Davao City News January 2013

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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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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 nursing graduates in Top 10

(JOP)

WITH a very high passing rate of 89.41 and having eight of its graduates landed on the top 10, San Pedro College (SPC) in Davao City has been ranked as the 8th top performing nursing school across the country, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) reported Wednesday.

Based on the result of the December 2012 nursing licensure examinations (NLE) released Wednesday, 473 of the 529 total numbers of takers of SPC passed the exam.

Based on the exam results, almost nine out of 10 graduates of SPC passed the same exam.

Overall, a total of 16,908 passed the exams out of 49,066 examinees.

For the 500 SPC graduates who took the exam for the first time, 465 of them passed the exam, which translates to a very high 93 percent passing rate on its first-time takers, while 21 out of the 29 re-takers passed the same exams.

Those in the top 10 examinees from SPC are: Airen Tulawi Berlamino and Fritz D. Sustino at fifth place with 84.90; Maria Lourdes Isabelle L. Fernandez, Jinky Patron, and Christine C. Lua at 8th place with a score of 84.20; and at ninth place with a score of 84.00, Pamela Mae G. Cagape, Fernan Kristoffer M. Ocat, and Marie Angelique C. Go.

For the past decades, SPC has been consistently regarded as one of the best nursing schools in the country, at least based on the performance of its graduates on licensure examinations.

In terms of number of takers, SPC has the most total number of examinees, numbering to more than 500, whereas other schools that have been included on the list of 10 top performing nursing schools only have less than 300 first-time takers and re-takers combined.

SPC and Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan), both on the second place, were the only nursing schools in Mindanao that made it to the 10 top performing nursing schools in the Philippines.

Of the 193 graduates of Xavier who took the exam, 189 passed with a combined passing rate of 97.93 percent.

The complete 10 top performing nursing schools in the country are: Saint Paul University Tuguegarao, 99.28 percent with 138 takers; Xavier University, 97.93 percent with 193 takers; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 95.45 percent with 110 takers; Saint Paul University of Iloilo, 94.74 percent; University of Saint Luis in Tuguegarao, 94.52 percent with 73 takers; Remedios Rumualdez Medical Foundation, 94.51 percent with 164 takers; Saint Luis University-Baguio City, 93.33 percent with 60 takers; San Pedro College, 89.41 with 529 takers; Southern Luzon State University-Lucban, 88.61 percent with 158 takers; and Saint Mary’s University, 88.15 percent, with 211 takers.

Two global firms honor Davao City firm for leadership, quality service

By Manuel T. Cayon (Mindanao Bureau Chief)

DAVAO CITY—A Filipino-owned, Davao City-based outsourcing company has been recognized by firms in Germany and India for its quality of service and business leadership, and will receive prizes for it in separate awarding ceremonies this summer.

The Next BPO Solutions would receive the top awards in the International Arts of Europe for Quality and Technology in the Gold Category from the Frankfurt-based Business Initiative Direction in late April.

Eric Manalastas, chief executive officer of the company, said the German firm cited his company for quality service over other outsourcing companies in the world.

He also said the award would help foreign companies recognize “that we are here to provide excellent and quality service.”

Eriberto Barriga Jr., executive vice president of ICT-Davao, said Next BPO Solutions would also receive a separate award in India for leadership in business operations.

Manalastas started his company with only seven programmers and software designers a few years ago. He said it now has 100 employees “serving companies in Canada and the North America.”

“It’s hard at first. You have to study the culture, their language and their specific needs,” Manalastas said.

The awards should tell other local companies that “Filipinos, and especially Davaoeños, are capable of [providing] world-class service,” he added.

Davao City targets 5 thousand new jobs in IT-BPO industry

By Rudolf Ian G. Alama (RGA-PIA11)

DAVAO CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- About 5,000 jobs are expected to be added to the Information Technology- Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry in Davao City.

Bert Barriga, President of ICT Davao, an umbrella organization of IT groups in Davao City, said that with the present 16,000 IT-BPO workforce in the city by year’s end they are hoping it would go up by 21,000.

Barriga said that big call centers will be locating in the city declining to name these companies as a matter of policy among investor locators. One of the companies will be located at the soon-to-be-completed Abreeza Corporate Center.

Last year, the city added 5,000 more jobs to the IT BPO industry with the opening of BPO companies such as VXI Global whose contact center is located at Robinsons Cybergate in Bajada.

VXI Global required about 3,500 agents alone. The company which occupies a 5,000 square meter contact center facility is one of the biggest BPO companies doing business in the city.

“Many existing companies here are adding people.” Barriga describing the expansion of existing contact centers and the coming of new locators as contributing to a heightened demand for IT workers in Davao City.

The ICT Davao prexy said that the biggest impact with the expanding companies and the new locators is providing job opportunities here in the region. Barriga cited that a 5,000 square meter contact center would have around 1,000 seats. multiplied by three shiftings these would translate to an initial need for 3,000 contact center agents.

Barriga said that ICT Davao is looking at having 35,000 IT-BPO workforce in Davao City by 2015.

World-class furniture exporter firm opens shop in Davao

(PNA), LDV/ASA/LDP/EBP

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 28 (PNA) -- A world-class artisan supplier of furniture opened a showroom here recently of top quality and artistic pieces of furniture with the feel of royalty on Ruby corner Turquiose streets here.

Leslie Mendiola, associate marketing manager of Betis Crafts, said by opening a showroom in Davao City, more Filipinos will be able to experience their locally-produced but export-quality products.

She said they have expanded its operation in Mindanao as it strengthens its presence in the local market where 95 percent of its products are exported to international markets, such as United States, Middle East and United Kingdom.

Established in 1972 in Pampanga as a family business, the furniture shop has truly earned its name as a high-end producer of artistically made pieces of furniture with a variety of concepts from classic European to contemporary designs.

It was only in the mid 1980s that it started to ship out to United States and then Europe.

Mendiola said they have seen the potential of the city considering the upsurge in real estate industry powered by the developments of hotels and condominiums.

"Davao has a huge cultural diversity that's why, we became very interested. When we come, we're surprised to see how big and developed Davao is," she said.

Betis' Crafts makes different wood arts such as arm chairs, beds, benches, tables, case goods, lounge chairs, mirror frames and sofas.

Liwanag World Festival in Davao to track its carbon footprint

(Press release from the Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies Through Initiatives Organizing and Networking (MISSION))

The Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies Through Initiatives Organizing and Networking (MISSION), organizers of the Liwanag World Festival on Creativity and Sustainability, today announced in a media conference that Liwanag willbe the country’s first major gathering to be carbon neutral. Liwanag, a unique world festival and the first of its kind in the Philippines, is slated to open in a few days, starting on January 29 and ending on February 2, 2013, at the Philippine Women’s College in Davao City.

