rachel zozobrado

2009-11-26T05:18:00.000+08:00

Importance of basic traffic rules training stressed

Davao City motorists should undergo regular seminars on the basic traffic rules and regulations so they will be able to update themselves on the latest laws and avoid violating them later on.

“A lot of road accidents happen because of drivers who do not follow traffic rules and regulations,’ councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. In most cases, she said, traffic violations lead to accidents and even deaths that could have been prevented had the drivers followed the basic traffic rules.

She said accidents do not only occur in the downtown area where there is more vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, road accidents also happen even in isolated areas in the third district primarily because of the increasing human and vehicular traffic in the area.

“But more than those reasons, it is the apparent ignorance of the drivers or just plain hard-headedness in following traffic rules that is the culprit,” she said. While basic traffic rules are already being tackled before a driver gets his license, she added, it is also important to keep them constantly aware of the basic traffic rules so they can apply this in their daily driving activities.

The defensive driving seminar conducted by the Land Transportation Office XI in Mintal, Tugbok District yesterday is thus good news for the residents of the area. Aside from basic driving skills, LTO’s Allain Lloyd Cahilog also informed the participants on the penalty updates under Department Order 2008-39.

Zozobrado said accidents and deaths involving motorcycles are on the rise. And since this is the most common form of transportation in the third district, it is important that drivers should be constantly reminded of their responsibilities not only to the legal system but also to their passengers and the pedestrians.

2009-11-13T05:32:00.001+08:00

Youth’s role in 2010 elections is focus of speech gab

The role of the youth in the 2010 elections will be the main issue tackled by various orators from the different public high schools of the 3rd District of Davao City during the ongoing 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest.

The JAZ Oratorical Contest, which is an annual oratorical contest named after the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado has just concluded the first elimination round last Wednesday at the Lower Tamugan High School Gym for Marilog contestants.

First place is Geneva Etchoros from Tamugan National High School, with coach Ms. Cherry May Acebu; second placer is Judy Ann Pardillo from Saloy National High School, with coach Ms. Joseph Claire Celerinos and third placer is Joan Bastatas from Marilog High School of Agriculture, with coach Ms. Lanie Figueroa.

“The pieces delivered by the student orators are actually very inspiring and mirrored their perception and thoughts about the coming 2010 election,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. While the contest aims to discover the oratory skills of high school students, it is also a way of getting the youth involved in the issues that will help set the stage for their future, she added.

Zozobrado said adults really have a lot to learn from the young people and by listening to them who knows we will be able to do the right thing for the next generation. The theme for the elimination round is “My Future is in my hands, a clean and honest 2010 election has my hands printed on it.”

The 1st and 2nd prize winners will advance to the Grand Finals on Dec.7, 1PM at Mintal gymnasium. The next elimination for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held today, Friday at Calinan National High School AVR.

There are two other sub-district eliminations scheduled on November 16, 3PM at the Sto. Niño National High School for those coming from Tugbok District, and another elimination on November 19, 3PM at Doña Carmen Deña National High School for those coming from Toril District.

Criteria for judging will be 50% Manner to include mastery, diction and gesture, and 50% Matter to include relevance of the piece to the theme. All entries to the Contest must be original and have not been published in any forms of media. For more details please call the Office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at 2220855 local 426 or 226.

2009-11-01T19:14:00.000+08:00

Dabawenyos urged to reuse waste water

Dabawenyos may still be enjoying abundant water supply but this will not be for long considering the looming water shortages all over the world. It is thus a good idea to educate the people in reusing their waste water.

“There are reports that more than half the nations all over the world will face freshwater shortage by 2025 and it is important that Dabawenyos are aware of this blessing and also of their own responsibility towards conserving water,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

This report was validated by researchers at the US-based Sandia National Laboratories which provides technology solutions to global threats to peace and freedom. Sandia water experts Mike Hightower and Suzanne Pierce also predicted that as much as 75% of the global population will face freshwater scarcity by 2050.

Zozobrado said the Dabawenyos should support legislations and activities that encourage the reuse of water. She said it is always a good idea to reuse water and the Dabawenyos should already start practicing this even without the government’s prodding.

The latest city council legislation that seeks to reuse water is the Rainwater Collection Ordinance which was authored by councilor Leonardo Avila. “This is an idea that should be followed not only by Dabawenyos but also by people throughout the country if we want to mitigate the effects of water scarcity,” she said.

