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) for community organizing, said Enhanced ALS was an initiative of the city government to help not only drug reformists but the whole population to understand illegal drugs and drug addiction.

Rivera said CADAC thought of educating the children on drug addiction as a strategy rather than advocacy strategy because the drug reformists or the youth would be able to retrieve all information.

Smartphones ‘Newseum’ to open in Davao

By Digna D. Banzon (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – The Nokia phone main distributor in the country will be opening a Newseum in Davao next week as a showroom of its line of phones.

HMD Global Philippines, the home of Nokia phones, is also expanding its presence in Mindanao, banking on the strong market in the island.

Country manager Shannon Mead of HMD Global Philippines said Mindanao helped build the company’s story when it first came to Davao City in 2017.

"As we write the next chapter of our brands, we make sure that you get the promise we committed in Davao last year," he said.

Gibby Penaflor, the head of marketing, said the company is seeing a strong market based on the volume sales coming from Mindanao.

"I guess in terms of profile it is very heavy on the market with imaging still a big attraction and preference that get across the market, with the growing younger generation where that kind of devices (smart phones) has big appeal right now," he said.

Meanwhile, Mead said the sales of Nokia was ten times higher with the success of Nokia 3310 units in the Philippines. The 8110 4G model will be introduced in the county next month and Davao consumers will be the first ones to receive it at P3999 per unit, he said.

He said the unit (8110) was in the market 10 or 12 years ago but now comes with some improvements as it has smart features: 4G, a camera, dual sim, radio and the game (snake) to name some.

"It is more relevant to announce 8110 4G here as we want to invest in the right areas," he said. “We definitely felt the presence, especially in the provincial areas and the consumer recollection of the brand, had more impact here than in Manila.”

Mead said HMD is partnering with different stores as distributors and Mindanao would account for about 100 of that; and a thousand other significant partners around the country.

"With the 14 model phones the retailers have something to offer to customers where they (consumers) could have great experience with the units," he said.

HMD is also looking at Tagum City and General Santos City for connections.

Mead said he wants HMD to be the top market supplier within 3 to 5 years though it is a long journey.

DOST allocates P6.2-M for water treatment projects in Davao

By Digna D. Banzon (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office here allocated PHP6.2 million to fund WATsUP or the Wastewater Treatment System Upgrading Program here.

DOST 1I assistant regional director Mirasol Domingo disclosed that the program will enhance the applicability of the vertical helophyte filter system for small communities, local micro small and medium entrepreneurs and public entities.

She said that part of the program under the public entities is the Sanitation Embankment Project of the Davao City abattoir.

A memorandum of agreement is being finalized between the department and the Davao City government for the implementation of the project which will start once the agreement is sealed.

She said the project is "good to go" and based on DOST’s timeline the signing of the agreement is within the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Domingo said DOST is piloting the project for three MSMEs engaged in food processing.

One of the three is Porky Best which is a recipient of the PHP100,000 grant. The two other establishments funded their own structures but received assistance through technology and other technical operation. Included in the project is the construction of the filtration structure with project partner Sean Ligvoet from the Netherlands.

Domingo said it is a type of technology used in households in the Netherlands even as she said that they had observed good results although not conclusive yet.

"We need to go further with our observation because we want to replicate it to other areas also," she said. DOST also needs to see how the helophyte plants being used in the filtration process work.

Davao City, JICA unveil P300-B ‘shopping list’ of projects

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City government and the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) on Tuesday bared a "shopping list" of major infrastructure projects worth almost PHP300 billion to address existing conditions and issues in city, especially on the effects of urbanization.

Called the Davao City Infrastructure Development Plan and Capacity Building project for the Infrastructure Modernization for Davao or IM4Davao 2045, it is 27-year infrastructure plan with a list of proposed projects for Davao City that investors and funding agencies can select from.

“It is a platform for all agencies and stakeholders. A platform for the development of development,” said Ken Kumazawa, leader of the IM4Davao Project Team.

The draft of the final report was presented to agencies and stakeholders at the Marco Polo Hotel. It contains the existing conditions of the city’s water system, traffic, and other environmental issues.

IM4Davao is being developed by the city government together with JICA and Almec Corporation Oriental Consultants Global Ltd.

The plan is expected to improve the city’s competitiveness, safety from disasters, and general urban conditions. It will support the planning and implementation of development - effectively and efficiently - through the capacity enhancement of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the city government.

Kumazawa said there are priority projects on the list, from highway network, public transport, wastewater management, solid waste management, environmental management, and planning and implementation capacity.

He said the city government saw the need to create an infrastructure plan because it is expected to perform key regional and international roles being the seat of Davao region.

In a press briefing also held at the Marco Polo Hotel on Tuesday, Assistant City Administrator Tristan Dwight Domingo said the IM4Davao guides the city on how it will pursue infrastructure development. It will also raise accountability.

