Davao City News March 2015 (2024)

More Davao small traders get DTI assistance

• Source: http://sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/31/more-davao-small-traders-get-dti-assistance-400544
• Tuesday, March 31, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag (Sun.Star Davao)

THE number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region increased by 56 percent in 2014.

From 4,579 in 2013, the number of MSMEs jumped to 7,169, Maria Belenda Q. Ambi, DTI-Davao officer-in-charge, told Sun.Star Davao Tuesday.

Ambi said the DTI was able to help more MSMEs by maximizing available resources and increasing manpower.

She said the increase in the number of MSMEs assisted could also mean there are more MSMEs in the region.

The assistance came in the form of training and seminars, financing facilitation, product and market promotion assistance, and investment facilitation.

But she said DTI covered only part of the 45,000 MSMEs in the region, based on the 2012 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The agency also reported exceeding its target in 2014 of 6,000 MSMEs to be assisted, which is a 119 percent increase.

This year the goal is to assist 7,500 MSMEs, Ambi said.

Organic farm in urban Davao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/30/organic-farm-urban-davao-400215
• Monday, March 30, 2015

(Sun.Star Davao)

MOST organic farms are located in rural areas. The farm of Dr. Rodelio Dalisay is an exception.

Dalisay put up his organic farm in the heart of the city.

Dalisay converted his grandfather's resthouse, at Regina Dalisay Compound in Bajada into an organic urban garden.

He said organic farming was just a hobby when he started in 2012. Starting off with a small plot, planting it with tomatoes, lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli, which are not commonly grown in the tropical climate of Davao City.

"I started with a small plot because when I go to the groceries, I cannot find organic produce and then the trend of organic vegetables started at that time when I left the United States, so I started my own," he said.

The following year he added kohlrabi, lettuce, kale, and endives to his farm.

"From one plot, then it became two, three, then four until I expanded it," he said.

On January 2014, Wynward Organic Vegetable Garden was opened to the public. Dalisay promoted the farm through Facebook (facebook.com/orgveggies).

Recently, he started planting zucchinis, kalette, and sage. He is also growing tomatillos, sugarbeets, salad dandelions, swiss chards, and the dark cherry tomatoes.

Dalisay, who holds a doctorate in Plant Pathology with a cognate in plant biochemistry, plant breeding, and genetic engineering from The University of Kentucky in Lexington, is also a chef.

Using the skills and training he gained as a chef during his stay in the US, he opened up a bistro at the farm offering healthy meals featuring vegetables freshly harvested from the farm.

Dalisay said being in organic farming is no easy task, since one has to take care of each plant individually.

He also makes his own organic pest control techniques like covering the fruits with newspaper and using marigold as a deterrent. He also makes his own compost using the dried and dead leaves of the plants and food scraps mixed with goat manure.

In maximizing the space of his urban farm, Dalisay practices tower gardening, making use of old plastic jugs and bamboo.

In a bid to promote organic and urban farming to Dabawenyos, Wynward Organic Vegetable Garden opened its doors to farmers, students, and individuals who want to learn.

"People are now opening their eyes to going organic," Dalisay said.

Some of the groups that have visited his farm are the Kiddie Chefs of Italiannis summer camps, farmers from Barangay Tagbaobo, Islang Garden City of Samal, students from Ateneo de Davao University, and students from the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Dalisay and his farm has been featured in multi-awarded television progam Agri Tayo Dito of ABS-CBN.

Wynward Organic Vegetable Garden was a finalist for the 3rd Lunhaw Awards, held last March 13. The farm also received a special award for Urban Organic Vegetable Gardening.

Bad cops told: Leave Davao City

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/29/bad-cops-told-leave-davao-city-400124
• Sunday, March 29, 2015

By Ivy C. Tejano (Sunnex/Sun.Star Davao)

DAVAO CITY Mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned once again policemen involved in criminal activities to leave the city or they might just get killed.

The city mayor issued the warning in his television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa," after another police personnel was tested positive for using illegal drugs in a random drug test conducted by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) last week.

"Giingnan na tamo mga pulis na dili jud ko gusto ana. Daghan na police na disgrasya sa droga. Kung musulod mo ana labi na muhatag protection sa droga unya nagagamit... pamatyon jud ta mo... mauna jud mo (I already told you not to engage in illegal drug activities. If you do, I will really kill you. You will go first)," Duterte said.

He said that he cannot be fooled by any policeman tagged as being involved in drugs as he can easily ask the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) to trail them.

Duterte earlier said he does not need any law enforcers and government employees who are involved in criminal activities, especially drugs, to be working here in Davao City.

"Kung inyong mga kauban na una na sa impyerno... gusto mo musunod? Naa ra na ninyo. Pagbilin na mo ug last will and testament (Some of your colleagues are already in hell, you want to follow them? You better write your last will and testament soon)," he added.

Bunawan police commander Chief Insp. Simplicio Sagarino Jr. earlier refused to name the policeman who tested positive for using methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu pending the result of the confirmatory test.

Sagarino only said that the policeman has a rank of Police Officer 2 and has been in Philippine National Police (PNP) service for 18 years now.

Duterte, however, said he is not in favor of the confirmatory test. He added that anyone who would be given 15 days to contest the first test results has a chance to clean up and free themselves of the chemicals in their body.

“My recommendation will be always dismissal," Duterte said at the first instance that a policeman tests positive.

Better yet, he said, these policemen should be assigned to Compostela Valley where there are many rebels. Once held hostage, he will not negotiate for these policemen’s release.

Duterte said for him, there is no need for confirmatory test, because once a person is tested positive for drug use that means he is really using illegal drugs.

"Once nag positive ka sa drug test, you should be out from the service na. There is no need to validate. Kung nag positive, positive. What I want is summary hearing then they will be kicked out from PNP service," Duterte said.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz earlier said the officer who was tested positive for drugs has not yet reported to their Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU). She added that the officer will be discharged from the service if he fails to report to the office after five days.

City karatekas shine

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/sports/2015/03/28/city-karatekas-shine-400050
• Saturday, March 28, 2015

By Karlo Paolo R. Pates

THE Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association International-Davao City Headquarters hauled a total of 10 golds, six silvers and four bronzes to emerge overall champion in the recently-concluded 78th Araw ng Dabaw Karatedo Invitational Tournament held at the NCCC Mall Davao.

North Cotabato clinched three golds, three silvers and four bronzes to place second while Davao del Sur cornered three golds, two silvers and four bronzes. Panabo City (3-1-0) and Tagum City (2-3-3) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Davao City's gold medalists were Lya Marie Carillo (women's kata), Miyuki Tacay (women's kata 55 kgs.), Lya Marie Carillo (women's kata 61 kgs.), Miyuki Tacay (women's openweight), Lemuel Tacay (men's kata 76kgs.), Shinji Rex Tacay (men's kata open), Ridlo Sumanang (boy's advance kata and boys 14 to 16 years old kumite), Steven Paul Gica (boys 11 to 13 years old kumite) and Sean Paul Gica (nine to 10 years old kumite).

The champions received cash prizes, gold medals (juniors) and trophies (seniors) from the organizers while the next two placers also got medals.All participants also received certificates.