She said while the marginalized sector may find it financially challenging to put up a real rainwater collector, they can however invest in a small and affordable tank. There are lots of farflung areas in Marilog that do not even have accessible water sources so saving up rainwater and using this for washing their clothers and for other purpose other than for drinking would be a good idea, she said.

“There is always a way to all the challenges that we think will hinder us from reusing water but with determination and simple logic these are easily surmountable,” she said. You do not even have to rely on the rain to reuse water, she added, because you can just collect whatever it is you use for washing the clothes and then use it for cleaning the floor or other parts of the house.

Governments all over the world are already rethinking their water management programs considering that economic development depends a lot on the availability of water. “The industries that power our economy-- including agriculture, mining and energy production---will all compete for our limited freshwater resources and we should prepare for that eventuality,” she said.

2009-10-29T04:56:00.003+08:00

P1.6M IP dormitory at DMC opens

Indigenous Peoples and their relatives from far-flung areas of Davao City now have a place to stay while waiting for the discharge of their patients from the Davao Medical Center with the inauguration and blessing of Balay Dangpanan yesterday.

“The P1.6 million Balay Dangpanan is a halfway home for indigenous peoples and their watchers who have no place to stay here in the city while waiting for their discharge from DMC,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Also present during yesterday’s inauguration are Vice Mayor Sara Duterte as well as councilor Teresa Mata Marañon.

Zozobrado, who spoke on behalf of Duterte, said the local government will continue to extend assistance to DMC through their Lingap Program. She said the vice mayor has also discussed with Committee of German Doctors Country Director Dietmar Schug, the possibility of extending the city’s support for Balay Dangpanan.

Duterte, through Zozobrado, turned over several household appliances for the home including a refrigerator, rice cooker, folding bed and the likes, for the use of indigenous peoples and other Dabawenyos who would be using the halfway home. Zozobrado’s office also turned over several kitchen appliance and wares for the halfway home.

“Balay Dangpanan is very timely considering the plight of the IPs and the other residents from the third district who have to loiter along the hospital corners when they are waiting for their patients to be discharged,” she said.

DMC Chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega said Balay Dangpanan is really a dream come true for him since it has been a long time dream to fill in the gaps and the lapses in the country’s health care. People from far away areas in the city especially the indigenous peoples don’t know where to stay when they have patients here in the city so this is a solution to their plight, he added.

Vega said the structure was intended for doctors and nurses but since they already have houses in the city, he suggested that the structure be turned into a halfway house for marginalized IPs who does not have a place to stay while waiting for their patients to be discharged.

He said the Schug was very receptive to the idea so he pushed through with the proposal even if DMC has to pay for the maintenance of Balay Dangpanan.

2009-10-28T14:02:00.001+08:00

Gwangyang City seeks sisterhood with Davao

Yet another Korean City is seeking close partnership with Davao City, in line with its goal of developing a global network with the world’s foremost port cities.

“No less than the mayor of Gwangyang City of the Republic of Korea wrote City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to suggest the setting up of a mutual, cooperative and friendly relationship between the two cities,” International Relations Committee chairperson councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

A few months ago, Davao City signed a Letter of Intent with Uijeongbu City of the Republic of Korea in time with the visit here of a 16-man delegation from the city

Zozobrado said it is interesting to note that while Gwangyang is among the top three Free Economic Zones and Free Trade Zones in the Republic of Korea, the city is focusing on Green Growth and seeks to become a highly-developed but eco-friendly city.

She said we need all the help we can get to keep our development in line with the objective of keeping our environment safe and sound, and this city is a good model for such development.

Gwangyang City Mayor Lee Sung-Woong, in a letter to Duterte, said “we are presently working towards creating a global network with the world’s foremost port cities with the vision of constructing a free trade in North-east Asia.”

“With this in mind we are seeking your interest and truly hope to establish an international relationship that makes for friendship and mutual cooperation and development between our two cities,” he said.

Zozobrado said Gwangyang is a port city and just like Davao, it has a beautiful coast and surrounded by mountains and rivers.

“Davao can learn a lot from the development plans of Gwangyang City and we should look forward to the signing of a sisterhood agreement with them if only to be able to build closer ties with a city that is very similar to Davao in terms of its geographical make up and economic growth,” she said.

The POSCO Gwangyang Steel Works, a global steel company, has been the main driving force of Gwangyang City’s growth since 1986. The company has produced 17.45 million tons of steel in 2008.

2009-10-17T10:22:00.001+08:00

Eliminations for 3rd Zozobrado Oration Contest Underway

Eliminations for the JAZ Oratorical Contest are underway and high school students from public schools in the third district of Davao City are encouraged to participate.

