Davao City News Feed

Dabawenyos learn how to do business with the UN

2012-03-01T10:52:00.001+08:00

via www.pia.gov.ph, By PIA/Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry XI initiated a seminar on doing business with the United Nations for Dabawenyos to learn and participate in the UN procurement of goods and services.

UN Secretariat Procurement Division Chief Toshio Mikami talked to potential vendors and suppliers from Davao Region last Friday (February 24) at the Grand Men Seng Hotel after being invited by the national government to explain the process of conducting business with the UN.

“There is a total procurement volume of $14.5 billion for the entire UN system that Filipino businesses could avail and be part as a vendor or supplier,” he said.

Data showed that in the past years, only 44 Filipino vendors or suppliers applied and only four were accepted as vendors.

“We want Filipino companies to be aware of the big marketplace that the United Nations provides. That is the reason why we are here to explain and encourage potential suppliers,” Mikami said.

Each UN organization like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP) has its own specific requirements for goods and services. Major items procured by the UN system are food, pharmaceutical supplies, computers and software while it also looks for services like outsourced personnel, security, and engineering.

The UN representative explained that the reason for the low turn out of Filipino participants doing business with the UN is the lack of awareness on the part of Filipino suppliers.

In the seminar, Mikami explained the process from the pre-registration up to the final step in the application It is the first time for the UN representative to hold an information dissemination seminar to Davao suppliers as previous seminar was only conducted in Manila in 2008. (PIA/Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat)

Month-long gun ban in Davao City pushed

2012-03-01T10:51:00.003+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Ivy C. Tejano

DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio submitted a resolution Tuesday requesting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to declare a gun ban in Davao City for the whole March.

The Davao City Peace and Order Council (DCPOC) approved the resolution in line with the month-long 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

“It will be for the whole month of March instead of four days, which was the original plan,” the mayor said.

Araw ng Dabaw is one of the biggest events in the city, aside from Kadayawan Festival. It is expected to draw thousands of visitors from provinces and other countries.

“We have to ensure the safety of the public during the celebration,” she added.

The mayor said the gun ban will be among the measures she wants to be implemented to prevent crime incidents, especially during the Araw celebration.

In terms of the implementing guidelines, Duterte said the gun ban will follow rules and regulations of the Election Gun Ban unless PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome would make special guidelines for their request.

Once the proposed gun ban is approved, all gun permits issued to civilians will be temporarily cancelled and only the authorities (police and military) in uniform are allowed to carry firearms during the event.

Civilians who wish to carry firearms for some valid reasons can file for an exemption with the Police Regional Office Davao Region.

There is no exact date yet on when the total gun ban will start, as the council is still waiting for the approval of the PNP.

Duterte-Carpio also requested Bartolome to direct all policemen in the city to strictly implement the proposed gun ban once approved.

Duterte-Carpio, who chairs the DCPOC, met with members of the council Tuesday, composed of the Local Government department, Davao City Police Office, Public Safety Command Center, Task Force Davao, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, City Prosecution Office, and other government agencies, to further discuss the proposal. (ICT of Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 29, 2012.

Month-long gun ban in Davao City pushed

2012-03-01T10:51:00.001+08:00

How to vote for DAVAO CITY to the New7Wonders Cities

2012-02-29T00:54:00.002+08:00

Make it Davao Now! By by JOJIE ALCANTARA and RHONSON NG

HOW TO VOTE
Just log on to http://www.new7wonders.com/form/nominate/en (click the link) and go to "D" section and look for Davao City. After that, Choose other 6 cities around the world.

You need to enter a valid email address as well as you still need to confirm your entry by validating it through the email that they will send to you after you have submitted your vote.

VOTE NOW & SHARE the CAMPAIGN before the voting process ends! Go TEAM DAVAO! :D

Duterte vows to solve crime problem in time for New7 Wonders Cities search

2012-02-29T00:31:00.001+08:00

via www.zambotimes.com

DAVAO CITY — Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to solve crime problems and asked Dabawenyos to give him until the end of February to answer the increasing number of snatching and killing incidents in the city in time for the March 7 deadline of the Campaign for the New7Wonders Cities.

“We have to clean Davao City first),” was Duterte’s response to the approaching May 7 deadline of the campaign’s first phase.

Phase 1 of the campaign, which is the third of a series of campaigns organized by the New7Wonders including the “Man-made New7Wonders of the Word” and the “New7Wonders of Nature”, allows internet voters to nominate their favorite cities from over 1,200 nominees, from January 7 to March 7, 2012.

Up to 300 cities, consisting of one city per country plus the 77 cities that will be voted in Phase 1, will qualify for Phase 2, which will run from March 7 to November 23, 2012. There will be 28 Official City Finalists which will be selected between November 23 and December 6. The voting of the finalists will be done for a year, from December 7, 2012, and the winners will be announced on December 7, 2013.

Duterte said law and order is very important factor in the popularity of a city. It was primarily because of the previously outstanding peace and order condition of Davao which made it one of the most livable cities in the country.

To ensure that he fulfills his promise of a peaceful Davao City by end of the month, Duterte has ordered all police station commanders to act on every holdup or criminal incidents in their area of responsibility.

“Just one holdup case wherein the holdupper was not caught or killed, I will transfer the station commander,” Duterte said.

Duterte, who said he will seek the relief of any non-performing station commander, ordered all the police officers in the city to avoid patrolling the city in groups so they can cover as much area as possible considering the size of Davao.