The two-day karatefest was hosted by PSKAI-Takai Gijutsu School of Martial Arts headed by Shihan Bern Rexander R. Tacay and sponsored by the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO), Spin Davao Table Tennis Center, Explorer Davao Realty Co. and NCCC Mall Davao and organized as part of the 78th Araw ng Davao Sports Festival.

More restos join the ‘Visit Davao Fun Sale’

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=748487
• Friday, March 27, 2015

(PNA), FPV/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 27 (PNA) -– More restaurants in Davao offering discounts are joining the upcoming Davao Fun Sale which starts on April 6 until May 17, 2015.

One of them is the White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. Known as the home of Davao City’s fine dining experience, the White House announced it is offering a 30 percent discount on everything you want to see on your table.

White House owner and chef, Cathy Binag said, “This is one of the ways to show White House’s appreciation over the growing patronage and the good reception that it has earned only two years after it opened in Davao City.”

Binag said the discount covers the starters to the main dish to the wine -- from the Duck Breast Pastrami Salad Roll to Grilled Rack of Lamb or Mesquite Grilled Wagyu Rib Eye or the bestseller Duck Leg Confit from Paris or the famous Durian Yema Cheesecake and the Yamamomo Cheesecake.

The White House offering will run from April 6 to April 12. But diners will still be able to enjoy up to 20 percent discount on selected dishes from April 13 until May 17, the end of the Davao Fun Sale.

The White House is the only fine dining restaurant that introduced the art of degustation dining in Davao City.

With five degustation menus, diners will be treated to a gastronomic journey of finely selected eight-course meals all designed to showcase the best ingredients and products for a perfect dining experience. The degustation meals are matched with wines.

Binag said joining the Davao Fun Sale means that White House is sharing out the restaurant’s brand, the art of cooking and fine dining. Also joining the Davao Fun Sale are Binag’s other stores -– Posh Nails, Madhatter, Ferino's and soon to open Filipino Comfort Food.

Nat'l football coaching course opens in Davao

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=5&rid=748132
• Thursday, March 26, 2015

(PNA), FPV/LCM/LOLITO T. DELOS REYES/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 26 (PNA) – The Davao Football Association (DFA) is hosting a National Coaching Certificate Course from March 25 to 29 at the Ateneo de Davao University Matina campus, this city.

The instructors include coaches Albert Ryan "Abing" Lim and Melchor Anzures, both A Licensed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

"This is a pre-requisite course if they want to take Asian Football Confederation (AFC) C License Certificate Course," said coordinator Ching delos Reyes.

The course focuses on the Basic Technique of football and approaches.

The participants from DFA are Erell D. Gonzales of Mintal FC, Harold Amatong of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Jefferson Basalo of San Pedro College Ulas Campus, Edwin Giganto Jr. of Columbia & Central FC, Reynante Bangi and Joseph Mayola of Hyenas FC; Charles John Butlig of Davao City NHS, Michelle lfeche-Javellana of St Paul/D'DS FC; Eric Salumbides of Davao Crocodile FC,

Joel Vidal of Indangan Strippling Warriors, Noriel Violon of Anakk Sta Cruz, Annalou Arrogante, Jeryll Mae Aludria, Maremadel Bancil, Yubert Bandibas, Johnry Desoyo, Jenerose Mullot, Ester Tangpos and Bonna Vanguardia of Tambayan FC; Gil Mark Candido of Sultan Kudarat FA, Rodante Mindo of North Cotabato FA, Ivan Caina of Cagayan-Misamis Oraiental FA, Angelo Mabayao, Jesmer Tampog, Ian Jay Delos Reyes and Juvilyn Beranaa of Compostela Valley FA.

DFA president Edward "Chaya" Lam and his fellow officials are expected to grace the closing rites.

NYC, MinDA team up for roll out of Mindanao youth programs

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=747750
• Wednesday, March 25, 2015

(PNA), FPV/LCM/PR/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 25 (PNA) -- Signalling the roll out of upcoming programs and projects for Mindanao’s youth, the National Youth Commission (NYC) officially turned over the first edition of the Mindanao Youth Agenda (MYA) to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in a ceremony held on Monday at the Grand Regal Hotel here in this city.

The MYA is the youth component in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework, considered as the island-region’s peace and development roadmap covering 2011 to 2030.

“Our role here is to continually push for the best interest of the youth sector and guide them to a direction that will let them discover their potentials and determine their roles in social transformation,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, during the turnover ceremonies of NYC’s Regional Youth Advisory Council Convention.

In May 2012, NYC sealed a partnership with MinDA to take the lead in crafting youth development programs for Mindanao, leading to the creation of the MYA.

Antonino said the Mindanao 2020, calls for the participation of the youth, in their transition towards leadership roles by encouraging their involvement in socioeconomic activities that push for change within and among communities.

"We need our youth to be advocates of Mindanao's tourism, too. They can travel, explore, and immerse themselves in initiatives that promote beautiful Mindanao,” she said.

NYC Commissioner for Mindanao Earl Saavedra said the turning over of the MYA to MinDA will ensure that all identified programs in the document will be institutionalized and implemented gradually.

He added “the MYA will serve as an all-in-one reference document for the youth development initiatives in Mindanao.”

According to Saavedra, incorporating MYA in the overall Mindanao 2020 Framework is an assurance that the young people of Mindanao are involved in the socioeconomic development process, not just as recipients, but as frontrunners for development, and prime movers in nation building.

MinDA and NYC are set to identify priority programs and projects from the MYA document to be implemented, which are all geared towards unleashing the full potentials of the Mindanao youth.

“I commend the LGUs and agencies for the respective youth development programs that you have implemented within your own capacity. With the anticipated roll-out of MYA, we can now harmonize our efforts and initiatives for our youth,” Antonino said.

She also urged the members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council composed of representatives from Mindanao LGUs and regional line agencies to empower the most vulnerable youth sub-sectors and champion their aspirations in attempts to usher inclusive participation towards growth and development.

Carrying the discussions and recommendations from this year’s convention, NYC is set to release the second edition of MYA by the end of the year.

DTI to hold stakeholders’ consultation on March 25

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1561427170621/dti-to-hold-stakeholders-consultation-on-march-25
• Tuesday, March 24, 2015

(DTI11/JenMendoza)

DAVAO CITY, Mar. 24 – The Regional Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will be convening various stakeholders to get their insights on its planned programs and projects for 2015.

Set on March 25, the half-day consultation will serve as an avenue for DTI-Davao Region and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and private sector partners to discuss on how to implement, or even improve the implementation, of DTI’s identified programs and projects.

DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the participating stakeholders may also share their opinions on what other interventions DTI can do for both the business sector and consumers.

“We really conduct the CSO and Stakeholders’ Consultation annually so that we’ll know what they think of our plans for a particular year. By doing it, we can have more inputs on how to improve our interventions for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and consumers,” she said.

Pursuant to the National Budget Memorandum No. 123 dated January 28, 2015, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has provided procedures to strengthen the conduct of agency consultations at the central and regional levels to secure feedback on programs and projects of departments and corporations.

This is also in accordance with the current administration’s thrust of inclusive growth, transparency, and financial accountability.

“We are optimistic about getting valuable inputs from our partners from the government and the private sector,” she said.

Among DTI-Davao Region’s plans for this year are the setting-up of six Negosyo Centers, establishment of 49 Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects, implementation of 21 Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) projects, distribution of 130 Timbangan ng Bayan to 65 public markets (each public market will be given at least two weighing scales), conduct of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy and Presyo Diskwento Caravans, and strengthening of priority industry clusters.