“The era of destructive extreme weather events is upon us and will escalate in the years to come,” emphasized Nicanor Perlas, Liwanag Festival Director. “We have to contribute our modest share towards addressing the challenge of climate change. And designing a major event to be carbon neutral and encouraging others to do the same, is one of them,” Perlas continued.

In addition, Liwanag organizers stressed that climate adaptation means not just to be more knowledgeable of weather and climate patterns. It also means converging this wisdom with how we structure our economy, how we govern ourselves, how we consume, and whether or not our lifestyle is climate friendly. “This is the reason why Liwanag’sProgram is designed to encourage a deeper and more systemic approach to societal challenges like climate change,” explained Shiela Castillo-Tiangco, climate change specialist with Liwanag and a climate change presenter for The Climate Reality Project of Al Gore, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace and former Vice-President of the United States of America.

The recent floods that have swept through Davao City, the venue of the Liwanag World Festival, underscored the urgent message of climate change adaptation advocated by the organizers of Liwanag. “Abnormal rains pounded on Davao City drowned many areas and displaced over 39,000 people,” stressed Leo Avila, former chief agriculturist of Davao City and Festival consultant. “These same torrential rains also hampered rehabilitation efforts in communities devastated by super typhoon Pablo,” lamented Avila.

Carbon emissions from technology and other human activities, including vehicles, power plants, chemical fertilizers, and industries, are among the major causes of climate change, the gradual heating up of Planet Earth. With global warming comes from extreme weather events, super typhoons, flooding and major disasters for human settlements. To be carbon neutral means to offset carbon emissions with activities that take away carbon from the air, including tree-planting efforts.

MISSION, through Leo Avila, asked Atty. Joey Felizarta, OIC, of the Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office, to do a carbon footprint auditing of Liwanag. “According to Felizarta, Liwanag will have a total carbon footprint of 77.41 tons of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere,” reported Avila. “The CENRO official further wrote that Liwanag willhave to plant a minimum of 3,140 trees to offset the carbon emissions of the event.”

“But we will not stop at 3,140 trees. We will plant at least 6,000 trees to ensure that we do not add carbon gases that will heat up the planet,” emphasized Perlas. “In addition, we will encourage all Festival participants to do their small share of carbon saving and offsetting practices. We will track participant commitments and report it in the Liwanag website. In this way, we will walk our talk,” concluded Perlas.

“To achieve this, we will mobilize our more than 80 volunteers as well as students from the various colleges and universities of Davao City,” explained Maya Vandenbroeck, Liwanag Head for Volunteers.

MISSION is organizing the Liwanag World Festival with the support of its major partners, Lifebank Foundation, the Government of Davao City, and ABS-CBN. World- class leaders, from abroad and the Philippines, will take a systemic look at the challenges facing humanity and the country and describe innovative practices that solve these challenges for the good of society and the ecology.

DTI-Davao meets with LTO on ICC stickers on helmets

By Carina L. Cayon (DTI-11/JenMendoza)

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 25 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has met with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regional officials and enforcement personnel to discuss matters concerning the implementation of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

In the meeting recently, DTI made a briefing among the LTO participants on the relevant points of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Memorandum Circular No. 01 and 01-A series of 2012 as basis for the certification of helmets and visors for motorcycles.

DTI also gave a session on the identification of genuine Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers especially about the special features which only trained individuals are equipped to determine.

To further assist the LTO in its enforcement, DTI likewise provided them with the updated list of accredited helmet brands and importers, and serial numbers of the stickers issued from 2009 to 2012.

DTI-Davao City Field Office Director Teolulo T. Pasawa, who led the discussion, said the meeting was so important considering that the LTO is responsible for the enforcement of the law especially in apprehending those who are using motorcycle helmets which don’t bear the required markings.

“Hopefully, by giving them inputs on how to detect the genuine ICC stickers from the fake ones, our LTO enforcers will find their job easier,” he said.

“By getting hold of the control numbers, the enforcers will have a concrete basis if the ICC sticker on the helmet that is being inspected is indeed issued by DTI,” he said.

Pasawa said DTI is on-call anytime should the LTO enforcement officers need to verify something relative to this.

Davao City to set up CCTV in upstream rivers

By Rudolf Ian G. Alama (PIA/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The City Government of Davao will be setting up CCTV (Close Circuit TV) cameras in identified upstream rivers as a pre-emptive measure in case Davao River swells up again and cause massive flooding.

Magno Adalin chief of the Davao City Public Safety Office says the system dubbed Telemetric Monitoring System will be installed in Tamugan and Lacson Rivers identified as upstream tributaries of the Davao River.

Adalin said that based on studies it would take two hours for the waters of Lacson and Tamugan to flow into the Davao River.

The system will have CCTV cameras transmitting images of water levels in these upstream rivers the system will also be equipped with water level sensors which could send data and images in real time.

“These will give us enough lead time to prepare for the flood,” Adalin said describing the system as giving them the needed situational awareness on the upstream portions of the Davao River.

Adalin admitted that currently there is no system in place to warn people in case the tributaries would bring in a deluge of water to the Davao River. He added that the human monitoring is flawed as there is no standards in determining if the water level is normal or already is in excess.

The PSO chief said they contacted the supplier of the City’s CCTV cameras if they could come with a prototype of the CCTV-based Telemetric Monitoring System the soonest time possible.

Last January 20, a swollen Davao River inundated several riverside communities forcing the evacuation of about 42,000 residents in Davao City.

Aside from the river CCTV cameras the City is eyeing the acquisition of 170 CCTV cameras which will be used for traffic management and securing critical infrastructure.

Davao school girls bags grand slam title in RIFA futbol

(PNA), PDS/LOLITO T. DELOS REYES/LDP/PJN

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- The Ateneo de Davao 11-under girls football team emerged grand slam champions in the recently held 10th RIFA Cup International Football Tournament at the CSA Dasmarinas in Makati.

The Ateneo 11-under girls squad under head coach Renalyn Ranada-Ravanes and assistant coach Analou Ingles blanked Miriam College, 2-0 in the championship to win its third straight title.

Yunika Angala scored both two goals in the finals, while Denise Diamante made a total of eight goals in the elimination and semi-finals.