“You should patrol the city on your own and not by two or three. If he can patrol all by himself, there is no reason why the police cannot do the same," he said. (PNA)

For the latest Zamboanga City and Philippine news stories and videos, visit ZamboTimes.com

Air Asia to service Davao-Clark route

2012-02-28T10:25:00.000+08:00

via www.mindanaotimes.net, By Kristianne Fusilero

An airline company is planning to have its inaugural flight between the city and Clark on March 16, the day the city celebrates its diamond founding anniversary, a result of the planned sisterhood agreement between the Clark International Airport Corp. and the Davao International Airport.

Maria Lourdes G. Monteverde, president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), said they are currently preparing for the maiden flight of Air Asia Philippines, an affiliate of a budget airline Air Asia Berhad of Malaysia, to coincide with the 75th Araw ng Dabaw.

The report was revealed by Monteverde during the 2nd General Membership Meeting of DCCCII last Friday at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites along Sta. Ana Ave.

She said the inaugural flight is a result of the planned sisterhood agreement with CIAC. There would be a ceremonial signing of the agreement to be witnessed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on March 16.

“As we already know, over the past few months we have been working to improve Davao’s connectivity with the Clark,” she said.

Recently, she said both Ramon Gutierrez, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Victor Jose Luciano, chief executive officer of CIAC signed the sisterhood agreement to facilitate the connectivity between the two airports.

The Davao International Airport is under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The city will get a passenger traffic from Clark which is serving 5,334 international flights a year and bringing in 607,410 foreign visitors from eight international destinations that include Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

The agreement stemmed when the CIAC saw the viability of connecting the international flights from Clark to the city during the first Davao Investment Conference in August last year.

Aside from Air Asia, the agreement is expected to pave way for more domestic flights between Davao to Clark soon by different aircraft companies, among the Air Philippines, the budget airline of the Philippine Airlines.

The DCCCII is also in the process of preparing marketing collaterals for Davao airport to promote the hub in the Routes Asia Conference in Shengdu, China by April.

“The event is a gathering of the stakeholders in the aviation route development industry … Needless to say, this is a big step forward in improving our tourism arrivals and in showcasing our city in the game of competitiveness,” she said.

Damosa to inaugurate 3rd building in IT park

2012-02-28T10:24:00.002+08:00

via www.mindanaotimes.net, By Carmelito Q. Francisco

The Damosa Land Inc. has completed its third building for its Damosa Information Technology Park, the first information technology park in Southern Mindanao registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Edgardo O. Villaver, company vice president and general manager, said the Topaz Tower, constructed about a year ago and will be inaugurated today, is the “most viable solution to accommodate the booming industry of business process outsourcing in Metro Davao.”

Villaver said the building is part of the comprehensive mixed-use master plan of the company for its Damosa Complex and is near the Anflocor Corporate Center, Damosa Market Basket, Damosa Business Center, Damosa Gateway, and Microtel-Damosa and other “business establishments that provide a multitude of services to clients.”

“Thus, it creates synergy and complementation of Damosa Complex as a city destination that provides complete convenience and efficiency of service from shopping, dining, accommodation, and other facilities,” he added.

Erriberto P. Barriga Jr., executive vice president of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Davao, said the Damosa expansion is a “welcome development.”

“This is an indication that the sector is slowly realizing its potentials,” said Barriga.

He added that other companies “should follow the lead” of the Damosa in presenting an infrastructure that locators will appreciate.

The location of the building is strategic considering that it is near the Davao International Airport and the Abreeza, a mixed-use joint venture between the parent company of Damosa, the Anflo Management and Investment Corp. and the Ayala Land Inc.

The park is also near the SM North, the second mall of the SM Group in the city, and some government and other private companies.

The building, based on the company’s statement, “is intended to cater the needs for office spaces, administrative centers, and BPOs (business process outsourcing)” as the 8,800-square meter building can address the need of big offices.

“The building features a fire protection system, a 24-hour security service, covered parking spaces and is equipped with 2 units of elevators and 24/7 standby generators. It also has well-ventilated lobby in each floor and adequate toilet facilities,” it added.

One locator is the SGV & Co., a professional services firm based in Metro Manila, which will occupy its fifth floor while other companies. Synnex Corp -Concentrix, a client of the complex, may also expand in the building, the statement added.

“Truly Topaz Tower and its impeccably-maintained contours and formation ensure clients another era of sophistication and the best of its functionality,” it said.

City gov’t, firm to finalize plan for five coffee farms

2012-02-28T10:24:00.001+08:00

via www.mindanaotimes.net, By Carmelito Q. Francisco

The city government and a Canadian coffee company are finalizing a 500-hectare five-farm agreement for Arabica coffee growing in the city’s hinterlands.

Acting city agriculturist Leonardo R. Avila III said the the Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Corp. has already visited the villages of Carmen in Baguio District, Salaysay and Marilog in Marilog District, Tamayong in Calinan District and Sibulan in Toril District where the company is planning a 100-hectare per village farms.

“This March we will finalize the agreement,” said Avila, pointing out that company representatives have proposed that if they would be able to establish farms of about 500 hectares, they will also set up a coffee milling plant as coffee berries must be milled within 24 hours after they are harvested.

He pointed out that the company has specified that farms be located about 800 meters above sea level and that the city has about 22,000 hectares of areas that are within the level.

The plan of the company suits the sustainable agriculture and fisheries development plan of the city government which also identifies coffee as among the priority agricultural products that need to be propagated.

