MABEL AT YOUR SERVICE

Mabel Sunga Acosta, One of the Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines

2010-03-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Sa milabay nga katuigan,

dungan kita mipalambo sa atong dakbayan...

Diin atong gipasibaw ang tiunay

nga serbisyo sa Dabawenyo....

Kana tungod nagkanunayang kita

NUMBER 1 sa inyong kasing-kasing

(sa tulo ka termino) ug kamo usab kanako.

Busa mapasalamatan kita og

dako sa inyong pag salig.

Ug karon, gikan sa konseho,

ang mulo ug pangandoy sa Dabawenyo,

dalhun nato ngadto sa KONGRESO...

Hinaut, duyog gihapon kita sa pag abot sa panahon...

MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA PO, AT YOUR SERVICE...

A RESOLUTION URGING THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs) IN DAVAO CITY TO CONSIDER THE APPEAL OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) IN AL

2010-03-01T23:52:00.000-08:00

A Resolution Proposed by Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta

during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council

A RESOLUTION URGING THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs)
IN DAVAO CITY TO CONSIDER THE APPEAL OF THE
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) IN ALLOWING
STUDENTS WITH DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS TO TAKE THEIR EXAMS

WHEREAS, higher education institutions (HEIs) in the city have imposed an increase in tuition and school fees every passing school year;
WHEREAS, Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (Education Act of 1982), and Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) grant the authority to the HEIs to impose these increases, subject to certain rules and regulations;
WHEREAS, CHED Memo Order No. 07, Series of 2007, which amended Section 8 of CHED Memo Order No. 14, Series of 2005, further provides that any increase in the tuition and other fees in all levels to be made by private HEIs shall be subject to consultation with stakeholders and approval of the CHED;
WHEREAS, it has been the practice of HEIs to proscribe students who have outstanding financial obligations with the school from taking their examinations unless and until they have fully settled their accounts;
WHEREAS, due to financial constraints and because of the escalating school fees, many students often delay the payment of their towering school obligations and consequently, they are not able to take their mandatory tests on time;
WHEREAS, recognizing the present economic downturn and the burden of swelling school fees to parents and students alike, CHED issued Memorandum Order No. 02 on January 22, 2010, calling to all private HEIs for flexibility in the implementation of the “No Permit, No Examination” policy or any such policy that prohibits students from taking their periodic or final examinations due to unpaid tuition and other school fees;
WHEREAS, we understand that HEIs are not without reasons for the imposition of increases in the school fees, given that they have to pay the salaries of their teaching and non-teaching personnel, and for the upgrade of their facilities, among others;
WHEREAS, we believe that solutions other than the “No Permit, No Examination” policy can be formed which would address both the need of the HEIs to collect payment from their students and the need of the students to take their exams in compliance with their school requirements;
WHEREAS, the cost of living nowadays has soared dramatically and the cost of education has become too expensive a commodity for ordinary Filipinos;
WHEREAS, it would be a tragedy when the education of our youth becomes a casualty to the economic demands of our educational institutions;
WHEREFORE, premises considered, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that a resolution be passed urging the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Davao City to consider the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in allowing students with delinquent accounts to take their exams;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Davao Association of Colleges and Universities, the City Mayor’s Office, the City Legal Office, and to all others concerned for their information and guidance.

MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA
City Councilor, 1^st District

Congratulations to ABS-CBN TV 4 DAVAO for Conducting the 1st Interschool Newscasting Competition in Davao City

2010-03-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

A Resolution Proposed by Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta
during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ABS-CBN TV 4 DAVAO FOR CONDUCTING
THE 1^ST INTERSCHOOL NEWSCASTING COMPETITION IN DAVAO CITY INTENDED TO DISCOVER AND HARNESS YOUNG TALENTS
WHO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME FUTURE BROADCASTERS
WHEREAS, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao, located at located at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City, is a television station that is part of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation;
WHEREAS, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao has been bringing service to the Davaoenos and the entire Davao region by broadcasting quality news and entertainment programs since the 1980’s;
WHEREAS, in order to discover and harness young talents in the field of broadcasting, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao commenced the conduct of the 1^st Interschool Newscasting Competition in Davao City on November 2009, which was participated by more than 10 schools and around 400 students from all over the city;
WHEREAS, the participating students were tried in their skill of delivering news in three languages, namely: English, Filipino, and Bisaya, and were judged according to the following criteria: Delivery – 35%, Pronunciation and Diction – 30%, Voice Quality – 15%, Appearance on Cam – 15% and Overall Impact – 5%;
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2010, the finals of 1^st Interschool Newscasting Competition was culminated at SM Davao, with Ms. Diana Grace Juaban from AdDU, declared as the Champion, Mr. Cirilo Corminal, Jr. from UM, declared as 1^st Runner-up, and Ms. Christine Mae Camus from HCDC, declared as 2^nd Runner-up;
WHEREAS, the act of ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao of discovering young talents who have the potential to become future broadcasters, through the conduct of its 1^st Interschool Newcasting Competition, is truly a laudable and commendable act;
WHEREAS, this pro-active project provides a very valuable contribution in upgrading the academic skills and perspectives of the academe;
WHEREAS, it also provides an important social contribution as it sends a strong message to society that professionalism and idealism in the youth can start in the university and could be furthered through journalism even after they have finished their studies;
WHEREFORE, premises considered, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that a resolution be passed and approved, commending ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao for conducting the 1^st Interschool Newscasting Competition in Davao City to discover and harness young talents who have the potential to become future broadcasters;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to the ABS-CBN TV4 Davao, Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, University of Mindanao, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), National Union of Journalist in the Philippines (NUJP), City Mayor’s Office and all others concerned for their information and guidance.

MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA
Councilor, 1^st District, Davao City

No Permit, No Exam

2010-03-01T23:42:00.001-08:00

Privilege Speech of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta

Re: NO PERMIT, NO EXAM

Delivered during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council

Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, Maayong buntag.

I rise on a personal and collective privilege to take up the “No Permit, No Exam” policy of some higher educational institutions (HEIs) in connection with the CHED Memorandum Order No. 02, issued by Mr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), last January 22, 2010. Said CHED Memo essentially appeals to HEIs for flexibility in the implementation of “No Permit, No Examination Policy” or any such policy that prohibits students from taking their periodic or final examinations due to unpaid tuition and other school fees.

As a background Madam President, the provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (Education Act of 1982), and Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) grant the authority to the HEIs to impose increase in the tuition and other school fees, subject to rules and regulations. However,CHED Memo Order No. 07, series of 2007, which amended Section 8 of CHED Memo Order No. 14, series of 2005, provides that any increases in the tuition and other fees in all levels to be made by private HEIs shall be subject to consultation with stakeholders… and approval of the CHED.

In sum, the HEIs, Madam President, can therefore increase their tuition and other school fees provided they comply with the provisions and guidelines contained under the existing laws and issuances of the CHED. It is for this reason, Madam President, why increases in tuition and other school fees have become a perennial concern of our parents and students whenever the opening of classes would come.

Madam President, it is a known fact that increases in tuition and other school fees have continue to become unabated every school year. Thus, considering the economic difficulties by many of our fellow Filipinos, the yearly increases in the said school fees have obviously become too much a burden for our parents and students to bear.

Generally, Madam President, due to economic hardship, many students often delay the payment of their towering school obligations. Thus, many HEIs often impose the “No Permit, No Exam Policy” to forbid students from taking their periodic or final examinations unless they pay the balances of their unpaid tuition fees and other school charges. That is precisely why, Madam President, CHED Memorandum Order No. 02, series of 2010, was issued – to provide a momentary yet welcome relief to parents and students who are financially hard-up in life.

Madam President, the rationale for the issuance of Memo No. 02, series of 2010, is contained in Section 1 thereof which provides, if I may read:

“Section 1. Rationale and Background

The recent economic recession has greatly affected most of the countries in the world, including the Philippines, As prices in the world market rise, the cost of basic commodities and services in the country becomes prohibitive. Education is one of the basic services that are often affected in times of economic recession. Filipino families value education in view of its role in poverty alleviation and total human capital formation. The government likewise recognizes that this is vital to the attainment of the nation’s development goals. Consequently, the unabated increases in tuition and other school fees has unduly burned affected families and students enrolled in HEIs across the nation.”

Madam President, we understand that our HEIs are not without reasons for the imposition of increases in the school fees. We understand that for the most part, a huge percentage of the money collected from the increases go to the salaries of the HEIs’ teaching and non-teaching personnel, and for the upgrade of the HEIs facilities. We understand that the law allows HEIs to determine their rate of tuition and other school fees, subject to rules and regulations. And the government, particularly the CHED, can only do very little to prevent the proposed increases in tuition and other school fees. CHED for the most part can only appeal to HEIs to not impose increases, postpone such increases, and in the case of CHED Memo Order No. 02, series of 2010, allow students to take their exams despite the outstanding school fees and obligations.

Time has greatly changed, Madam President, and the cost of living has soared dramatically for ordinary people to afford; wages have not really increased substantially, and the cost of education has become too expensive a commodity for the ordinary Filipinos. Madam President, I feel for our parents and students, and I feel for our HEIs as well.

However, I believe that education should not be deprived for financial/economic reasons alone. In this regard, Madam President, I urge our HEIs to consider the appeal of CHED in Memo Order No. 02, series of 2010, and allow students with delinquent account to take their exams.

Thank you, Madam President.

Calendar of Activities ARAW NG DABAW 2010

2010-02-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Mass

Date Start: 16th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:San Pedro Cathedral

Paradabawenyo

Date Start: 16th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:Main Davao Streets

Banda Hudyaka

Date Start: 16th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:Rizal Park

Pakonsiyerto ni Mayor Rody & Inday Sara

Date Start: 16th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:Rizal Park

Mutya Ng Dabaw Coronation

Date Start: 15th, March 2010

Date End:15th, March 2010

Venue:CAP Auditorium

Grand Opening: Araw Ng Dabaw

Date Start: 14th, March 2010

Date End:14th, March 2010

Venue:in front of City Hall

Sayawan Sa Da’n

Date Start: 14th, March 2010

Date End:14th, March 2010

Venue:People's Park

Datu Bago Awards

Date Start: 14th, March 2010

Date End:14th, March 2010

Venue:Royal Mandaya Hotel

SALIDAbaw

Date Start: 13th, March 2010

Date End:13th, March 2010

Venue:Gaisano Mall

Opening: Reinvented Museo Dabawenyo

Date Start: 12th, March 2010

Date End:12th, March 2010

Venue:Museo Dabawenyo

People's Park Presents

Date Start: 12th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:People's Park

Kaon Ta Day, Lingaw Ta Bay!

