Davao City News January 2018

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Davao City - Archived News
Davaocity seal.png
The Seal of Davao City
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Davao City, Philippines
Davao city location.png
Davao City Map Locator
Davao-city-map.jpg
Map of Davao City
Davao City Hall.jpg
Davao City Hall
300px
Davao City Montage

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.

Davaocity.jpg
Davao city urban.jpg
Davao City Aerial View
Davao city entrance.jpg
Entrance to Davao City
Davao city natl hwy.jpg
Nat'l Hwy Through Davao City
Davao city victoria mall.jpg
Davao City Victoria Mall
Davao city airport old 01.jpg
Old Davao City Airport
Davao city airport new 01.jpg
Current Davao City Airport
Davao city 001.jpg
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.
Davao city 002.jpg
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.

131 Davao City Jail scholars finish Tesda courses

By Karina V. Canedo

MORE than a hundred detainees of the Davao City Jail graduated vocational courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) last January 22.

One hundred thirty-one graduates received their certificates for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Smaw)-National Certificate 2 (NC-2) and Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM)-NC2.

Eighty-two percent or 113 graduates are detainees, while the remaining 18 are family members of detainees, former inmates who started the training while they were still inside the jail and Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel.

Eighty-one received their completion certificates for Smaw, while 50 received certificates for EIM.

Tesda chief specialist Bayani Godofredo said this number is composed of the combined three batches of Smaw and two batches of EIM.

"The training started July last year. Each course is good for three months (but it was extended). There are some batches that took classes scheduled on weekends," he said.

These graduates are those who took their assessment on the third week of December.

These combined batches are the first to receive the free vocational education from Tesda.

The graduates were escorted by their family members as they went to the stage to receive their graduation certificates.

The oldest who graduated was a 56-year-old detainee, and the youngest is 18 years old.

They sang "Pagsubok" as their graduation song.

Jonas, 23 years old, who has been a detainee for two years and six months, said he is so happy.

"Dili malikayan nga maglisud kay naa man ta diri sa sulod pero luyo sa among kalisud, naabot ra namo (Despite the sufferings of being incarcerated, we were able to graduate)," he said.

Jonas was among those who completed a welding course.

Jonas's cousin who attended the ceremony said that she is also happy that Tesda has done something for the detainees.

A parent of one of the detainees named Dranreb also expressed her joy on her son's graduation.

"Nalipay ko ug dako kay bisan naa siya diri sa sulod, naka-graduate siya ug vocational with certificate sa Tesda pa gyud. Gusto nako na makakuha na pud unta siya ug electrical kay iyang gikuha karon welding. Kay puhon-puhon, makagawas siya, makatrabaho siya, para sa iyang mga anak (I am overjoyed because even though he is in prison, he graduated and has a Tesda certificate to show for it. I also want him to get electrical course as he already finished the welding course. Once he's freed, then he can work for the future of his children)," said Gloria, 62.

Davao City Jail Warden J/Superintendent Grace Taculin said most of detainees did not expect that they will attain higher education inside the jail.

Taculin said they open the courses for those who are willing to learn, and those who enlisted their names underwent an interview because there are courses that require educational attainment.

"For example, sa electrical installation and maintenance, they need to have at least high school education because they are taught on planning and electrical wiring, so they need to understand well," she said.

She said the graduation of the first batch of detainees will not be possible without the cooperation of Tesda, which allotted a total of P3 million for the education of the detainees.

Taculin, however, said the good news is Tesda Regional Director Gaspar Gayona has committed to issue again another P3 million for 2018's budget.

"We will add more training courses and increase the number of graduates. We will add courses like food processing, dressmaking," she said.

She added that bread and pastry course is also among the courses they requested.

She said the training is open for the family of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) or detainees.

Taculin said the family members of the detainees can attend as long as they will follow the rules, especially on what and what not to bring inside the jail.

They will have the same schedule as the detainees.

"Every morning, the family will come here and can join the class. In the afternoon, they will also be dismissed. They will also come to the jail during the schedule of the assessment," Taculin said.

She said they are eyeing to hire skilled inmates for future developments inside the jail, but added they are just waiting for its approval.

Godofredo, meanwhile, said that Tesda will have more batches for welding and electrical courses, and as what Taculin has said, they will add food processing course as well.

"We will have additional course of food processing... that is the need of the BJMP. Bread and pastry production will also be lined up in 2018," he said.

City set to receive tents, vintas from tourism office

By Karina V. Canedo

TENTS and vintas of the Asian Fruit Market, which is located at Abreeza Mall, are set to be donated to the City Government of Davao.