Lianne Co, however, took home the Most Valuable Player plum. Their other teammates were Ysabel Aquino, Julianna Taojo, Chiyo Marasigan, Kyana Dimaandal, Leara varquez, Melanie Pamisa, Luisa Uy, Cai Reyes and Julien Mirto.

The Ateneo 15-under girls squad mentored by head coach Julio Orcasitas and assistant coach Ching delos Reyes also ruled the 15-under girls division. Ateneo settled for first runner-up in the 13-under girls and fourth runner-up both in the 17 under girls and boys 12 under categories.

Davao City Council approves P53-M for 15 flooded villages

By Lorie Ann Cascaro (MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/22 January) – The City Council approved on Monday the release of P53.53 M to assist some 40,000 residents in the 15 barangays struck by floods on Saturday night and Sunday.

The amount, taken from the city’s P217.3 M Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Fund, is intended for relief and recovery program for some12,000 families or about 40,000 persons affected by the floods.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) met Monday morning to consolidate reports and determine the amount of assistance needed.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio immediately sent the City Council a letter requesting the release of the requested amount, the latter immediately acting on it by convening a special session in the afternoon.

Fifteen flood-stricken barangays — Tigatto, Waan, Mandug, 19-B, 1-A, 5-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A, 2-A, 74-A, 76-A, Maa, Lasang, and Calinan — were placed under a state of calamity. The city has 182 barangays.

Ma. Luisa Bermudo, head of the City Social Services and Development Office, requested P1 million for families whose houses were destroyed. She said 48 houses made of light materials were totally damaged while 49 were partially damaged.

Dr. Cerelyn Pinili, officer in charge of the City Veterinarian’s Office, estimated the damages to livestock and poultry at P654,900. This includes cattle, 55 hogs, 41 goats, 50 ducks and 1,882 chickens.

Based on survey, Pinili said a total of 255 farmers lost their livestock to the floods.

Valente Turtur, officer in charge of the City Agriculturist’s Office, said some 250 hectares of farmlands were damaged: P3-M worth of corn, banana and vegetables in Barangay Tigatto; P1.3M worth in Waan and P600,000 worth in San Isidro.

Turtur’s report listed 64 famers affected with a total of 207 hectares of farmlands destroyed; Waan with50 farmers and 35 hectares.

DSWD-Davao releases 6,700 food packs to flash flood victims in Davao City

(PNA), FFC/CCD/LDP/EBP

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 21 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here has released some 6,700 family food packs containing 15 kilos rice, eight cans sardines, four cans beef loaf and 12 sachets 3-in-1 coffee in response to the needs of the flash flood-affected families in Davao City.

DSWD Director Priscilla N. Razon, who heads and monitors the relief operations Sunday, said 5,000 food packs were provided to the city’s 1st district and 1,700 to 2nd district, the twos were heavily-flooded areas in the city.

As of Monday morning, DSWD Davao also released food packs to the affected families in submerged areas in Davao Del Norte, Compostela Valley and Cateel in Davao Oriental, Razon said.

“We commend our workers in the field who have been very efficient and quick to report the flooding incidents in their respective area of assignment, enabling us to immediately respond to the needs and concerns of the affected communities. The department will continuously monitor status of affected areas,” she said.

DSWD Disaster Monitoring Report shows that affected families have reached 10,318 families with 39,938 members. These families are residents of Davao City; Kapalong and Sto. Tomas in Davao Del Norte; New Bataan, Nabunturan, Maco, Mawab, Monkayo and Montevista in Compostela Valley; and Cateel in Davao Oriental.

The report said 36 evacuation centers have so far been activated in these affected areas --13 in Davao City, 12 in Davao Del Norte and 11 in Compostela Valley.

Meanwhile, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations have been conducted by the local government units in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the affected areas where some residents were trapped by rising waters.

25,000 flee from floods in Davao City

By Germelina Lacorte, Dennis Jay Santos, Karlos Manlupig, Ayan C. Mellejor and Frinston L. Lim (Inquirer Mindanao)

DAVAO CITY – More than 5,000 families or 25,000 individuals have been affected by the flooding that hit riverside villages here following non-stop rain since Saturday night.

The city government has called off classes from kindergarten to high school, in both public and private schools, Monday as the city continues to assess the extent of the damage from one of the worst flooding the city has experienced in the past years.

Emmanuel Jaldon, the chief of the Davao City Disaster Risk and Management Council (DCDRMC), said local officials have issued the warning as early 9 p.m. Saturday because of the overflowing of the Tamugan river, one of the main tributaries of the Davao river.

As a result, at least 12 barangays (villages) lining down Davao river was submerged in flood.

Jaldon, however, said some residents who have already been used to floods, refused to evacuate, which was the reason some of them were trapped.

“The problem is their coping threshold, most of them have already experienced the worst of flooding, so, they just don’t evacuate until the waters reach critical level,” he said. “They still stayed on the second floor of their houses, believing they still have a second chance.”

Jaldon also said the rain still continues in the upland areas of Davao City, and that as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the water continues to rise.

Dante Donayre, operations chief of the DCDRMC, said that despite the disaster-preparedness training held for community leaders in the past, the disaster-preparedness is still wanting in the community level as elected barangay officials still fail to re-echo these in the communities.

Malou Bermudo, chief of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), said a total of 5,165 families from 12 city barangays affected by the flood are now in different evacuation centers; among them, are 2,700 families from Buhangin area, which covered the Jade Valley and Juliville Subdivisions.

Choreyn Mae Dumape, 20, a resident of Jade Valley who was rescued from the top of their house, said her parents were still inside the village.

“My parents are still there,” Dumape said, adding that the water rose at around 1 a.m. Sunday.

In Compostela Valley, at least 178 families have left their homes, even as authorities forced some residents to evacuation centers as water levels in major rivers there continue to rise, threatening low-lying communities, according to Raul Villocino, provincial disaster officer.

In neighboring Davao del Norte province, over 800 people have been evacuated overnight as floodwater swamped the rice-producing municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, Braulio Dujali and Asuncion, said Romulo Tagalo, Davao del Norte assistant administrator.

Those evacuated, according to Villocino, included 129 families in the villages of Andap, Cogonon and Cabinuangan, in New Bataan, the town which suffered the most number of casualties in last December’s killer storm.

At least 37 families also headed to the evacuation centers in Basak and Magsaysay villages in Nabunturan, while 12 families from Sitio (Sub-village) Pag-ibig, in the mining village of Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo town sheltered at the village hall due to fear of a landslide, the disaster official said.

Waist-deep floodwater has submerged most of Maniki village, the center of Kapalong town, forcing many residents to flee to safer grounds, Mayor Edgardo Timbol said.