Malaysian firm to develop 1,000-hectare for oil palm

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/23/malaysian-firm-develop-1000-hectare-oil-palm-399060
• Monday, March 23, 2015

By Antonio L. Colina IV

A DAVAO City official said Monday that a Malaysian company is set to develop a 1,000-hectare property for oil palm in Marilog District.

During the Oil Palm Investment Forum at the Park Inn By Radisson Davao on Monday, Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) officer-in-charge Ivan Cortez said the investor, who is a major player in Malaysia's oil palm industry, had discussed the matter with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). He refused to disclose the name of the firm.

If this will push through, members of the Ovu-Manuvo tribe will be tapped for the planting of the seedlings.

The official also said that this partnership will empower economically small farmers, especially the ones who own five hectares of land.

The investors who previously set an eye on Paquibato's idle lands have backed out as the terrain is not very suitable for logistics, most especially in setting up the facilities and the access to and from the site.

"They (investors) prefer the type of land in Maguindanao," he added.

In his presentation, Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, board of director and secretary of the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council Inc. (PPODCI), said oil palm seedlings as compared to other crops have higher survival rates.

Crops like cacao and coffee can thrive well with oil palm trees in rolling terrains and prevent soil erosion.

"Oil palm has massive root systems which reduce soil erosion in the sloping uplands," he said. "A new technique of crop-livestock integration, when applied, shall promote crop diversity and added income in the upland."

In 2013, he lamented that the Philippines was the last in terms of hectarage planted with oil palm at 72,000 hectares. Indonesia was the biggest at 10.5 million seedlings, followed by Malaysia (6 million) and Thailand (850,000).

He also said oil palm will take lesser use of fertilizers as compared to other crops that produce oil and will serve as carbon sink.

In a recent forum, environmental group Panalipdan Southern Mindanao urged the City Government to study before accommodating proposed investment on oil palm expansions in Marilog.

According to Panalipdan, the environmental impact must also be considered not only the economic gains should the city give a green light to investors to plant these areas with oil palm.

"Paquibato is supposedly one of the important water resource base areas of the city while palm oil is not grown organically but dependent on chemical inputs which might pollute the local water resources in the uplands and affect the water supplies in the lowlands, a concern that we both shared," it said.

Earlier, City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said crops that can be planted in those areas are coffee, cacao, corn, rubber, and oil palm.

He cited the need to develop the upland areas because relying on "urbanization of center" is simply not enough to sustain economic growth.

Mangosteen Ice cream to flavor city’s partnership with Magnolia

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/22/mangosteen-ice-cream-flavor-city-s-partnership-magnolia-398927
• Sunday, March 22, 2015

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

THE city government of Davao will renew its partnership with Magnolia Inc. with the introduction of mangosteen as one of Magnolia’s new ice cream flavors.

Magnolia will showcase mangosteen-flavor ice cream in 1.5L tubs, 425ml pints, and 60ml ICOS, according to its draft memorandum of agreement.

The ice cream company will use the slogan "Life is here", "Our king can fly", the seal of the city government and selected tourist spots in the metropolis.The partnership started in 2012 when the city government allowed Magnolia to promote mangosteen as one of its "Best of Philippines" flavors. It was signed by former Mayor Sara Duterte.

The city council’s committee on rules, privileges and ordinances has recommended an ordinance granting Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to sign the agreement with Magnolia.

The item is pending approval on second reading.

$430-M in export value noted in Q4 last year

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/20/430-m-export-value-noted-q4-last-year-398580
• Saturday, March 21, 2015 (Date Published)

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Davao reported that Davao region posted an export value of $430.13 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Based on the preliminary data of PSA-Davao, agricultural products remain to be the main export commodity of the region.

Fresh and dried bananas, including plantains, continue to be the number one exported product of the region with a value of $158.87 million.

China is the top export market of the commodity at $62.53 million, followed by Japan ($33.99 million), Iran ($18.34 million), South Korea ($14.64 million), and Saudi Arabia ($6.31 million).

Coconut crude oil is the second most exported product of the region at $76.92 million with the Netherlands being the number export destination at $34.91 million.

Other top export destinations for the commodity include Indonesia ($11.39 million), Malaysia ($11.12 million), United States of America (USA) ($9.05 million), and Italy ($5.53 million).

The third most exported product of the region is fresh and dried pineapples at $24.56 million with Japan being the top export destination at $5.99 million. Other top export markets are Singapore ($4.79 million), United Arab Emirates (UAE) ($4.25 million), China ($3.92 million), and South Korea ($2.17 million).

Prepared or preserved fruits -- lychees, longans, jackfruit, and mango, among others -- containing added sugar and sweetening ingredients is the fourth most exported commodity of the region at $20 million.

The top export destination for the commodity is still China at $3.73 million, followed by Germany ($2.35 million), Taiwan ($2.06 million), South Korea ($1.41 million), and USA ($1.4 million).

Rounding up the top five exported commodities of the region are coconut oil and its fractions at $19.79 million with USA being the top export destination for the commodity at $11.17 million. Other major destinations include Malaysia ($4.56 million), Canada ($1.94 million), United Kingdom ($609,379), and South Africa ($406,903).

Also among the top 10 exports of the region are natural rubber in other forms ($17.16 million); activated carbon of coconut-shell based ($16.81 million); soya bean oil ($9.75 million); desiccated coconut ($9.12 million); and oil cake and other solid residues extracted from coconut or copra ($6.88 million).

The agency also reported that China is the top market for Davao Region exports for the fourth quarter of 2014 at $96.02 million worth of exports.

Japan came in second at $50.61 million while Netherlands placed third at $42.83 million. Rounding up the top five export destinations are USA ($42.64 million) and Malaysia ($27.77 million).

Davao City to embark on sports tourism promotion

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=6&rid=746337
• Friday, March 20, 2015

(PNA), RMA/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 20 (PNA) -– The City Tourism Office is embarking on sports tourism events after noting an increase in the number of sports enthusiasts coming to Davao City.

City tourism head Lisette Marquez said sports tourism was one vehicle that would encourage visitors to participate in sports activities and at the same time see for themselves the rest of Davao City.

During the launching of Durianman Triathlon at NCCC Mall city on Thursday, Marquez said the city government had become regular partner of major sports events. She said the partnership was an opportunity for the city to campaign as destination in the south.

Under such partnership, the city provides support to sports activities or any event. In the triahlon, for example, the city identifies the routes ensuring that the roads are paved for easy access to the visitor-participants.

Department of Tourism (DoT) regional director Roberto Alabado III, on the other hand, said they welcomed events like this as it would attract more sports oriented individuals to come here.

"We want the avid sports athletes to have a complete experience about Davao," he said.

Alabado said they also encouraged tour operators and other tourism industry players to come up with packages for visitors not only focusing on one event but also make use of their stay by touring other sites within Davao.

"Participating in an activity like the triathlon is one aspect and providing them with interesting packages to bring them to other interesting destinations and make their stay longer in Davao," he said.

The Durianman Triathlon, which will be held here on May 2, 2015, is one of the major events for Visit Davao Fun Sale 2015. It is a sporting event involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance discipline of swimming, biking and running.