Date Start: 12th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:Bolton Street beside SP

Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Presentation of Community Projects

Date Start: 9th, March 2010

Date End:9th, March 2010

Venue:SM City Mall

Magnegosyo Ta Day Fair Trade (SP Lobby)

Date Start: 8th, March 2010

Date End:16th, March 2010

Venue:SP Lobby

Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Talent Showcase

Date Start: 4th, March 2010

Date End:4th, March 2010

Venue:Gaisano Mall

Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Fashion and Press Presentation

Date Start: 1st, March 2010

Date End:1st, March 2010

Venue:Gaisano South CitiMall

Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibit

Date Start: 1st, March 2010

Date End:30th, March 2010

Venue: TBA

Service Caravan/Barangay Events

Date Start: 1st, March 2010

Date End:12th, March 2010

Venue: Respective Barangays

Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Selection of 15 Finalists

Date Start: 25th, February 2010

Date End:25th, February 2010

Venue:NCCC Mall

Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Screening

Date Start: 19th, February 2010

Date End:19th, February 2010

Venue:ORODERM Hotel

My EDSA Story

2010-02-19T06:48:00.001-08:00

Acosta: My Edsa story
By Mabel Sunga Acosta
1st Congressional District, Davao City

I WAS born and raised in Davao City, the only daughter in a brood of six. When I passed the Upcat after high school, I eagerly looked forward to UP life. And now, looking back, I know that I got more than just an interesting university life -- I became a part of world history in that uniquely Pinoy phenomenon that is "Edsa."

The "in" thing at that time was denim and "yellow" accessories. Yellow shirts with Ninoy Aquino's face, or slogans "Di ka Nag-iisa" or "Laban" signs in yellow caps, headbands, wristbands, yellow confetti in rallies, etc., all in defiance of an oppressive Marcos rule.

I remember that so many students and teachers in the Diliman campus attended rallies in and out of the university, there was only a handful seen inside the classrooms. Such that there was a memo issued advising students to indicate their preference in the grading system between the usual numerical system or just a PASS or FAIL mark. Students running for honors chose the standard numerical grading, but most of us opted for the latter. At that time, history was unfolding and was a poor second to mere academic discussion.

After a rally inside campus, we would ride a bus that would drop us at Edsa-Kamuning. Then we would walk the far stretch of the highway all the way to Ortigas, marching, singing, looking, and finally getting lost in the crowd.

There were speakers with bullhorns, sound system playing "Bayan Ko" and other rally standards, Edru Abraham and his theater group doing a street play, a businessman giving away loads of free sandwiches from inside his car ("hay naku, mabuti na lang, salamat po!" we, hungry students would mutter), street hawkers selling bottled water and junk food, vehicles honking their horns.

There were different groups of people all doing their thing -- singing, chanting slogans, praying the rosary, gawking at celebrities, holding instant reunions with friends. There was not much pagers and cellphones then, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that friends and acquaintances were also there at Edsa sea of people from different walks of life. I even saw some high school friends like Matthew Santamaria and others, despite the crowd.

People would point out to Kuh Ledesma and the Apo Hiking Society, Teddy Boy Locsin, Mayor Binay, and other politicians and celebrities, even sexy stars that I do not recognize. Truth to tell, it was more like a day street party. Despite the presence of tanks and soldiers with loaded guns at the other end of the highway and the political crisis, there was also a mardi gras-like atmosphere in the mad adrenaline rush that followed mixed emotions of defiance, fear, awe, anxiety, patriotism, recklessness, etc.

The sea of people would sometimes overflow and sometimes thin out at different times of the day, depending on rumors of violent dispersal, Marcos leaving the country, or calls for more warm bodies to come and pray as if to exorcise coming troops, etc. Despite the uncertainty of the situation and increasing tension, the indomitable Filipino spirit ignores the danger and simply breaks free, manifesting in different forms-through songs, chants, prayers, free speech, performing arts. Or just simply walks the stretch of highway, as a curious onlooker, or as defiant citizen.

I wish I had my photo taken at Edsa. But I was just a poor "probinsyana" with a meager allowance from my Kuya Danny who was starting out as a cadet engineer in Laguna. Cameras and camera phones were not in vogue among students then. Even if they were, I could not afford them on a student's allowance. Friends from the Journ Club were luckier. Snapshots of Ed Lingao in classic dark shades, together with some nuns who were praying in front of military tanks, for instance, were immortalized in newspapers and documentaries.

The people and events that unfolded reminded me of tapestry much like the Bagobo native cloth, which is created through a painstaking and backbreaking process, and requires meditation and inspiration from the gods. But the end results of which give satisfaction not only to the body but also to the soul. While there was action in Edsa, all over the country, the Filipino people including my fellow Davaoenos, also manifested their desire for freedom and peaceful change through prayer rallies, binding the nation as one. Despite the dire situation, the deeply spiritual side of us always prevails. And that's what makes the tapestry all the more unique, significant, and complete.