Although no one among the company representatives confirmed the plan, Melanie A. Provido, high-value commercial crops coordinator of the Agriculture department, earlier confirmed the plan of the company which, according to her, has already set up farms in Benguet.

Provido said the company has already started the soil testing of the farms and that it concluded that these are suitable for Arabica coffee, considered the top variety among the coffee varieties as this is used in formulating popular coffee concoctions like cappuccino and latte.

Provido added that the company has even expressed its desire to establish more farms in Mindanao, particularly in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Kiamba in Sarangani.

She added that the company is planning to establish farms in areas where there are indigenous communities as its way to helping these communities.

Avila said that aside from the company, the city government is also in discussions with other companies for coffee production, including the propagation of Robusta variety.

In March, aside from finalizing the agreement with Rocky Mountain, the city government will also start setting up nurseries as Avila took note there is a need for more planting materials to be distributed among the hinterland villages.

He, however, did not mention how much has the city government set aside for coffee production, adding that the total amount will only be known when the entire sustainable agriculture and fisheries development plan is completed.

The city government, he added, is also looking at including coffee in its watershed rehabilitation projects.

Rody Duterte: Better for Kwan killer to remain in jail than go out

2012-02-28T10:20:00.001+08:00

via Mindanao Insider, facebook.com/mindanaoinsider

Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has a piece of advice to the suspect in the senseless killing of young nurse Marjorie Kwan: stay in jail for it is better for to be there inside than go out and roam the streets.

Duterte made the statement on local television on Sunday as he announced the arrest and detention of Carlo Millado, allegedly the gunman in the robbery-killing of Kwan two weeks ago.

This developed as the City Prosecutors Office yesterday recommended the filing of robbery with homicide charges against Millado, resident of Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao District.

Duterte said Millado was claiming to be a minor and thus immune from imprisonment. But the Vice Mayor said he will oppose the release of the suspect, saying it will be for his own good.

Duterte was apparently making a reference to previous cases in Davao City in which suspected criminals were gunned down as soon as they were freed on bail. The killings were mostly attributed to the so-called “Davao Death Squad.”

Suspected Kwan killer Millado was arrested on February 22 when he was identified by a witness. He dd not resist arrest.

Millado reportedly admitted the crime and sought forgiveness from Kwan's family.

Crime clean-up

This developed as Duterte vowed to solve crime problems and asked Dabawenyos to give him until the end of February to answer the increasing number of snatching and killing incidents in time for the March 7 deadline of the Campaign for the New7Wonders Cities.

“We have to clean Davao City first,” was Duterte’s response to the approaching May 7 deadline of the campaign’s first phase.

The Phase 1 of the campaign, which is the third of a series organized by the New7Wonders including the “Man-made New7Wonders of the Word” and the “New7Wonders of Nature”, allows internet voters to nominate their favorite cities from over 1,200 nominees, from January 7 to March 7.

Up to 300 cities, consisting of one city per country plus the 77 cities that will be voted in Phase 1, will qualify for Phase 2, which will run from March 7 to November 23, 2012.

There will be 28 Official City Finalists which will be selected between November 23 and December 6.

The voting of the finalists will be done for a year, from December 7, 2012, and the winners will be announced on December 7, 2013.

Duterte said law and order is very important factor in the popularity of a city. It was primarily because of the previously outstanding peace and order condition of Davao which made it one of the most livable cities in the country.

To ensure that he fulfills his promise of a peaceful Davao City by end of the month, Duterte has ordered all police station commanders to act on every holdup or criminal incidents in their area of responsibility.

“Just one holdup case wherein the holdupper was not caught or killed, I will transfer the station commander,” Duterte said.

Duterte also ordered all the police officers in the city to avoid patrolling the city in groups so they can cover as much area as possible considering the size of Davao.

“You should patrol the city on your own and not by two or three. If he can patrol all by himself, there is no reason why the police cannot do the same," he said. (with a report from PNA)

Program to protect Davao City’s watersheds starts in March

2012-02-28T10:12:00.000+08:00

via www.mindanaotimes.net, By Kristianne Fusilero

The city government is planning to delineate next month the areas identified in the terrain analysis study of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to protect the eight major watersheds in the urban center.

Leonardo P. Avila III, officer in charge of the City Agriculturist Office (CAO), said yesterday in the weekly press forum at Café Rysus in SM City Davao that the project will last for three months as part of the full implementation of the 2007 Watershed Code.

He said the Watershed Management Council, with representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will conduct the delineation. They will mark the areas by placing signages if it is non-tillage, conservation or primary agricultural lands.

The city has eight major watersheds such as Tuganay Watershed, Lasang River, Bunawan River, Davao River, Matina River, Talomo Watershed, Lipadas Watershed and Sibulan River.

MGB conducted the study in 2005. The bureau explained that the non-tillage areas, for instance, should be free from chemicals or mono-cropping as those zones are considered as susceptible to erosion or landslide.

“Part of the delineation program is to determine if there are existing firms that operate along the major watersheds in the city,” he said. Once the council observed that there are firms especially in restricted zones or non-tillage areas, he said the companies should abide the Watershed Code.

He said the companies situated in the restricted zones should shift from using chemicals to organic to help protect the watershed. The firms should also shift from mono-cropping to multi-cropping in two years.

The city government, meanwhile, is planning to create Organic Agriculture Management Council to help monitor the implementation of the organic agriculture ordinance and assist on certifying if the products are organic.

The CAO is also looking into making Buda, Sibulan and Los Amigos as organic agricultural zones.