The JAZ Oratorical Contest, which is an annual oratorical contest named after the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado, in now on its third year. Zozobrado was known for his fiery speeches in the halls of the City Council as well as his advocacy for serious and meaningful legislation when he was still alive.

“We actually aim to make the JAZ Oratorical Contest a yearly event to celebrate my father’s passion for the youth,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The activity itself, she added, aims to showcase the speaking skills of high school students in the district.

The sub-district eliminations for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held starting November 11, 2009, 3PM at Lower Tamugan National High School Gym for participants from Marilog District. Those from Baguio and Calinan Districts can join the elimination scheduled on November 13, 3PM at Calinan National High School AVR.

There are two other sub-district eliminations scheduled on November 16, 3PM at the Sto. Niño National High School for those coming from Tugbok District, and another elimination on November 18, 3PM at Doña Carmen Deña National High School for those coming from Toril District.

The Grand Finals for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held at Mintal Gym on December 7, 1PM.

Zozobrado said participants during the sub-district eliminations will be asked to deliver an oration piece with the theme “My Future is in my hands, a clean and honest 2010 election has my hands printed on it.”

Criteria for judging will be 50% Manner to include mastery, diction and gesture, and 50% Matter to include relevance of the piece to the theme. All entries to the Contest must be original have not been published in any forms of media. For more details please call the Office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at 2220855 local 426 or 226.

2009-09-30T08:50:00.002+08:00

Reciprocal visits between Davao, Mersin City eyed

An exchange visit between the officials of Davao City and Mersin City in Turkey is being eyed in view of the sisterhood agreement being planned between the two cities.

Former Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Bahnarim Guinomla said Philippine Honorary Consul in Mersin Mr. Sukru Diyab recently met with the Metropole Municipality of Mersin Director of Culture and Fairs Department Mr. Suleyman Cengiz to discuss the procedures that have to be followed to make the sisterhood agreement between the two cities a reality.

“This is a welcome development considering that we have been trying to follow up the sisterhood agreement between the two cities for months now,” Council committee on International Relations chair councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said it was Ambassador Guinomla who communicated to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the possibility of forging a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City. However, she said, they have encountered some hitches in following up the agreement since Guinomla is now back in Davao City as the assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mindanao.

Zozobrado said Guinomla has been helping the committee in facilitating the sisterhood agreement.

“I was told that the procedure in forging a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City in Turkey could take about three to four months depending on how fast both sides work on it,” she said.

She said the possibility of exchange visits between the officials of Davao City and Mersin City was also mentioned during the meeting between Diyab and Cengiz. This, she added, will hopefully fast track the forging of the sisterhood agreement.

The Philippine Honorary Consul Diyab said October would be an ideal time for the Davao officials to visit Mersin City since it would coincide with the 2nd Logistics and Transport Fair of Mersin City. Zozobrado said the city could then invite officials from Mersin City during the Araw ng Dabaw 2010.

Zozobrado said the proposed sisterhood with Turkey aims to foster mutual understanding through people to people exchanges, tourism promotion as well as trade and investment activities.

2009-09-22T14:45:00.002+08:00

Strong local governance cited as Dinagat
Islands seek sisterhood with Davao City

Davao City’s efficient local government and vibrant business sector is attracting a lot of cities and provinces, both locally and internationally, the latest of which is the Province of Dinagat Islands.

“The province has indicated their intention to form a sisterhood agreement with Davao City and we welcome this as another manifestation of Davao’s growth both socially and economically in the past years,” Council Committee on International Relations chair Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Davao City has been active in forging sisterhood agreements mostly with international cities like Manado and Bitung, Darwin, Uijeongbu and with local cities like San Juan.

The Province of Dinagat Islands is virtually a neighbor as it used to be part of the province of Surigao del Norte’s First District. However, Republic Act No, 9355 or the Official Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands paved the way for the separation of Dinagat Islands, which is now known as the country’s 81st Province.

Zozobrado said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Dinagat Islands formally informed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte about the proposal, through Resolution No. 08-768 sponsored by councilor Merlinda Lagroma, which indicates their intention to establish a “sisterhood relationship and alliance to the City of Davao.”

“The resolution requested Dinagat Islands Governor Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman to establish a sisterhood agreement and alliance with Davao City in view of the tried and tested local governance of the city,” Zozobrado said.

The resolution indicated that “the province craves for support on technological advancement on legislative approaches and executive management”, the formula of which seems to have already been tried and tested in Davao City under Duterte’s administration.