“This is a list which can serve as a basis of specific things we can request from the national government to help us with or to fund,” he said.

It is also a show window for the people to see the bad effects of urbanization. Domingo said people can also check the performance of the government.

“We encourage people to learn more about the plan,” he said.

Some of the projects are already subject to funding while others are on-going. NEDA director Maria Lourdes Lim hopes other projects will obtain grants so that these can be started.

She said the other components of the masterplan will have to go through a rigorous evaluation or appraisal process and the appropriate financing scheme.

“Having these projects, for example, in the public investment program which is being managed by NEDA, that will be a signal not only to our government but also to our ODA (Official Development Assistance) partners and even private sector through PPP (public-private partnership) that we want to make Davao City as, perhaps, the most competitive and livable city in the southern Philippines,” Lim said.

The report presented on Tuesday detailed the issues currently confronting the city. These are the degrading water quality of the Davao River with its high fecal coliform and total suspended solids; traffic problem; and, urbanization trend, particularly on the rapid increase of the city’s population in 30 years from less than a million in 1985 to 1.6 million in 2015.

In its population forecast, the report said Davao City plus the six adjacent local government units could reach 5.2 million in 2045 from 2.5 million in 2015 population count.

To address bottlenecks and new roads, the list includes short-term projects such as the completion of the Davao City Bypass road; completion of the Davao City Coastal Road; secondary routes between the bypass road and Diversion road; and, the establishment and operationalization of the Davao City Traffic Control Center.

For mid-term (2023-2030), the list includes the extension of Diversion road to Toril; the construction of Davao Riverside Boulevard together with river improvement; and, secondary roads to serve newly-urbanized areas.

The long-term projects (2031-2045) are the construction of the Buhangin-Bunawan Bypass Road; construction of the Talomo-Calinan Bypass Road; and continuous secondary road development.

There is also the railway network plan, a combination of the ongoing Mindanao Railway with the proposed Davao City Mass Transit Line.

Lim said the projects are even aligned with the 10-point development agenda of Mayor Sara Duterte.

Lim also underscored stakeholders' participation and support. “This plan will not be realized without the support of the stakeholders,” Lim said.

DPWH, JICA ink pact on Davao City flood control, drainage project

(PR)

MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be working together to craft a master plan and feasibility study on flood control and drainage project in Davao City.

In a statement Tuesday, the DPWH said the project aims to enhance the river basin and improve drainage system in Davao City in accordance with JICA’s Environmental and Social Considerations.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and JICA Philippines Office Chief Representative Yoshio Wada formally signed the Records of Discussions (RD) on Monday.

The department noted that the RD is for the conduct of feasibility study needed in the formulation of a blueprint towards flood prevention in the city following the Integrated Watershed Resources Management (IWRM) Approach.

It was drafted after series of discussions between DPWH, JICA and other relevant organizations to develop a detailed plan of the undertaking, both structural and non-structural.

Based on the signed RD, the study will be carried out in three stages: (1) the basic study of the consolidation of basic information/data; (2) the master plan study for the drainage and flood-control of Davao City which includes Davao River, Matina River, and Talomo River Basin; and (3) the conduct of feasibility study on urgent and/priority projects.

Both institutions are looking to finalize the study within 24-month time frame, and by then can be utilized in implementing projects that will mitigate damage of flooding in Davao City.

Also present during the signing are DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Flood Control Management Cluster Director Patrick B. Gatan, DPWH-UPMO Project Manager Rogelio Ang, JICA Expert Takafumi Nakui, JICA Philippines Senior Representative Ayumu Ohshima and JICA Philippines Economic Growth Group Representative Atsushi Shibata.

The event was held at the DPWH Central Office, Port Area, Manila.

DA extends P4-M aid to farmers in Davao City

By Funny Pearl Gajunera (PNA)

DAVAO CITY—The Department of Agriculture on Monday turned over to the city government a check amounting to PHP4 million as assistance to the fisheries and the livestock sector under the national government’s Payapa and Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

The check was received by City Agriculturist Leo Brian Leuterio, who said PHP2 million of the amount will benefit the Municipal Fishery Development Project at Purok 77, Bangkal, Talomo District while the remaining PHP2 million will be spent for livestock production projects.

Leuterio said the money will be used to purchase dryer for seaweeds and small warehouses for the fisherfolk.

“We have identified a few things that the beneficiaries really need -- those are dryers for seaweeds to help them develop their products and small warehouses for their products and equipment,” Leuterio said.

He said the solar-powered seaweeds dryer will boost the seaweeds industry in the city.

According to Leuterio, CAO had requested for the financial assistance under the PAMANA after assessing the needs of the fisherfolk and small livestock raisers. He said there are more needs of the fisherfolk that will be distributed to them in the coming days.

