Davao City News July 2011

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Davao City - Archived News

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.

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.

PDEA-11’s 9th anniversary centers on outreach program and tree planting

(PDEA-11/PIA-11, CLC)

DAVAO CITY, July 31 (PIA) -– The 9th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency here this week centered on outreach program and environment protection activities.

PDEA headed by its regional director Emerson R. Rosales together with Jollibee Foods Inc. sponsored a feeding program at Lamdag sa Kabataan Boy’s Home, at San Pedro Street, Davao City.

About 35 children and youth benefited from the program on July 27.

On July 28, PDEA personnel from the Preventive Education and Community Involvement Division (PECID) distributed around 120 school supplies and toys from Jollibee Foods Inc. to the kindergarten pupils of Manuel A Roxas Elementary School, Suazo Street, also in Davao City.

For its environment program, the agency initiated on July 29 a tree planting activity in coordination with the barangay officials of Barangay Eden, Toril, this city. A total of 500 mahogany seedlings were planted at said barangay.

On same day, PDEA donated school supplies to the residents of Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD) at Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District.

As mandated by law, the agency was created pursuant to Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

This year’s celebration was anchored on the theme: “A Drug Free Country, Starts With A Drug Free Family”

PDEA Undersecretary and director general Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. thanked the people for their continuous support on the war against illegal drugs.

As the lead agency in the enforcement of R.A 9165, “it is our simple way of serving and protecting our people in this region. Let’s continue working hand-in-hand to fight drug menace of this country and let us provide our children, and our children’s children a drug free country to live in,” Gutierrez stated.

Ombud probes Davao councilors for bribery

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas and Ben O. Tesiorna(Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)

DAVAO CITY -- The Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao has started finding evidence on alleged bribery involving some members of the Davao City Council.

Property developer Sta. Lucia, which is building a high-end subdivision development in Matina Aplaya here, allegedly gave at least three City Council members P2.5 million while the rest of their colleagues received P100,000.

The rumor that circulated through text alleged that the money was intended for the approval of Sta. Lucia's development permit application.

However, lawyer Marco P. Buena, Ombudsman-Mindanao complaints unit chief, said that if no concrete evidence is found against the council members, "there will be lesser chances of prosecution."

Buena said, initially, the Ombudsman will be basing its investigation on the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

He particularly cited section 3(e) of RA 3019, which says, "Causing any undue injury to any party, including the government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. This provision shall apply to officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions."

Buena said the entire probe will usually take less than a year depending on the availability of strong evidences. He declined to reveal details of the ongoing investigation.

He said evidences come in various forms such as sworn testimonies and other documentary evidences.

Text messages will only be accepted if the sender has been properly identified, Buena said.

If proven guilty, respondents may be meted "imprisonment for not less than six years and one month nor more than 15 years, perpetual disqualification from public office, and confiscation or forfeiture in favor of the Government of any prohibited interest and unexplained wealth manifestly out of proportion to his salary and other lawful income."

"Somebody has to come forward," Buena said.

Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, assured the public that there is no truth to the rumors the councilors received a hefty sum of money from a real estate developer after approving the conversion of a land for property development.

In his weekly television program Ato ni Bay, Duterte said rumors of corruption in the City Council had long been floating and yet nothing concrete was proven.

The vice mayor said if ever there is a tinge of truth to such rumor, he will be the first to come out in public and divulge the information.

Duterte said such rumors on corruption always crop up when the City Council approves a land conversion.

He said this happened even before his term as vice mayor. However, no councilor was proven to have received money from any developer ever.

"Ayaw mo ug tuo anang rumor sa corruption sa SP (Don't believe rumors of corruption at the City Council). If ever there is one, I will be the first to tell if it's true," Duterte said.

He said more land conversions will be approved by the City Council in the future, but he assured the public that not one among members of the council will receive money from anyone just to approve a conversion.

At the same time, Duterte advised the councilors from constantly changing committee chairmanships so that the public would not make any suspicion that something is amiss with the City Council.

It was learned that on Wednesday, Councilor Tomas Monteverde assumed the position as a majority leader after it was left vacant with the resignation of Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr.

Duterte said Advincula's resignation was not due to the rumored corruption but due to differences in the various camps within the council.

"Naa man gud na sila grupo-grupo dinhi (They have factions in the council). I just told them to stop from constantly changing the committees," the vice mayor said.

WWF pushes diversified power mix, not just coal

by Mai Gevera (PIA)

DAVAO CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- Bringing together stakeholders in the energy sector, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) stressed the need for renewable energy investments over oil and coal as power source.

In yesterday’s Mindanao Renewable Energy Forum held here, WWF-International Energy Policy Coordinator Rafael Senga explained that investors should not just focus on building coal-fired power plants as this could only hurt the consumers in the long run.

“Most of the increases in our power rates were caused by hikes in generation cost. With fossil fuel prices continually on the rise due to dwindling supplies and increasing demand, we should expect to pay even more in the coming years – unless we invest in indigenous renewable energy now,” Senga said.

He added that one investment on coal-fired plant could be enough to answer the looming power crisis in the country. However, adding more investments on coal is no longer helpful for consumers.

Data showed that the country sourced out 29% of power from coal in 2009 and the Department of Energy predicts a 50% sourcing out of power from coal by 2012.

Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Program Director Mario C. Marasigan agreed to the call of WWF in finding a balanced mix of renewable energy sources.

He cited Department of Energy Secretary Rene Jose Almendras’ claim that the country can no longer sustain all our energy needs through traditional fossil-based sources. There are already RE technologies that are economically and financially viable.

WWF stresses that renewable energy is vital in obtaining energy security and economic stability and at the same time mitigates climate change effects.

Aboitiz Executive Vice President Manuel M. Orig justified the coal-fired power plant investment of the company.

“We are building the plant because it’s the source of energy that can provide us 484 MW by 2015. This energy demand cannot be sourced from any other sources,” he said.

Orig added that the company is not against renewable energy sources as Aboitiz too invests on RE sources. Its subsidiary Hedcor has already produced 3.56 billion kilowatt-hours of energy.

If the same energy were generated by fossil fuels, this translates to 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere or an import of 8.5 million barrels of oil.

Davao City to improve drainage infra

(PIA/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY JULY 28 (PIA) -- The local government of Davao City is improving drainage systems to mitigate flooding in different parts of the city.