The 18th Davao City Council agreed last January 23 to sign a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Tourism (DOT), Republic of the Philippines and City Government of Davao for the transfer of funds between the parties regarding the turnover of the structures.

Based on the resolution of the approved ordinance, DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo issued a memorandum to Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) Chief Operating Officer Pocholo J.D Paragas last November 29, 2017, stating that the DOT transfers to the City Government by way of donation (no cost) the properties of DOT, which were used during the Asian Fruit Market at Abreeza Mall Davao City.

The DOT, in the memorandum, stated that the structures or properties will be of help to the City Government in pursuing projects that will benefit tourism stakeholders.

On January 11, 2018, the chief operating officer of Tieza, through its head Technical Assistant Karen Mae G. Sariñas-Baydo, wrote to Davao City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, informing the latter that the ownership of the Asian Fruit Market tents and vintas and other temporary structures at Abreeza Mall have been transferred through donation from the DOT to the City Government.

In the same letter, it informed that Tieza Board of Directors shall extend assistance to the City Government for the de-installation and re-installation works of the Asian Fruit Market facilities through the transfer of funds.

It also read that a memorandum of agreement for the transfer of funds is necessary for the donation and that it requires a resolution for the city mayor to enter or sign the contract and accept the turnover of the project.

In an interview with Davao City Tourism Office officer-in-charge Regina Rosa Tecson, she said the City Government is eyeing to transfer the tents and vintas to Santa Ana Pier.

1,500 lumads eyed for registration

By Juliet C. Revita

THE Davao City Civil Registrar's Office (CCRO) targets to register 1,500 lumads in far-flung areas and remote villages of the city through its mobile civil registration for this year to attain their 100-percent registration goal.

Leslie Lagare, CCRO Mobile head in charge, said Monday, January 22, that their effort is continuous to accommodate the indigenous people (IP) in the upland who could hardly register themselves at their office.

Although she could not provide the media the specific data on the number of registered lumads in Davao, she said the number of unregistered lumads is declining.

The objective of their mobile registration is to bring the government service to the upland.

She said they usually respond to the request of barangay officials on the kind of civil activities that the barangay officers want to hold.

She said aside from the birth registration, they also cater to mass wedding and marriage registration requests.

CCRO Birth Division acting head Shirley Arendain said one of the challenges in dealing with the IPs is that they could not provide supporting documents, which is one of the requirements for registration.

Some could not also exactly determine their date of birth.

Arendain also underscored the importance of being registered as it is one of the fundamental rights of the children to have name and nationality.

Birth certificate is also essential in availing government programs, when acquiring education and religious ceremonies such as baptism.

To give way for the lumads who could no longer provide the necessary documents, the CCRO waived some of the requirements for the elderlies. The office only needs certification from the lumads' deputy mayor and the National Commission on Indigenous People on their personal identification.

Meanwhile, the CCRO will have a mobile registration for the Araw ng Lumad in Barangay Lagian, Marilog District in February.

PHLPost-Davao posts P217M in revenue

By Jennie P. Arado (PNA)

TOTAL revenue made by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhlPost) in 2017 increased by 50 percent to P217 million from only P145 million in 2016.

PHLPost Area 7 acting marketing specialist Rey Basilan said the increase they experienced for 2017 was brought about by their effort of upgrading their logistics.

"Our improvement really was on logistics. For example, the big portion of our government to government transaction is the Department of Health (DOH) who sends out medicine from Manila to the Davao Region. We're the ones distributing these," said Basilan.

About 30 percent of their overall transactions are composed of government to government transactions especially of documents. Their entire packages sent to recipients are 60 percent parcel and 40 percent letters. Even when there are already couriers which promise faster services, Basilan said they will compete especially with their cheaper rates and improved logistics services.

Their entire P217 million is revenue derived from mail services including the ordinary, registered, and air parcel; domestic and international express mail services; retail services including the Postal ID registration, and other collections such as government office payments like Philhealth.

This also includes their revenue for areas outside Davao Region but are included in PHLPost Area 7 such as Cotabato City and General Santos City.

With the modern technology and faster mode of communication and relaying messages, Basilan said they are still targeting to reach P240 million of revenue for this year. They plan to reach this target through intensive company visits and logistics promotion.

Basilan also wants to assure their clients that with their service upgrade also comes the guarantee that there are less to no instances of pilferage anymore. He added this is because their Central Office in Manila had already been equipped with CCTVs. As for the regional branches, as far as Davao Region, no complaints from the clients had been filed relating to pilferage of their parcels.

Meanwhile, Basilan said they target to remove the "snail mail" tag put side by side for parcels and letters sent through post mail.

He said PHLPost is currently upgrading their logistics in order to be able to provide faster services. They currently have the 24-hour policy wherein parcels and letters left for delivery in their office will immediately be distributed out to their respective recipients.