Davao City to host national Fedbop tourney

(MLSA)

DAVAO City was granted the hosting rights of the 36th Annual National Fedbop Tournament slated April 22 to 27.

Newly-installed Sunday Bowlers Club (SBC) president Emie Orteza, who was a guest at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Calle Cinco Restobar on Thursday, said the Davao City Bowlers Association (Daciba) may host the nationals.

Orteza said they will compete in the tournament and support Daciba's hosting. But should the latter decline the hosting, the SBC chief said they are very much willing to play host.

He also bared that it's all systems go for the SBC President's Cup that will roll off on Tuesday at Fairlanes Bowling Center.

The seven-game elimination series offers a total of over P25,000 cash prizes to team and individual winners. The team champion will receive P8,000 while the next three placers will claim P6,000, P4,000 and P3,000. Defending champion Diagold Pawnshop expects a stiff competition in the event that aims to attract 20 teams.

Games will also be held on January 25, 29 and 31.

The SBC youth clinic, meanwhile, kicked off on Jan. 12 at Fairlanes with players coming from Davao City National High School, University of the Immaculate Conception, Assumption College of Davao and Davao Wisdom Academy, among others.

"We will revive the youth tournament like the Inter-High School competition this summer to develop those with good potentials. It's going to be a free registration event. It's our goal to produce more youth champions since they will take after us, senior players," Orteza said.

Group gears for next two Mt. Apo climbs

(PNA), PDS/ANTHONY S. ALLADA/LDP/PJN

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 18 (PNA) -- After their successful first Mt. Apo Climb last November, members of the “Social Climbers” here are gearing for their next two climbs this February and April.

The Social Climbers group is composed of former high school classmates of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Batch 1979.

Ross Luga, Corporate Communications Officer of Davao Light and Power Co. and a member of the group, said their passion to climb was a kind of a celebration for a blessed 50 years of existence.

“We want to prove that despite of our age, we still had that extra juice left to conquer Mt. Apo,” he said.

He added they are now on their rigorous training to conquer again the tallest peak of the country, Mt. Apo, and like their first attempt, they are hoping that they can make it again.

“In the first six months of this year, we have two climb schedules: February 23 to 25 via Kapatagan and the next one will be on April (between second or third week) via Mandarangan, Kidapawan,” Luga said.

Luga said their first experience appeared to be a family affair as the group of 10 former classmates was accompanied by their families, making the number of climbers to 41.

"Despite the muddy terrain due to rains, we were still proud of ourselves that we all have made it,” he said.

DSWD’s Core Shelter Assistance in the works

By Rudolf Ian G. Alama (PIA XI/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY Jan. 17 (PIA)-- The Department of Social Welfare and Development is working on providing Core Shelter Assistance to victims of typhoon Pablo whose homes were totally devastated.

DSWD-XI Regional Director Priscilla Razon said the project is expected to be started after six months as they are still identifying suitable sites for resettlement with the help of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Razon said the CSA are for permanent structures and hopes that the sites being prepared are not prone to geo-hazards.

“We are awaiting recommendation for safe resettlement sites from the MGB,” Razon said during her guesting at the Club 888 media forum at Marco Polo Davao held last Wednesday (January 16).

She said a beneficiary of the Core Shelter Assistance will receive P125,000 with P70,000 coming from the DSWD and P55,000 coming from the National Housing Authority.

Currently, the DSWD is constructing temporary bunkhouses for families affected by the Typhoon which ravaged the region last December 4.

About 60 bunkhouses are being built in Davao Oriental of which 20 have already been turned over. About 21 bunkhouses are being built in Compostela Valley Province.

Each bunkhouse will temporarily host 10 families. Razon said each room can accommodate a family of five and will have a community kitchen, four comfort rooms (two male and two female toilets).

Aside from the bunkhouses the DSWD is also planning to provide Emergency Shelter Assistance to those victims whose houses can still be repaired, a beneficiary of an ESA can receive P10,000 as housing assistance.

DTI: No more extension on ICC helmet sticker issuance

By Joey Sem G. Dalumpines (RGA/JSD/PIA XI)

DAVAO CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The Davao City field office of the Department of Trade and Industry will no longer extend the issuance of free Import Commodity Clearance stickers for the helmets of motorists who failed to beat the deadline on December 28, 2012.

Roberto Barlis, consumer welfare officer and spokesperson of the DTI-Davao City said the public has been given ample time to avail of the ICC stickers since the mandatory certification was passed into law in 2009, and with the implementation of the Helmet Law supposedly on August 1.

The Department of Transportation and Communications ordered the Land Transportation Office to hold the enforcement of the Helmet Law until January, 2013 to give the DTI enough time to check if the existing helmets and those imported into the country had ICC stickers issued by the Bureau of Product Standards.

He said that with the extension, consequently, motorcycle owners were given ample time to have their helmets inspected and validated by the DTI, to ensure its integrity as a protective gear for its users.

“The issue here is the driver’s safety. We want to make sure that the helmet can really protect and prevent head injuries in case of accident,” Barlis pointed out.

He disclosed that for Davao City alone, the DTI inspected 20,000 helmets and were issued corresponding ICC stickers.

Barlis also said that based on the records from the Land Transportation Office XI, Davao City had a more than 60,000 registered motorcycles based on the 2011 data.

He said given that there is no longer an extension, motorists who failed to get the ICC stickers for their helmet may purchase a new one from the duly-certified sellers of rider’s helmet.

Barlis said the Bureau of Product Standards provided their agency the list of corresponding stickers that were released to the market as reference in case any tampering of ICC would happen.

He also pointed out that the ICC sticker stands alone during the inspection conducted by the Land Transportation Office.

“You do not need to bring the ICC certificate issued by the BPS for the corresponding ICC sticker on your helmet. The ICC sticker can stand alone for inspection,” Barlis said.

Republic Act No. 10054 which mandate all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective helmets while driving imposes fines for violators at P1,500 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense, P,000 for the thirds offense and P10,000 plus confiscation of driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Davao police out in full force for gun ban enforcement

By Ruji Peter S. Abat

THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is out in full force for the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban all over the metropolis starting Sunday.

DCPO chief Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa said they have set up checkpoints in the city and assigned personnel to man these of shifting schedule.

Helping out DCPO in implementing the gun ban are the Task Force Davao and other military personnel, said Dela Rosa.

"Tanan atong kapulisan committed gyud sa pag-implement sa gun ban. Shifting karon ang mga pulis nga magbantay sa mga checkpoints diri sa siyudad (All of our policemen are committed in implementing the gun ban. The policemen who will be manning the checkpoints have shifting schedules)," dela Rosa said.