Supplemental Budget no.1 passed by the City Council has allotted P58-million for various projects aimed at improving existing drainage in flooded areas in the City.

These areas are, to wit: the Quimpo Boulevard-Acacia Street junction which was given an allotment of P10-million; Palma Gil Street drainage project worth P8-million; Matina Crossing (NCCC Centerpoint) drainage at P4-million; and Matina Pangi project also at P4-million.

City Engineer Jose Gestuveo said these plans include widening/ correction of culverts and connection of drainage systems. The projects are expected to be completed this year.

Gestuveo said that their CEO staff are studying flooding in the City are finding ways to solve them.

The City Engineer bared that during heavy rains some of the CEO staff would go out and study the flooded areas in the city, particularly to determine the causes of the flooding.

He added that the 25-year City drainage Master Plan formulated in 1998 needed some review and updating particularly with the advent of the effects of climate change.

This year’s drainage infrastructure projects are among the priority projects because these areas get flooded easily when it rains, the city engineer added.

Meanwhile Mayor Sara Duterte said that she originally wanted to secure a loan particularly to be used for drainage projects. However the city is still paying a huge chunk of its development fund for debt servicing to repay past loans spent on numerous infrastructure projects like the drainage and traffic signalization. The City is allocating P700-million for this year alone to service its debts.

DAR, NIA inked deal to increase farmers’ income

(CLC/DAR-11, Manny Agapay/PIA-11)

DAVAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform of Davao region (DAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the region recently signed a memorandum of agreement here to increase farm productivity of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and improve the farmers’ income.

DAR has mobilized financial resources to pursue the development of the ARCs by implementing the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III, a project financed by the government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under a loan agreement.

ARISP III is a project which implements irrigation and drainage facilities, post harvest facilities, farm to market roads, potable water supply, agriculture and agribusiness and institutional development components.

Under the MOA between the two government agencies, DAR shall undertake institutional development activities of peoples’ organization in the ARCs, activities related to the ARC development, community involvement and participation, in project undertakings, and among others.

NIA shall provide technical assistance in capacity development for local government units (LGUs) on irrigation developments, implementation, operation and maintenance.

Such MOA will operate only in selected municipalities of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur.

Antonino says PNoy’s SONA cover key Mindanao imperatives

(PIA XI)

DAVAO CITY, July 26 ---Mindanao Development Authority chair Luwalhati Antonino today said President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address yesterday highlighted policies that redound to Mindanao.

“The President’s SONA has covered a broad territory of reforms that impact highly on Mindanao,” Antonino said in reaction to statements from certain sectors that Mindanao was left out in the SONA.

“The governance policies he laid down underpin crucial measures to address quite a lot of major Mindanao imperatives,” she stressed.

The MinDA chair added that, “in addressing the Filipino nation, the President took cognizance of the opportunity to rally the entire citizenry under a genuine and meaningful agenda for change.”

“Being a crucial component of the nation’s march to progress, Mindanao stands to immensely gain from transformational measures set forth in the President’s vigorous call for national awakening,” she pointed out.

In his nearly an hour long SONA, the President highlighted the need to bring back confidence in the government and to take the road to development along the straight and righteous path.

Antonino said the President has cited a number of policy measures in the areas of improving revenue generation, bringing forth inclusive growth in the economy, pursuing environmental integration through community-based initiatives, reforms in the ARMM and several other agenda items that precisely move along the strategic direction for Mindanao .

She cited for instance that swift reforms made within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has resulted to billions of pesos savings that could translate to better allocation especially for Mindanao , where major infrastructure projects are being scaled up.

In the effort to push for environmental integration, Antonino said that the President has cited the need for government to invest in people, even as it invests in the environment.

“Moving along this direction we are currently doing the initial work to integrate efforts on the rehabilitation, management and development of river basins and watersheds in Mindanao , while ensuring coordination and participation of all stakeholders,” she said.

Antonino went further by stressing that “much of what needs to be done in Mindanao centered on the need to achieve transparent, accountable and good governance-- which strikes at the core of the President’s message, beyond SONA and throughout his administration.”

Davao PWDs appeal for full implementation of accessibility law

by Carina L. Cayon(PIA-11)

DAVAO CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- A group promoting for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities here has appealed anew to establishments and public transportation facilities for the strict implementation of the accessibility law.

The Association of Differently- Abled Persons (ADAP) claimed that not all owners and operators of public and private buildings as well as public transportation in the city are fully implementing Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the National Accessibility Law.

The law provides for the enhancement of the “mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.”

ADAP Federation President Redendo Martinez told reporters here at Club 888 Forum at Marco Polo Hotel that there are still establishments and transportation facilities that do not provide accessible and friendly environment for the PWDs.

Martinez said though that the local government unit of Davao City has already summoned several establishments that were found to have not abided by the law.

He said that on the organization’s part, they would conduct an audit of buildings and transportation services to find out which do not fully implement the rules and regulations of BP 344.

Martinez said that ADAP is actively monitoring the plight of PWDs, and continues to uphold their rights and welfare.

However, he stated that they could not establish the actual number of PWDs in the city considering that the organization has no office and no budget for an extensive monitoring and data banking.

At present, ADAP has only listed 1,800 PWDs whom they have reached out, he said. Kakayahan ng may Kapansanan Foundation Inc. chair Armando Amancio, meanwhile, said that they have recorded about 8,000 PWDs in the region.

Martinez mentioned that they are still waiting for the establishment of the office of PWD affairs which is mandated under Republic Act No. 10070 or the amended Magna Carta for Disabled Persons to be implemented in the region.

RA 10070 provides for the establishment of “an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities in every province, city and municipality.”

“The budget for this would come from the local and national government,” Martinez said.

Meanwhile, Amancio has also called on all government agencies to implement a provision under the General Appropriations Act that “explicitly provides funding mechanisms for programs and projects of PWDs and their organizations from at least one percent (1%) of the total yearly budget of all National Government Agencies and instrumentalities including Government Financial Institutions and Government owned and controlled corporations”

ADAP and KKFI, together with the Parents Mobilization Action Group (PMAG) and the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) have led the celebration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week with the conduct of three-day activities at SM City of Davao.

Davao on red alert for Aquino’s address

By Ivy C. Tejano

SECURITY officials placed Davao City on high alert Sunday in preparation for President Benigno Aquino III's State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City Monday afternoon.