Zozobrado said the sisterhood proposal from the Province of Dinagat Islands should be a source of pride for Dabawenyos considering that it came from a neighboring province which was previously part of Surigao del Norte in Region Xiii, Northeastern Mindanao.

”This is actually a vote of confidence that the local government of the city has done its job well and continues to do so, for it to be able to inspire nearby areas to forge a sisterhood agreement with us,” she said.

The Province of Dinagat Island is historically known as the site of the Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. It was on the shore of the Municipality of Loreto where the first American flag flew on the Philippine soil. And just like Davao City, It is known for its bountiful harvest of agriculture and marine resources.

2009-09-09T09:26:00.002+08:00

Davao promoted as premier destination during Int’l. gab

The focus of the International Sister City Summit may have been Baguio City but the Davao delegation headed by Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, along with councilors Rachel Zozobrado, Susabel Reta and Louie John Bonguyan were able to promote the city as a premiere destination not only in Mindanao but in the whole country.

The three councilors, who were directed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to represent the city in the Baguio Centennial Sister City Summit last August 31, were able to meet with the different foreign and local sister cities of Baguio.

“The Davao delegation made waves during the presentation of the cities’ best practices as we took turns in presenting the beauty of the city and the reasons why they should visit the city,” Council Committee on International Relations chair Rachel Zozobrado said.

The local and foreign visitors to the Sisterhood Summit were however impressed with the landmark legislations of the city. Among the legislations presented by the councilors are the Firecracker Ban, the Watershed Code, Tourism Code, Women Code and the No Smoking Ordinance.

“Several local and foreign delegates expressed their desire to visit the city after they were apprised of the city’s peace and order situation,” she said.

It was really a learning experience for all of us, she added, not only because we were able to establish contacts with other local and foreign cities with which we could form a sisterhood agreement with in the future.

“We were even surprised that some of the fruits and vegetables being sold in Baguio supermarkets came from Davao City,’ she said.

Zozobrado said the Davao delegation including the vice mayor, who wore an authentic Matigsalog tribal attire, participated in the Centennial parade. Duterte was escorted by Bonguyan, also wearing a Matigsalog-inspired top.

2009-09-05T10:09:00.003+08:00

Zozobrado says no to Watershed Code amendment

Times have changed and the priorities of the government may have changed but there is still a need to continuously protect Davao City’s watersheds.

This was the call made by councilor Rachel Zozobrado, who said the need to protect the city’s sources of potable water still exists despite the changing times. “Water is one resource that we can never bring back to its original state once destroyed and polluted,” she said.

Zozobrado walked her talk and led a tree planting activity at the Tamugan Watershed in Tamugan, Marilog District last month, together with the different mountaineering organizations in the city, the Barangay Council of Tamugan, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Engineers Office.

“I am not in favor of amending the Watershed Code; nothing has changed between the time it was unanimously passed by the city council and today because the Tamugan River still needs to be protected,” she said.

Zozobrado said she could not think of a justification that would support the amendment to the Code. On the other hand, she said, the current environmental crisis should be a learning experience for us and should teach us to be more careful and circumspect in out actions concerning the environment.

“When the Watershed Code was enacted it was precisely in response to the crisis and as its author, the city council believed that putting up structures within the protected areas would cause damage, thus the provision on its prohibition,” she said. Amending it now is like saying we were not thinking right when it was passed by the council.

Zozobrado said the Watershed Code is not even fully implemented so it does not make sense to even amend it.

She said there is still a lot to be done in terms of protecting the Tamugan River and planting trees is just one of those methods.

Among those who participated in the tree planting activity are: Steward of Nature (SON, Inc) from Toril District, Ateneo Mountaineering Club (AMC), Earth and Nature Mountaineering Club, LAYAK Outdoors from Calinan, SANDAWA-APO, Team 3/4 and Team EN ROUTE Mountaineering Organization.

2009-09-03T04:54:00.005+08:00

Tree Planting At Tamugan Watershed

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado once again made a pitch for the environment as she led a group of various mountaineering organizations in Davao City for a tree planting activity last August 1, 2009 at the Tamugan Watershed in Tamugan, Marilog District. The activity was done in cooperation with the Barangay Council of Tamugan, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Engineers Office.

Among those who participated in the tree planting activity are: Steward of Nature (SON, Inc) from Toril District, Ateneo Mountaineering Club (AMC), Earth and Nature Mountaineering Club, LAYAK Outdoors from Calinan, SANDAWA-APO, Team 3/4 and Team EN ROUTE Mountaineering Organization.