I am forty years old now, and an elected city councilor in the City of Davao, married to Rey, an ex-Air Force pilot who also saw action as a government troop in the several coup attempts in the succeeding Cory Administration, a far cry from the college student that I was way back when. But the fire and fervor of hope for this nation, and faith in its people remains in me. I would tell and re-tell our four children my Edsa story, hoping that history would not be forgotten but lodge in the hearts and minds of generations of Filipinos to come.

We are a talented but confused race, some say. Perhaps, the reason why the dilemma of graft and corruption, injustice, poverty, etc. still hound us. We learn the lessons of history the hard way. Nevertheless, I am glad our soul has a steadfast homing device and always finds its way back to God in any adversity. That is why Edsa happened as it did.

When I remember Edsa, I am reminded of the many reasons why I am proud to be Pinoy. As we grow as a people, I know that we shall eventually overcome all the trials and crises before us. Nobody can bind the spirit of the Filipino.

Published at Sunstar Davao (February 24, 2006 issue)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/02/24/oped/mabel.sunga.acosta.councilor.davao.city.html

DAVAO CITY EDUCATION PROGRAM PRAISED

2010-02-14T07:24:00.001-08:00

“Muslims, Christians and Lumads converge in Mindanao. Peace and stability in that region rests on the people’s ability to live in harmony. Local School Boards know the local situation best and are critical to building this peace through better education. Davao City, through Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and City Councilor Mabel Acosta, chairman of the council committee on education, has built a strong Local School Board over the past decade that could serve as a model for other cities.”

One of the best
By Roger M. Balanza

Education is a major focus of the administration of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Without fanfare, Davao City has established basic foundations in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), other national government agencies and private educational institutions to make the city’s educational system one of the best in the country.
At the core of this initiative is the Local School Board which links with DepEd to provide scholarship, infrastructures, salaries for teachers and other basic needs of the local public school system.
Outside of the public school system, the city government locks arms with private institutions to support their programs and projects and establish conditions for students to pursue their education in a safe community.
This article, from an outsider who has extensive background on the Philippine educational system, should place Davao City on top of the heap among local government units in terms of seriousness and dedication to provide for the education of children.
The author, Juan Miguel Luz, is the associate dean of the Center for Development Management at the Asian Institute of Management. He can be reached at juanmiguel.luz@gmail.com and www.mikeluz.net.

Source: DURIANBURGDAVAO

Davao City Education Program Praised - On Education

2010-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Education
A key driver of growth
By Juan Miguel Luz

FOR SCHOOLS in Mindanao, Manila is too far away to be responsive to local situations. Concerns are likely to get lost in the competition for attention in the Department of Education (DepEd).
Local School Boards (LSB) are the key to making local decisions that meet local needs. LSBs were created by the Local Government Code to help fund public school needs through the Special Education Fund. But LSBs can do much more than that.
The Davao City LSB is a case in point. More than just funding shortfalls, it has focused on interventions that, in my view, provide system-wide solutions for the entire system.
Over the past nine years, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who sees education as a key driver of growth, and councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, who has managed the city’s education agenda as chair of the committee on education, have led the Davao City LSB.
Three very able superintendents have co-chaired the LSB in that period: Dr. Susana Estigoy (now regional director for Southern Mindanao), Dr. Gloria Labor (who retired mid-2007) and Dr. Helen Paguican. Other members include the city treasurer, the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan, the president of the city federation of Parents-Teachers Associations, the representative of teachers’ organizations and the representative of non-academic personnel of public schools.
Davao City has a significant Muslim population, both indigenous (Kalagan and Sama) and from across Mindanao (Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Badjao), a sizeable indigenous Lumad populace and migrants from the Visayas and Luzon. As the largest city in Mindanao, Davao City has 286 public elementary and 69 public high schools with over 250,000 students and 6,671 teachers (SY 2009-2010). Because of the city’s ethno-linguistic diversity, it is one of the most complex school systems in the country.
Over the past two years, the Davao City LSB has worked with an annual budget of P177 million (2008) and P204 million (2009) to fund:
Salaries of locally funded public school teachers (123 elementary and 178 secondary) to help fill the teacher shortage;
School health and nutrition, including bio-intensive gardens in 50 elementary schools for school feeding;
School-building construction and furniture;
Workbooks, materials and supplies;
Payment of water and electricity for public schools;
School sports.
These expenditures are common for LSBs nationwide. However, the Davao City LSB has pioneered in four specific areas where the potential of LSBs can best be realized.
First, it has become the venue for reviewing school and teacher performance. To succeed, these reviews have to be fair and critical. The Davao City LSB has taken politics out of teacher appointments and promotions by subjecting these to a multi-stakeholder process.
Second, in late 2002, Acosta (in her first term) brought to the attention of DepEd the issue of teacher payroll as a teacher welfare concern. With salaries paid by central office checks, she argued that because of the distance, local teachers found it very difficult to deal with the DepEd central office regarding salary discrepancies like underpayment and over-deduction. The LSB solution: regional payroll servicing.
In 2004, Region XI was the first region to decentralize teacher payroll. All teacher payroll was subsequently decentralized to regional offices nationwide by 2005.
Third, in early 2005, Davao City became one of the first three cities to set up a Library Hub to provide public schools more access to books as a way to bring up the low reading rates of elementary pupils. This was a partnership between Dole Asia, a private company that provided the seed fund, the city government which helped with the venue (an old warehouse near city hall), and DepEd. Today, over 200 Library Hubs have been set up nationwide.
The most innovative program of the Davao City LSB, however, has been its support for Madaris education as far back as 2001, even before the DepEd moved on this. An ALIVE (Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education) curriculum was developed with the DepEd to help Muslim Filipino children acquire a deeper appreciation of their culture as well as give them better learning opportunities in English, science and math.
Today, the Davao City LSB supports ALIVE in 30 public elementary schools and funds an ALIVE coordinator who supervises 104 asatidz (learned teachers) who handle the two subjects.
Finally, under the management of Acosta and Paguican, the LSB has set up a Davao City School Board Data Bank System that tracks school-by-school performance, a GIS-based school location map (to locate high schools and feeder elementary schools and match this with schooling indicators) and a joint program with the Institute of Indigenous People’s Education (IIPE) to provide a more responsive education experience for the city’s Lumad population.
Muslims, Christians and Lumads converge in Mindanao. Peace and stability in that region rests on the people’s ability to live in harmony. Local School Boards know the local situation best and are critical to building this peace through better education. Davao City, through Duterte and Acosta, has built a strong Local School Board over the past decade that could serve as a model for other cities.