DILG to scale up 911 program this year

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Eduardo M. Año has announced that the National 911 Program is to be scaled up this year.

Año said the PHP22.4 million allocated for the 911 program in the General Appropriations Act of 2018 is a good start to create necessary improvements from internal capacity enhancement to better response capability.

"As directed by President Duterte, we have so much planned for the National 911 program this 2018 and we commit to push through with all of these innovations, as they were created and intended to benefit the Filipino people," Año said in a statement Monday.

The National 911 Program was one of the campaign promises of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that he initially implemented when he was still mayor of Davao City.

The DILG is also considering hiring more personnel and conducting the required certification training on Emergency Telecommunications Course (ETC) to achieve the 8-to-10-minute response time to emergencies.

"Hiring qualified and competent professionals to serve as telecommunicators, information technology, planning, and legal service support will ramp up 911's quick response capability, thus, saving more lives," Año said.

Año added the DILG is gearing towards attaining a ladderized certification course on Emergency Medical Dispatch, to be provided by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Davao City to host DAVRAA next month

By Armando Fenequito, Jr. (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- Davao City will play host to some 8,000 young athletes from different cities, towns, and provinces that will be competing for the annual Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) next month.

This would be the first hosting of Davao City of DAVRAA, which was previously named Southern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (SMRAA) on 2003.

Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division sports director Bernabe Alicaya said there will be new and returning events in this year’s DAVRAA.

Among the new game category is the SepakTakraw Girls. He said the DepEd Davao City was also proposing for the return of boxing elementary division this year.

"We are proposing for that and it will be confirmed by next week," he said.

In 2014, former DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro issued a memorandum to exclude elementary division in the boxing event.

This after Jonas Garcia, a fourth-year high school student died during a boxing match in Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA). Alicaya said the death of the athlete was due to wrong specifications of the boxing protective gears being used that time.

"Davao City is preparing for that. They will be purchasing the right equipment for that boxing event," he said.

He said it’s about time to bring back the boxing event in the elementary division to improve the 'fixture' of the athlete and prepare them for their future career.

The event is slatedon February 17 to 23 but the opening ceremonies will be on February 18 at the University of Mindanao Sports Complex in Matina.

Alicaya said there would be no real fire during the lighting of torch because they would be using a LED torch for the opening of the games.

He said the city government would provide this technology to illuminate the sports complex during the opening program.

Alicaya added that the LED fire is also a substitute for fireworks since there is an ordinance prohibiting the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the city.

"This is to make the opening our program more unique from the hosting of other divisions," he said.

Japanese firm eyes Davao City

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

SEEMS like Davao's position as the chocolate capital of the Philippines will be strengthened as a high-end Japanese chocolate firm is eyeing to expand operations in Davao City, an official said.

Davao City Investments Promotions Center head Lemuel Ortonio shared that the foreign company has signified interest in establishing a chocolate manufacturing facility in the city.

Ortonio said though nothing is final, they are positive that the project will push through. The official refused to name the company.

"The Japanese chocolate maker is already, let's say, 80 percent convinced they can finalize the decision within this year," he said.

Ortonio told reporters that a feasibility study was already presented to city officials last year by representatives of the Japanese company.

He said the investment is seen to help local cacao farmers market their beans in the international market.

The investment official added the company wanted to locate its project in the city’s 3rd District where most of the cacao farmers operates.

"The compamy will source cacao here,processed it into chocolate bars and market it in Japan. But we will make sure that proper labeling will be observed so Japanese would know that it is from Davao," Ortonio said.

Of the total cacao production in the country, Davao Region accounts for over 80 percent.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said last December that the City Government of Kitakyushu in Japan is interested to import cacao and eels from Davao City.

The mayor said it is in exchange of imparting waste-to-energy related knowledge to the Dabawenyo delegates.

“Since we cannot help them with solid waste management because they are more modernized, what they want to check out in the city is the cacao because chocolate is a big industry in Japan. Also, Kitakyushu City have their own chocolates,” said Duterte-Carpio.

She added the Kitakyushu government is also interested in Unagi, or the freshwater

Chamber, Japan travel operators discuss Davao-Tokyo connectivity

By Digna D. Banzon (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) are in talks with Japan-based travel operators for Davao-Tokyo connectivity.

Newly-elected president of the DCCCII, Arturo Milan, said the Japanese travel operators took the interest of establishing a Davao-Tokyo connection after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the city last December 2017.

He said what these business operators really want is to expand a direct flight from Davao to Tokyo.

It is still in the exploratory stage but they want to make it a reality, he said.