Police and military are beefing up security measure to prevent possible terroristic attacks in the city and ensure non-violent protest actions by militant groups.

Militant groups in the city are planning massive protest actions in time for Aquino's Sona Monday afternoon.

Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon V. Paniza, Army's 10th Infantry Division spokesperson and commander of the Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion, said government troops, including members of Task Force Davao (TFD), raised the security level to red alert status starting Sunday.

Paniza said that although Davao City has remained peaceful, the TFD is coordinating with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to prepare for any eventualities during Monday's Sona.

"We are already in red alert status starting today (Sunday). The troops are coordinating with the PNP (Philippine National Police) for any possible eventualities, baka kasi sakali may manggulo," Paniza said.

He said the military authorities conducted a dialogue with various militant groups and rally organizers to ensure a non-violent mass protest.

Among militant groups who will hold a mass protest Monday are Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Region (KMP-SMR), Farmers Association of Davao City (FADC), Karapatan, Bayan Muna, and Kahugpungan sa mga Magtutudlo ug Kawani sa Edukasyon sa Mindanao-Alliance of Concern Teacher (Kamkem-ACT).

"If possible, they have to secure their ranks... they should take up precautionary measures. Hindi naman sila pinagbabawal na mag-rally, rights nila yan to express their grievances," Paniza said.

He also said that Army brigade has been deployed in various areas in Davao Region, particularly in the cities of Davao, Tagum and Panabo, which may become target for terror attacks.

Superintendent Antonio Rivera, chief of DCPO's Intelligence and Detection Management Branch (DCPO-IDMB), said the local police have already tightened security measures in the city.

"Anyway, palagi naman naka-full alert ang kapulisan natin," he said, adding they have already coordinated with the TFD on the matter.

Davao expects 250,000 visitors in August

WITH the pre-scheduled conventions, meetings, conferences, and the most-awaited Kadayawan festival, tourism stakeholders are expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors to visit Davao City the whole month of August.

Jason Magnaye, chief of the City Tourism and City Investment Office (CTCIO), said that aside from the Kadayawan, there are also three other seminars and conventions that are slated next month.


"We can expect more of this figure because they might bring other people like their wife, children or friends to come here to the city to celebrate," Magnaye said during Thursday's I-speak at city hall.

He said all tourism players like hotels and restaurants have already been briefed and were already aware of the bulk of visitors that are set to visit Davao next month.

Magnaye, however, said the series of events can also be a good venue to market the city and attracts investors to pour in investments.

Local, national, as well as international visitors are expected to flock to the city to celebrate the festival of all festivals in the city.


Maria Felisa C. Marquez, festival director, said they have already communicated with the restaurants in the city to come up with a unique fusion of dishes to attract more tourists as well as to create an atmosphere wherein visitors can really feel the festival.

Agri-technicians trained on insect resistance management

by Mai Gevera

DAVAO CITY, July 21 (PIA)--Government-initiated seminar on insect resistance management (IRM) gathered around 150 technicians, agriculturists, and scientists yesterday at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao as its fourth leg in IRM education nationwide.

Supported by CropLife Philippines and Insect Resistance Action Committee (IRAC), the seminar aimed to protect Davao vegetable crops from risks of insect resistance development.

University of the Philippines Los Banos retired professor Dr. Emiliana Bernardo explained that farmers need to know the different groupings of insecticides and how they should rotate them so as to avoid resistance.

“ This is what we want our farmers to learn. We want them to practice science-based agriculture,” said Bernardo.

It was stressed that even if the seminar was focused on vegetable farming, the theory would still follow in other crops planted in Davao region such as banana, corn, and mangoes.

However, Dr. Candida Adalla of the Department of Agriculture clarified that experts are not saying that the spraying of insecticides must be done on a schedule basis. Rather, the DA stresses that only on needed situations when pests threaten the growth of the crop should the spraying of insecticides be done.

Data showed that ninety-five of farmers in the Philippines are using spray insecticides. Despite the number, many people still look at insecticides as toxic, environment pollutant, and are not safe for human beings.

Executive Director of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Dr. Norlito Gicana explained that the insecticides these days are no longer the same as before.

“ Now, we only allow low dose as we have graduated from high toxic insecticides. Also, farmers now are encouraged to use insecticides according to what is written on the label. We see the effectiveness of the product when it can control the pest without affecting the non-target.”, he said.

Gicana added that FPA will continue in preserving the standards set for insecticides to ensure safety of the people as well as the environment.

KALAHI-CIDSS pushed as national strategy vs. poverty

(DSWD-11/Leslie Lao-Francisco)

DAVAO CITY, July 20 (PIA) -– The national government is pushing to make the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) a national strategy in the fight against poverty.

This came about after about 40 mayors decided to endorse to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III the KALAHI-CIDSS community-driven development (CDD) approach as a tool in poverty alleviation.

Edgar Pato, KALAHI-CIDSS national project manager, said that the endorsement was contained in a resolution that the mayors submitted to the President.

“We are now pushing forward the good governance component of the project,” Pato said during the Orientation Training of Municipal Monitors on the KALAHI-CIDSS CDD-Local Planning Process Harmonization Initiative.

In an earlier interview, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon J. Soliman said the President is agreeable to the proposal.

Soliman said what must be done now is to come up with a more detailed framework that will fit the implementation of the project on a national scope.

To address the need, the national project management office has “hired a consultant to develop the strategy,” said KALAHI-CIDSS Monitoring and Technical Assistance Officer for Mindanao Consuelo Acosta.

Acosta added that the output of the consultant must be submitted to the President within the year.

Preparations

The three-day training was intended to familiarize the newly-hired municipal monitors in the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon project in Mindanao, said DSWD XI Director Ester Acebedo-Versoza.

“There are 32 new municipalities in Mindanao to implement the KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon poject,” Versoza said, adding that there are eight in Region XI, four each in Regions X and XI, three in Region XII and 13 in CARAGA Region.

Makamasang Tugon is a KALAHI-CIDSS modality that aims to integrate the CDD principle and processes in the local planning by way of an LGU-led implementation scheme.

New Modalities, More Funds

Pato said he met with representatives from the World Bank, the main funding agency of the project, and discussed the future of the project.

“We are looking at CDD for urban and CDD for conflict-affected areas, IPs, disaster risk reduction and climate change adoption,” Pato added.