“We have requested more motorized bancas from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). We also have three on deck fish landing that will be put up together with the coastal road and there will be more to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, the City Information Office (CIO) reported that the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) also turned over two units of hauling trucks to two Davao City cooperatives.

The vehicles will be given to the Subasta Integrated Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIFMPC) and Biao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BARBC). The units will be used for cacao production and marketing of dry fermented beans.

Davao City to host agricultural, biosystems engineering confab

By Armando Fenequito, Jr. (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) will hold its 68th Annual National Convention and the 15th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibition in this city.

PSABE president Eng. Marife Pesino said the events are in line with the celebration of the 29th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, which will be held on April 22-28, 2018 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Sports and Cultural Center in Barrio Obrero.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers: Partners in Agri-Fisheries Development for Sustainable Tomorrow,” she said.

Presino said the week-long celebration includes exhibits, technology demonstrations, plenary and technical papers presentations on the development and trends in renewable energy and rural electrifications; environmental and waste management; agricultural machinery; irrigation and drainage; soil and water conservation; postharvest and processing agricultural structures; fishery and aquaculture resources engineering; and forest product resource engineering.

Pesino said the events intend to provide local Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) with comprehensive up-to-date information and develop a common understanding on developing and managing appropriate technologies for the ultimate goal of attaining food security.

“It also aims to build a platform for increased cooperation, by forming and/or strengthening partnerships among academe, public and the private sector in the agricultural and biosystems arena,” she said.

Pesino said the attendance of the ABEs in the events will be very significant as they play a major role in the implementation of the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers Competitiveness Road Map, the Republic Act No. 10601 or the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law, and the recently enacted RA No. 10915 or the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016.

SPDA to build P10-B modern hospital in Davao

By Antonio L. Colina IV

Davao City — The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), a government-owned and controlled corporation, will construct a modern medical city on its 4.7-hectare property currently occupied by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 11 in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.

This was disclosed by newly-appointed SPDA administrator and chief-executive-officer Abdulgani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin in his acceptance speech on Wednesday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Salapuddin said the modern hospital will be called Asia Pacific Medical City worth P10 billion to be implemented through public-private partnership (PPP).

The medical city is being envisioned to have a college medicine, commercial complex, and other amenities to serve the people of Davao City and Mindanao, Salapuddin said.

“Since our most important wealth is health of our people, then we must endeavor to build our modern and state of the art medical and hospital industry for a healthy and strong Mindanao,” he said.

Salapuddin was a former member of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). He was Basilan governor from 1988 to 1998, congressman from 1998 to 2007, and then went back to private life until his appointment to SPDA as administrator by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The official said they have asked the President to issue an executive order returning the properties occupied by DAR 11 to SPDA so that they can proceed with the construction of the hospital as they have already started working on its master development plan, including the design concept drafted by a group of architects, engineers, and economists.

Salapuddin said they are also planning to develop the properties of SPDA in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, Davao City, and Zamboanga City as the agency has been tasked by Duterte to make Mindanao the “southern frontier, not the southern backdoor.”

He said SPDA has lined up short- and long-term development projects in all the properties awarded by the government to the GOCC, including the immediate repair and rehabilitation of our existing buildings in Koronadal Business Center, Ice Plant in Pikit, and fishpond in Vitali, Zamboanga City.

He said the technical team is completing the conceptual designs that will be presented to local and foreign investors for partnership or joint venture investments.

Salapuddin said they plan to hold trade missions to member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), countries in the Middle East, China, Japan, and some European countries.


Davao City puts up gender-friendly restrooms

By Funny Pearl Gajunera (PNA)

DAVAO CITY — The Davao City government has converted the restrooms at the ground floor of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building to "all-gender restroom’ to accommodate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

This was announced by Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag, who said the all-gender comfort room is seen to reduce discrimination against people who have other sexual preference.

This move also strengthens the city's implementation of the anti-discrimination ordinance approved in 2012.

“We are just finalizing the signage, anytime next week we will launch it. It will be placed at the ground floor,” Al-ag said.

He said it is time to put up the all-gender comfort room, citing last year’s incident where a transgender woman figured in a heated altercation with another woman who felt "uncomfortable" with her presence.

“Following our anti-discrimination ordinance, it will be an opportunity for the LGBT community not to be discriminated against with this all-gender comfort room,” Al-ag said.

Al-ag said the Sanguniang Panlungsod should serve as the avenue for the LGBT community to express their gender preference without being discriminated.

Under the anti-discrimination ordinance of the city, Dabawenyos are prohibited from discriminating against people based on gender, religion, life status and others.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte has also proposed an amendment to the ordinance to include the health status of a person, following reports that some workers were dismissed from their work because they have Hepatitis B.

Last year, the Ateneo de Davao University put up its gender- friendly restrooms.