“During the discussion, I suggested that it (Davao-Tokyo connection) should be any time before the Kadayawan Festival and we have to promote this in Japan,” he said.

He said the best time to promote it in Japan is between the Philippine summer months in March to May.

He said there is interest from the Japanese as they come to Davao City yearly for a “sentimental journey” to where their ancestors settled - in Mintal known as “Little Tokyo”.

In 2017 Region 11 tourist arrivals data, Japanese ranked second among foreign visitors in Davao City.

The 2017 statistics also showed United States ranked first with 20,779; Korea, third with 7,550; Australia, 5,929; India, 4,976; Singapore, 4,040; Canada, 4,016; United Kingdom, 3,282; and Saudi Arabia, 2,371.

“The Japanese had long been visiting Davao and these tour operators want to expand this to a regular event and the best way to do is through a direct flight from Davao to Tokyo,” he said.

“The group will be meeting again where we will invite the Davao City Tourism Office,” he said.

IT sector sees 5k more workers in Davao

By Digna Banzon (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Information Technology (IT) sector here is anticipating 5,000 additional workers to the industry, which already has 45,000 population working in different Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies based in the city.

Davao ICT Council president lawyer Samuel Matunog attributed the projected increase to the growing new locators and expansion of existing BPOs operating in the city.

"The demand is there while many locators are looking at our city either for expansion or new investments," he said.

Matunog said the IT sector continued to receive inquiries from investors.

“We have the talents and we must prepare because investors also focus on specific fields citing, for instance, engineers are hired in the BPOs to work for an engineering work on-line,” he said.

The other fields that investors look for workers are those with hotel and restaurant management and also on tourism background. He said the trend was that more and more people were fit to work in their respective disciplines in the BPO sector.

According to Matunog, there is an assurance that graduates of a particular course can now work in their field of specialization on-line.

He said that working in the BPO industry was the best step for fresh graduates to prepare themselves to be part of the whole workforce. On the other hand, Matunog said he was also expecting 75,000 workers to be employed in the different BPOs operating in Davao.

"We will continue to work harder in order to reach our target of 70,000 workers for the next 3 years," he said.

He said the IT sector is optimistic of attaining the target given the fact that the Philippines is No. 1 in voice for call center jobs.

“And we have very good talents here in our region,” he added.

Currently, Matunog said there were over 55 existing locators in Davao.

“We will continue to work harder to attract more investors and support their business requirements as to availability of space and other related concerns,” he said.

200-bed building in SPMC to break ground soon

By Juliet C. Revita

A 200-BED capacity Children’s Institute to be built inside the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) compound will break ground this year in a bid to address the congestion rate of the pedia ward.

Doctor Michael Manalaysay, chairman of SPMC's Pediatrics Department, told the media during Monday’s weekly forum at The Annex Building, SM City Davao that as part of the hospital’s infrastructure development plan, another building for children will rise.

“We will build a Children Institute, it will be a new building. The groundbreaking will start second or third quarter of the year,” she said, adding that it will be situated at the back of SPMC.

He admitted that overcrowding has been a perennial problem inside the state-run hospital where they were even forced to allow two patients to share in one bed.

“That will help us decongest,” he added.

He also said their department is the biggest pediatric department in the Philippines in terms of size.

According to him, their daily admission is nearly 500 while 200 consultation for outpatient everyday which is equivalent to 4,000 a month. Emergency Room (ER) admissions and consultations on one hand reached 100 to 200 a day.

Aside from the overcrowding, he also cited the need for additional pediatric doctors to attend to patients. “That’s why we need more Pediatric residents, we need 45 residents. As of this time 33 lang yong resident namin,” he said.

The building, he said, will be finished by next year or early 2020.

Asked about the budget allocated for the building, Manalaysay said that he could not provide exact amount but he said that a 100-bed capacity building alone might cost around P1 billion.

Davao City to establish computer lab

By Karina V. Canedo

THE City Government of Davao has chosen to build a school computer laboratory out of the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) it received after it bagged the Seal of Good Local Governance Award for 2016.

Emilio Ramos National High School was chosen as beneficiary of the PCF financial award.

The project includes the construction of a one-storey building that will function as a computer laboratory. It will be equipped with 18 computer sets with computer tables and two units of printers.

Based on the draft of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), which has passed the first reading at the Davao City Council and which will be signed between the City Government of Davao and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the project aims to technologically update the school for the learners' advancement and abilities for global competitiveness.

Based on the MOA, the eligible projects for the PCF subsidy are those that support the national priorities of the present administration aligned to the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, such as those achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); preparedness in disaster and adaptation to climate change; sustainable environmental management; local economic development and transparent and accountable local governance, which are implementable within one year from the date of receipt of the Notice to Implement signed by the DILG regional office.