2009-08-29T11:36:00.003+08:00

Davao Dads To Join Int’l Sister City Summit

Three Davao City councilors are set to attend the Philippines International Sisterhood and Twinning Association (PHISTA) in Baguio City from August 30 to September 2, 2009.

“In connection with the Baguio City Centennial Celebration and the Sister Cities and Town Twinning Summit you are hereby directed to travel to Baguio City to represent the city government of Davao in the said activity,” Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said in a memorandum order directed to councillors Rachel Zozobrado, Susan Isabel Reta and Louie John Bonguyan.

Reta heads the Council Committee on Tourism while Bonguyan heads the Council Committee on Cooperative and People’s Participation.

Duterte has authorized the three councillors to join the PHISTA activity in Baguio considering it is an international event that will allow the councillors to exchange experiences with domestic and international officials in the areas of trade, tourism and international relations among others.

A total of 15 international sister cities and 18 local sister cities of Baguio City are expected to participate in the event. Duterte said the participation cost of the three councillors will be shouldered by the City Government of Baguio.

“This will be a very good opportunity to learn and share experiences with the other domestic and international delegates to the event since one of the scheduled activities is the sharing of best practices both for the domestic and international participants,’ International Relations Committee chair Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said Davao is very active when it comes to twinning agreements but the committee would like to see a more active agreement that will not only remain on paper, but which will also yield positive results for both cities involved in the sisterhood agreement.

The City Council of Baguio has unanimously approved a resolution 25 years ago on February 2, 1984 to invite Davao as a sister city. The visit could perhaps rekindle the interest to form a sisterhood agreement between the two cities, even if both cities are on the opposite ends of the archipelago and they represent different cultures, heritage and customs.

While Davao City has several sisterhood agreements with international cities, one of the latest and high-profile sisterhood agreements it entered into locally is the one with San Juan City.

2009-08-24T04:36:00.006+08:00

Exchange of medical services between Davao, Manado eyed

Patients from Manado, Indonesia will soon benefit from Davao City’s well-developed medical facilities and well-trained medical practitioners, once the sisterhood agreement between Davao and Manado is signed.

“This is possible considering that we have agreed to add Health and Wellness to the fields of cooperation between the two cities under the sisterhood agreement,” Committee on International Relations chair Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said the soon-to-be signed sisterhood agreement will also include other areas of cooperation including Human Resources, Science and Technology, Trade and Economic Developments, Education, Youth and Sports, Environment and Urban Management as well as Information and Communication Technology.

“We are actually very excited about the development of the terms of the sisterhood agreement and we are all hopeful that it will not only remain on paper, but will translate to actual programs and projects for both cities,” she said.

City Tourism Chief Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, who attended the International Relations Committee hearing, said during his visit in Manado, he was informed that cases which cannot be handled by the medical practitioners and facilities in Manado are being brought to Davao City for treatment.

“This would make the inclusion of health and wellness in the fields of cooperation for the Davao-Manado sisterhood agreement very viable,” he said.

This was confirmed by Indonesian Consul Lalu Malik Partawana, who said this is also the same case even for patients from Bitung, who are also brought to Manado or Davao City for treatment. He said there are a lot of possibilities with the inclusion of health in the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said Davao City is very developed when it comes to its medical services and facilities. She said the health and wellness field extends even beyond the medical tourism field which is also being eyed for promotion by the city’s tourism sector.

“We have lots of well-trained medical personnel in the city and we are also proud of the medical facilities offered by government hospitals like the Davao Medical Center and private hospitals like Davao Doctors Hospital,” she added.

She said this will add to the traffic between Davao and Manado, and will hopefully promote repeat visits for residents of both cities.

2009-08-24T04:30:00.002+08:00

Soft loans to small investors in Tugbok, Talomo residents eyed

Microfinancing or soft loans are being eyed for the calamity-stricken districts of Tugbok and Talomo, to allow small businesses and farmers in the areas to rebuild their lives and businesses after the flashflood that hit them last month.

“We are requesting government financial institutions to grant soft loans to small investors in the areas declared by the city council to be under a state of calamity,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Zozobrado has passed a resolution requesting government financial institutions such as the Philippine National Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, PAGCOR and providers of development assistance to grant soft loans not only to the small investors affected by the heavy rains and flashfloods last June 29, 2009 but also to marginal farmers and small entrepreneurs. The City Council also suggested the inclusion of Quedancor, GSIS and SSS to the list.

The City Council, which declared a state of calamity in the Districts of Talomo and Tugbok last July, also granted a total of P1,025,000 million to these areas.