The organizers are expecting 200 athletes half of them are from Davao and the others from nearby cities and provinces of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Alabado added that elite triathlon athletes and some foreign athletes are expected to participate in the sports event.

Torre Lorenzo partners with Dusit Int'l for Davao project

• Source: http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/19/15/torre-lorenzo-partners-dusit-intl-davao-project
• Thursday, March 19, 2015 5:55 pm

By Nelson C. Bagaforo (ABS-CBNnews.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Developer Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation is building four luxury developments in the next five years.

In a statement, Tomas P. Lorenzo, president of Torre Lorenzo, said the company's first master-planned luxury residential community, Siam 8000, will rise in Davao City.

"A number of ongoing luxury residential projects will become integral in Torre Lorenzo’s growing portfolio," he said.

Torre Lorenzo is partnering with Asian hospitality brand Dusit International for the P2 billion Siam 8000 project, which will feature the Dusit Thani Residences and Dusit d2 Hotel.

Lorenzo said the company is now directing its real estate development efforts to putting up communities that cater to specific market segments.

Torre Lorenzo first made a name in the real estate market through its successful student-targeted university housing project in Manila’s school district, as well as its first township venture in Davao, Ciudades.

Lorenzo noted that Siam 8000, situated along Maryknoll Drive in Lanang, Davao City, is a vote of confidence in Davao as an emerging high-end tourism and property destination.

"Fuelled by a robust local economy and a growing number of unique attractions, Davao is evolving tremendously as a destination and this growth is ultimately reflected in the real estate and tourism sectors... With ambitious development goals, Torre Lorenzo is strategically building its portfolio of premier properties to keep up with the increasing demand by leveraging on the company’s competitive advantages and meaningful partnerships," Lorenzo said.

Torre Lorenzo’s real estate project pipeline will also include other luxurious property ventures such as another Dusit D2 Hotel and the exclusive Lubi Plantation Membership Club, both in Kopiat Island, Davao.

International school to open in Davao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/18/international-school-open-davao-398065
• Wednesday, March 18, 2015

By Nelson C. Bagaforo

THE first international school in Mindanao will open in Davao City.

The Stockbridge American International will start accepting students this school year, according to Davao business leader Joji Ilagan Bian.

Bian’s family owns JIB Schools, which has signed a partnership agreement with the world's largest system of international schools, the US-based Nacel International Schools Systems.

"Our contract with Tumble Tots (a UK-based school that offers pre-kindergarten program) expires this year and I decided to go for the K-12 program. I need to bring something different, so my first quest was to look for an international one that can bring us the technology," Bian told reporters at the sidelines of the Parents Forum announcing the opening of Stockbridge.

She said Stockbridge will follow an international curriculum that correlates with the host country's curriculum, adding that she chose Nacel "because it’s the only international system" that has the capacity to do this.

"No other system that has the most number of schools all over the world. Nacel runs a network of 16 international schools in different parts of the worldwide," Bian said.

Nacel runs an international school in Clark, its first in the Philippines.

Stockbridge will open Grade 1, aside from kindergarten and the pre-kindergarten programs, at the old Tumble Tots campus on Mabini St.

"We will take it one step at a time. Next year, we will be opening Grade 2," she said.

Bian said that by 2018, they are looking at moving to a new campus with the first batch of students who will be completing their primary school (Grade 1-Grade 4).The new campus, which will rise in 3.7-hectare property in Ma-a, will be at par with all other schools run by Nacel, she said.

She said the new campus will have four four-storey buildings, a gymnasium, a dormitory and a soccer field.

"One building costs around P150 million, and we are talking here of four buildings. But it's a very long term investments and very huge," Bian said, adding that they are targetting to complete the project in 10 to 12 years.

Bian said the construction of the first building will start in 2017 or late 2016 and is set for completion by 2018, before the school opening that year.

More than Duterte: Little known facts about Davao City

• Source: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/87168-duterte-little-known-aspects-davao-city
• Tuesday, March 17, 2015 9:43 pm

By Karl Aguilar (Rappler.com)

'More than just a city led by a strong-willed mayor, Davao City offers some surprises of its own which contributed to the city’s unique character'

DAVAO, Philippines – So much has been said about Davao City, especially about its colorful mayor and his policies that have made the city safe and admired. But, wonderful as those achievements may be, there are other facets of Davao that tend to be overlooked.

More than just a city led by a strong-willed mayor, Davao City offers some surprises of its own which contributed to the city’s unique character.

As someone who had the opportunity to visit this wonderful city recently, allow me to share some of the little–known aspects of Davao City that I discovered during my trip.

Consider it a humble tribute to this city on the occasion of its 79th founding anniversary.

Commuting culture

If there’s a primary lesson I came to learn about Davao City, it would be how to commute around the city, especially in the downtown area. That is because many of the thoroughfares there are one-way streets.

Especially for those who are used to knowing that jeepneys ply the same thoroughfare to and fro, this may come as a bit of a culture shock and an annoyance. But on the plus side, you get to be more familiar with the urban geography of Davao City.

While we are in the subject of commuting, it is also important to note the taxi culture in the city. A recent viral story made people become aware of the honesty of the taxi drivers there. But how honest are they? They are so honest, they would take the trouble of giving you exact change, down to the last centavo.

It also helps that the taxis in the city have a colorful character…literally. You won’t see much of the usual white and yellow taxis; rather, you see taxis in pastel shades of blue, orange, and lime green to name a few.

There are also the black taxis, the premium ones that allow you to pay your fare through credit card.

Davao's artist

There are a few artists whose works have helped define the city, and Davao City has such an artist in the person of Kublai Millan. You can never miss his art the moment you land at the airport or whether you stroll around the People’s Park, which by itself is a must-see destination in the city.

If you can’t get enough of Kublai Millan’s art, then check out Ponce Suites to see more of his artwork. Even if you are not staying in this hotel, the wide array of artwork is worth the visit, especially for art-lovers who wish to check out the art scene Davao has to offer.

A UP Campus in Davao

Davao City is a center of education in Mindanao with the presence of some notable educational institutions, a reputation boosted years ago when University of the Philippines Mindanao was established in the city in 1995.

However, you won’t get to find its campus in the city proper. UP Mindanao’s campus is located up in the city’s Mintal district, which is about an hour’s drive up from the city proper.

Being a fairly new campus, don’t expect to see much in the campus apart from its main building, the students center, a mini-mosque, and of course the Oblation.

But the wide green space leaves room for future growth, so it will be interesting to see what UP Mindanao would be like in the future as it seeks to become a center of learning and research in the region as other UP campuses have become.

The biggest Chinatown

If you think the only Chinatown in the Philippines is the one in Binondo in Manila, there is actually a Chinatown in Davao too. But don’t expect to see rows of Chinese restaurants, lucky charms, and drug stores here as Davao’s Chinatown is more “industrial” in character. What you’ll see here are rows of retail space and warehouses of various goods, which makes sense considering the inclination for trade among the Filipino-Chinese community. It is no coincidence that this area is considered to be a center of commerce in the city.

Davao City Chinatown also claims to be the largest Chinatown in the world as it occupies almost 44 hectares in land area. Somewhat fitting considering that Davao City itself is the largest city in terms of land area.

Davao's shopping street and zumba nights

Given that Filipinos have grown to be quite fond of shopping malls, Davao City has developed quite a shopping environment even if it has only been introduced recently.