The PCF is being administered by the DILG in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to recognize governance performance particularly in the adoption of "good local governance" along the governance areas of (1) Good Financial Housekeeping, (2) Disaster Preparedness (3) Social Protection (4) Business Friendliness and Competitiveness (5) Peace and Order and (6) Environmental Management.

The City Government of Davao was among the 60 local government units in the country that passed the validation of the DILG for the 2016 validation period, wherein the results were announced last year.

Having passed on first reading at the 18th City Council, the item on the MOA was referred to the committee on ordinances, laws, rules, privileges.

DSWD-11 covers more seniors social pensioners in 2017

By Carmela Duron (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao region has assisted 136,067 indigent senior citizens in 2017 through its Social Pension Program.

This was bared by Lywellyn Bibera, DSWD focal person for Social Pension in Davao region.

The number of pensioners significantly increased from 85,532 social pensioners in 2016.

The amount of the social pensions released by DSWD XI to qualified pensioners in 2017, DSWD reached PHP816,402,000.00 in six cities and 43 municipalities, Bibera said.

Bibera said Davao Del Norte posted the largest number of recipients with 27,312; Davao Oriental -26,407; Compostela Valley -26,265; Davao City -22,619; Davao Del Sur -20,889; and Davao Occidental with 12,575.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program or RA 9995 addresses the clamor for social protection to the most vulnerable older persons as well as backs the full implementation of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The monthly stipend of PHP500 which took effect January 2011, augments the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.

Potential recipients are senior citizens (60 years old and above) who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; not receiving pension from Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO); and do not have a permanent source of income or regular support from family or relatives.

The list of potential social pensioners was based on the results of the DSWD Listahanan national assessment which was validated by the local government units (LGUs).

Qualified senior citizens who are not included in the DSWD Listahanan data but recommended by the LGU are assessed by the LGU social worker. Payment is based on the budget allocation per municipality.

Under the program, DSWD monitors and provides technical assistance to the LGUs through the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) and conduct orientation, advocacy activities and meetings with the LGU Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP), and barangay senior citizens associations.

Meanwhile, 107 centenarians in Davao Region received a PHP100,000.00 cash gift last year.

Centenarians poor or rich are entitled to receive the “centenarian gift” as well as recognition from the government for reaching 100 years under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.

Tour of Mindanao bike race set in August

By Lito Delos Reyes (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The exciting Tour of Mindanao Bike Race is now set in August during the annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. This was announced Friday by Rey Hernan Fabe, sales and marketing director of the organizing Radyo ni Juan Network.

“We’re having this event already in August so that the visiting teams can also celebrate the Kadayawan Festival here,” said Fabe.

The two-day cycling event is co-organized by the Radyo Bandera in coordination with the Citywide Cycling Association of Davao (CICAD).

Eight teams have already confirmed their participation, with four coming from Davao City. They are the Longrich Cycling Team, Team MUMHO, Team Wadab, and Team MCV-55 of Davao City.

Also seeing action are Team RCL Cycling of Butuan, LCC Lutayan Cycling Team of South Cotabato, Single Track Team of Koronadal City, and the General Santos City Team under Rudy Laude.

Cash prizes, trophies and medals are up for grabs for the winning teams.

Meanwhile, a separate qualifying race will also be made for the teams coming from Luzon and Visayas for the Tour of Mindanao.

“We will announce it soon,” said Fabe.

The top seven teams from the qualifying race will advance to the Tour of Mindanao.

“Eventually, the Tour of Mindanao will now be a national cycling competition with the entries coming from the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” said CICAD Chairman Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr.

Tourist arrivals in Davao City hit 2 million

By Jennie P. Arado

DAVAO City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is currently rejoicing for the two-million tourist arrival record that the city was able to reach for 2017.

The City Information Office said in a statement that the records at the Davao City Tourism Operations Office showed that a total of 2,009,879 tourists arrived in the city between January to December last year.

CTOO head Generose Tecson said that this is an increase from the almost 1.7 million tourist arrivals in 2016.

In the data provided, a major chunk of the arrivals was composed of domestic arrivals with 1,835,798. This had increased from 2016's tourist arrivals of only 1,716,224.

The biggest increase of tourist arrivals for 2017 was noted in August 2017 during the Kadayawan Festival at 185,660 compared to the August 2016 tourist arrivals of 171,851.

Foreign tourist arrival data also increased to 126,209 of 2017 from only 124,863 tourist arrivals in 2016.