January to February 2010 Schedule for the Mabel At Your Service Livelihood Training Program

2010-01-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2010 (08:00 A.M.-12:00NN)
Tocino & Chorizo making with The University of Mindanao 4^th Yr. Nursing Students at Km. 6, Matina Pangi, Davao City.

January 15, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at Pantinople Village, Maa, DavaoCity

February 20, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at Talomo, Cemento, Davao City.

February 22, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at TimesBeach , Matina Aplaya, DavaoCity .

February 26, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, DavaoCity.

February 27, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at Bliss, Bago Aplaya, DavaoCity.

February 28, 2010 (1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.) Binangkal & Fishball making at Purok Malambuon, Bucana, Davao City.

Regular Training sessions are scheduled every Tuesday & Thursday from 1:00P.M.-4:00P.M. at the M.A.Y.S. Livelihood Training Center. Bookings for training sessions in your Neighborhood, Barangay, School or Office and other inquiries, please contact:

The Office of Mabel Sunga Acosta, Rm-19, 2nd Flr., Sangguniang Panlungsod Bldg., San Pedro st., Davao City.
Tel.# (082) 222-08-55 Loc. 218, 418 (fax), mobile#0916-937-8496, 0916-894-6274 and look for
Mr. Ariel Capidos, Ms. Donna Metran-Escosora and Ms. Eden Colina.

Mabel at DXRD-AM's "Baruganan"

2010-01-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

DXRD-AM has recently invited Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta to their morning talk show program "Baruganan" to discuss current issues and updates on the achievements of the City Council and Local School Board.

Councilor Acosta said that the City Government has continually provided windows of opportunities through technical and educational assistance to our less fortunate students where there is a strong number of recipients of the S.T.E.P. and A.L.S. graduates in the city as well as the graduates of the "Mabel At Your Service" Livelihood Training and Seminars.

With the program and commitment of the City Government in truly empowering the masses, students as well as people who seek skills development to augment their income, can easily sign up for the numerous types of livelihood trainings and seminars for free.

Councilor Acosta updated that since 2001, has also achieved significant development. The system is well tailored through carefully structured program designs to be more responsive to the needs of students, schools and teachers. The Arts and Culture Council as well as the Davao Museum has been established. Salaries of City-paid teachers is now at par with national-paid teachers. Even the issue of teachers salaries at Farmer's Bank has been solved at the shortest time. Elated with the fast results, some of the affected teachers sent her gifts last Christmas which she humbly refused, saying that "It is part of my work, it is my job to help."

List of Local Candidates for Davao City

2009-12-10T16:35:00.001-08:00

MAYOR
1 Buezon, Rodrigo, Sr.
2 Duterte, Sara
3 Marcellones, Magdaleno
4 Nograles, Prospero
5 Sulamin, Rodrigo Jomoc

VICE MAYOR
1 De Guzman, Benjamin
2 Duterte, Rodrigo
3 Macaraeg, Roberto

CONGRESSIONAL

1st District
1 Acosta, Maria Belen
2 Custodio, Bernard
3 Duterte, Jocelyn
4 Millendez, Anacleto
5 Nograles, Karlo
6 Olan-Olan Robert Elnar
7 Zamora, Juan

2nd District
1 Alcebar, Dexter
2 Bian, Joji Ilagan
3 Dayanghirang, Danny
4 Garcia, Mylene
5 Mahipus, Diosdado

3rd District
1 Advincula, Victorio, Sr.
2 Al-ag, Wilberto
3 Braganza, Gerardo
4 Cañada, Gregorio
5 Lopez, Ruy Elias
6 Ungab, Isidro