Globe, Smart hit for ‘blocking’ 911 calls

2012-02-28T10:11:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Ivy C. Tejano

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte hit both Smart and Globe telecoms for not living up to an earlier agreement to allow direct emergency 911 calls.

In his television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” Duterte expressed disappointment on the two telecommunication companies for not informing them about some changes on the procedure of calling emergency hotline number 911.

"I would like to address this concern to Smart and Globe. Sa atong sabot, (We agreed that) we simplify matters nga kung pwede just a copycat because that’s a universal number in time nga naay distress. Pipila ka adlaw wala ko mahibawo nga giusab diay ninyo. Daghan ang nagreklamo kay di sila katawag, sa pag-tsek gyud nako mao gyud (For many days, I was never aware that you changed what has been agreed on. I received many complaints and when I checked it myself, I learned the complaints are true)," Duterte said.

To contact 911 through Smart, Smart changed the access code to *911 instead of just 911. Globe, on the other hand, completely cut off access.
He chided both companies for not even having the courtesy to inform the City Government about these.

"You are operating here in Davao City, you do business, and you earned money from the people here in the city. Then suddenly you made changes nga wala man gani mo mag-courtesy sa amoa. Common sense man nga pahibaw-on mi ninyo nga naay changes of protocol sa pag-dial kay importante kana (that you didn’t even have the courtesy to inform us. It’s common sense to inform about any changes in dialing protocols because this is an important access number)," Duterte said.

Duterte added that he even appealed to the rebels in hinterlands not to destroy their cell site towers as a support to the two companies and still be subjected to such discourtesy.

"Prangkahan ta mo, sige mo’g hangyo nako nga abogaran ang inyong tower sa bukid, I did it. Giingnan nako ang tawo sa bukid nga di hilabtan kay it serves for everybody. Suddenly you made changes like this na wala ko nakabalo! Bastosan pala ito. You will suffer in the end, kayo din ang malulugi (To be frank, you were begging me to intercede for the protection of your communication towers. I told those in the mountains not to touch your towers because these are for the benefit of all. And then you make changes to our agreement without informing us)," Duterte said.

He said the two companies could have simply informed him or have such changes published in the papers.

He said he will discuss the matter with the City Council so that the company representatives will be summoned.

"If you (Smart and Globe) will not go to the council, I'll bring this to the court aron ma-contempt mo. Ang ginawa niyo ay napakabastos, you ignored a critical aspect of governance," Duterte said.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 27, 2012.

Mayor: No need to explain 911 glitch

2012-02-28T10:09:00.001+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Jereco O. Paloma

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Monday there is no need for two telecommunication companies to appear and explain before the City Council after they allegedly blocked the 911 hotline access that the city and the two networks agreed several years ago.

Duterte-Carpio said she is not familiar with the agreement between the city and Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

Based on her understanding, the mayor said the two parties agreed on the use of universal 911 hotline key numbers.

"Murag klaro man siguro na nga 911 jud ang gamiton na wala nakay lain pang i-dial ug basig wala kay load (I think it has been made clear that 911 should be used even if you don't have a load)," the mayor said.

But since Globe, in particular, has resumed the 911 hotline on Monday afternoon, the mayor said it was enough for her.

But Duterte-Carpio initially demanded an explanation from the two telecoms after her father expressed disappointments with the firms' actions. The mayor's statement later changed when a member of the press informed her that Globe already reverted the dialing command.

The lady mayor admitted that it is possible that Globe's blocking of the direct 911 hotline, and Smart's changing of the key number from 911 to *911, could be one of the reasons why street crimes in the city has increased during the past few weeks.

To recall, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in his weekly television program "Gikan sa Mara, Para sa Masa" on Sunday, lambasted the two networks for their actions.

Duterte said Globe and Smart's actions are disrespectful to Dabawenyos. The elder Duterte also expressed his disappointment with the two telecoms in changing the protocols without even consulting the City Government.

"You are operating here in Davao City, you do business, and you earned money from the people here in the city. Then suddenly you made changes nga wala man gani mo mag-courtesy sa amoa. Common sense man nga pahibaw-on mi ninyo nga naay changes of protocol sa pag-dial kay importante kana (that you didn't even have the courtesy to inform us. It's common sense to inform about changes in dialing protocols because this is an important access number)," the vice mayor said.

In a phone interview, Weng Torejos of the Davao City Central Communications and Emergency Response Center (Central 911) told Sun.Star Davao that she cannot divulge any information about the telecoms' blocking of the direct 911 dial since the matter is now being investigated by the City Council's investigation.

Torejos confirmed, however, that Globe has resumed the 911 direct dialing in Davao City starting Monday.

Sun.Star Davao called Smart Telecommunications and Globe Telecom but the two companies have yet to issue their respective statements.

In an e-mailed message, Charo Logarta Lagamon of Globe's Corporate Communications Division, said she has already endorsed the statement request to Yoly Crisanto and lawyer Froi Castelo, heads of Corporate Communications and Corporate and Legal Services Group, respectively.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Davao City Government no plans for additional loan

2012-02-28T10:08:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Jereco O. Paloma

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the City Government has no plans of applying for a new loan with any banking institution in view of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) share cut of Davao City this year.

"Wala pa mi balak mag utang ug gina antos lang namo kung unsa ang naa (We don't have any plans of applying for a loan and we are just making use of available resources)," the mayor said during Monday's press briefing.

Because of the IRA cut, the mayor said the city cannot afford another borrowing due to an existing P1 billion and P3 billion loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) that the city applied for in 2002 and 2009, respectively.