The top 10 2017 foreign markets were the United States with 20,779 arrivals; Japan at 12,510; China at 9,231; Korea with 7,550; Australia at 5,929; India at 4,976; Singapore at 4,040; Canada with 4,016; United Kingdom at 3,282; and Saudi Arabia at 2,371.

The number of balikbayans or returning residents also went up to 47,872 compared to the 2016 figure of 23,256.

"We attribute it to the strong private-public partnership of Davaoeños and the strong support of Mayor Sara and our Security Forces. We are also grateful for the big support of RD (regional director) Robby Alabado and his staff," Tecson said.

Despite Mindanao being under Martial from May 23, 2017, Tecson said the tourism in Davao City still has performed well especially during and after the Kadayawan Festival.

"The success of Kadayawan bolstered the trust and faith of people to come to Davao in spite of Martial Law and they did!" she added.

As the tourist arrivals in the City is constantly making a 5 to 7 percent increase since 2015, Tecson said they are aiming for a 7 percent increase this 2018.

DTI lists 232 'Kapatid' mentoring grads in Davao Region

By Jennifer Mendoza (PNA)

DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region takes pride of the 232 graduates under its Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program, which started last October 7, 2016. The program is an initiative of DTI to develop more successful micro-entrepreneurs.

DTI recorded 20 graduates in 2016 and 212 this year. The 2016 MSME graduates were from Davao City. For 2017, 42 were from Davao City, 44 from Davao del Sur, 19 from Davao Occidental, 40 from Davao del Norte, 20 from Compostela Valley and 47 from Davao Oriental.

The 10-week program of the KMME had weekly modules on marketing, financial management, human resource management, and operations management, among others.

The graduates were provided with high calibre mentors who shared their time, knowledge, skills, expertise and tips.

On the 10th week, the mentees would present their Business Improvement Plan (BIP), incorporating the learning from the lectures and mentoring sessions in front of a panel composed of marketing/operations management mentors and micro financing institution (MFI) representatives who could possibly assist them on their financing needs.

DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) – Go Negosyo conceptualized the KMME program to serve as the entrepreneurs’ guide to become a globally competitive enterprise, this being one of the strategies of the government to provide jobs to Filipinos and boost economic growth focusing on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

DTI-Davao Director Maria Belenda Ambi earlier said the mentees religiously attended the 10-week program.

“This only shows that MSMEs nowadays are inspired to improve their productivity, be involved in value-adding activities and be of help to other people by creating job opportunities and become engine of growth,” Ambi said.

For 2018, DTI, through its field offices in the five provinces and one chartered city in Davao Region, will still be conducting the KMME.

Thus, MSMEs who are interested to avail of the mentoring sessions may contact DTI-Provincial Office nearest them.

Davao City to join local, int’l roadshows to boost tourism

Jennie P. Arado

TO FURTHER promote investment and tourism of the city, the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) and the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) have international missions and local roadshows in the pipeline for the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter of the year.

DCIPC head Lemuel Ortonio said they initially plan to pattern their future visits to Malaysia and Singapore after their Japan investment and tourism roadshow October of last year wherein the Dabawenyo delegates were able to sit down in a business forum with the country’s investment and tourism representatives to discuss and provide information about Davao City.

Ortonio said the roadshow to Malaysia and Singapore is targeted on the 3rd quarter of 2018 and will be part of the support for the two international direct flights that Davao City has in order help sustain the said flights.

On the 2nd quarter of the year, local roadshows will be done in different cities in the country with direct flights to and from Davao City. Since this will be done with the CTOO, Ortonio said they will go with cities with potential investment partners.

They are also working on visits with different embassies based in Manila to introduce to them the investment and tourism opportunities Davao City has to offer.

“Since 2016, it has always been them, the ambassadors, who are coming here in the city to visit. I think it’s time also that Davao City will be the one to reach out to them so that they can feel our aggressiveness on wanting them to come here in the city. Also part of that plan is to meet the foreign chambers that we have yet to meet before,” said Ortonio.

The DCIPC and CTOO’s visit to Japan in October of last year served as benchmarking for the two local government sectors in assessing their own ways of promoting the city’s investment and tourism offers, CTOO chief Generose Tecson earlier said.

DCIPC registers P270-B investments n Davao

By Jennie D. Banzon (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) has recorded P270 billion total capitalization of investments in Davao City last year.

The total capitalization indicated an increase from 2016 with PhP230 billion, said DCIPC chief Lemuel Ortonio.

Based on the records of the city’s Business Bureau record, Ortonio said there were 40,400 registered establishments in the city; although this still needs further validation to include the fourth quarter data.

He attributed the increase to the city’s improved streamlined business processing system, investor confidence, better peace and order situation, and President Rodrigo Duterte, who continues to draw investors to Davao City being his hometown.