Davao's shopping landscape can be seen along one of its main thoroughfares, JP Laurel Avenue, which became the main shopping street, thanks to the city's 4 biggest malls: Gaisano’s GMall, Victoria Plaza (the city's first shopping mall), Ayala’s Abreeza Mall, and SM Lanang (not to be confused with SM City Davao, located in the city’s Matina district in the south).

What do Davao’s denizens do after work? Apparently, many of them attend one of those zumba parties being held almost nightly. If there would be a title at stake for being “the zumba capital of the Philippines," Davao City is a strong contender.

There are more things to discover about Davao City, but I’m leaving it to others in discovering what they are. Hopefully, what I’ve shared would help in appreciating such a good city even better and why Davao City is proud to say that “life is here.”

It's final: Today is non-working day

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/16/its-final-today-non-working-day-397867
• Monday, March 16, 2015

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

IT'S official. Today, March 17, is Special (Non-Working) Day in Davao City.

As authorized by President Benigno Aquino III, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed on Monday the Proclamation 984, declaring March 17 as a Special (Non-Working) Day in the City of Davao in celebration of Araw ng Davao (Araw ng Pasasalamat).

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of City of Davao be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," the Proclamation read.

The City Information Office announced the good news through the official Facebook page of the City Government of Davao.

As expected, Davao City netizens rejoiced over the declaration.

Davao Fun Sale involves all tourism stakeholders

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/15/davao-fun-sale-involves-all-tourism-stakeholders-397660
• Sunday, March 15, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) this year will involve all stakeholders providing Dabawenyos tourists alike a wide array of products and services they can avail at special promos.

Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) officer-in-charge Lisette Marques, who guested on Thursday's edition of I-speak at the Davao City Hall, said that as compared to the Big Davao Fun Sale (BDFS) in 2014, where only the city malls had a large participation and was focused mainly on shopping, the VDFS 2015 now involves the active participation of other tourism players like the travel and tour agencies, hotels and resorts, restaurants, health and wellness establishments, and the Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector.

The VDFS is the country's first city-wide and month long sale slated on April 3 to March 17.

Marques said the VDFS Tours Consortium, which is comprised of tour operators in Davao City, will be running the Fun Tours and Fun Packages, which can be booked through the vdfs.discoverdavao.com.

The Fun Tours are available for as low as P600 per head while the Fun Packages are available for for as low as P2,613. The tour packages involves city and adventure tours.

She said participating restaurants will also be offering promos and discounts like a 20 percent discount on one product per day.

A total of 106 restaurants are participating in this year's VDFS, wherein they are grouped into 12 clusters are Matina Town Square, Damosa Gateway, Phoenix Mega Station, The Peak of GMall of Davao, Lanang Business Park, Bricklane and Obrero, Victoria Plaza Carpark, Rizal Street, Torres Street, Roxas Street (with Aldevinco Souvenir Center), Eden Nature Park area, and Calinan area (Malagos Mountain Resort and Philippine Eagle Center).

Member spa and massage centers of the Davao Wellness Association will be offering discounts and promos to tourists and Dabawenyos during the VDFs.

Shoppers and tourists can avail themselves of the discounts or promos from restaurants and spa and massage centers by presenting their VDFS passport, which is given for free at the airport, partner hotels, and designated booths in participating malls. A smart and android phone application of the passport can also be downloaded.

For the shopping aspect of the VDFS, 11 shopping malls or centers based in the city will be participating in the fun sale, including SM Malls, Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano Mall of Toril, NCCC Mall, S & R, Robinsons Abreeza, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premiere, and Victoria Plaza Mall.

Earlier, VDFS execom president Tjader P. Regis said each mall and center will be having their own promos and discounts but shoppers can expect a discount of 40 percent to 70 percent off on selected items.

The month-long VDFS is seen to give the tourism sector in the city a boost as Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Roberto Alabado III expressed optimism that they will be able to increase the tourism arrivals in the city with the staging of the event.

He said based on their hotel occupancy report, tourist arrivals from March to April in 2014, when the BDFS was staged, increased to 195,713 as compared to the 190,334 during the same period in 2013. They are hoping to double the 5,000 who came last year with the VDFS this year.

VDFS is a collaborative effort between the City Government of Davao Tourism Office, Office of Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Department of Tourism, and the tourism sector stakeholders, which are the travel and tour agencies, hotels and resorts, restaurants and entertainment groups, malls and shopping centers, Mice (meeting, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) Organizers Ventures (Move) Davao, and the Davao Wellness Association (DavWell).

Araw ng Dabaw rugby fest kicks off

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/sports/2015/03/14/araw-ng-dabaw-rugby-fest-kicks-397489
• Saturday, March 14, 2015

By Karlo Paolo R. Pates (KRP)

THE Buhangin Falcons-1 and Buhangin Falcons-2 soared to its second straight victories while Royal Valley Pirates nabbed its first win in the Under-16 division at the start of the Davao Durians Rugby Football Club (DDRFC)-hosted 78th ArawngDabaw Get into Rugby Festival II held at the Davao City National High School (DCNHS) football field.

The Buhangin Falcons-1, which defeated Redemptorist Flaming Fox in their opening game, 3-1, also bested SOS Children's Village (CV)-1 in the second game, 2-0.

Buhangin Falcons-2, for its part, overwhelmed SOS Children's Village-2 in the first game, 2-0, before dismantling the Redemptorist Flaming Fox in the second game, 1-0.

Royal Valley Pirates, on the other hand, eked out a 1-0 win over the DCNHS squad.

Meanwhile, the Buhangin Baby Falcons, Redemptorist Baby Flaming Fox and Royal Valley Baby Pirates also drew their first bloods over their respective rivals in the Under-12 division.

Buhangin Baby Falcons toppled Matina Elementary School, 2-0, while the Redemptorist Baby Flaming Fox stamped Baby SOS Children's Village, 2-0. Roval Valley Baby Pirates thrashed Don Juan de la Cruz Central Elementary School-Black, 2-0.

Games were still being played, as of presstime.

Philippine Rugby Football Union-Davao Region Rugby Development Officer Blessie Kate Delos Reyes, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao at the sidelines of the competition, said that a total of 19 teams are entered in this second edition of ruby football tournament.

She added that the the 19 teams will be competing in a single round-robin format tournament.

The rugby football festival is organized as part of 78th Arawng Davao Sports Festival.

It is supported by the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) and Philippine Rugby Football Union and also backed-up by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao City, DCNHS, Good Source Business Services, Inc., Potbellied Pigs RFC Hong Kong, VisMin Rugby Football Union, Maharlika Sports Development Institute, Inc. (MSDII), DHL, Davao Sportswriters Association and Scoop Davao.

Workshop on chemicals management slated

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/13/workshop-chemicals-management-slated-397317
• Friday, March 13, 2015

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

A NON-GOVERNMENT organization will hold a consultation workshop to identify the issues and challenges in mainstreaming chemicals management in Davao City.

Ban Toxics will conduct orientation and consultation workshop on Chemicals Management on March 20 (Friday) at the Interface Development Interventions (Idis) office in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.

Ban Toxics deals with “Chemicals Management and National Development, which aims to highlight the importance of developing an environmentally sound framework for chemicals management as a tool for economic and social development in both the local and national contexts.”