She said the affected entrepreneurs and farmers are seeking immediate financial assistance from the government financial institutions to mitigate the impact of calamity to their businesses and to rehabilitate them as well.

“What they need are soft loans from government institutions and those that provide development assistant for small businesses to enable them to raise their income level and improve their living standards and to rehabilitate what was destroyed or lost by reason of the calamity,” she said.

Zozobrado said these small investors need to recover the capital they lost as a result of the calamity. By providing them soft loans, the loan providers will be able to help them start again, she added.

2009-07-28T21:45:00.002+08:00

Env’t and urban mgt part of Davao-Manado sisterhood

Both the cities of Davao and Manado in North Sulawesi Indonesia, are growing cities, so the soon-to-be-signed sisterhood agreement between the two cities will include environment and urban management.

“The reason why we amended the sisterhood agreement before its renewal is to make it responsive to the present developments being faced by the two cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Committee on International Relations said.

The original sisterhood agreement signed between the two cities was in 1993 and a lot of changes have occurred almost 16 years after the signing, she said. It is thus very important to review the terms of the agreement, she added, so we can make it tailored-fit to the signs of the times.

Zozobrado said she has discussed the proposed amendments with Indonesian Consul Lalu Malik Partawana and they have agreed to come up with a dynamic agreement that will mirror the present developments in both cities.

She said that while the amendments will still be reviewed by the Committee on International Relations this second week of August, both parties have agreed in principle, to include not only Information and Communication Technology in the agreement, but also the very timely issue of environment and urban management.

“Both cities are becoming the urban centers of their regions and we would like to be able to contribute to each city’s development by prioritizing environment and urban management issues,” she said.

The reason why cities encounter problems with traffic and other infrastructure is because of the lack of planning. By incorporating environment and urban management in the sisterhood agreement, she said, both Davao and Manado recognizes the need for proper planning to steer both city’s development to the right direction.

“This is in fact a very exciting sisterhood agreement because it is more proactive and considers the future demands of both cities when in comes to growth and development,” she said.

Zozobrado said the Consul has been very cooperative in negotiating for the new agreement. We are confident that we have a sisterhood agreement that will be of help to both cities in the long term.

2009-07-11T12:36:00.001+08:00

Five sisterhood agreements for Davao in the works

The realization of at least five sisterhood agreements being finalized between Davao City and other foreign cities is expected to strengthen Davao’s economy even in the face of economic recession.

“We are presently following up at least five sisterhood agreements between Davao and other cities and we expect some of these to become final before the year ends,’ Council Committee on International Relations chairperson Rachel Zozobrado said.

These agreements, she said, do not only promote exchange visits and tourism opportunities but also investments between the two cities involved in the pact.

Zozobrado said they are in the process of finalizing the renewal or the forging of sisterhood agreements with the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia, Mersin City in Turkey, Darwin City in Northern Territory, Australia, Uijeongbu City in Korea and Tacoma City in Washington, DC.

The city is confident that some of these sisterhood agreements will be renewed or forged before the year ends particularly the agreement with the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia.
“We already have the additional terms requested by the Indonesia side as provided by Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana who has recently been authorized by Indonesian officials to negotiate the sisterhood agreements between Davao and the cities of Manado and Bitung,” she said.

Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with Bitung and Manado has already expired and while the agreements are automatically renewed after expiration unless revoked by either parties, both Indonesia and Davao officials would like to introduce new provisions in the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said “we have prepared the terms of the new sisterhood agreement but we are still enhancing the provisions so that the resulting agreement would be a dynamic one which would really make a difference in the development of Davao City and the cities of Bitung and Manado.’
The agreement has been scheduled for first reading and is subject to the approval of the Committee on International Relations.

She said Davao’s sisterhood agreement with Darwin City is moving at a slower but sure pace with the visit of a contingent from the city to Darwin during last May’s Arafura Games. There is also a plan to invite the Lord Mayor to visit the city during the 2010 Araw ng Dabaw.

She said prospects for the signing of an agreement with Uijeongbu is also high considering that both Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon Won have already signed a Letter of Intent that will pave the way for the sisterhood pact.

2009-07-05T16:02:00.005+08:00

3rd District Councilors Bats For Women Empowerment

Third district councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Myrna Dalodo Ortiz are strengthening their community projects and programs for women.

“We are eyeing the conduct of livelihood programs for women to empower them,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said during this morning’s “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” television program aired over ABS CBN.

Zozobrado said women play a very important role in society so it is important to empower them. Her office is scheduled to conduct a series of livelihood trainings on cooking, sewing and recycling.