The P4-billion loan was used by the city for various infrastructure projects, including the city's drainage systems and several social services projects.

Last year, the city has sought a five percent interest rate reduction from the seven percent charged by the LBP.

Duterte assured, however, that with a slashed IRA of P2,447,735,335 from than last year's P2,807,736,673, there won't be a termination of city employees.

The first time that the city's IRA share was slashed by almost P160 million was in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. The second time was when the Supreme Court ruled with finality the cityhood status of 16 municipalities thereby, decreasing the city's IRA share by P360 million.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Davao City Police arrest 5 rob suspects

2012-02-28T10:07:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Ivy C. Tejano

POLICE arrested Sunday five men behind robbery and theft incidents in separate operations in Davao City.

Members of the Sta. Ana Police arrested one Judie Barro dela Cerna, 18, resident of Barangay 22-C, Piapi Boulevard, Davao City, around 10:30 a.m. on Fatima Street.

A tricycle driver identified dela Cerna as the one who carted away the bag of one Wilfredo Domingo Jr.

After three hours, San Pedro policemen arrested four men allegedly belonging to a robbery gang called "Tiempo artists", who are tagged in robbery and theft incidents in the San Pedro street area.

Rivera identified the suspects as Carlo Kim Sargado Dacumos, 19, resident of Block 57 in Piapi Boulevard; Ian Asare Margate, 18, resident of Block 69 in Piapi Boulevard; Carlo and Christian (name withheld for being minor), both 17 years old.

Rivera said the suspects were arrested by police mobile patrol at the Doña Segunda Complex around 2 p.m.

The group has previous record of robbery and theft offenses at the Sta. Ana police station.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Gun ban sought for Araw ng Dabaw festival in Davao City

2012-02-28T09:58:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Ivy C. Tejano

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio recommended Monday to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to declare a three-day gun ban in line with the 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration on March 15-17.

In a weekly media briefing at the City Mayor's Office, Duterte said the gun ban will be among the measures she wants to be implemented to prevent crime incidents, especially during the "Araw" celebration, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors.

Duterte said she will discuss the matter with DCPO and the Task Force Davao during the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting set this week.

Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, DCPO director, said the recommendation is yet to be submitted to Police Regional Office (PRO) for approval.

"Once this will be approved, one of our guidelines is to temporarily cancel all gun permits issued to civilians. Only the authorities are allowed to carry firearms during the event," dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa also welcomed the New People's Army (NPA) rebels who wish to visit the city during the celebration.

"There is no problem as long as they will not harm anybody in here and wala silang kaso na hinaharap sa korte, kasi kung meron huhulihin talaga namin sila. I guess they are aware of that," he said.

Dela Rosa assured the public authorities will beef up security measures to thwart untoward incidents and lessen crime incidents in the city, especially crime against properties that have become rampant in the past weeks.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

No bail for suspect in nurse's slay

2012-02-28T09:53:00.001+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

DAVAO CITY -- No bail was recommended for the man accused of robbing and killing a female nurse in this city on February 18.

Prosecutor Marte Melchor Velasco recommended the filing of robbery with homicide case against Carlo Millado, of Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao, Davao City, before the Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The case was endorsed to RTC-Office of the Clerk of Court Monday morning.

Complainant Marvin Kwan, brother of the victim, and a witness, subscribed and submitted his affidavits to Prosecutor Retrina Fuentes on February 23.

Velasco, in his resolution as approved by prosecutor Jose P. Garcia Jr., said the testimony of Marvin that Millado admitted the crime and even sought for his forgiveness is credible enough. Millado did not resist when arrested by police.

"The circumstances show that he surrendered to the authorities without resisting arrest…At the police station, he even sought forgiveness from the complainant," Velasco added.

The case is set to be raffled off on Thursday. (Sunnex)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Mayor: Araw ng Dabaw to be successful despite crimes

2012-02-28T09:51:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Jereco O. Paloma

DESPITE the spate of crime incidents in Davao City in the previous weeks, the City Governmen is confident that this year's 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration will be successful.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in Monday's press briefing at the City Hall, told reporters she is confident that Dabawenyos will get through all these problems in no time.

The mayor's statement came in the wake of several robbery incidents during past few weeks involving motorcycle-riding suspects victimizing mostly women and students.

"I would expect resiliency from each other especially so that this is not the first time this happened in our city," Duterte-Carpio said.

In terms of peace and security prior and during the celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw, police are working closely to keep the city free from any form hostilities, not only during the duration of the celebration but also throughout the year.

"We will rally all for our Davao City," the mayor said.

The city has lined up more than 35 activities for this year's Araw celebration, which will run for more than a month, longer compared to previous celebrations.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Meet the 'Mutya' 12 semi-finalists

2012-02-28T09:35:00.004+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Nelson C. Bagaforo
Photo via By GMA Channel 5 Davao, http://on.fb.me/wIpzo7

GMA Network Inc., the City Government's strategic partner for the creative execution of this year's search for Mutya ng Dabaw, is all set for Tuesday’s Pre-Pageant and Talent Night, where five finalists will be chosen from among the 12 semi-finalists.

The event will be held at SM City Davao Event Center starting at 5 p.m. and will be hosted by Kapuso actor Victor Aliwalas and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resci Rizada.

Filipino-American beauty queen and recording artist Krista Kleiner will sit as one of the judges. Kapuso star and R&B Prince Jay-R will deliver a special performance.