Aside from Makamasang Tugon, other modalities at present include KALAHI-CIDSS Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) for conflict-affected areas and KALAHI-CIDSS Urban.

Pato said that more modalities have been adopted because “KALAHI-CIDSS is one of the best performing CDD projects worldwide.”

Some countries have already sent teams to study the implementation and impact of the project. Among them were China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Nepal. Laos is also set to send its representatives this year.

Indonesia, the country from which CDD was first conceptualized, will also be sending a delegation to the country to study the successful implementation of the project.

In 2003 when KALAHI-CIDSS was first implemented, the initial funding was $100 million from the World Bank. This year, the project has $13 billion available funds from different sources, Pato said.

Aside from the World Bank, other fund sources include the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), and the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The AECID is currently funding the implementation of the Poder y Prosperidad dela Comunidad (Empowerment and Development of Communities) project that adopted the KALAHI-CIDSS framework in the poorest municipalities in Region III, V and CARAGA.

JSDF also allotted $3 million as grant for the implementation of the KALAHI-CIDSS Urban, while the MCC gave a $120 million for the expansion of the project. Most recently, the OPAPP has set aside Php47.4 million for KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA.

The Asian Development Bank has also signified its intention to allocate funds for the project.

With the expansion of KALAHI-CIDSS, Pato challenged the newly-hired monitors to “put a mark and be a part to push forward KALAHI-CIDSS CDD.”

Over 200 lumad kids join Eastmincom’s Bayanihan School Outreach Program

by Pfc Reah V Costales(CRG/PIA XI)

CAMP PANACAN, Davao City, July 19 -- More than 200 schoolchildren in Datu Salumay Elementary School, Marilog District in Davao City benefited from the Community Outreach Program of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

This activity elicited the appreciation of Anita Bilbao for the group who launched the school outreach program in her Datu Salumay Elementary School. “We are constantly worried about our schoolchildren here because they always incur absences because of lack of food in their family. This feeding program is a big help to the schoolchildren. We hope that this activity will be sustained, she added.

“The program touched my heart and I know that these children will never forget this day, the happiness and the smile on their faces could not be paid by anything in this world. I was so touched and so blessed,”,she narrated

The activity included Feeding Program by REACT-Panabo, distribution of school supplies and Bibles by the Mindanao Friends Mission, distribution and donation of medicines and vitamins by the TOG 11 PAF, gift-giving of toys and books by Operation Blessing Foundation Inc. (OBFI) free hair cut by 84th Infantry Battalion. The 10th CMO Battalion provided musical entertainment throughout the activity with their Tribal ensemble.

The Adopt a Child Education Program by the Mindanao Friends Mission led by Grace Casas was also introduced in the said school. For a two thousand pesos donation, the sponsor will be able to sustain an indigent child’s education for one school year. This includes the provision of shoes, uniforms, school supplies and other benefits for the recipient child.

“Team Eastmincom Bayanihan is always ready to support its civilian partners in their programs and projects that benefit the least fortunate of our brethrens especially those in the countryside.”Col Leopoldo R Galon Jr, Commander of 5th CRG based in Panacan said.

The said activity held last July 18, 2011 was a joint effort orchestrated by the 5th Civil Relations Group (CRSAFP), which also included the Tactical Operations Group 11 of the Philippine Air Force, the 84th Infantry Battalion, 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Operation Blessing, REACT Panabo, Philippine Bible Society and Mindanao Friends Mission.


Renowned Filipina businesswoman to grace DCCCII’s general meeting

(DCCCII/PIA XI)

DAVAO CITY, July 18 --Dabawenyo businessmen will have the chance to get up-close and personal with the only Filipina to have made it to Fortune Magazine’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in the World. Teresita Sy-Coson, President and Vice-Chairperson of SM Investments Corporation.

The distinguished woman business leader is set to join the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) on its 7th General Membership Meeting (GMM) on July 29, 2011 ( Friday) at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao.

The GMM will have the theme “Reinventing Innovation: A Tool for Transforming Economy.” Ms. Coson will engage our local businesses by talking about new applications for continuous innovations and effective leadership styles of global businesses.

DCCCII, an institution backed by 43 years of leadership in the community, continues to evolve to become the prime mover and trusted business partner of both the private and public sector through its power-packed, informative and relevant networking activities open to both members and non-members alike.

Sara: No official report from DILG yet

By Jereco O. Paloma

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte said there is no official report from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on its fact-finding investigation on the punching incident involving her and a court sheriff.

Duterte made the confirmation Sunday after national dailies started tackling the alleged decision of the DILG absolving her of any liability.

Reports came out over the weekend that Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo allegedly made an official announcement that DILG is ready to submit the result of their fact-finding investigation on Duterte's case to President Benigno Aquino III on Monday or Tuesday.

On Sunday, another national daily claimed such report with the Office of the Ombudsman reacting to it. The article only attributed the story to "a source".

"It's not yet done pa diay, nangutana ko sa DILG. Wala pa official report ninggawas from DILG. All the news items are from interviews lang with Secretary Rodredo. Wala man pud mi nagka-storya ni Robredo (I asked the DILG but they said they haven't yet released an official report and I haven't talked with Robredo yet)," Duterte told Sun.Star in a text message.

A Manila-based media quoted Robredo as saying that DILG's recommendations does not include penalizing the mayor but will only make Duterte's case an example for other public officials in similar instances.

Duterte said as long as she does see the official report, she will refrain from giving further comments.

"I cannot say favorable kay wala ko kahibaw sa content mura bag lisud mag-book report na wala ko kabasa sa (I haven't read the official report. It is like making a book report when I haven't read the book)," Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Ananias Villacorte, DILG-Davao Region chief told Sun.Star Davao Sunday that as of this writing, Robredo has not furnished him a copy of the report.

Villacorta earlier said DILG in Davao Region has no jurisdiction over Duterte's case and that only Robredo will personally hand in the results of the fact-fining team to Aquino, who in turn will decide on the matter.

To recall, the punching incident involving Duterte and Regional Trial Court branch 16 sheriff Abe Andres stemmed from the latter's refusal to grant the mayor's request to extend the implementation of the demolition order for at least two hours.

Andres's refusal irked Duterte, who was caught on video footages punching Andres at least four times.

Duterte said she is ready to face whatever legal consequences for her actions.