“We consulted the third district women so we can prepare livelihood programs that will meet their needs; lisod man pud na magpataka lang mi ug training unya dili pud diay sila interesado (it’s not good to just decide which livelihood programs to train them for since they might not be interested),” she said.

On the other hand, Dalodo-Ortiz who is one of those behind the drafting of the Women Development Code said her program for women is a continuing effort. Her office regularly conducts gender sensitivity programs for women.

2009-06-18T05:45:00.002+08:00

Davao-Uijeongbu to sign LOI for sisterhood agreement

Officials of Davao City and Uijeongbu City in Korea are set to sign a Letter of Intent that will pave the way for the establishment of a sisterhood agreement between the two cities.

A 16-person delegation from Uijeongbu City consisting of representatives from the government, business sector and the media are set to arrive in the city at 4PM today in time for the signing of the LOI at the Grand Menseng Hotel on June 17. The delegation is headed by Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon won.

“The delegation from Uijeongbu has signified their intention to promote friendship and understanding between the two cities through the signing of an LOI now and a Friendship or sisterhood agreement later on,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Uijeongbu, which is a city in Gyeonggi Province of South Korea, has established sisterhood agreements with Shibata in Japan and in Richmond, Virginia in the United States.

Zozobrado said it is high time that we establish a sisterhood agreement with Uijeongbu considering that there are already existing efforts to promote tourism between the two areas. There are also Korean nationals living in the city at present and who have even established their own businesses here.

Under the terms of the LOI, Zozobrado said, both cities agree to solidify the relationship between Davao and Uijeongbu and work for a common purpose. The agreement provides the conduct of exchange visits between Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon won.

The LOI also provides exchanges between the two cities in the area of tourism, sports, health, economic, trade, cultural and other common interest.

The Uijeongbu delegation also includes businessmen specifically Nong Hyup Bank manager Chang Hyeong Lee, Jeong-Ah Industry CEO Han Ju Kim, Seo-kwang ENC CEO Jong Hyup Lee, Sam II Construction CEO Chan Beom Heo, Architect Hyung Ki Shin and Pyeong An Trans President San Joon Heo.

2009-06-06T12:15:00.002+08:00

Davao-Darwin sisterhood to push for teaching of Filipino language

The planned sisterhood between Davao City and Darwin City in Australia will not only focus on the economic aspects but will also explore the possibility of promoting culture between the two cities.

“The Northern Territory government is planning to explore the possibility of teaching the Filipino language as the fourth language for their students,” International Relations committee chair councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Zozobrado headed the Sister-City Delegation that visited Darwin last month in time for the Arafura Games.

Darwin, Northern Territory’s capital city, has grown tremendously tourism and economic wise. It boasts of a new $1 billion waterfront area that houses hotels and apartment blocks, a wade pool plus a new convention center.

Zozobrado said tourism development is one area that can be jointly developed as part of the planned sisterhood agreement between Davao and Darwin Cities. However, she said, Darwin’s economy is no longer just tourism-based but they also have a new oil processing facility which is expected to further attract fresh investments.

“Northern Territory is a place where you can find lots of Filipinos; in fact, the Filipinos are now the second largest migrant community in the Northern Territory next only to the Greeks,” she said.

She said they are supporting the Northern Territory’s plan to teach the Filipino language to their students considering that the Filipinos make up a large community in the area. This, she said, could be part of the sisterhood agreement between the two cities.

Zozobrado said Northern Territory educational institutions are already teaching foreign languages to their students including Mandarin, Japanese and Bahasa Indonesia. If this plan pushes through, she added, the Filipino language will be the fourth foreign language that will be taught to NT students.

“The sisterhood agreement will not only develop economic ties between the two cities but will also push for cultural ties between the two cities especially with the proposal to teach Filipino in their schools,” she said. If the NT government is considering this possibility then this may be a sign of more economic and cultural exchanges not only between Davao and Darwin but other NT areas as well, she added.

2009-06-04T10:24:00.001+08:00

Davao business urged: explore trading ventures in Belgium

Davao City entrepreneurs can take advantage of the various economic opportunities in Belgium particularly when it comes to the exports. While 80% of the trading activities of Belgium are done with the European Countries it however seeks the expansion of its trading opportunities with other countries like the Philippines.

“Belgium is a very rich country but it has very few natural resources making importation a substantial part of their economy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Belgium is considered by the United States as its top 12 largest export market and if Davao can only get a fraction of this market then our exporters would have a very feasible market.