COUNCILORS

1st District
1 Abellera, Nilo, Jr.
2 Andolana, Domingo
3 Antolin, Rodolfo Farma
4 Avila, Lester Lawrence
5 Avisado, Wendel
6 Bonguyan, Jo Anne
7 Bornea, Inocentes, Jr Ripdos
8 Braga, Pilar
9 Cirilo, Carlos
10 Delos Reyes, Hector
11 Dolor, Shane
12 Fuentes, Eddie
13 Galicia, Emmanuel
14 Galido, Arlex
15 Gonzaga, Edwin
16 Ho, Jeff
17 Ibuyan, Edgar
18 Laviña, Evelyn
19 Leonar, Ranoelo Carillo
20 Librado, Leah
21 Lim, Christian
22 Lu, Ferdinand Carabuena
23 Macasaet, Ernesto, Jr.
24 Magandia, Mangompora
25 Manding, Amil Bangsa
26 Militar, Napoleon
27 Mojica, Prospero
28 Paconia, Rogelio
29 Parilla, Pablito
30 Ponteras, Randy
31 Quitain, J. Melchor
32 Ramirez, William
33 Reyes, Stella Marissa
34 Rivera, Benjamin
35 Santos, Joel
36 Tabelo, Michael
37 Vergara, Antonio
38 Villarente, Rene
39 Virador, Joel
40 Yap, Alberto
41 Yap, Jocelyn

2nd District
1 Alcebar, Richard
2 Alejandre, Alryan
3 Alterado, Ernie
4 Alterado, Senforiano, Jr.
5 Amban, Jose
6 Aportadera, Angelo
7 Aportadera, Michael
8 Apostol, Dante
9 Aquino, Leonardo
10 Bangoy, Gerald
11 Bonguyan, Louie John
12 Cabling, Arnolfo
13 Cagatin, Leopoldo
14 Casilao, Ariel
15 Dayap, April Marie
16 Dureza, Jimmy
17 Galido, Dino Ferdinand
18 Lapitan, Lito
19 Lumanog, Joji Jude
20 Monteverde, Tomas IV
21 Noriega, Rhoda
22 Orcullo, Bethoven
23 Orcullo, Nenita
24 Pichon, Anthony
25 Rodriguez, Luis, Jr.
26 Salvador-Abella, Marissa Pacaldo
27 Saucejo, Joseph
28 Sederiosa, Elvira
29 Unla, Richard

3rd District
1 Aballe, Lyndon
2 Adalin, Magno
3 Advincula, Victorio, Jr.
4 Al-ag, Bernard
5 Baluran, Conrado
6 Bantiles, Rogelio
7 Bello, Karlo
8 Caingles, Salvador
9 Casumpa, Genaro
10 Dalodo, Domingo
11 Dalodo-Ortiz, Myrna
12 Dolor, Allan
13 Gerodias, Ernesto
14 Guillen, Daniel
15 Gutierez, Lucio
16 Lasay, Samuel
17 Layao, Aldion
18 Lopez, Rene Elias
19 Mata-Marañon, Teresita
20 Manaois, Cecilio, Jr.
21 Montajes, Rogelio
22 Pantig, Gregorio
23 Reyes, Reynaldo
24 Saberon, Caminero
25 Santander, Angelico
26 Sucayre, Lolito
27 Sumandang, Allan Joy
28 Trinidad, Eduard
29 Villafuerte, Jose Louie
30 Zozobrado, Rachel

Pasko Fiesta 2009, Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody Duterte

2009-12-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and his youngest daughter, Veronica, led the traditional switching on of the Christmas lights of the Rizal Park. The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the people of Davao City as the annual activity has become a symbol of hope and happiness to the common Davaoeño.

The Pasko Fiesta 2009, Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody Duterte, was a crowd drawer as there were presentations coming from the the Magallanes Alumni Rondalla, Matina Central Elementary School Choir and U.I.C. Girls Choir.

Next was a dance number from the group Housemates, the smooth music from the Kaliwag Theater Collective and a Tibetan inspired dance number from the Philippine Academy of Sakya which drew wows from the crowd.

Mabel At Your Service and the T.G.I.F. Project

2009-11-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Team Mabel with the group Dabaw Anonymous has recently culminated its "Adlaw with Nanay", and the highlight was the awards of Project: T.G.I.F. (Thank God It's Feedin' Day), with 5 pupils who were awarded "Best Gainers" coming from the different Grade levels of S.I.R. Elementary School.

The Project:T.G.I.F. focuses on activities promoting health and wellness of the pupils of S.I.R. Elementary School along with their parents, this with the energetic Davao Anonymous group composed of: Juan Gadi, Rica Villanueva, Raffy Sucaldito, Melissa Gandionio and George Peponio. The T.G.I.F. project focuses on sustaining the eating and dietary lifestyle of students as well as hygiene and basic school needs.

The event that sunny Friday morning was was packed with different activities for the pupils, parents and teachers. An exercise session with members of the BeefitGym, a slogan making contest where members of Team Mabel distributed school supplies for the pupils, a free medical check-up for parents and a deworming session for pupils with volunteer doctors:

Dr. Shalon Victoriano, Dr. Karol Lesiguez and Dr. Seurinane Espanola was also conducted. After that, a hearty lunch of pancit lomi guisado with vegetables prepared by volunteer parents was shared by the participants and organizers.