"We will make this year's Mutya ng Dabaw search the grandest, most entertaining and most impressive to date. This is our way of showing that we are fully committed to serve our regional audience by becoming a medium to showcase the beauty and positive spirit of the Dabawenyos to the world," Oliver Amoroso, assistant vice president for sales and marketing of GMA Regional TV, has vowed.

He said the network is elated to take the challenge of leveling up the prestigious search in time for the city's Diamond Year.

The city is celebrating this year's 75th Araw ng Dabaw in March.
Thus, year's Muta ng Dabaw semifinalists are the following:

Ma. Elainezelle Clarice Tiu (Toril, Davao City) -- Ma. Elainezelle Clarice Tiu, 19-years-old, is a 3rd year BS Accountancy student at the Ateneo de Davao University. Ma. Elainezelle enjoys baking, sketching, and reading books. She is a consistent dean's lister and currently the Internal Vice President of the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasan ng Ateneo.

Maria Theresa Tan (Ulas, Davao City) -- Maria Theresa Tan is an AB Communication Arts graduate from University of Immaculate Conception where she was also a scholar. This 22-year-old beauty is currently a Guest Relation Agent at Marco Polo Hotel.

Angelie Bontilao (Agdao, Davao City) -- Angelie Bontilao, or Angel, is an Emergency Medical Technicia (EMT) of Davao Central 911. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Pedro College last 2008. Angel is now taking her Master's Degree in Nursing at San Pedro College. This 24-year-old likes surfing the net, watching and reading news. She also does part-time modeling work.

Jhoanna Myles Te (Bacaca Rd., Davao City) -- Jhoanna Myles Te, or Twinkle, is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing cum laude graduate from San Pedro College. Her college years were highlighted by a Best in Psychiatric Nursing award. Twenty two-year-old Twinkle loves sports, watching movies, and internet surfing and also dabbles in modeling.

Regine Terza Fondevilla (Ecoland Subd., Davao City) -- Twenty-year-old Regine Terza Fondevilla is a BS Business Administration student at the Ateneo de Davao University, where she is also a consistent Dean's Lister. If she finds time, Terza enjoys reading, watching TV, working out and meditating. She is also interested in hosting, modeling and dancing.

Sheila Mae Holthe (Matina, Davao City) -- Sheila Mae Holthe is an 18-year-old Business Administration student from San Pedro College of Davao. Sheila, or Sheek, enjoys singing and modeling and her hobbies are internet surfing, eating and malling. She also loves reading books.

Marianne Mae Te (Toril, Davao City) -- Twenty one-year-old Marianne Mae Te, or Yannie, is a print model and an AB Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate of Philippine Women's College of Davao. Also seasoned beauty pageant contestant in the city, Yannie loves skim boarding and cooking. This young lady from Toril, Davao City describes herself as "systematic and highly oriented person with good analytical and problem solving skills."

Sandra Stein (Lanang, Davao City) -- Eighteen-year-old Sandra Stein is a 2nd year college student at the Ateneo de Davao University, taking up BS in Business Management. Sandra was born in Berlin, Germany and currently resides in Lanang, Davao City. The half-German, half-Filipina aims to be a successful businesswoman in the future. She loves traveling and swimming.

Ma. Angelina Arrozal (El Rio, Davao City) -- Ma. Angelina Arrozal, or Angel, is a 3rd year dentistry student at the Davao Medical School Foundation. The 19-year-old was also one of the semi-finalists in Miss Earth-Davao Region. She is a trainee for TV hosting at a local cable channel and a part-time ramp model. Angel is also a school orator and debater who enjoys painting, dancing and singing.

Jazzel Therese Gomez (Matina Pangi, Davao City) -- Jazzel Therese Gomez is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts Major in English Language from Far Eastern University. Nicknamed Jazz, she is currently taking Law studies at the Ateneo de Davao University. This 23-year-old's long list of achievements also includes bringing home the Grand Prize in the 2010 Anghel C. Palanca Peace Program Essay Writing tilt and receiving a 99 percent in English proficiency test in TOEIC Exam. She enjoys singings, reading and cooking.

Dorothy Maruel Ibañez (Lanang, Davao City) -- Dorothy Ibanez is a Registered Nurse, currently employed as a Health Consultant of the US-based Health Central Training Center. The 23-year-old is a Nursing graduate of Ateneo de Davao University. Dotty practices photography.

Gintherese Capa (Sasa, Davao City) - Nineteen-year-old Gintherese Capa, or Bagin, is taking up BS Civil Engineering at the University of Southeastern Philippines where she is also a student leader. While she is interested in singing, dancing and song composition, she also dabbles in modeling and enjoys acting. Bagin advocates "empowering the lives of the youth with positivity to lead a better society."

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 28, 2012.

Davao City vying for enlistment in Search for New 7 Wonders Cities

2012-02-28T09:34:00.001+08:00

via www.balita.ph, By Anthony S. Allada

With the nomination process for the search of New7Wonder Cities is nearing its deadline, Davaoenos are one to vote for Davao City to make to the another phase of the selection process.

The city government of Davao, under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Roa-Duterte, is leading the campaign in voting for Davao City to make it to the prestigious list.

The city government has even launched the "Davao City for New 7 Wonders Cities" Facebook account to actively campaign and urge Davaoeños to get involved and vote for Davao City.

Davao is dubbed as the Most Peaceful City in East and Southeast Asia for seven years and is home to the “Best Police Office in the Country” for six consecutive years.
The city is among the 17 cities from the Philippines to qualify for the next phase from among the thousands of cities around the world.