Davao City riders shine in mountain bike race

By ADAM B. MORRELL

DAVAO City riders shone at the close of the Sikad sa Lupon road and mountain bike race held in Lupon town, Davao Oriental.

Bemedaled racer Ronnie Urdaneta, Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championship double gold medalist Myra Regina Acedo and Feliza Joy Abellana clinched titles in their respective categories.

Urdaneta annexed the mountain bike open elite title after recording a total time of one hour and eight minutes, 40 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer April John Maniyog of Kapalong to place second.

Jeff Dela Peña (1:11.00), Nathaniel Carisma (1:12.00) and Milven Layaog (1.17.00), however, landed on the next three places.

Acedo, for her part, was hailed as the female mountain bike champion with a total time of 1:32.00.

Abellana, meanwhile, checked in at 1:57.00 to rule the female road bike division.

Aldrin Awit, on the other hand, registered a total time of 1:30.00 to secure the road bike open elite division over Nathaniel Carisma (1:30.51), Orlando Sabijon (1:31.04), Glen Yap (1:31.06) and Carl Kopilov Dayaran (1:31.07), who occupied the next four places.

The road bike executive title was captured by Doz Gumela with a total time of 1:31.00 while David Erispe seized the mountain bike executive title with a 1:13.00 finish.

11K vacancies up for grabs in Region 11 Labor Day Job Fair

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – The regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 11) are ready for the two-day Job Fair on May 1 and 2 with 11,882 work vacancies open for jobseekers.

Dubbed “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fairs, the event will be held at the Gaisano Mall of Davao and SM City aimed not only offering jobs, but also promote entrepreneurship through business fairs.

DOLE 11 Employment Focal Person Marlito Ayala said that of the 11,882 total jobs available, 2,766 are local vacancies and 2,982 for overseas employment. Of the top 10 most in-demand jobs, Ayala said five are for construction.

There are 1,205 vacancies for mason; 528 for carpenter; 402 for title setter; 144 for rebarman or steelman; and, 70 for foreman.

The rest of the local vacancies are for sales representatives – 130; service crew – 103; customer service representatives – 70; technical support representatives – 60; and, management trainee – 54.

With the number of vacancies for construction, Ayala said this indicates that the construction industry is booming in Davao region.

“This is startling for us. There are really many construction activities in Davao,” said Ayala during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

He added that in the past, the most in-demand job was for call center agents or customer service representatives.

Ayala said nursing remains the most in-demand job abroad with 1,933; sales associate – 200; assistant herd manager for New Zealand – 174; waiter/waitress – 120; English teacher for Japan – 113; cleaner -112; household service worker – 100; welder – 100; general worker/laborer – 90 and engineer – 40.

Trade and Industry Development Specialist Gema Estrada said that in tandem with DOLE DTI is also offering Diskwento Caravan and business seminars on the sidelines of the job fair.

Estrada said DTI offers an alternative source of income.

DTI will conduct livelihood training such as urban gardening, handicraft, flower arrangement, and balloon arrangement.

Estrada said the TNK is a joint undertaking of DTI and DOLE.

She said last year DTI assisted 15,000 medium and small entrepreneurs.

Since 2017, DTI conducted 1,894 skills and entrepreneurial training for MSMEs. There were also 142 MSMEs which availed of financing clinic under the TNK.

Malaysian biz group eyes oil palm industry in Davao

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – Members of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce linked up with the local business group here to explore opportunities in oil palm industry.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) chair Arturo Milan said Malaysian businessmen from Sarawak are interested in opportunities in oil palm in Davao Region and they are slated to visit the region in June.

“That is how attractive Davao City and the Davao Region are over the years under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Their president (Sarawak chamber) will be coming over and they will be bringing a delegation coming from Sarawak and the president was asking me when is the best time to come. They are just waiting for our advice,” Milan said.

It may be recalled that President Duterte was also keen on helping farmers get investors for oil palm in Davao if they, including the lumads, agree. He had said there were investors looking for land to establish a palm oil industry.

Back when he was mayor of Davao City, Duterte was urging farmers in Paquibato to engage in oil palm. He even offered help so New People’s Army (NPA) rebels can link with investors and set aside their firearms. But it never happened because members of the NPA and their supporters campaigned against the entry of investors.

Milan said he once met Malaysian investors who wanted to look at and explore business opportunities in palm oil in Davao City or elsewhere in Mindanao.

“Remember this is the flagship of Kota Kinabalu that uplifted the economy of Kinabalu in Malaysia -- the palm oil business,” he said.

Milan stressed that an oil plantation also needs to put up a processing plant.

“You need to have a processing facility because you have only 24 hours to process after harvest. The plantation should have a mill,” he said.

Milan said the business sector is also pushing for manufacturing or processing plants for raw materials from Mindanao. He cited for example cacao.