The 5 winners for the monthly challenge for pupils who showed robust health improvement aptly called the "Best Gainers" won a free expenses tour to some of Davao's tourist attractions as well as a free shopping spree. The event was also supported by School Principal, Mr. Ronaldo Seras and School Nutrition Head Officer, Mrs. Leonila Laroza.

30 AMPC members, the newest M.A.Y.S. Free Livelihood Training & Seminar Graduates

2009-11-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Some 30 members of the Agdao Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. has completed all the courses offered by the Mabel At Your Service Livelihood Training last Thursday, November 26, 2009 at the M.A.Y.S. Livelihood Training Center.

The graduates, composed of AMPC members who availed the M.A.Y.S. free training seminars were all satisfied with their newly acquired skills on: Cooking, Handicrafts, Baking, Food processing, Accessories and Jewelry making, Bread and Pastries making, Home Decorations & Souvenir items, Candle making, Soap making, Flower Arrangement & Gift Wrapping, etc.

The commencement excercises was lead by Team Mabel with Donna, Kuya Ariel, Ate Eden and special guests.
After the awarding of certificates, the attendees were treated to a sampling of the graduate's favorite recipes and the salu-salo that afternoon was indeed a feast! Congratulations to the new Graduates!

For Bookings and inquiries, interested individuals or parties please contact:The Office of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, Rm. 19, Sangguniang Panlungsod Bldg., San Pedro St., Davao City. Tel. Nos. (082)222-0855 loc 218/418, (fax) Mobile# 09169738496 / 09168946274 look for Ariel Capidos or Donna Metran-Escosora

The 6th ACOSTA CUP

2009-11-24T17:40:00.001-08:00

The 6th ACOSTA CUP

Ladies Football Tournament

November 22, 2009

10-under Category

CHAMPION: Don Marcelino

1st Runner-up: Ateneo

2nd Runner-up: Holy Child

Elementary School Category

CHAMPION: Ateneo

1st Runner-up: SOS Children's Village

2nd Runner-up: Holy Child

High School Category

CHAMPION: Lady Knights (Ateneo)

1st Runner-up: Holy Child

2nd Runner-up: Catalunan Grande H.S.

This year saw 17 teams taking part in the 6th installment of the ACOSTA CUP. Other schools who participated in the tournament are Zonta Elementary School and Los Amigos Elementary School.

The Office of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta would like to thank the following for making the one-day festival a tremendous success: Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, City Sports Development Division, RDL Pharmaceutical Lab,Inc., Jollibee-JTC Davao, MY Hotel, Davao Football Association and UP Mindanao.

Special mention also to Mayor John S. Johnson of Don Marcelino, Davao Del Sur for gracing the event and supporting the development of girls' football in his municipality.

Watch Out: The ladies Open Category of the 6th ACOSTA CUP will kick-off on January 16, 2010 at Tiongko Football Field in Agro, Quimpo Blvd., Davao City.

Alternative Medicine

2009-11-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

With the soaring prices of medicine, people have turned to alternative medicine not only as an option to save money, but also the trendy and natural approach in therapy.

“Dok Alternatibo” Edgar Delibo, members of Philippine Society of Traditional & Alternative Medicine and members of the Davao Inventors Association were the guests of Mabel At Your Service.

Dr. Delibo said that with herbal medicine, we do not only treat illnesses, we can also prevent it simply with the plants commonly found in our backyards and immediate surroundings. He stressed that with the use of herbs, it does costs only a fraction in comparison to synthetic medicine. He cited a few common plants such as sweet potatoes, siling labuyo, guava leaves can be an effective cure of illnesses such as hypertension, ulcers, psoriasis among others.

Mr. Virgilio Sangutan of the PSTAMI and DIA said that the use of herbal medicines is being widely practiced and promoted even by rich and developed countries not only in Asia but in other parts of the world. Although the Philippines not far behind in harnessing its use, we do have the capacity in natural resources to be able to meet the needs of the people.

Mr. Manolo Tamparong also from PSTAMI and DIA added that the promotion of Alternative Medicine is not only a better choice but also a natural approach in treating a wide number of illnesses, not only that it is fast gaining popularity, the herbal option is increasingly being approved.

Ms. Romelyn Latonio of INTREX Philippines said that their herbal products symposium has increased not only in the local scene but also promoted and patronized abroad.

Mr. Edgar Banzon of HIDAK Exclusives added that Alternative Medicine before is looked upon as “old”, but with the current developments and effectiveness, the use of herbal medicine is getting better for the good of the common man.

UN-CRC 20th Anniversary Parade for Childrens Rights

2009-11-22T23:29:00.001-08:00

Top Photo: Team Mabel at the parade.

Bottom Left Photo: The "Hudyaka sa Kabataan" was a success even under the umbrellas.

Bottom Right Photo: Team Mabel pauses for the camera in front of the stage.

Despite the rainy weather that afternoon, the Council for the Welfare of Children, The Mindanao Coalition for Children’s Rights, Bantay Bata 163, Team Mabel and other child-focused organizations, pushed through with the Children’s Foot Parade at the People’s Park last Friday.

The event was spearheaded by the Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children in celebration of 20^th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child with this year’s theme: “CRC 20 na: Ano na?”

After the symbolic foot parade around the People’s Park, highlighting the occasion was the “Hudyaka sa Kabataan “program where different organizations had their presentations.