Also nominated in the first phase of the prestigious search are the cities of Manila, Parañaque, Marikina, Makati, Quezon, Taguig, Bacolod, Cebu, General Santos, Vigan, Legaspi, Baguio, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Tagaytay, and Puerto Princesa, the home of the Underground River, which was among the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

The New7Wonder Cities search is the third campaign organized by New7Wonders, following the man-made New7Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Nature.
For four consecutive years, Davao City has also been recognized by Asiaweek as one of the 20 Best Cities in Asia.

Meanwhile, in the nomination phase (January 7 – March 7, 2012) the global vote for New 7 Wonder Cities starts with more than 1200+nominees from 220+ countries around the world.

The Qualification Phase (March 7 –November 23, 2012) will have more than 300 cities to qualify for this phase (one per country plus the top 77 voted). While in the Shortlist Phase (November 23 –December 6, 2012), from the top 77 voted during the qualification phase, the New7 Wonders Cities Panel of Experts advises on the selection of the 28 official finalist candidates.

The finalist phases which runs from December 7, 2012 – December 6, 2013), voting continues across three phases. The official New 7 Wonders Cities, voted by hundreds of millions of people from around the world will be revealed on December 7, 2013. (PNA) RMA/Anthony S. Allada/ldp

HOW TO VOTE
Vote for DAVAO CITY to be one of the New 7 Wonders Cities ! :)

Just log on to http://www.new7wonders.com/form/nominate/en (click the link)
and go to "D" section and look for Davao City.

VOTE NOW & SHARE the CAMPAIGN before the voting process ends! Go TEAM DAVAO! :D

Deadline for alien registration in Davao City set on March 2

2012-02-28T09:30:00.001+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Arianne Caryl N. Casas

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) here reminded foreigners in Davao City that they have only until March 2 to register for their annual report.

The March 2 deadline will not be extended as the Alien Registration Act of 1950 directs foreigners to do the annual reporting within the first 60 days of every calendar year, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said in a statement posted in their official website.

David warned that those who fail to make the annual report will be meted administrative fines or face deportation proceedings.

“Gamay na lang wala naka annual report, 10 percent na lang,” Florentino G. Diputado, BI Davao new Acting Alien Control Officer, in a text message to Sun.Star Davao said Sunday.

“We have still this coming week,” he added.

Lawyer Ronaldo Ledesma, BI acting alien registration chief, said that under Sec. 10 of the act, aliens who are holders of immigrant or non-immigrant visas must make the annual report.

Ledesma advised foreigners to go directly to the bureau’s cashier office, pay their fees and demand an official receipt so they would not to be victimized by “fixers”.

Under the rules, foreigners making the annual report should bring with them their ACR identity card (I-Card) and certificate of residence.

An annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee shall be paid by a foreigner to the bureau.

A foreigner who holds the old paper-based ACR and whose visa is not exempt from paying immigration fees shall not be allowed to make his annual report until he applies for an ACR I-Card.

As for aliens who are below 14 years of age or 65 years old and above, it shall be the duty of their parents or legal guardians or representatives to make the report on their behalf. (Arianne Caryl N. Casas)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 27, 2012.

Vice Mayor Rody Duterte: Slay suspect shouldn’t be released

2012-02-28T09:27:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Ivy C. Tejano

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte challenged anyone who wants the suspect in the killing of a nurse freed on claims that he is a minor to file for a writ of habeas corpus instead because no way will he allow the suspect’s release.

He said it is better for the suspect, Carlo Maduyag Millado, to stay behind bar.

The vice mayor in his Sunday television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” said calls by people for the “return” of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) is but a manifestation of the public’s anger against criminals.

“I will not release you. I will not allow the police to release you,” Duterte said.

Millado is accused of killing nurse Marjorie Kwan around 11:30 a.m. last February 18, just two houses away from her home in RGA Village, Agdao.

Personnel of the Sta. Ana Police Station headed by Senior Inspector Ronald L. Lao arrested Millado in his neighborhood on February 22 around 10:30 a.m.

Millado was positively identified by one witness as the one who robbed and killed Kwan while the latter was walking home in RGA Village. When arrested, Millado insisted he cannot be jailed because he is just 17 years old.

Duterte said whether the suspect is a minor or of legal age, he will order the police not to release Millado, as he should go through legal process of the charges filed against him.

He added that Millado, who is presently detained at the Talomo Police Station, has 30 other crimes to face.

The police have already filed Thursday a robbery with homicide case against Millado and his companion who is still at large.

Duterte appealed to the Commission on Human Rights and other rights advocates to let the suspect stay inside the jail.

The vice mayor earlier reminded criminals that “those who live violently will also die violently.”

He said that while he is congratulating the police for the arrests of two robbery suspects, he prefers that the police arrest ten suspects a day.

He said policemen who will not tackle the task required of them will be assigned to Tawi-tawi. (Ivy C. Tejano)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 27, 2012.

FDC hits DLPC’s rate hike

2012-02-26T03:04:00.000+08:00

via ww.mindanaotimes.net, By PR

They are fast when it comes to increasing electricity rates, but very slow when it comes to giving refund to consumers.

This was the reaction of the Freedom from Debt Coalition–Southern Mindanao (FDC-SM) on the rate increase in the generation charge as announced by the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) in its website.

Rolando Pacanot, FDC-SM secretary-general, said that the DLPC acts quickly when it comes to charging the consumers more, but is very slow in giving back to consumers the amount they overcharged from 1984 to 1989. The Supreme Court had already ruled in favor of the consumers.