“We are happy to see that many local producers are already producing chocolates and that’s a very good indication that we are already processing not only exporting cacao beans,” he said.

For oil palm, Milan said there is still a lot of market for the product.

Aside from exploration activities, the DCCCII and Sarawak chamber will be signing a sisterhood agreement. Milan said the DCCCII is just reviewing the Memorandum of Agreement concerning this matter.

Davao City's cacao dev't aligned with national roadmap

By Jennie P. Arado

THE current direction of the cacao industry in Davao City is aligned with the Cacao National Roadmap for 2020, said the City Agriculture’s Office (CAO).

CAO head Leo Brian Leuterio said the National Roadmap 2020 intends to produce 200,000 metric tons (MT) of cacao beans per year by 2020. Currently, there is a nationwide record of 20,000 MT per year already.

“About 70 to 80 percent of the Philippine production of cacao is in Davao Region and a lot of processors are in Davao City,” said Leuterio.

This was supported by CAO Agriculturist and head of the cacao department Januario Bentain saying that the cacao industry in Davao City is very much active.

He said the city’s production and processes is more advanced as compared to other regions. This, he said, is on top of the delectable advantage of cacao by-products from Davao City.

Bentain said it helps that the coordinating agencies like government offices are very much supportive of the industry such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, and DA. He mentioned Biao Agrarian Beneficiaries Cooperative (Barbco), Fardeco Multipurpose Cooperative, and the Subasta Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative as among the three coops in the city that are well-functional.

“What’s good with cooperatives is that they are basically composed of small farmers, they have a business framework, at the same time they are able to receive grants and aids from the financing agencies of the government such as DA, Landbank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. We can reach small farmers better with coops,” said Leuterio.

He added through cooperatives small farmers are better represented. Their needs and how these can be addressed are easily discussed as well.

Work starts on Tesda training centers for Lumads

By Juliet C. Revita

THE regional office of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP 11) led the groundbreaking ceremony for two Multi-purpose Training Courts for Indigenous People (IPs).

Tesda regional director Gaspar S. Gayona said that once construction is completed, the facility will serve as a common place where delivery of government services will be conducted for better accessibility.

It will be the training facility for Tesda’s Special Skills Training Program (SSTP), where IPs will be trained with their preferred skills to have a head start for their livelihood.

“The training courts serve as the common service facility of government agencies. Trainings and other activities to be conducted by the agencies will be held here,” Gayona said.

The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted last April 3 and 4.

The facilities will rise in Sitio Luyan in Barangay Tambobong, Calinan, Davao City and Sitio Bacoco in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Similar training facilities will be built in five other target locations in Davao Region starting this year.

“The project aims to provide IP communities especially in far flung areas a venue for Tesda and other government agencies to conduct various skills trainings and other activities needed to deliver better and more services to the IPs,” he added.

Tesda has an array of technical skills offered where IPs may including plumbing, masonry, carpentry, hollow block making, tile setting, small engine mechanics, food processing and among other.

Taking consideration of IPs concerns, Gayona however added that the tribal leaders can discuss with their respective tribes should they want specific trainings that they want to avail.

Gayona urged Lumad leaders to pursue their youths and enroll them to their 3-year Diploma Program, assuring that free training, assessment, accommodation and allowances will be provided.

Meanwhile, Aguio underscored that he is hopeful that the Ovu Manuvu tribe at Sitio Luyan and Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe at Sitio Bacoco will also do their part for the success of the programs intended for them.

The NCIP 11 will implement its Integrated Ancestral Domain Development Approach (IADDA) project which shall include different capacity development trainings for Ips.

“The convergence of the government agencies will pave way for many results and there will be more benefits for the IPs,” Aguio said.

He challenged the tribal communities, especially the leaders, to be responsible and accountable with the given projects and programs.

“I challenge all the leaders that we all we take care and show the government that we are responsible and capable to receive these projects,” he said.

Davao local tax collection up 21% to P2.6-B in Jan-Feb

By Funny Pearl A. Gajunera (PNA)

DAVAO CITY- Davao City has posted a 21-percent increase in its local tax collection in the first two months of the year, according to the City Council Committee on Finance, Ways and Means.

From January to February this year, the city collected a total of PHP2.594 billion, higher than the PHP2.135 billion collection for the same period in 2017.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the Committee on Finance, said the increase in the tax collection is the result of the tax adjustment that the city implemented after 12 years of not amending the local tax code.

“The 21 percent increase is the result of our tax code amendments. This will show how big the impact is on the budget of the city. I predict that our 2019 budget will (be) boosted following this significant increase in our tax collections,” Dayanghirang said.

For this year, the City has a total budget of PHP7.6 billion, of which, the biggest chunk was allocated for social projects, particularly the Lingap Para sa Mahirap program.