"We are also establishing random checkpoints in different parts of the city. We will have to coordinate with Comelec on where these random checkpoints will be established," dela Rosa added.

The DCPO chief said three violators of the Comelec gun ban are now in police custody.

Buhangin police arrested two suspects who shot a man in Purok 7, Barangay Communal, Buhangin District on Sunday, while one minor was surrendered by his mother to the Toril police after shooting a fellow minor in Andaya St., Barangay Daliao, Toril, Davao City.

Dela Rosa also urged the different police stations to intensify the follow-up investigations on the series of shooting incidents that took place last week. He said they have already identified some of the suspects but most them are still at large.

Last Friday, a 19-year-old student of the University of Mindanao was gunned down at S.I.R. Phase 2, New Matina, while another man was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men along R. Castillo St. on the same day.

More than 3,000 Phl lawyers to gather in IBP 40th anniv, gab in Davao City

(PNA), PDS/ASA/LDP/JNC

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) -– More than 3,000 lawyers from all over the country will gather here for the 40th founding anniversary of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)back-to-back for the 14th National Lawyers Convention on Jan. 16-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, J.P. Laurel Avenue, this city.

Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio is expected to welcome Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria A. Lourdes Sereno, who will open the event on Wednesday, as the guest speaker.

Lawyer Carlos Isagani Zarate, IBP head for publicity committee and former IBP president, said this year’s celebration has for its theme "No Master But Law, No Guide But Conscience, No Aim But Justice".

"The event will be memorable because of the back-to-back celebration of lawyers since the IBP was established in 1973. We will start Monday with our sportsfest, but the formal opening will be on January 16 to be attended by various government officials as we will discuss our Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), which includes the Bangsamoro Framework," Zarate said.

Davao City seen to rise as hub of meetings, events

(The Philippine Star)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The holding of an international conference on meetings, incentives, conventions and events/exhibitions (MICE) in this flourishing city may just be all that’s needed to start off its rise as the sector’s hub in this part of the Philippines.

This assessment from Davao business leader and educator Joji Ilagan-Bian hinted at the wisdom behind the decision of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to choose this city as the site of the MICE Conference (MICECON) 2013.

Bian said Davao’s hotel accommodation and tourism infrastructure capacity had significantly expanded since the city hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) jointly organized by the TPB and the city government in 2006.

“Almost seven years hence, now we have what it takes to rise as a MICE hub, especially since Davao is also widely regarded as the capital of Southern Philippines and the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area),” Bian said, as she hailed the TPB’s support for the city’s aspirations.

TPB chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III said targeting the MICE market is a logical move for a city that has become the melting pot of the South and an international retirement haven, attracting investments in various facilities that cater to a cosmopolitan urban center with expanding corporate needs.

“These developments in Davao City are factors we cannot ignore, presenting opportunities to gain a share of the $30-billion international MICE market that accounts for at least 50 million of the world’s annual tourism trips,” Enerio said, citing neighboring Singapore as raking in huge dollar receipts from MICE alone. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Eyeing the same international market, particularly North America and Europe and the emerging BRIC (Brazil-Russia-India-China) economies, Davao City will host the MICECON 2013 in its newly opened SMX Convention Center on March 6-9.

Participating in MICECON are international experts and delegates comprising meeting/event planners, destination management companies, incentive tour operators, hotels and resorts, airlines, convention and exhibition centers, national tourism organizations, local tourism offices, and industry association executives, among many others.

The experts will discuss global meeting trends, branding, technovations, and other topics on business and incentive travel, according to Stanie Soriano, officer-in-charge of the TPB MICE and Business Development Unit.

With the theme “iMICE2013. iGNITE. iNNOVATE. iNSPIRE. iNFUSE,” MICECON 2013 will discuss such topics as Imagining the Future of Travel; Tips, Tricks and Techniques for an Extraordinary Event Experience; Brand Strategy on a Tight Budget; Rise of Asian Brands; The War for Talent — Secret to Attracting, Motivating and Retaining the Best; MICE Technovations: Tomorrow’s Hottest Technologies Today; and Let’s Kill Murphy! Bullet-Proofing Meetings from Disasters and other Event Terrorists, Soriano said.

Other major MICECON activities are the MICE Marketplace and the MICE Mart, the former showcasing industry products and services, and the latter a one-day business-to-business (B2B) event for selected local sellers and international buyers.

MICECON 2013 is organized by the TPB, with the full support of the Davao City government, Davao Tourism Association, Davao Region Tourism Council, Association of Davao Event Organizers and Suppliers, Small Hotels Association of Davao, Davao Travel Agencies Association, Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, and Meetings, Incentive Travel, Events/Exhibitions Philippines Inc.

For more information on MICECON 2013, contact the Philippine M.I.C.E. Conference Organizing Committee at 525-6110 or 525-6635, fax at 521-6165, e-mail at miceregn@yahoo.com or cit.unit@gmail.com, go to Facebook at MICECON 2013 Davao or visit www.micecon.net.

City to fete top athletes in February

(MLSA)

THE City Government of Davao will hold the 2nd Athletes' Recognition ceremony in February, a few weeks before the celebration of the 76th Araw ng Dabaw foundation anniversary.

Pochollo Elegino, officer-in-charge of the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office, bared this on Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at Dexter's Pizza Stadium in Matina.

"It will no longer be a night affair as it had been last year because Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will host another appreciation gathering for other sectors on the same day that she will honor the athletes who have given pride and glory for the city over the past year," Elegino said.

From the usual March schedule though, the athletes' recognition was moved to February 27 or February 28 as Mayor Sara is set to give birth in March.

Elegino said they will soon remind local national sports associations (NSAs) and sports clubs to submit the list of their achievers since the Mayor wants every deserving athlete to be feted.

The SDD-CMO, meanwhile, is also spearheading the Ehersisyo Dabawenyo every 6:30 a.m. at the Rizal Park. The open admission weekly event aims to promote healthy and active lifestyle among city residents.

Elegino, thus, urged Dabawenyos to make the Saturday exercise a weekly habit of the every family.

The Davao City Hall Employees Association (Dachea) Sportsfest, featuring seven events, will also open next month and will end in March.

The city will also extend financial assistance to differently-abled athletes who will compete in the upcoming Philspada National Games in Laguna.

The annual summerfest will be held sometime in April.

DSWD-Davao installs disaster teams, deploys enumerators

(Sunstar)

TO MONITOR disaster relief operations at the local government level, the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has installed provincial and municipal disaster operation teams in areas affected by Typhoon Pablo.