Also in 2017, Ortonio reported DCIPC approved six projects that were granted business and tax incentives.

These projects with total investments of P12.9 billion include two feedmills (aquatic and animal feed) of the Davao South Feedmill Company, the Apo Highlands Subdivision and Alteza Grande by Primeland Properties, the Apo Agua Infrastructura, and the Davao Therma Biotech Corporation for a biodegradable waste fertilizer facility.

Ortonio is bullish on increasing trend this year banking on the continued interest for some non-Davao companies, both new businesses and expansions, to locate here. DCIPC has projected a five percent increase based on the average growth in the past five years starting 2012 to 2016.

"We have very good climate on investment and we foresee entry of more businesses on agriculture which is one of Davao City's top industries and also on tourism with more business parks and specialized health facilities," he said.

DCIPC also identified possible needs of the city for have more medical facilities as possible areas for investments.

Ortonio said there are already investors complying with the requirements for the fiscal incentive application which is expected to be in during the first quarter.

The projects involved an expansion of a medical facility in the south and two boutique hotels, he said.

Even with a good projection in 2018, Ortonio said the city will continue reaching out to possible markets.

There is one international mission in Malaysia and Singapore in the 3rd quarter of the year similar to the 2017 mission in Japan. This is to support direct flight to Kuala Lumpur and sustain the Singapore-Davao route.

There is also local road show which would involve visits to embassies and diplomatic offices in Manila to spread information on the opportunities in Davao and to show an aggressive marketing to draw more investors. This will also be complemented with meetings with foreign chambers of commerce in Manila.

The city officials will also meet with the Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission (CITEM) organizers for participation in events with international exposure. This will be a platform to hold briefings and presentation of business and economic activities to investors.

DCIPC is also eyeing the tourism road show this year to establish direct flights in Davao City.


DTI eyes MSME fabrication lab

By Jennie P. Arado

A FABRICATION laboratory for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) is eyed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Region by the third quarter of 2018.

The laboratory is targeted to be housed at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep). DTI Davao Region Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rachel Remitio said this is the only shared service facility (SSF) for 2018 yet but they are hoping for additional funds for other projects in the pipeline.

A total of P7 to P10 million will be allotted for this laboratory and it will be of help for the production of prototypes of products for MSMEs. The laboratory will house high-tech machines and laser printers among others.

Taking into consideration the procurement process for this amount and the delivery timeline from suppliers, the target procurement time would be by third quarter of the year.

“Other projects in the pipeline are the shoe making facility and other food processing facilities,” Remitio said.

In DTI website, SSF project are the major component of the MSME Development project. It has the objective of improving the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills, and knowledge under a shared system.

Last year, Senate Committee Chair on Finance Senator Loren Legarda, who is the principal sponsor and author of Republic Act No. 9501 also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs, increased funding support for the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program to P1 billion nationwide. This amount, she said, would enhance the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs in the country.

From this amount P200 million will be allotted for the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that implement livelihood initiatives, P100 million for Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), and P50 for the MSMEs affected by the Marawi Siege.

New mobile library delivered next month

By Karina V. Canedo

A NEW mobile library for the Davao City Library is set to be delivered in February.

Davao City Library and Information Center head Pedrita Badar told SunStar in an interview that the P6.5-million mobile bus will also serve as a mobile library for disaster risk education, which will be done in partnership with Davao City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Badar revealed the planned procurement of another mobile library in a media forum last April 2017.

She said this additional mobile library will be used to expand their coverage to more than 25 barangays of the city.

In the same forum, she said that at present, the only one functional mobile library is making rounds in 25 barangays. It stays for 14 days in a barangay before it goes to another barangay.

They actually have two mobile libraries but the other bus had a mechanical defect, so they temporarily parked it in Calinan.

Present in the same forum was mobile library in-charge Elmer Amarillo, who revealed that the mobile library prioritizes far-flung areas in District 2 and 3 and offers storytelling services to children. They also offer computer literacy and gives children tutorial on how to manipulate electronic gadgets. They also have film showing.

Amarillo said they have recorded 58,236 clients served in the year 2016, which is higher compared to the 42,792 clients in the year 2015.

Indonesia to open scholarships on Islamic education for Mindanaoans

By Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY -- The government of the Republic of Indonesia is opening a scholarship program to 100 Mindanaoans who will study Islam in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Renton Mudsari, who led the launch of the Islamic Education Cooperation of Indonesia and the Philippines in Davao City Thursday at the Al-Munawara Islamic School in Ma-a, this city, said her government is ready to cover the annual scholarship for Madrasah students.

However, she said the technical scheme of the program will be fine-tuned by education officials from both Indonesia, through its Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Philippines.