Dayanghirang said the tax collection will further increase in the next months of the year 2018 until 2019 as the increase in the real property tax is scheduled for implementation in 2019 yet.

“We have not yet implemented an increase in our local tax collection, it is scheduled in 2019. The increase of our tax collection will boost our annual budget, this means that the city can further extend assistance to the people,” he said.

Dayanghirang also admitted he received some complaints following the amendments to the local tax code.

“We already forwarded the complaints to the City Mayor’s Office. They will be the one to act on the complaints,” he said.

163km of local roads to become national roads

(KVC)

A TOTAL of 162.9 kilometers of local roads in Davao City are set to be converted into national roads in order to keep up with the city’s development and its increasing population.

During the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong media forum held last Tuesday, City Council chair on committee on public works and highways Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado bared that his committee has scheduled a committee hearing for the request of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the conversion of existing roads identified as local roads, into national roads.

Based on the data provided by Zozobrado, in District 1 alone, up to 65.853 kilometers of local roads have been included in the list of proposed roads for conversion. These consists of one barangay road and nine city roads including Catalunan Grande Road, Marfori Road, Roxas Road (junction of Daang Maharlika Highway-junction of Magsaysay Avenue- Quezon Boulevard), Sandawa Road-Ecoland Drive-Matina Aplaya-Matina Crossing-Matina Pangi Road-Diversion Road, Matina Pangi Road, Bago Oshiro Road, Junction of Diversion Road-El Rio Vista Road-Circumferential Road-Davao Cotabato Road, Sandawa Road (junction of Diversion Road-junction of ABS-CBN-Quimpo Boulevard Diversion Road), and Diversion Extension Road.

The only barangay road included in list is the Junction of Diversion Road-Magtuod Road-New Carmen-Matina Biao- Junction of Davao Bukidnon road.

In District 2, 97.042 kilometers of roads up for conversion and this involves a total of eight barangay roads, and three city roads. These three city roads include Dacudao Road, Mamay Road and Junction of Mamay Road-La Verna-Diversion Road (Jct. Airport section).

Zozobrado said one of the advantages that come with the conversion of these local roads into national roads is that the national government can easily fund road expansion to the roads that are already converted into national road.

According to the Davao City Information Office, DPWH District Engineer Wilfredo Aguilar, in a memorandum addressed to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, said some of the roads have to be upgraded in order to keep up with the recent development and the growing population in the city.

“Given the situation we would like to request for validation of the identified local roads for conversion into national roads,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said it would be to the best interest of the public if the identified road sections are converted into national roads as this will then be included in the Regular Infrastructure Program of the National Government.

Veggie farmers make big leap in coffee trade

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- Winning top honors in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) was far from the imagination of three local coffee growers, whose shift to coffee from vegetable farming was initially marked with indecisions.

Juanita Amaba and Liezel Siluano of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA) of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, and Delio Cezar of the Pine Valley Farm of Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province won top honors for consistently high cupping scores throughout the competition held from February 19 to March 19 in Baguio City.

Amaba and Siluano, who placed 2nd and 6th, respectively, in the Arabica category, used to engage only in vegetable farming because the market was already there and therefore, income was quick.

For the two women, coffee used to be an alternative crop -- a sideline. When the beans were ready for harvest, they sold them raw to local Chinese traders at a very low price.

Amaba and Siluano would later realize they could earn a bigger income if they changed their business approach, said Marivic Dubria, the marketing officer of BACOFA, in an interview Tuesday.

It was Marivic and Ma. Luz Dubria who assisted them in the post-harvest process of their green coffee beans during the coffee quality competition. It was also Marivic who submitted the coffee beans of Amaba and Siluano to the competition.

Marivic said she and the other farmers in Balutakay relied only on vegetable farming until they decided to engage in coffee farming because of frequent soil erosion in their area.

Balutakay is situated at the foot of Mt. Apo that makes the area excellent to grow Arabica coffee. She encouraged other members of the community to follow suit. Indeed, Marivic did not fail.

From an association of 20 members, the group converted to a cooperative and increased the members to get government attention.

At first, the farmers sold the coffee beans to specialty coffee buyers but these did not pass quality control. These were unsorted and there was presence of sand, she said.

Government intervention

The following years presented brighter prospects for BACOFA, whose membership increased to 70. Their coffee farm has expanded to an aggregate of 400 hectares.

In 2014, BACOFA received a coffee pulper machine, a roasting facility, and a delivery truck from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for shared facilities.

BACOFA was also a recipient of PHP500-million assistance from the Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), the implementer of a USDA-funded Mindanao Productivity in Agricultural Commerce and Trade Project.

BACOFA members underwent training on coffee growing to post-harvest processes with the assistance of the Kapwa Upliftment Foundation, DTI and Coffee for Peace.

As they say, the rest is history.