"In carrying out their tasks, our teams will coordinate with the Provincial/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (P/MDRRMC) and with the Incident Command Post in the respective local government units," DSWD-Davao Director Priscilla N. Razon said.

Provincial team leader identified for Compostela Valley is Raquel E. Nunez, chief of Policy and Plans Division; Davao Oriental has Rebecca A. Santamaria, head of Poverty Reduction Unit; and Davao Del Norte has Ma. Elena S. Labrador, chief of Institutional Development Division.

Team leaders at the province are to ensure that food and non-food relief assistance are delivered according to the distribution plan and likewise ensure retrieval of the relief distribution sheets.

They will also provide technical assistance to the municipal teams in the implementation of the cash/food-for-work program, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Shelter Assistance, Livelihood and other interventions and services needed by the affected families and communities, Razon said.

On one hand, DSWD Municipal Disaster Teams will undertake monitoring of disaster operations in the affected towns in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and with other agencies involved.

Submission of duly accomplished Relief Distribution Sheets and periodic Disaster Monitoring Operations Report also form part of the team’s responsibility, Razon added.

Meanwhile, the department has deployed 365 area supervisors and enumerators in all affected municipalities to administer Family Survey using the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC). This survey aims to validate status of the affected families and will serve as reference for provision of additional and appropriate intervention/s required per family.

In its continuing disaster relief operations, DSWD accepts Cash donations at the DSWD XI Regular Trust Fund with DBP Account No. 0915-010155-030.

Donors may also direct their donations to the DSWD XI Cashier’s Office at R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City.

For the 24/7 repacking of relief goods, DSWD needs volunteers at the Disaster Relief Operations Center at the DPWH Depot in Panacan, Davao City.

Further, public queries may be channelled through DSWD XI 'Typhoon Pablo' hotline numbers: 0917-6429366 (Globe), 0928-8681532 (Smart) and 0922-7710061 (Sun). More information or updates on Typhoon Pablo Disaster Relief Operations may be had at dswd.gov.ph or www.fo11.dswd.gov.ph.


World Interfaith Week declared in Davao City

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

THE Davao City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday declaring the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Week in the city.

In her privilege speech during the regular session, Councilor Pilar C. Braga said she received a letter dated January 2 from the Interfaith Harmony by Fr. Hermes Larry B. Sabus, SM, Ustadz Isa D. Tahas and Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla.

The letter stated that some organizations met on December 27, 2012 to respond to the United Nations Resolution declaring 2013 as "Interfaith Harmony Links."

She said the groups decided to participate in the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1-7, 2012 with the theme “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony for Love and Service to God and One Another.”

The participating groups are The Bishop-Ulama Conference, Al-Qalam Institute and Theology Division of the Ateneo de Davao University, Ma’had Piapi Al-Islamie, Archdiocesan Center for Ecunumical and Interreligious Dialogue, Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference-Youth Secretariat, 10th Infantry Division-Philippine Army, Mindanao Pranic healing Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Philippine National Police, and Silsilah Forum Davao.

"The Interfaith Harmony Link aims to promote the World Interfaith Harmony Week; facilitate dynamic activities and create a space for exchange of thought/reflections/insights/dialogue on the theme; encourage representatives of different sectors to initiate voluntarily programs and activities promoting peace and harmony; and to strengthen partnership and mutual support in promoting Interfaith Harmony," Braga said.

DOH-Davao assures no disease outbreak in 'Pablo'-hit areas

(PNA), PDS/ANTHONY S. ALLADA/LDP/PJN

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- Officials of the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) have assured that no disease outbreak has been reported in the areas affected by typhoon "Pablo" in the Davao Region.

DOH regional director Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. said outbreak of illness has been prevented despite expectations that calamity-stricken areas would be prone to diseases.

He said it has been a month since the typhoon devastated the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental last December 4 and they have taken the measures to avoid spread of illnesses.

Dumama said the regional health workers have conducted massive vaccinations against measles among five- to six-year-old children in the affected communities.

He cited that the municipalities of New Bataan and Compostela in Compostela Valley as some of the areas that had anti-measles shots after they received reports of cases there.

Dumama said doctors and specialists from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City and the Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Davao del Norte had also served in the district hospitals in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“There were doctors also volunteered from public hospitals in Zamboanga, Sulu and Basilan,” Dumama added.

530-member Davao City team all set for over-all title-defense

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

THE 530-member Davao City delegation is all set to defend the over-all championship when the 2013 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet gets underway on February 24 to March 1 in Tagum City.

Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao City Physical Education and School Sports (Pess) supervisor Jimmy Cerojales, in text messages to Sun.Star Davao on Monday, said: "We are 98 percent confident to defend the over-all title but we can't determine this early which city teams will lead the medal haul for us."

He said the city athletes will hold quartering at Davao City National High School on February 1 to 20 for their training. They will leave on February 21 via commissioned passenger buses.

Cerojales said the Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) will field entries in all events entered in elementary and high school divisions including athletics, arnis, archery, badminton, basketball, baseball, boxing, chess, football, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, sipa, sepak takraw, softball and swimming.

The city delegation's stint in the regional meet costs over P4 million covering transportation fares, meals, training, uniforms, equipment, allowances and operational expenses, among others.

It can be recalled that Davraa, bannered mainly by Davao City athletes, dropped to 10th over-all in the 2012 Palarong Pambansa held in Lingayen, Pangasinan. The region was seventh over-all in 2011 Palaro held in Dapitan City.

A major setback in last year's selection of Palaro-bound Davraa athletes though was the holding of the Davraa Meet in pitiful and sub-standard venues in Compostela Valley. Thus, highly-touted Davao City teams were not able to perform as expected in most team events that stake bigger points in determining a delegation's over-all standing in the annual Palaro.

With the newly-constructed multi-million sports complex in Tagum City, it is hoped that the staging of the 2013 Davraa Meet will be much in order and smooth-sailing unlike the 2012 Comval hosting that was hit by controversies.

Top Davraa performers will earn slots to the regional delegation that will see action in the 2013 Palaro slated April 14 to 20 in Dumaguete City.

Davao chamber supports Liwanag World Festival

(sunstar)

THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) formalized its partnership with Liwanag World Festival 2013 after a special board meeting held last January 3.

"The DCCCII fully supports the Liwanag World Festival. We are actively encouraging our members to join this event as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program," said the chamber's newly-inducted president Daniel Lim.

He also mentioned during the press conference held at Rue Mango Apartelle and Suites at Juna subd. in Matina on Saturday the ongoing talks on the implementation of environment-friendly architecture in businesses.