Duterte is also facing a disbarment case filed by a Manila-based lawyer Fernando Perito, who has been known for filing similar complaints against prominent lawyers in the country.

Long-span buses, water taxis eyed to improve Davao transport system

by PNA

DAVAO CITY--The utilization of long-span buses and deployment of water taxis are two new transportation modes that will likely ply in Davao City and Davao Gulf in order to improve the transport system in the city. Gil Dureza, regional officer of the Board of Investments (BOI), said these projects were conceptualized in time for the scheduled August 18-19 Davao Investment Conference here. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has requested the BOI to come up with opportunities that might be sold to investors.

Dureza said long span buses similar to King Long Bachelor Bus, costing some P5 million to P8 million each, are being eyed to ply the city's main streets. He explained that Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) will not be displaced but can be relocated to underserved areas. He said bus and taxi companies in the city also displayed their interests in the operation of long span buses during a meeting with the BOI and Davao Investment and Promotion Center (DIPC). He said long span bus is the cheapest option using either electric power or compressed natural gas (CNG) or hybrid with electric power.

Dureza said the plan was developed based on the feedback of residents on traffic congestion and unruly road traffic system. Residents also see many areas un-served and underserved by public transport especially in subdivisions. "It is an open opportunity for everybody to invest," he told reporters at a business forum here on Wednesday. Dureza also cited the deployment of water transport in the Davao Gulf as another business opportunity. He said investors might start with two units that can carry 13 passengers from one municipality to another.

Meanwhile, Laureano Callao, an investor from Kidapawan City, has already expressed his desire to invest in water taxi business. He already bought two units imported from China valued at P3.5 million each. The units are set to arrive soon, he said. Dureza said Callao is targeting to start his water taxi business before end of the year since processing of the necessary business permits is almost complete. His water taxi units will be piloted in the Davao City to Samal IsLand route. Dureza said the Sta. Ana Wharf will serve as berthing area of the water taxi units and selected beach resorts in Samal.

He described a water taxi unit is bigger than a speed boat with about 30 to 35 knots speed, closed and airconditioned. It could travel to as far as Mati in Davao Oriental. A number of taxi companies in Davao also manifested their interest in venturing into water taxi business including, Holiday Taxi, Maligaya, Blue Taxi, Krissa, and Metro Shuttle. The ultimate goal is to maximize the potential of water transport in the wide Davao Gulf area, he said.

Tourism Malaysia to visit Davao City, tour schools

(PNA) scs/FFC/DDB/ldp

DAVAO CITY, July 15 – Key officials of the Tourism Malaysia (TM), the tourism arm of the Malaysian government, will visit this city on July 19-24 to promote closer relationship with Davaoenos and tour different schools here.

Masrina Mohd Bakri, director of Tourism Malaysia-Philippines, said a series of events in Davao City are prepared to showcase Malaysia's culture, its people, government and destinations.

Bakri said the officials will have gala dinner on July 19 at the Marco Polo Hotel.

The group will go to four schools, namely College/University Roadshow at the Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA) and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) on July 20 and Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) and Philippine Women's College (PWC) on July 21 to promote Malaysia to students and faculty.

They will also give free trip to Malaysia for one student and one faculty from each school through a raffle.

There will also be an exhibit at SM Entertainment Area on July 23 and 24, she added.


Water taxis, long span buses soon to operate in Davao Gulf, Davao City

BY JUDY QUIROS

Water taxis and long span buses may soon ply Davao Gulf and Davao City’s main thoroughfares, respectively.

Speaking to reporters in yesterday’s Club 888 Forum, Board of Investments (BOI)-Davao head Gil Dureza said these transportation concepts are being considered in time for the Davao City Investment Conference next month.

Dureza said an investor, Laureano Callao who hails from Kidapawan City, has already expressed his desire to invest in the water taxi business and has already bought two units from China valued at P3.5 million each.

Dureza said the units are set to arrive soon. Callao is targeting to start his water taxi business before the end of the year since the processing of the necessary business permits is almost complete.

Callao’s water taxis will ply the Davao City-Samal Island route as pilot area. The Sta. Ana Wharf and selected beach resorts in Samal will serve as berthing area of the water taxi units.

He said a water taxi is bigger than a speed boat and has a speed of about 30 to 35 knots. It is closed and air-conditioned and can travel as far as Mati, Davao Oriental.

Dureza said a number of taxi companies in Davao City have also manifested their interest in venturing into the water taxi business, including, Holiday Taxi, Maligaya, Blue Taxi, Krissa, and Metro Shuttle.

Taxi and bus companies are also eying to venture into the operation of long span buses in Davao City.

They displayed their interest during a meeting with BOI and Davao Investment and Promotion Center, Dureza said.

He said long span buses are the cheapest option for mass transport as they use either electric power or compressed natural gas (CNG).

The long span buses, each costing up to P8 million, are eyed to ply the city’s main roads.

Dureza said public utility jeepneys may be relocated to underserved areas.

He said the interested operators are willing to have a uniform color of the buses as long as they are numbered to indicate the operating company.

Dureza said long span buses are eyed to ease traffic congestion.

Dureza said long span buses are eyed to ease traffic congestion.

Anti-TB campaign eyes elementary and high school students’ involvement

by Carina L. Cayon (CLC/PIA-11)

DAVAO CITY, July 13 (PIA) -– The inter-agency members of the regional and city coordinating committees on tuberculosis here are considering involving elementary and high school students in the fight against the TB disease.

Students from the 20 school districts in the city will be urged to participate particularly in a quiz bowl and on-the-spot poster making contest as the highlight in the upcoming commemoration of the Lung Awareness Month in August.

The committees agreed in their planning conference to have Grade 5 and Grade 6 pupils join the quiz bowl which will help the participants be aware of and understand the TB disease at an early age.

High school students, meanwhile, will be called on to take part in the on-the-spot poster making contest of which content would be based from this year’s event theme dubbed as: “On the move against TB: Transforming the fight towards elimination.”

The TB Regional Coordinating Committees (TB RCC) and (CCC) City Coordinating Committee also planned out to hold a thanksgiving Holy Mass to start the celebration of the Lung Month, to be followed by a culmination program and awarding ceremony.

The committees also intended to carry out the advocacy against TB in local radio stations and television networks where medical experts from the government and private institutions will share inputs on TB and about government programs that address in controlling and preventing the disease.