“Davao City consumers have been waiting for this refund for more than a decade now, but we have not heard anything from DLPC on when will they implement this refund,” said Pacanot.

DLPC on Friday announced an increase in its generation charge starting February. It explained that the reason for the higher charges as imposed by the state-run National Power Corporation of the Philippines (NPC) is due to the shift of the Time of Use (TOU) rates from wet to the more expensive dry-season rates.

The dry-season rate runs from January to June and the wet-season rate starts from July to December every year. However, DLPC charged the dry-season rate, as reflected in the customers’ bill, from February to July and the other from August to January.

Because of this, consumers will have to shoulder an additional rate increase of P0.2276 per kilowatt-hour.

“DLPC is claiming that the generation charge is a pass-through charge and is merely recovering its costs. The question is: where are they sourcing their electricity? From their sister companies!” stressed Pacanot.

DLPC gets its electricity from Hedcor Sibulan, Hedcor Tamugan and Philippine Hydropower Corporation, all owned by the Aboitizes.

“Cross-ownership of generation and distribution sub-sectors of the power industry is one of the biggest flaws of the EPIRA law. Because the Aboitiz family owns these sectors, they can dictate and manipulate electricity rates, which they are already doing. We, the consumers, are at a disadvantaged position in this kind of setup,” explained Pacanot.

Davao City sets aside P8.2M for Araw ng Dabaw 2012 celebration

2012-02-26T03:01:00.000+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Jereco O. Paloma

THE Davao City Government has set aside P8.2 million for this year's 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, which is more than 100 percent higher compared to the 2011 budget and the biggest allocation ever for such occasion.

Spokesperson Joel Escarilla, speaking at the I-Speak forum at the City Hall Thursday morning, said bulk of the budget is allotted for prices of both city-initiated and private sector-initiated activities.

Escarilla said the city set aside a big amount since this year's celebration will be staged for more than one month compared to the week-long celebrations in the past.

"For this year, the city has lined up several new activities and events especially those being handled by the Duaw Davao Festival Foundation," Escarilla said.

Duaw is one of the private partners of Davao City Government in organizing this year's Araw. They are also set to handle most of the private sector-initiated events.

For all the activities of Duaw, the city has provided a total of P963,000 for cash prices alone except for other logistical support.

Aside from Duaw, there are also several private partners for this year's Araw ng Dabaw, including GMA Network Davao, Davao City Chinatown Development Council, and Davao Association of Travel and Tours Operators, among others.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 24, 2012.

Roxas Ave. to be closed again for Hudyakaan

2012-02-26T03:00:00.001+08:00

via www.sunstar.com.ph, By Jereco O. Paloma

THE Davao City Council approved Thursday under suspended rules an ordinance closing a portion of Roxas Avenue, where Hudyakaan -- an event of this year's 75th Araw ng Dabaw -- will be staged.

Appearing before the members of the City Council, Lizette Marquez, festival director of the Duaw Davao Festival Foundation Inc., said they intend to close a portion of Roxas Avenue, particularly in front of the Philippine Postal Corporation beside the City Triangle from March 1 to March 31.

Duaw is the private partner of the city in organizing some of the activities in this year's Araw ng Dabaw including the Hudyakaan.

"Hudyakaan is an outdoor dining activity with live nightly entertainment," Marquez said.

But some councilors, particularly Jimmy Dureza, stood up and asked why the road will be closed to motorists for the whole month.

Marquez said this is because the city, along with its private partners, has lined up activities which will run for more than a month.

Unlike before, when Hudyakaan was held at the center of the Roxas Avenue, the organizers opted to move the venue for Hudyakaan to another area far from residences.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 24, 2012.

Nestea Beach Volleyball conquers shores of Davao

2012-02-24T11:03:00.000+08:00

via www.goldstardailynews.com

NESTEA heats up the isLand of Samal as it kick started yesterday the most awaited summer event, the Nestea Beach Volley circuit with the first elimination leg to be held in Davao. Paradise IsLand will be the host of the 3-day tournament beginning with a Parade of Colors yesterday where the Mindanaonans are well represented by 24 of the best teams, in the men and women divisions, coming from all over the region. Competing teams in both divisions include Mahardika Institute of Technology and Mindanao State University from Tawi-tawi, University of Mindanao of Tagum City and Davao City, Cagayan de Oro's Xavier University, Iligan's Medical Center College, Davao City's Holy Cross of Davao College, Ateneo de Davao University, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Jose Maria College, EMAR, MATS and Corjesu College of Digos City. The 3-day elimination leg will be action-packed with beach volleyball games held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Nestea Beach promises fun and excitement all throughout; other activities like a mini frisbee tournament between Mindanao's hottest Frisbee teams and a mangrove planting session are part of the lineup. Celebrations are in order on Feb. 25 where the participants will be rewarded with a victory party for their sportsmanship and hard work.

The top 3 teams from each division will be honored on the same night. They will also be representing Mindanao and will be flying to Boracay to compete in the national finals happening on April 19- 21. They will vie for the championship and get a chance to win the cash prize of P100,000 per division. Nestea Beach Volleyball continues to heighten its commitment to Filipino sportsmanship by offering top volleyball players the chance to hone their athletic talent and skills in the national arena. Nestea Beach Volleyball has made sure that they offer only the best. It is sanctioned by the Philippine Volleyball Federation and conforms with the standards of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball allowing participants to play and compete in a league with international standards.