BACOFA’s first local market in Bukidnon used to sell the beans at PHP135 per kilo. But after participating in a coffee conference, BACOFA’s coffee beans drew more buyers. It is now supplying coffee beans to five companies in Manila, one in Bacolod, two in Iloilo, and one in Valenzuela.

Amaba and Siluano were hesitant at first when she asked them to submit entries. Nonetheless, she submitted samples for grading at the 2nd Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, a nationwide annual activity to bring quality of Philippine Coffee to greater heights resulting to higher value.

This year's competition, which is a partnership of DTI, DA and ACDI/VOCA, received a total of 108 Green Coffee Bean samples of Philippine origin for grading by eight international and four local graders.

Out of the 108 samples for judging, three were disqualified.

Each three-kilo bag of green coffee went through a meticulous selection process of the judges and Q-graders.

ACDI/VOCA Chief of Party Thelonious Trimmell said Davao region submitted 10 entries, including BACOFA’s entries for Arabica and Pine Valley’s Robusta.

Trimmel said Arabica and Robusta are two principal coffee species and make up the bulk of Philippine coffee production.

According to Trimmel, the coffee profiles of BACOFA farmers boast of brown sugar, caramel, and fruity notes -- are indicative of coffee farms that are planted in volcanic soil.

In the final grading and cupping scores, the Arabica coffee of Amaba and Siulano was graded 80. Likewise, Pine Valley’s in the Robusta category.

Marivic is bound for Seattle, United States as part of her prize. She will represent the Philippines coffee-producing sector in the specialty coffee exhibition on April 19 to 22 that will be attended by top coffee producing countries in the world. The event will be BACOFA farmers’ opportunity to market their coffee and find an international market.

Trimmel said the high scores put Philippine coffee in international map and increase profit of Filipino coffee farmers.

Lawyer Lucky Siegfred Balleque, the provincial director of DTI-Compostela Valley and the point person of the Regional Coffee Industry Cluster, said the high cupping scores mean Davao farmers coffee pass international standard for specialty coffee.

Bright future

Both Marivic and Cezar, proprietor of Pine Valley, agreed there is huge market for specialty coffee. Cezar said his farm has expanded. He has now three hectares planted with Robusta coffee and seven hectares with Arabica.

Cezar said he is lucky if he harvests about two kilos per tree. He was already in second harvest with 500 kilos.

Marivic said coffee graded 80 can be sold at PHP500 to PHP800 per kilo. She said the farmers get the bigger share of the sale because the cooperative is only getting minimal share. For now, BACOFA sells coffee beans at PHP270 per kilo.

There is also a growing demand for specialty coffee, Trimmel said. This is indicated by the growing consumption and increase number of coffee shops in the country.

Trimmel also noted the country's growing coffee consumption, and how this presents opportunities for coffee growers to increase production.

But both Trimmel and Balleque voiced concerns on supply side because growers could not meet the growing demand for specialty coffee.

Trimmell said it is really up to the farmers to meet the challenge. The farmers also need to maintain the quality of their product.

Nationwide, Balleque said the demand for coffee is between 75,000 and 200,000 metric tons against the total production between 25,000 and 35,000 metric tons.

“We hope to produce more,” Balleque said, although noting that there was an improvement in production last year.

Balleque said DA is already looking on how to address the challenge in the production side.

“Everybody is aware of the challenge and also aware of the good things,” Balleque said.

Balleque said that of the Philippines total coffee production 70 percent are Robusta, 20 percent Arabica and the rest Excelsa.

In Davao region, Compostela Valley, Talaingod in Davao del Norte, and Bansalan, Digos and Kapatagan produce Arabica.

If coffee farmers would make good in post-harvest processing of coffee, they can command the price.

Balleque also underscored the importance of picking only the red cherries and sorting.

“Pick red,” Balleque said as secret to producing good coffee beans. He said untimely harvest would result to cracks and wastage.

Davao City gears up for Kadayawan

By Karina V. Cañedo

AFTER the staging of Araw ng Dabaw and Alveo Ironman 70.3 in March, the City Government of Davao is now gearing up for the Kadayawan Festival, which will take place barely four months from now.

Davao City Information Office Jefry Tupas, in an interview with SunStar Davao on April 2, said the direction of the City Government right now is to ensure the success of the Kadayawan Festival.

"The direction is to make sure that the Kadayawan will be conducted successfully, because recently, atong mga activities have drawn attention to Davao City worldwide," she said.

Tupas said Araw ng Dabaw has been successful and it was immediately followed by Ironman, which gathered international attention.

"The [Ironman event] is very successful, we cannot deny that and we also want for Kadayawan to be the same," he said.

Tupas said they are already planning the main activities for the festival that will draw more tourist for the city.

He said the Ironman event gave the city opportunity to plan more and to think of better things to do.