She noted the partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia had been established for decades and it is the Indonesian government’s desire to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries through education.

"Our two Presidents, President Rodrigo Duterte and President Joko Widodo, had discussed on strengthening education and cooperation," she said.

"And it is Indonesia's strong commitment to work with the government of the Philippines on this," she said.

"This will be part of the education cooperation between two countries and we will work with all stakeholders to enhance cooperation in areas of education particularly on Islamic education," she added.

Madsuri stressed that Indonesia, being the focal point for Islamic education development, will not only involve government through the Ministry of Religious Education but also civil society and the Islamic organization.

Madsuri said the two governments will work closely on projects that include curriculum development and exchange programs for Ulamas, principals, teachers, and students.

In particular, she said, “We want to provide students of Islamic schools full knowledge on Islam so that in the near future Islamic education will flourish here.

P380-M Davao mega jail up for construction

By Lilian C. Mellejor (PNA)

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will fast-track the construction of the P380-million Davao City mega jail to ease congestion at Davao City Jail in Maa district.

BJMP spokesman Jail Inspector Edo Lobenia said the future jail building which would be located in an eight-hectare property in Wangan, Calinan, was already bid out by the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) 11.

The construction, Lobenia said would start this month. The jail facility could house 6,000 inmates.

“We want to fast-track the construction to ease congestion at Davao City Jail,” Lobenia said.

Congestion at the city jail in Maa is already placed at 696 percent with a population of 3,348 from an ideal number of 421.

Lobenia said congestion could result in risks like health and security concerns.

But, he said BJMP has always partnered with the Department of Health (DoH) to conduct medical mission in the jail.

Region-wide, Lobenia said the congestion rate in jail facilities had reached 559 percent.

Davao City, which receives at least ten inmates, is most congested. It is followed by Montevista town at 683 percent; Island Garden City of Samal at 407 percent, and Tagum City at 192 percent.

For Davao City alone, Lobenia said 80 percent of the inmates are facing drug cases.

BJMP is hoping to complete the mega-jail facility to address congestion. It is composed of three buildings with three storey. It will have solar panels and waste treatment facility.

BJMP will also promote organic farming for the food needs of the inmates.

2018 Davao City Baseball Cup set February 9 and 10

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

PREPARATIONS shift to high gear for the staging of the 12th Davao City Baseball Cup slated February 9 and 10 at the Lt. C. Villafuerte Sr. Elementary School in Calinan, Davao City.

Ines P. Mallari, 13th Baseball Cup organizing committee chairperson, said elementary and secondary teams from both public and private schools from the city's three districts will be invited to the annual meet that will serve as tune-up for teams seeing action in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2018 to be held in Davao City on February 17 to 23.

Mallari wrote a letter to Department of Education (DepEd) schools division superintendent Maria Ines C. Asuncion last November 14. The letter was posted on November 22, 2017 at the DCAA-Davao City Athletic Association Facebook page.

Mallari said cash prizes and baseball equipment will be awarded to the top teams and free lunch will also be given to players, coaches and officials of participating teams in the two-day competition presented by the Datu Uchida Development Foundation, Incorporated in coordination with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku.

Officers and members of Baseball Cup major sponsor Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club are expected to come to witness the games.

In past editions, free baseball clinics by Japanese coaches were held and there was one time that a baseball team from Japan played an exhibition match with Dabawenyo players.

In a Deped Davao City memorandum dated November 20, 2017, the Public Schools District Supervisors, cluster heads and secondary and elementary school heads were encouraged to participate in the 12th Davao City Baseball Cup and submit necessary documents.

P40-M 4-storey Davao City library to rise

By Karina V. Canedo

THE groundbreaking ceremony for the new P40-million, four-storey Davao City Library is scheduled this month.

Davao City Library head Pedrita Badar told SunStar Davao on Wednesday that this week the contractor will start the demolition of the buildings located at the former Central 911 Building along C. Bangoy Street, fronting Davao Light and Power Company.

“I’ve already told them (contractors) to start (the demolition). City Engineer’s Office and City Environment and National Resources Office (Cenro) will assist them,” she said.

Badar said the ground floor will cater to persons with disabilities, children and senior citizens. Each floor will also have restrooms. The building will have elevators.

She said there will also be a floor designated for the computer area. They currently have 10 computers and they are requesting 20 more for the new building.

Badar said additional personnel have been proposed but they will need to review the existing vacant positions and they will need to observe the demand for personnel on the first six months of the library’s operation.

“It (addition of personnel) will not be immediate since we need to observe the demand first,” she said.

The expected completion of the building is in 2019.

The project is funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Davao_City_News_January_2018&oldid=1076135"