The workshop aims to: gather representatives from different non-government organizations and relevant stakeholders in the discussion on chemicals management; identify the issues and challenges in mainstreaming chemicals management in Davao city; and identify actions and interventions that can be done to address these issues and challenges.

Less developed towns soon to have free-wifi

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591426125011/less-developed-towns-soon-to-have-free-wifi
• Thursday, March 12, 2015

By Jeanevive Duron-Abangan (PIA XI)

DAVAO CITY, March 12 (PIA)--- Internet connection will soon be available in public places such town plazas and transport terminals in towns classified as 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo revealed in a press conference during the first leg of the Science Nation Tour in Davao City that DOST targeted to roll out such internet connection in those towns by the second half of the year to promote connectivity and consequently boost economic activity .

DOST Information Communication Technology Office (ICT) website revealed that the Free-Wifi Internet Access in Public Places project of DOST was originally designed “to cover only town plazas of 748 class 4, 5 and 6 municipalities, with a budget of 334 million pesos”.

But with the P3 billion boost in budget that DOST got after the recent Senate deliberation, the project has been modified to cover “transport terminals (train, sea and air), school yards, hospital lobbies, national government agencies, public parks and local government unit offices”.

In a separate interview with the media, Montejo revealed the benefits of such project saying a research has found out that “increasing internet connectivity results in 1.3 percent increase in economic growth.”

During the press conference, Montejo explained that DOST will make use of “TV White Space Technology” which he described as “unused broadcast frequency already tested in Bohol”.

Information posted on DOST ICTO website says that the TV White Space Technology was “used to provide last mile connectivity in areas affected by the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda” and such white space located between broadcast TV channels can be used “to provide wireless data connectivity to remote communities in the country”.

Montejo cited such project as one of the major initiatives that DOST undertook to make science and technology more relevant to the daily lives of the Filipinos especially that S&T department recently was given 400 percent increase in budget.

With such increase in budget, DOST targets to accommodate 5,000 S&T scholars by the end of 2015. DOST sets to increase the number of Philippine Science High School campuses from nine to 16 campuses by end of 2016.

DOST used to monitor only five major river systems but it took stride to cover 18 major river systems. Montejo even revealed plans of DOST to cover the country’s 285 river systems in its disaster mitigation program.

Other societal needs that DOST sets its direction to be of help are on increasing production yield, transport and even on e-healthcare services.

“We would like to directly benefit the people,” Montejo said.

DOST bids to boost agriculture production through coming up with technology on peanut de-shelling, mechanization of farm tractor, efficiently raising bangus and tilapia, and that it is also into bio-technology, Mentejo said.

Davao Horse Club to stage horse racing in “Araw ng Dabaw” celebration

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=743436
• Wednesday, March 11, 2015

(PNA), FPV/LCM/LOLITO T. DELOS REYES/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 11 (PNA) -- The Davao Horse Club (DHC), now on its 18th year, is staging the Araw ng Davao Cup horse racing on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Riverfront Stables of the Riverfront Corporate City in Ma-a, this city.

Kobi Troy Tan of DHC said this event is also aimed to promote horseback riding and tourism in Davao City. It will feature the Barrel Race, Obstacle Race and the Parlor Games.

He said the Barrel Race is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a clover-leaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time.

It combines the horse's athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of a rider in order to safely and successfully maneuver a horse through a clover leaf pattern around three barrels (typically three fifty-five gallon metal or plastic drums) placed in a triangle in the center of an arena, he added.

The Obstacle Race is a Philippine innovated type of race composed of obstacles such as barrels, poles, jumping poles, table tops, and mud pits. The horse and rider should pass thru all these obstacles, maneuver around to have a safe and clean run. Fastest time wins.

“The Parlor games are just for the horsem*n to have fun and relax on horseback,” Tan said.

It is usually a relay kind of contest, a team sport composed of three to five members per team. But there are also individual parlor game events such as musical chairs on horseback, sack race with horse, and etc.

Trophies will be given to winners followed by the fellowship. The event is open to the public.

“We’re inviting everybody to chill and relax with friends and family members while watching cowboys and cowgirls compete against each other. This is a fast paced, action packed horse event,” he further said.

Davao Region eyed as fruit market of Asia

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/10/davao-region-eyed-fruit-market-asia-396614
• Tuesday, March 10, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 is eyeing Davao Region as a potential fruit market of Asia.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. “has seen the potentials of Davao Region to become Asia's fruit market because of whole year round availability of fresh fruits," said Roberto P. Alabado III, DOT-Davao regional director, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw Monday.

Alabado said the plan involves the establishment of a fruit market complex, which will become the drop-off point and area for trading, processing and selling for fresh and processed fruits.

He said the market complex could be built in Davao City, being the main gateway of Davao Region.

"When we have a fruit market, the vision of the secretary is to make it the largest fruit market. The fruits, not just from Mindanao, can come from all over the Philippines," he said.

Alabado said the DOT will be working hand-in-hand with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry on the project, which can help boost agri-tourism in the region by encouraging tourists to visit farms and factories.

The DOT 11 is also planning to expand the next Visit Davao Fun Sale to include the entire region.

"Last year, it was just the malls, now we are looking at more industry players coming together and maybe in the near future or maybe next year...we can include the whole region," Alabado said.

The expansion can start with the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) and eventually include Dahican and Kapatagan.

The month-long city wide sale is expected to increase tourist arrivals to the city as it offers sales in airfares, spa and wellness centers, malls, restaurants, and tour packages.

Eleven shopping malls and establishments in the city have committed to support the event, among them SM Malls, Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano Mall of Toril, NCCC Mall, S&R, Robinsons Abreeza, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, and Victoria Plaza Mall.

They are expected to offer as much as a 70-percent discount on selected items.

A total of 106 restaurants will also be offering their own promos and discounts. They are grouped into 12 clusters: Matina Town Square, Damosa Gateway, Phoenix Mega Station, The Peak at Gaisano Mall of Davao, Lanang Business Park, Bricklane and Obrero, Victoria Plaza Carpark, Rizal Street, Torres Street, Roxas Avenue, Eden Nature Park Area, and Calinan Area.

AirAsia also announced it will be offering seat sales for the fun sale.

Disease-resistant banana seedlings ready for small-farmer beneficiaries

• Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?title=disease-resistant-banana-seedlings-ready-for-small-farmer-beneficiaries&id=104013
• Monday, March 9, 2015 8:56:00 pm

By Carmelito Q. Francisco (Correspondent)

DAVAO CITY -- A new variety of banana seedlings resistant to Panama disease is ready for distribution to Davao Region’s small farmers, the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) regional head announced.

Called the Giant Cavendish Tissue-Culture Variant (GCTCV) 219, the new type was developed in Taiwan by DA’s partners and has been successfully reproduced at the Bureau of Plant Industry research center here, said DA Region 10 Director Remelyn R. Recoter.

One trial site has been set up at the Almocera Farm in Bagongon town in Compostela Valley where banana growers and farm owners from the province as well as Davao del Norte recently visited and discussed the qualities of the new variety.

Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte are the two main export-quality banana producers of the Philippines.

Farm owner Gilton Almocera, who lost millions from the Panama Disease in his four-hectare plantation due to higher costs for pest eradication, said he will be harvesting the first batch of his GCTCV 219 variety in May.

“I thank the DA for extending its hand to us in addressing this problem. This has given banana farmers hope to rise again,” Mr. Almocera said in a statement issued by the DA.