Last year, the Davao City Tourism and Operations Office (CTOO) recorded a total of 185,660 tourist arrivals, based on hotel occupancy, during the Kadayawan Festival.

NCCC to launch online grocery

By Juliet C. Revita

HOMEGROWN company New City Commercial Center (NCCC) is set to launch its online-based grocery on April 8 in partnership with the Small Basket Company in an effort to provide its customers a convenient and efficient option in buying their groceries at a very competitive price.

The online grocery will provide customers a professionally designed dynamic website with an array of supermarket products to choose from and free delivery services right at the customer's doorstep.

Michael Esguerra, NCCC sales operations senior manager, in a press conference on Monday at Lispher Inn, said they decided to embark on an online platform to bring their products closer to their end consumers as well as to keep up with the current trends in retail.

He said clients now will be able to purchase what they need whether they are at home or at their offices.

Once launched, the Small Basket app can be accessed via website, IOS, and Android App, Facebook Messenger, landline, and SMS.

Engineer Allan Muhammad Ali Lachica, operations manager of Small Basket Market, said they wanted to give consumers easier and hassle-free purchase experience. At a minimum purchase of P200, customers could avail the free delivery service.

Lachica said at the beginning of their operations, they have four motorcycles and one multicab for big orders ready to serve their clients in six districts -- Agdao, Buhangin, Poblacion, Talomo, Toril, and Tugbok.

He also said they are eyeing to expand their free delivery services to other areas in the city and are even considering outside of the city.

Customers could order online from around 4,000 products NCCC is offering at NCCC Supermarket, Choice Mart, Choice Mart Express, and HB1 Pharmacy.

The online grocery store will operate every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On the day of the launching this coming Sunday, he said that exciting prices awaits for those who will attend as they will be giving away gift packs, groceries, gift checks, and many more.

Tesda skills training set for new batch of ex-rebels

By Juliet C. Revita

THE Regional office of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will offer skills training to the second batch of rebel returnees slated April 3 in line with their National Integration Scholarship Program (NISP) to help them get a headstart in their pursuit for a reformed life.

The training will be simultaneously held in the Regional Training Center- Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC) in Tibungco, Davao City if they wish to be trained in training centers.

But rebel returnees could also choose community-based or brigade camps for those who prefer the community-based training modality, and Technical Training Institutions (TTIs) and other private institutions for the beneficiaries who want to be trained in institutions near their residences.

Aside from the free training, they will also be provided with free skills training, accommodation and assessment, and a training support fund (TSF) of P100 per training day.

Tesda-Davao is intensifying its efforts to provide skills development training programs for the second batch of rebel returnees here in Davao region in coordination with other government agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

To date, they are finalizing plans on the conduct of the second skills training development program for ex-rebels to align in the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to give chance to those who embrace the government with protection and livelihood opportunities as they go back to mainstream society.

Based on the record of AFP, a total of 471 former rebels from Davao Occidental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Tagum City, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental underwent profiling last March 20, 2018.

The individuals profiled were among the 638 rebels who surrendered and were identified by the Department of National Defense (DND).

However, the final number of ex-rebels who can be catered for the second batch has yet to be determined.

After former rebels complete the training, they will receive their National Certificate and Tesda will also give them starter tool kits for them to start their own livelihood while other government agencies vowed to help find employers for them and form them into an association or cooperative so that they may be able to avail more grants from the government.

The scholarship program of the government is not only intended for rebels but as well as Indigenous Peoples and Muslim Filipinos who intend to be equipped with technical skills.

Earlier, a total of 45 rebel returnees, the first batch of scholarship recipients, completed their training program last March 8.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will then conduct a post evaluation and needs assessment on them.

Of the 45, 20 were certified in Automotive Technology and 25 for Civil Technology.

The activity will be held in Mati City, Davao Oriental and each of them will be given transportation and food allowance of P200.

Sign language training for Davao HIV counselors set

By Karina V. Cañedo

THE Olympus Society of Davao, a community organization, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) will hold a sign language training on April 17 to 20, for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) counselors of Davao city to effectively reach the deaf community.

OSD chair Oscar Obenza Jr. told Sunstar Davao that the participants will be composed of HIV counselors from Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), people’s organization, and community based organizations.

He said that the activity will be a first of its kind.

“Kasi napansin ko na hindi maka-relate ang deaf community during the World Aids day and others, meron ding nagpapa-test na nahihirapan kaming kausapin, at least now mas magkakaintindihan na kami,” Obenza said.

He said that the planned training won’t be possible with the help of the DOH as the concept and proposal was from the OSD.

He said that OSD will seek trainers from the deaf community.

“So merong active participation ang deaf community, may organization din kasi sila. If this will be successful, I am planning to propose this to other services hindi lang sa health,” Obenza said.

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