"Buildings are the biggest contributor to carbon emissions next to vehicles, that's why we are now encouraging companies to use sustainable practices such as solar energy, rainwater catchment facilities and LED lights in their buildings, especially for malls, a strategy which is aligned with the advocacy of Liwanag World Festival," said Lim, who is an architect.

The Liwanag World Festival on Creativity and Sustainability 2013, happening from January 29 until February 2, 2013 at the Philippine Women's College of Davao, features several world-renowned movers in the different spheres of society such as Seth Jordan, co-founder and co-initiator of Think Outward and Occupy Wallstreet.

Jordan will speak about the "Global impact and message of the Occupy Wallstreet Movement."

Other personalities attending the festival are Bruce Cryer, global director of Heart Math Health Care, who will tackle "Revolutionary Discoveries in the Science of the Heart and Its Relevance to Creativity and Societal Sustainability," and Barbara Marx Hubbard, president of Foundation for Conscious Evolution who will discuss "The New Story of the Universe and the Future of Humanity."

Lim said the significance of having DCCCII on board as a major partner for the festival is that organizers are using the societal three-folding framework in the design of all the processes within Liwanag 2013.

He said this framework emphasizes the importance of the synergy of all three spheres of society: government, business and civil society, in order to achieve a truly sustainable society.

"One concrete example is Bayawan City, in Negros Oriental. Their good practices will be featured in the festival as a multi stakeholder panel from Bayawan City will present Character First: The Liwanag Anchor of Bayawan City's Journey to Sustainability," Lim said.

For each day during the festival, a specific sphere will be emphasized with the following themes: (Day 1) Liwanag in Civil Society, (Day 2) Liwanag in Business and (Day 3) Liwanag in Governance.

Gina Lopez, executive director of ABS-CBN Foundation, will give a plenary presentation on Mobilizing Business to Defend Nature, while Tony Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga-Center for Social Innovation, will share their process of Reinventing Philippine Agriculture through Social Enterprise.

BOC-Davao maintains good showing in 2012 revenue take

(PNA), CTB/ANTHONY S. ALLADA/LDP/RSM

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) here has been consistent in surpassing its revenue target in 2012 despite the big increase in the quota imposed by the finance department.

Lawyer Martiniano Bangcoy, BOC-Davao district collector, attributed this successful accomplishment to its efficient revenue collection and efforts to curb graft and corruption in the corrupt-ridden agency.

Bangcoy said that in 2011, their assigned target was only P4.6-billion but in 2012, it soared to P5.3-billion with actual collection in 2011 reaching P5.4-billion in actual collection in 2012, while the revenue collection stretched to P5.9-billion.

He said by this year, he is expecting that the Department of Finance would be again jacking up their assigned target that should undergo a consultation with the association of district collectors in the entire country to hear their side.

“That is always our concern and we hope that by this time, the department will listen to us. We sympathize to the predicament of other ports which could not hit their assigned target because of big marked up,” Bangcoy said.

Meanwhile, Bangcoy said despite the controversy hounding the dismissal of another district collector assigned in Davao port before, BOC-Davao personnel are still in high morale to continue their duties and responsibilities in the bureau.

“We are not bothered about it. As far as we are concerned, we are doing our best to satisfy our clients within the bounds of the law,” he said.

Wakeboard champ eyes better 2013

(MLSA)

WAKEBOARDING champion Mikee Teh Selga of Davao City looks forward to a better 2013 having had accomplished more than she could ever imagine in 2012.

The Stella Maris Academy of Davao student finished sixth place in junior women's wakeskate division and eighth place in girls wakebaord division of the Worlds Wakeboard IWWF 2012 held at Deca Wake Park in Clark, Pampanga in November.

"The year 2012 was a great one for me because I got to meet new friends and hang out with them," 12-year-old Selga said via Facebook chat Friday afternoon.

She was over-all champion for the 2012 Asian Wake Park Tour for topping the first stop at Thai Wake Park, second stop at Ski 360 in Singapore and third stop at Republic Wake Park, Nuvali, Laguna.

She was also over-all champion in the Philippine Qualifier Series that earned her a slot to the Worlds Wakeboard IWWF 2012. She ruled the stops in Lago de Oro, Batangas, Deca Wake Park Davao and Deca Wake Clark.

She also dominated the open women's division of the Bohol Wakefest and Deca Wake Jam at Deca Wak Park Davao.

Selga said, "This year is going to be a time to practice more. I look forward to train and train until I can execute perfection. I will practice harder and train harder to accomplish more."

DPWH 11 completes P5 billion projects in Davao Region

(PNA), GHG/ASALLADA/LDP/PJN

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Some P5 billion worth of construction was completed in Davao Region, the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced Friday.

A total of 388 major infrastructure projects composed of national and secondary roads, bridges and tourism road networks were among those completed.

DPWH regional director Mariano Alquiza said the department has undertaken 679 projects of which 113 were ongoing and 158 were yet to be started.

“We are pleased to tell the people of Region 11 that the DPWH has been meeting its targets in terms of infrastructure development program for the region,” Alquiza said.

He said that despite the wrath of super typhoon Pablo the department continued with its construction activities and added the repair and rehabilitation of the infrastructures damaged by the calamity.

Alquiza, meanwhile, said that the replacement of the collapsed Manurigao Bridge (Teodoro Palma Gil Bridge) in Caraga, Davao Oriental, the biggest infrastructure damage in the region, could take year to complete.

"It will take time before would could connect the isolated towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston," he said.

Alquiza said DPWH 11 has been consistently the top performing office in the region in terms of project completion.

"This is a very good sign, it could boost our chances of being qualified for International Standard Organization (ISO) accreditation.

He said if they could pass in all requirements, they could get the ISO accreditation this year along with DPWH National Capital Region.

DTI-Davao records 52 percent increase in exports in 2012

(PNA), LAM/JGMMENDOZA/LDP/PJN

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region recorded a 52 percent leap in exports last year as compared to its 2011 performance.

In its preliminary annual report ending November 2012, the agency reported that its programs, projects, and activities aimed towards export development were able to generate US$ 81.86 million in export sales, or 34 percent higher than the US$ 61 million target for the year.

DTI-Davao acting planning officer Marilou Laguting said 36 percent of the entire accomplishment was generated through the Export Pathways Program (EPP) that provides tailor-fit package of assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Laguting said EPP contributed P149 million worth of investments, generated 9,049 job opportunities, developed 15 new exporters, and enlisted a total of 31 new enrollees.