The Department of Health is the lead agency that upholds and sustains the campaign to eliminate TB disease in the country through its National TB Control Program, of which program is enhanced through the Philippine Plan of Action to Control Tuberculosis (PhilPACT) 2010-2016.

In April this year, a multi-sectoral partnership from the private and government agencies across the region has strengthened commitment to fully support the control and prevention program on tuberculosis which remains at the top ten causes of deaths in the country.

Some 40 private agencies and 14 government offices signed a pledge of support to implement PhilPACT, which gears towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target on reducing TB deaths by 50 percent in 2015 and beyond.

From DOH definition, TB is a “communicable disease caused by a microorganism called Mycobacterium tuberculosis commonly called TB bacilli which is transmitted from an infected person through aerosolized droplets formed by coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing, or singing.”


Indonesia to conduct census of its nationals in Mindanao

by Jereco O. Paloma

THE Indonesian government is set to come up with the updated list of its nationals residing in many parts of Mindanao by next month.

Agung Sampurno, vice consul for immigration of Indonesian consular office in Davao City, said in Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City that the documentation is part of their effort to update the data since the last they did it was in 2004.

Based on the 2004 census of Indonesians residing in Mindanao, the consular office recorded more than 9,000 Indonesians, majority of whom were living in General Santos City, Sarangani Province, and Balut Island.

The census is also part of the preparation for the 2014 national election in Indonesia.

"We need the help of respective local government unit (LGUs) in collecting data of Indonesian residing in some parts of Mindanao," Sampurno said.

He said some of their citizens are coming to the Philippines illegally, most of whom are fishermen.

"Illegal entry of Indonesians to Mindanao is not new because it has been actually happening long before," Sampurno said.

To address the problem of illegal entry of Indonesians in the country, Sampurno said requiring all legitimate Indonesians to have an identification card and coordinating with the LGUs in north Celebes Sea might work.

Sampurno said that under their laws, Indonesians can have two citizenships until 17 years old. When they reached the age of 18, they have only three years to choose what citizenship they want to retain.

DOST to develop auto weather stations

by RG Alama (PIA 11)

DAVAO CITY, July 11, (PIA)--The development and installation of more automatic weather stations is one of the priority programs of the Department of Science and Technology.

This was bared by Elsie Mae Solidum, assistant regional director of DOST-XI during the recent Kapihan sa PIA press conference held last July 7 in observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

According to Gerry Pedrico, head of the PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Services Administration) Davao Station, a single automatic weather station (AWS) was recently installed in Davao, located at the PAGASA Station inside the Davao International Airport complex.

The AWS can determine wind speed, direction, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, rainfall temperature and amount of rainfall.

The AWS however failed to read the magnitude of the devastating June 28 flashflood in Matina Pangi, Davao City which killed 30 people. Pedrico said that AWS devices are location-specific capable of reading its parameters in a particular area and could not cover the entire city.

He said the AWS was placed in the PAGASA Station so that it would be adjacent to trained weather personnel which can read and analyze its data.

The AWS costs around P100, 000. It is assembled by technical people from the DOST with parts and sensors sourced from abroad.

Future plans are for the installment of unmanned AWS that could record and transmit data in real-time, the present AWS are still manned devices.

Disbarment case filed vs Duterte

A lawyer has asked the Supreme Court to disbar Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for repeatedly punching a trial court sheriff during the demolition of informal settlers’ shanties in the Agdao district last July 1.

A source said it was not sheriff Abe Andres, who was at the receiving end of the punches, who filed a petition before the Office of the Bar Confidant.

It was lawyer Fernando Perito, a crusader for lawyers’ ethics, who filed the petition.

Perito, a lifetime member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, had filed similar cases in the past. The last of these was the disbarment petition versus former Presidential Commission on Good Government Chairman Camilo Sabio for supposedly trying to influence the decision of his younger brother, former Court of Appeals Justice Jose Sabio Jr., in the case of Manila Electric Co. against the Government Service Insurance System in 2008.

Efforts to reach the Office of the Bar Confidant remain futile.

In a separate interview, SC spokesman and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said, “I don’t have any information on that, but we have to remember that disbarment against lawyers are confidential in nature.”

Mammoth crowd expresses support to Sara

by Kristianne Fusilero

THOUSANDS of Davaoeños trooped to Rizal Park yesterday in a solidarity rally to show support to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio amid criticisms on her action against a court sheriff in a bloody aborted demolition last July 1.

Organizers estimated the crowd at 6,000. But ABS-CBN reported it at 9,000. “We want to show to the other areas in the country that the city is solidly supporting the mayor,” said Michael “Mikey” Aportadera, one of the lead organizers of the solidarity rally.

Mikey, brother of City Information Officer Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, said the mayor did not even know the event, which was mainly led by the private sectors.

He said the business sector donated the ribbons, streamers and statement shirts. The rally was also supported by city councilors, barangay officials, militant groups, non-government organizations, urban poor, students, musicians and city-hall employees.

The supporters, mostly clad in green shirts, started to troop at around 3 p.m. in Rizal Park for the 4 p.m. rally. Some of participants were from the farflung barangays in Marilog district.

Mikey said they have secured necessary permits to conduct the rally which lasted until around 8 p.m. Mayor Duterte did not show up as she was reportedly in Cebu. The mayor is currently on leave while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is conducting its investigation into the case. Her father, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, now acting as the mayor, showed up to rally for his daughter. Duterte insisted that mayor Sara only did her job in protecting the lives of her constituents.

The older Duterte gave some verbal punches to columnists in Manila who wrote negative remarks against his daughter. Included in his rant were government agencies investigating the case.

Residents marched the city’s streets and gathered at Rizal Park due to criticism against the mayor. DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, in an ABS-CBN interview, said Mayor Sara, if found guilty, could face suspension or dismissal. A lawyer’s group is also pushing to disbar the mayor.

The Rizal Park was flooded with streamers expressing support to the mayor. Some of those who posted streamers were Councilor Pilar Braga, Barangay Captain Roberto Olan-Olan, Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon and Aboitiz Power Corp. Bowls of porridge from Marina Tuna Seafoods Restaurant were given to participants.

About 100 cops and members of Task Force Davao were deployed in the area to ensure peace and order. A portion of Bolton street was also closed to provide more space for the participants.