The DA has allotted about P102 million this year, including the budget for the GCTCV 219 propagation, to help control the disease, which is also called fusarium wilt.

An estimated 3,000 hectares has been devastated since 2011 in the region, the country’s only fresh banana exporting area.

As of the first quarter of 2014, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show fresh banana to be the country’s top agricultural export product with a value of $317.4 million from January to March that year.

The GCTCV 219 variety has been accepted in the Japanese market, according to the DA citing Dr. Agustin B. Molina of Bioversity International-Asia and the Pacific Office.

Dr. Susan Razo, chief of the agency’s Integrated Laboratories Division, said farmers who want to avail of the seedlings will be required to submit documents and undergo training on the technology used in propagating the cultivar.

Those will be able to avail of the cultivar will also be asked to transfer their knowledge to other growers, Ms. Razo added.

Panama disease is a fungal infection that attacks the plant’s roots and spreads mainly through the soil.

Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, composed mainly of the large-scale producers, said the disease has affected the small farmers more because they do not have the technical capability to control it nor do they have many alternative planting sites.

In the case of big banana growers, Mr. Antig explained, they can afford to uproot farm clusters infected with the disease and thus control its spread.

P286-M agriculture projects in Davao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/08/p286-m-agriculture-projects-davao-396363
• Sunday, March 8, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that a total of five infrastructure projects, with a total amount of P286.28 million, under the Philippine Rural Development Plan (PRDP) are set to be implemented in Davao Region this year.

Two of these projects have already been bidded out but are yet to be awarded, while the three others are already up for bidding.

The two projects that have already been bidded out are the P52.38-million rehabilitation of Mikit farm-to-market road (FMR) in Baganga, Davao Oriental and the P37.12-million rehabilitation of the Poblacion Datu Balong to Purok Mamalian FMR in San Isidro, Davao del Norte.

The three projects that are up for bidding are the P60.90-million construction of the Lamiawan prestressed concrete girder (PSCG) bridge in Caraga, Davao Oriental and the P57.01-million rehabilitation of the Little Panay-Katipunan-Kasilak FMR in Panabo City and P78.85 million rehabilitation of the New Visayas-Binancian FMR.

DA-Davao Director Remelyn R. Recoter, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao on Friday, said the projects are also still being evaluated.

She said for 2015, they have received a total of 22 infrastructure project proposals, amounting to P1.47 billion.

Most projects are in located in Compostela Valley with 10 projects, amounting to P326 million. However, in terms of amount, the largest goes to Davao del Norte at P546 million with seven projects.

There are four projects in Davao Oriental, amounting to P508 million and one project in Davao del Sur, amounting to P90 million.

Recoter said the 22 projects are now subject for technical review.

She said Davao City will also be submitting their project proposals for infrastructure projects but might be accommodated next year since they were not able to make it on the deadline.

Recoter said 90 percent of the funding will be coming from the National Government and World Bank, while the local government unit will have a counterpart of 10 percent.

The infrastructure projects are under the Infrastructure Development component of the PRDP, which "aims to improve the links from production areas to markets to enhance the efficiency of transporting agricultural products."

In a press briefing on Thursday evening at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao, DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad said they have already approved a total of P5.3 billion worth of projects for the PRDP.

He said they are looking into negotiating with World Bank this year for additional funding to be able to accommodate more PRDP projects.

Japanese firm to launch frozen fruits from Davao MSME

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=742360
• Saturday, March 7, 2015

By Juzel L. Danganan [(PNA), RMA/JLD/RSM]

MANILA, March 7 (PNA) -- A Japanese firm will launch frozen fruits exclusively supplied by D Farmer’s Market, a Davao-based Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), on March 26.

D’ Farmer’s Market owner Candelario Miculob said the launch was grand that even Japanese celebrities were invited.

”The Japanese (company) will launch these frozen fruits on March 26, they even invited actors for the launch,” told reporters in a plant visit.

The MSME, which started operations in 1992, offers chilled fruits such as durian, papaya, mango, guava, pineapple and bananas.

Miculob said the Japanese company orders the all-natural fruits, following its country’s standards, to serve with smoothies.

Other companies from Korea and Hong Kong were also keen in purchasing the frozen fruits, but the Davao MSME could not accommodate more orders due to its lack of cold storage facilities.

Miculob added the company could not even deliver the full order of the Japanese firm.

”To fully supply Japan, we need to deliver goods every three days,” he said.

The Davao-based MSME has a single 10-ton walk-in cold storage facility, acquired through a loan worth Php 0.9 million from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), for its entire operations.

Miculob mentioned the company has already invested Php 15 million for its equipment alone.

DOST Region XI Director Anthony Sales told PNA that D’ Farmer’s Market has expressed interest in obtaining another loan from DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

However, Sales said an MSME could only request for another project loan upon repaying about 80-85 percent of its current loan.

According to DOST Region XI, the MSME has partially refunded 61 percent of the SETUP loan.

D’ Farmer’s Market is a family-owned firm founded by Candelario Miculob in 1992, after acquiring 14.3 hectares of farmland in Calinan, Davao City.

DOST, Davao local chief executives sign MoA for 56 Hydromet installation

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=742073
• Friday, March 6, 2015

(PNA), FPV/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 6 (PNA) –- The Department of Science and Technology and the Davao local chief executives signed on Friday a deal for the 56 hydro meteorological sensors installed in 18 major river systems in Region XI.

The installation of hydromet equipment is a component of Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards which aims to use state-of-the-art weather tracking equipment to provide a better picture of the country’s surface waters.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the sensors will provide a deeper insight on the role of the local government units to plan and carry out their mission in assisting people in areas prone to disasters.

He said the technology would ensure the welfare and safety of the communities and serve as new gateways to provide methods of knowing and getting more information.

“The sensors have given authorities proper information on what we need to know to make life of our constituents easier especially in places most often hit by floods,” Duterte said, as he welcomed DOST officials and the governors of three Davao provinces.

Davao City has been recipient of the sensors that have been installed by DOST in many areas such as in Calinan, Mintal, Tugbok, Suawan, Baguio, Lacson, among others.

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, speaking on behalf of the governors and the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, said one of the core beliefs of Davao leaders and development stakeholders is that its inclusive growth cannot be realized without science and technology and innovation being infused in development policies, processes and investment.

Del Rosario said science and technology is a key driver of economy growth and a vital support to the growth of agriculture industry and services sector.

“STI plays a key role in reducing poverty, generating employment while building resiliency for LGUs and increasing productivity of our key industries,” he said.

Even on research development, Del Rosario said Davao region aims to increase research and development spending from 0.11 percent to an 0.40 percent. As a policy agenda, he said the region also aims to increase number of research management and development from provincial, cities down to the municipalities so that innovation can benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and the services sector.

Under the MoU, DOST XI Director Anthony Sales said LGUs have the responsibility of securing the sensors by installing fences and ensure it is well-maintained that these are not subjected to vandalism; put up signage telling the public that these are government properties.

Sales said DOST will conduct regular monitoring and calibration and eventually train LGU personnel assigned to maintain the sensors, how to calibrate the equipment.

The turnover of the sensors was a kick-off activity of the “Science Nation Tour” with Davao City as the first leg of the tour, led by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

The tour dubbed “Agham na Randam” (Science that is felt) is a follow-up to DOST’s Science for Safer Communities’ staged last year in 17 regions.