Since EPP’s inception in 2006, it has already assisted 346 SMEs, 57 of which have already graduated to the fifth stage (market entry), he said.

“This means that with appropriate nurturing, the SMEs have been able to reach the export market,” he added.

DOH: ’Crackers toll falls by 17%; zero injuries in Davao City

By Philip Tubeza (Inquirer Bureaus)

DAVAO CITY—In much of the country, the trend was toward a significant reduction of firecracker-related injuries during the raucous New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to health officials.

But it was zero firecrackers-related injury in Davao City notwithstanding the cacophony of noises that city residents managed to conjure—from the shrieks of children on board convoys of vehicles, the whining of sirens and ambulances, the clanging of metal against metal as people went around banging pans and ladles, to the honking of cars and revving of car engines—as they rang in the new year.

Despite the firecracker ban, implemented for the past 12 years, intermittent sparks seen from a distance indicated that some people may actually have been violating the ordinance that has set Davao City apart from the rest of the country.

Mayor Sara Duterte earlier warned violators of the firecrackers ban that she wouldn’t stop them but would deal with them severely if they are caught. At least 1,000 policemen in civilian clothes were deployed around the city to go after violators.

The Davao City police reported that at least 106 people, mostly minors, had been arrested for violating the firecrackers ban.


Significant reduction

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the number of firecracker-related injuries this year went down by 17 percent when compared to last year’s.

However, despite strict orders from President Aquino for police to clamp down on guns and ban firecrackers, there were more than 400 firecracker-related injuries and one 4-year-old boy killed by gunfire during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Ona said that a total of 413 injuries had been reported as of 6 a.m. yesterday since the Department of Health (DOH) began its count on Dec. 21.

Out of the 413, 404 were injured by firecrackers, eight were hit by stray bullets (five of them in Cotabato), and one sickened from firecracker ingestion.

The injured included a 7-year-old girl who was hit in the head by a stray bullet in Caloocan City and a 17-year-old boy in Valenzuela City who lost his right hand to the powerful “Goodbye Philippines” firecracker.


Goodbye, right hand

“‘Goodbye Philippines’ became ‘Goodbye, right hand.’ These are injuries that will result in lifelong disability,” Ona said in a press conference at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

“It is too early for us to definitely conclude that our campaign is successful [but] 17 percent is a significant reduction considering that we have more people now. Maybe our campaign to a certain extent was successful,” the health secretary said.

Ona said the total figure was 85 cases lower than what was reported during the same period last year and 57 cases lower than the average during the past five years.


Still not enough

However, Ona said the police had to double their efforts against those selling illegal firecrackers and those firing their guns.

“Fifty-four percent or 219 cases were due to prohibited firecrackers and fireworks. At the same time, we have eight stray bullet victims, half of them are female and five came from Cotabato,” Ona said.

“[The] 17 percent [drop] is still not enough. Someone lost his arm, others were hit in their eyes, and we have a patient who is very critical because a bullet hit her in the head,” he added.

Still, the DOH chief said he was optimistic that the final tally would still show a significant drop in the number of injuries, pointing out that hospitals were “less crowded,” there was a “shorter duration of fireworks use across Metro Manila,” and different local governments and commercial centers held their own fireworks displays that were attended by thousands of people.

Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said the DOH did not include in its count the 4-year-old boy who died after he was shot in Mandaluyong because that was “crime-related.”

“About 50 percent of injuries were those among children below 10 years old. Half of these cases involving children involved active users [of firecrackers] while the others were just watching,” Ona said.

“There were also 51 patients who had eye injuries, which are dangerous while we had one case where his hand had to be cut off,” he added.

Generally peaceful

The Philippine National Police said that despite the cases of firecracker-related injuries and indiscriminate firing, the holiday festivities throughout the country had been “generally peaceful” since no major crime was reported during the period.

“[The PNP] made this assessment as it … noted fewer casualties and injuries in the revelries during the entire holiday [season],” Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., PNP spokesperson, said in a statement.

He cited a report from the DOH that firecracker-related injuries decreased by 17 percent as compared to last year’s figure.

“The PNP attributed this generally peaceful situation to the intensified nationwide campaign against prohibited firecrackers and indiscriminate firing of guns that was implemented vigorously by police units on instructions of President Aquino,” Cerbo said.


Shootings, stabbings

Shootings, stabbings and stray bullet incidents punctuated New Year’s Eve celebrations in Caloocan and neighboring Malabon, the most serious being the case of the 7-year-old girl who is fighting for her life at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

Records from the Caloocan Police Headquarters and the Northern Police District showed that most incidents happened in Bagong Silang and Dagat-Dagatan areas in Caloocan.

In Dagat-Dagatan, one man was seriously injured while another died in separate hacking and shooting incidents.

In Bagong Silang, two men were injured after being caught in between skirmishes between rival gangs.

Finally, a man sustained stab wounds after trying to stop another man from stabbing a drunken man in Potrero, Malabon.

Northern, central Luzon

Firecracker blast injuries in northern and central Luzon have dropped from 272 cases at the start of 2012 to 168 cases as of Jan. 1 this year, according to reports from the police and the DOH in Baguio City.

Reports also showed that only two victims of stray bullets, one each in the Cordillera and Nueva Ecija, were recorded this year.

The DOH in Central Luzon recorded at least 88 injuries due to firecracker use in the region’s seven provinces.

Leonita Gorgolan, DOH regional director, said at least 79 suffered from firecracker blast wounds and three from eye injuries.

At least 50 victims were aged 10 years old and below, she said.

Pampanga posted the biggest number of firecracker blast victims at 26. It was followed by Bulacan with 21, Tarlac with 18 and Nueva Ecija with 11. Bataan has seven victims while Zambales has four and Aurora, one.

In Nueva Ecija, a 6-year-old boy was hit on the right leg by a stray bullet and a 24-year-old man was wounded when his homemade shotgun misfired.

106 arrested for violating Davao firecracker ban

By Karlos Manlupig (Rappler.com)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - At least 106 people were apprehended in Davao City during the New Year's Eve celebrations for violating the city's firecracker ban.

Davao City Police Office chief Sr Supt Ronald dela Rosa said more than 1000 police officers were deployed on Monday afternoon, December 31, on a covert operation to arrest violators.

Out of the 106 violators arrested, 57 are minors, dela Rosa said.

"Arrested violators are detained with the different police stations for filing of appropriate charges against adult violators while minor violators will be released to claiming parents after counseling," dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa also reported that records in various hospitals and clinics show zero firecracker related injuries in the city.

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