Kagawad Lorelyn Gildore of Barangay 13-A said they voluntarily join in the rally to support the mayor. She said they were not coerced to join the assembly.

Members of the musicians’ group, Samahan ng mga Musikeros sa Davao, also showed up. Popong Landero and other musicians, among them were Magtangol Cadayona, Don Juan Baktas, Gani Brown, Versikulo Akustik, Torak, Soundcheck, Wenyos, and Inside Rhythm, entertained the crowd.

On the morning of July 1, Mayor Duterte threw a series of punching to the face of court sheriff Abe Andres during a supposed demolition of shanties of informal settlers in Barangay Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr., Agdao.

The mayor asked the sheriff to suspend the demolition for two hours since she wanted to be on the ground during the implementation of the demolition order to prevent bloody confrontation. The sheriff, recently reinstated after more than a year of suspension due to grave abuse in an unrelated court case, refused the mayor’s order. This sparked a riot as residents refused to vacate, leaving a police officer and 10 other residents wounded. Vice Mayor Duterte, in yesterday’s rally, revealed that he tried to settle the case between his daughter and the court officials, considering that the involved judge, Judge Emmanuel Carpio, is the uncle of the mayor’s husband, Maneses Carpio. But circumstances led him to defend his daughter who was already branded as “b*tch” on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, mostly by non-Davao residents.

The elder Duterte also revealed that Andres’ act in implementing the court-issued demolition order was illegal.

He said Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 mandates that residents affeted by demolition should be informed 30 days before the implementation.

The vice mayor said Judge Carpio issued the demolition order on June 21, and Andres tried to implement it on July 1. He pointed out that the demolition should not take place before July 21. With demolitions continue to becone a problem in the local community, the vice mayor said he is proposing before the city council to triple the budget on land acquisition.

The elder Duterte also said that the Sangguniang Panlungsod building is open to the settlers who do not have permanent houses.


Davao sheriff seeks another 5-day leave to be out of limelight

by Edith Regalado

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Controversial court sheriff Abe Andres yesterday sought another five-day leave of absence, taking himself out of the limelight following the altercation with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte last week.

Andres declared he would not press any charges against Duterte and urged critics to leave him in peace.

Andres refused to appear before the two lawyers sent by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to investigate the incident.

He said he already submitted his report of the incident to his employer, Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 16 Judge Emmanuel Carpio.

Duterte punched Andres in the face several times in a fit of anger last week in her effort to save thousands of families from being evicted from their homes.

Duterte said Andres ignored her request to stay the demolition of a squatter colony in Barangay Soliman in Agdao district since it would affect thousands of families already suffering from the recent floods.

Duterte voluntarily went on leave to allow the investigation of the punching incident to proceed.

She appointed her father, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, to take over the administration of the city.

The elder Duterte, for his part, defended his daughter’s actions against Andres.

Duterte, who served as a government prosecutor, said Andres violated the mandatory 30-day reglamentary period before an eviction order of the court is implemented under Republic Act 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

He said Judge Carpio issued the eviction order on June 21, thus, it should have been implemented at the earliest on July 21.

The eviction order, however, was immediately implemented on July 1, eventually leading to a riot with the police and his daughter Sara punching Andres.

Duterte said the court had not only violated the 30-day reglamentary period but also the “good weather” condition under the law.

He said Davao City was under a state of calamity at the time the demolition was implemented because of the flashfloods that left 30 people dead.

Duterte added the mere presence of the court sheriff in the area before the lapse of the reglamentary period is already a violation of the law, thus Mayor Duterte was simply exercising her authority to arrest violators.

“Mayor Duterte was arresting the sheriff because he (Andres) was not supposed to be there,” Duterte said.

When asked if he will file a case against Judge Carpio and court sheriff Andres for violation of the law, Duterte only said he does not want to make matters worse.


Davao mayor who smacked demolition sheriff gets support from allies, supporters

by Mindanao Examiner

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 7, 2011) – Allies of a Philippine mayor who smacked a demolition sheriff have their support to the politician who is facing a government investigation into the incident.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio filed a five-day leave of absence to pave way for the investigation ordered by Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who was shocked by the July 1 incident.

Sheriff Abe Andres said he was only serving a legitimate court order to demolish illegal houses in Agdao district when he was attacked by the politician. Andres was with a group of armed policemen when he was attacked in public by Carpio.

The mayor said she was only asking 2 hours for the sheriff to postpone the demolition because it could spark a riot in the area.

Carpio’s father, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, said he would do the same or much worst to the sheriff for ignoring orders to stay the demolition. He also castigated the newspaper columnists and reporters who criticized her daughter and during a live television interview, flashed a dirty finger and cursed the critics.

His son, Councilor Paulo Duterte, leader of the League of Barangays in Davao City, also flashed a dirty finger on Wednesday during an interview with television reporters when he was asked about his father’s action.

“You want some more, here,” he told reporters and then flashed dirty finger before turning his back.

The League of Barangays and other politicians allied with the Dutertes have thrown their support to the mayor. Green ribbons were also seen in public places in Davao City and is said to have been put up by the mayor’s supporters.

The sheriff said he will not file charges against the mayor and has offered his apology to the politician for not heeding her appeal for the stay of the demolition.

Carpio said one policeman was injured when residents attacked the demolition team. It only stopped when she rushed to Agdao and pacified the rioters. She then confronted the sheriff and punched him at least four times in the face and pulled his hair as her body guards restrained the man to prevent him from escaping the mayor’s wrath.

Carpio’s father told her not to apologize to the sheriff for her violent outburst. Both father and daughter are both lawyers.

Vice mayor to CHR: Sue me over dirty finger

by Ben O. Tesiorna

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte challenged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to do what it wants to do over the "dirty finger" he showed while being interviewed on national television Monday.

The CHR on Tuesday said that Vice Mayor Duterte's flashing of a "dirty finger" and his cursing on television is a case of verbal abuse and clear violation of human rights.

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte challenged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to do what it wants to do over the "dirty finger" he showed while being interviewed on national television Monday.

The CHR on Tuesday said that Vice Mayor Duterte's flashing of a "dirty finger" and his cursing on television is a case of verbal abuse and clear violation of human rights.

Rosales on Tuesday described Duterte's actions as "arrogance of power".

"It was alarming because it reflects the arrogance of power of an official who refuses to be criticized," Rosales was quoted as saying.

Rosales reminded government officials that they are public servants and not kings.