Araw ng Dabaw 2015, a much updated celebration

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541425540260/araw-ng-dabaw-2015-a-much-updated-celebration
• Thursday, March 5, 2015

(PIA/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY- The Araw ng Dabaw executive committee is reinventing some major events to make it up-to-date.

James Zimmerman, execom member said it is time for the Araw ng Dabaw to be forward looking and attuned to modern times.

“This is 2015 not 2001.” Zimmerman said during his guesting at I-Speak Media forum at the City Hall of Davao yesterday (March 5).

He noted that some events no longer generate interest and attendance hence were scrapped or expanded. One of those scrapped is Sayawan sa Da’an (street dance).

Zimmerman said aside from attendance, these events have problems in marketability as sponsors are not keen on supporting them.

The best way is to reinvent rather than becoming obsolete, Zimmerman said.

The Araw ng Dabaw will have electronic dance music parties, which is the current craze among young Dabawenyos.

One highlight is the Colors Street Party to be held this March 13 along San Pedro Street which will feature electronic dance music and colorful paints where partygoers gets to be sprayed or throw colored powder among their fellow partygoers.

Zimmerman said the events have generated wide interest among the people with potential sponsors coming in.

The celebrations of the 78th Araw ng Dabaw which falls on March 16, when Davao City became a chartered city has a budget of P8-million. About 50% of the budget is taken from the private sector.

Davao marks International Women’s Day

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/04/davao-marks-international-women-s-day-395474
• Wednesday, March 4, 2015

(KGL)

DAVAO CITY will mark International Women's Day with a Women Summit that opens Wednesday at the Garden Oases Convention Center.

The event will last until Friday and will culminate in a march of about 3,000 gender equality advocates.

The march will start on Roxas Avenue and end at People's Park.

City Councilor Antoinette Petite Principe called Tuesday on the council to support International Women’s Day.

"The celebration of the International Women's Day is not about women asserting superiority over the men but a declaration that women have the same rights as the men in our society this declaration has been a product of the years of struggle and numerous lives sacrificed for," Principe said.

This year's celebration aims to "capacitate, empower and engage women in public and political processes".

The local theme "Pag-tubag sa hagit: Palig-onon ang pulitikal nga partisipasyon sa mga kababayen-an", highlights the need to encourage women voters to take part in the 2016 elections.

Proclamation No. 224, signed by President Corazon Aquino, declares the first week of March as Women's Week and March 8 as Women's Rights and International Peace Day.

DOST to turn over 56 sensors for Davao Region

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=8&rid=740957
• Tuesday, March 3, 2015

(PNA), RMA/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP

DAVAO CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will turn over some 56 hydro meteorological sensors to local chief executives in Davao Region on Friday.

The sensors were installed in different parts of the region under Project NOAH or Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards with an aim of using state-of-the-art weather tracking equipment.

The turnover, which will be spearheaded by Secretary Mario G. Montejo, is among the activities of the "Science Nation Tour under the theme "Inspire, Engage and Convert". The Science Tour is DOST’s national roadshow of all its projects and services.

The tour, dubbed "Agham na Ramdam" (Science that is felt), is a follow up to the DOST’s "Iba na ang Panahon (INAP) Science for Safer Communities" staged last year in the country's 17.

A Science Extravaganza will also be held where it will show that science and technology (S&T) are vital components of the government's efforts to help the lives of every Juan.

During this occasion DOST will be awarding known personalities as Science Ambassadors like Senator Bam Aquino, Senator Ralph Recto, Atty. Sara Duterte, Congressman Mariano Piamonte, Councilor Mabel Acosta, Joey Ayala and Popong Landero at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Obrero Campus. Manila's hottest new band, the BOB band, will be featured in the culminating activity.

A Zumbafest will be held the next day, March 7 at 5 a.m at People's Park, Davao City.

Davao LGUs to receive weather tracking equipment

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/03/02/davao-lgus-receive-weather-tracking-equipment-395229
• Monday, March 2, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will formally turn over 56 hydro meteorological sensors (HMS) to local government units in Davao Region on Friday.

DOST-Davao Assistant Director Mirasol Domingo, who guested in Monday's edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao, said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo will hand over to local chief executives the sensors in time for the first leg of the Science Nation Tour, which will be held in Davao City.

She said nine sensors are installed in Davao City, 19 in Compostela Valley, 12 in Davao del Norte, four in Davao del Sur, and 12 in Davao Oriental.

Aside from these, Domingo said they are planning to install 10 more HMS in the region this year.

She said they have proposed sites where these will be installed but it will be the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), which will decide where these sensors are to be set up.

"The Hydromet project is a component of Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), which aims to use state of the art weather tracking equipment to provide a better picture of the country's surface waters," DOST-Davao said in a statement.

On March 6, DOST-Davao will host the first regional leg of the Science Nature Tour, which centers on the theme "Inspire, Engage and Convert." It is a national roadshow of DOST to promote the agency's programs, projects, and services.

During the regional roadshow, the agency will award its Science Ambassadors during the Science and Technology Extravaganza at the gymnasium of the University of Southeastern Philippines. Manila-based band BOB will also be featured.

The following day, they will stage the Zumbafest at People's Park.

4 more BPO firms set to expand in Davao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/03/01/4-more-bpo-firms-set-expand-davao-395009
• Sunday, March 1, 2015

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

FOUR business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, with a combined 3,500 seats, are looking at Davao City for their expansion this year, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in Davao Region reported.

"Several other big players in the BPO industry are also putting up shop in Davao, which bodes very well for our employment targets and statistics, since this sector is anticipated to provide more quality jobs this year. In fact, there will also be four BPO companies that will put up shop in Davao City, with a combined 3,500 seats," said Maria Lourdes D. Lim, Neda-Davao director, during her recent regional economic report.

But Lizabel G. Holganza, president of National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), told reporters at the sidelines of the General Membership Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (Cancham) at Park Inn Hotel Davao on Thursday that they cannot yet disclose the name and details of these four BPO companies.

"That is a rule for incoming investors. They don't want their identity reavealed until they have signed a contract already," she said, adding that she is also not in the position to say if these BPO investors have already signed a contract or not.

Holganza also said there have been visits from potential BPO investors around the last quarter of 2014 and earlier this year who are looking into putting up shop here in Davao City.

"But until such time..., we usually let the investor make that announcement themselves," she said.

Holganza and Lim said the recent developments in the BPO industry in Davao City show the growing confidence and interest of BPO investors to the city.

"More IT firms are eyeing to establish branches or offices in the Region with Davao City identified as one of the country's outstanding BPO destinations and a consistent Next Wave City," Lim said.

For her part, Holganza said Davao City being one of the top ten destinations for BPO locations has made the city a choice for potential BPO investors.

Lim said on top of the potential entries to the information communication technology (ICT)-BPO arena, existing BPOs are also planning to expand their workforce within the year.

"One of the BPO companies commencing operations in 2015 is Convergys, the country's largest BPO company. Convergys recently hired 1,000 agents for its operations in Davao City," she said.

Earlier, Sutherland Global Services announced that they are looking into expanding their manpower from some 2,000 to some 3,000 by the end of 2015.

For the first quarter alone, they will be hiring 700 more workers.