The event was in commemoration of the birth of the legally binding international instrument in teaching people to value children’s rights and a reminder to place children at the heart of human development.

The First Mindanao Micro & Small Entrepreneurs Summit & Trade Caravan

2009-11-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

From Top to Bottom Photo: Ate Eden, Tita Nene, Councilor Mabel, and Kuya Luis demonstrates the preparations in making Ice Cream; Tita Nene shows how to make a tasty Chicken Ham; Councilor Mabel in a relaxing moment at the M.A.Y.S. Booth; Bottom Photo: Councilor Mabel joins Ate Eden and Tita Nene in sharing their special cooking tips.

The Mabel At Your Service Livelihood Skills Training Center participated the First Mindanao Micro & Small Entrepreneurs Summit and Trade Caravan at the NCCC Mall Activity area.

Showcased on the Trade Fair were products and services from individuals and small organizations coming from different places in Mindanao. Booths were filled with food products, handicrafts, health care & beauty products, herbal & ornamental plants as well as business capital and technical support organizations.

People flocked the booths as business seminars from participating groups and training videos was presented throughout the Fair as well as the Livelihood Workshop from the M.A.Y.S team with Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta showing her skills in the culinary arts. Presented for that activity was Ice Cream making, Chicken Ham making and Liquid Detergent making.

Knowing Diabetes

2009-11-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

In celebration of World Diabetes Day last November 14, 2009, Endocrinologist Dr. Jeff Francis Ho, was the invited guest at Mabel At Your Service.

Dr. Ho said that the risk of diabetes is high without proper health consciousness and lifestyle. The risk factors include: unhealthy eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and cholesterol, increased age, family history of diabetes and gestational diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes, diabetes 1 which is also known as juvenile diabetes is due to non-production of insulin of the pancreas. Diabetes 2 usually occurs gradually. Most people with this type of diabetes are usually overweight or elderly.Family history of diabetes and a sedentary lifestyles are also factors which heightens the risk of this disease.

However, Dr. Ho stressed that the risk of diabetes can be avoided or controlled through proper diet, exercise and medical check-up.

He added that in observance of the World Diabetes Day, he and a number of colleagues will be conducting a free diabetes screening at the People's Park on November 14, 2009.

Funeral Services

2009-11-15T02:38:00.000-08:00

The 6th Acosta Cup on November 2009

2009-11-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

The 6th edition of the annual Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Cup Football tournament will kick-off this November 22, 2009 at the Tionko Football grounds.

The tournament is in cooperation with the Davao Football Association has set the categories exclusively for elementary and high school girls through a 5 a-side and 7 a-side game formats.

Interested parties must submit a photocopy of birth certificate of each team member as well as a certification from their respective school Principal. Registration is free and deadline is set on November 18, 2009.

For more information, please contact The Office of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, Rm-19. 2nd Flr., Sangguniang Panlungsod Bldg., San Pedro st., Davao City.

Tel.# (082) 222-08-55, loc. 218, 418 (fax) mobile #0916-937-8496, 0916-894-6274 and look for Ma'am Janice.

Seminar Art Workshop for streetchildren

2009-11-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Eagle
oil on canvass-77"x96"
by Roger Paconla

Davao City artist Roger Paconla in partnership with The City Social Services and Development Office and Hon.Mabel Sunga-Acosta will conduct a series of Basic Art Workshop Seminar at various Child Welfare facilities this November 2009.

The activity dubbed as Seminar Art Workshop intended for streetchildren, aims to promote art appreciation among the young participants and develop their artistic skills using various disciplines such as sketching and painting.

Concerned agencies scheduled to take part of the said art workshop are: Lamdag Drop-in Center (Nov.09&12), Balay Dangupan (Nov.16&19) and Paginhawaan Drop-in Center.

NOVEMBER 2009 SCHEDULE FOR MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA LIVELIHOOD SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

2009-11-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

November 03 & 05 Chicken Ham making

November 10 & 12 Embutido making

November 17 & 19 Fruitcake making

November 24 & 26 Chocolate cake making

Sessions are scheduled every Tuesday& Thursday from 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M.

For bookings and inquiries, please contact:

The Office of Mabel Sunga Acosta, Rm-19, 2nd Flr., Sangguniang Panlungsod Bldg., San Pedro st., Davao City.
Tel.# (082) 222-08-55 Loc. 218, 418 (fax), mobile#0916-937-8496, 0916-894-6274 and look for Mr. Ariel Capidos or Ms. Donna Metran-Escosora.

UNDERSTANDING LTO RFID SYSTEM

2009-10-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

Informing the public on the advantages and possible effects on the implementation of the Land Transportation Office's RFID system are: Transmision-Piston Secretary General Edil Gonzaga, LTO-XI Officer-in-charge Cocoy Zozobrado and LTO-STRADCOM Regional Operations Officer Pidong Pangilinan.

46th Annual Fish Consevation Week

2009-10-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Councilor Mabel with guests City Agriculturist's Office Fisheries Resource Management Services Chief, Benjo Umaguing and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director, George Campeo, takes a photo break while tackling the various concerns and issues on fish resources conservation with this year's theme, "Discovering New Horizons in Fisheries in the Face of the Challenges of Changing Times"