In a phone interview Tuesday evening, Duterte said the CHR can do what it wants to do just as he can say and do what he wants to do as part of his right to freedom of expression.

"What is your characterization of a dirty finger? Verbal abuse, what does it mean to you? You do not curtail my freedom of expression. The Constitution guarantees me that right. It is my constitutional right to express myself with either my mouth or my finger. It is also my birth right. Nobody but nobody could curtail me that right," the vice mayor reminded the CHR.

"That's freedom of expression. I'm disgusted eh. Hirap na nga kami dito sige pa sila yakyak dyan," Duterte added.

He said he will offer no excuses or apologies for displaying a "dirty finger" on television.

"No excuse, no apologies, do what you want to do," said Duterte.

Duterte on Monday flashed the "dirty finger" and cussed at critics of his daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, following her widely publicized punching of a trial court sheriff last Friday.

"Ano? Mga columnist? Oh! (shows dirty finger) ta** i**, hindi lang sampal ang inabot noon. You wage a battle against your own people using policemen?" he said, when asked what he thought about the criticisms from columnists and those who have posted negative comments on the popular social networking site Facebook.

Vice Mayor Duterte has been known to throw expletives at people he does not like, be it at the local or national television. He is, however, loved by Dabawenyos and admired by many Filipinos for his no-nonsense and tough stance in issues concerning the city.

Developers urged to assist flood victims rebuild homes

by Jereco O. Paloma

HOUSING developers have been urged to assist families affected by floods to rebuild their houses.

Carlos Vargas, chair of Project Happy Home, on Monday said his group will ask real estate developers in Davao City to extend help to victims of the flooding that hit the city's southern part early morning Wednesday.

Vargas said this should be done in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO).

There are 26 real estate companies engaged in property development in the city. With this figure, Vargas is hopeful to generate significant support in any form especially in rebuilding houses of displaced families.

Among the major things that the group needs are basic construction material, such as plywood, cement, and tin, among others.

On Monday, the group started talking to various housing developers and construction firms to hand any form of assistance they are willing to give.

"We have to help these families not only in rebuilding their new houses but also helping them rebuild their new lives" Darren Evangelista, the group's vice president, said.

The group is set to conduct a fun run that aims to generate funds in helping the affected families and assisting these families to have their houses rebuild.

The fun run, dubbed as "Race to rebuild", is set on July 30, but the registration fee has not yet been set.


PDEA XI Conducts Lecture on R.A. 9165

(PDEA/PIAXI)

DAVAO CITY, July 4 -- The Preventive Education and Community Involvement Division (PECID) of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI led by Director III Emerson Rosales, Officer-In-Charge, conducted Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Orientation to the members of BADAC of Toril District.

It was held last June 28 to 29 at Camp Corazon, Bangkas Heights, Lubugan, Toril and the culminating activity in June 30 at Shrine Hills Seminar House, Matina, Davao City.

The orientation was conducted in coordination with Mr. Merilo Q Limbaro, City Director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Davao City led by Atty. Eliseo R Braganza.

The DILG discussed to the members the BADAC the Organization and their Duties and Functions in the Barangay level, on the other hand, CADAC of Davao City discussed about the CADAC Organization and Functions and the City’s Anti-Drug Abuse Prevention Program while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI discussed thoroughly to the BADAC members their role in the anti-drug abuse prevention program and also the salient provisions of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

Personnel from the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD) led by Dr. Gene Gulanes, Center Manager, discussed also the Drug Identification and Its Ill Effects and Ways On How to Prevent Drug Use.

Undersecretary Jose Gutierrez, Director General, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has expressed his support to the members of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) in Davao City to effectively counter the dangers of drug abuse and the proliferation illegal drugs in their respective Barangays.

The agency is encouraging the public to help drive out the menace of drug abuse in the community. You can call or text the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI hotlines at 082-222-3045, 09395433405, 09158362599 or 09331481387.


Power restoration of main lines in Davao flood-affected areas almost complete

(CLC/DLPC)

DAVAO CITY, July 03 (PIA) --Power restoration of the main lines in flash flood-affected Matina

Crossing, Matina Aplaya, Balusong and Bangkal areas was almost completed Friday.

Still without power as of the issuance of this advisory are some parts of Matina Pangi, NHA Bangkal, SM Village, Km 6 near Union Avenue, and Lopez Village.

The electric company hopes to fully energize the main lines of the areas concerned, by today. However there may still be individual connections that have to be checked thoroughly by the field crews.

Davao Light, since June 29 assembled several crews in order to expedite the repairs of the power lines and connections. Restoration of power however were hampered by inaccessible areas and wet electrical outlets and meters.

Since June 30, Davao Light crews started replacing wet meters just to hasten restoration of power on individual homes. They also prioritized streetlights to provide illumination in some areas.

Mayor halts support for Hall of Justice

By Jereco O. Paloma

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte is set to terminate all forms of support the City Government has been providing the Hall of Justice starting Sunday.

Duterte made this decision after Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 16 sheriff Abe Andres failed to grant the two-hour allowance the mayor was asking over the demolition in Barangay Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr., Soliman, Agdao District.

Judge Manuel Carpio of RTC branch 16 issued the demolition order.

Although refusing to elaborate the exact amount the City Government has been giving out as a support to the Hall of Justice, Duterte said this is a significant support.

Among the things the city is providing to the Hall of Justice are job order employees and gasoline allowances.

The demolition order dated June 23 was in relation to a contested property in Blocks 2 and 3 in Barangay Soliman, in Agdao, Davao City, owned by a Chinese businessman.

The demolition order has been superseded by an order to delineate or define the scope and area that is to be subjected to demolition.

Tension broke out when the demolition team and residents clashed in a riot around 10:30 a.m.

Roughly 300 families are reportedly be affected by the demolition of their houses on the 3,143-square-meter land owned by one Philip Kho.

Duterte said she is neither on the side of the property owners nor the residents but she understands the sentiments of the affected families.

However, Minda Sayson, vice president of the United Settlers Association in Bangoy Creek (USABC), said they are ready to honor the court order but all they wanted was to know the scope of the area that will be demolished.

The City Government already set aside a 22-hectare relocation site in Los Amigos for the residents who will be displaced.

Duterte, however, said that for those who are not indigents, the City Government is ready to relocate them to a site in Tibungco for free.

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