Zozobrado welcomed the Belgian Business Council Mission to Davao City headed by Ambassador Gregoire Vardakis last May 26.

“Davao has always envisioned an economy that will create jobs and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the city and its residents,” Zozobrado said. She told Ambassador Vardakis and the other delegation members including Belgian Filipino Business Club officials and South-East Asia Puratos president Bernard Popilmont that the city is interested in seeking partnerships and expand commercial opportunities between Davao and Belgium.

Zozobrado said the Belgian Council Mission visited the city to establish contacts with the business community in Davao. The delegation, she said, wanted to explore possible business opportunities in the city.

Belgium imports food products, clothing and accessories and textiles and these are some of the areas that can be explored by Davao’s business sector. Its other imports are chemicals, petroleum, rough diamonds and machinery. There is also a great possibility that Belgium might be interested in the city’s Business Process Outsourcing industry.

2009-06-04T10:24:00.000+08:00

2009-05-30T10:27:00.000+08:00

Davao to turn green with USAID’s support

Davao City’s long-term goal of ultimately turning green is expected to become a reality with the help of the United States Agency for International Development.

USAID Office of Energy and Environment Chief Daniel C. Moore recently assured Councilor Rachel Zozobrado that USAID will “continue to support Davao City’s initiatives.” This was in response to resolution No. 01888-09 where the city council requested the National Economic Development Authority to include the city in the projects that will be implemented under the USAID-NEDA Assistance Agreement signed in September last year.

With that resolution, Moore said, the Davao City Sanggunian has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with USAID to continue to tackle the city’s critical environmental concerns.

“Davao City has been a strong lifetime partner of USAID in addressing environmental problems through a number of partnerships,” Moore said.

Among these, he said, is the Philippine Environmental Governance Project specifically aimed for coastal and forest resources management as well as solid waste management. Also included is the Sustainable Energy Development Program for cleaner through alternative fuels promotion and the Energy and Clear Air Project to reduce pollutive emissions.

“Davao City has one of the world’s cleanest drinking water and these environment-focused programs will help us maintain the city’s competitive advantage,” Zozobrado said.

2009-05-29T10:11:00.006+08:00

Belgian Business Council In Davao For Business Mission

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado represented Vice Mayor Sara Duterte in welcoming members of a European Trade and Investment Exploratory Mission lead by Ambassador Gregorie Vardakis of the Kingdom of Belgium last May 26, 2009.

Among those who joined the delegation were Daniel Masui-President of the Belgian Filipino Business Club, Helen Grace Baisa-vice president of the Belgian Filipino Business Club, Grace Lacerna-secretary of the Belgian Filipino Business Club and Bernard Popllmont-president of East Asia Puratos Philippines,

2009-05-28T22:53:00.004+08:00

Zozobrado Turns Over SNNHS Infra Project

3rd District Councilor Rachel Zozobrado formally turned over a concrete pathway to the parents, students and teachers of the Sto. Niño National High School in Barangay Sto. Nino, Tugbok District. The turn-over coincided with the 9th Recognition Day of the school last March 31, 2009.

The concrete pathway project worth P150,000 was made possible through Zozobrado’s ADF or Annual Development Funds. The pathway, which spans from the school gate to the academic building passing through the school Gymnasium, will make life easier for students and teachers of the school who are now able to cross the school perimeters sans the mud and the flood usually caused by heavy rains.

“We wish to thank Honorable Rachel “Baby” Zozobrado for her generosity in looking into the needs of our school.”, said Leny R. San Gaspar , the Officer In-Charge of SNNHS. (leah p. ibañez)

2009-05-28T12:04:00.001+08:00

Conversion of durian waste into charcoal briquettes eyed

The city government of Davao and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources may have finally found a solution to the truckloads of durian waste left behind especially during the durian season. This is through a joint effort to implement a community-based project based on a resolution by councilor Rachel Zozobrado.

“Davao City is world-famous for its agricultural resources particularly durian. However, the demand for durian among locals and tourists is such that the city is left with trucks of durian waste when durian season comes,” Zozobrado said. One remedy to this problem, she said, is the establishment of a community-based project involving charcoal production out of durian waste.

Zozobrado earlier passed a resolution urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as the City Environment Office to adopt charcoal briquettes making as a community-based project. Charcoal briquettes production is not only a timely and practical community livelihood project for Dabawenyos but it is also a push for the environment, she said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI regional director Jim O. Sampulna welcomed the resolution saying they are interested in collaborating with the city government in the pursuit of this project considering that “there is a big volume of durian pulp and bukong waste generated everyday.

DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service has spearheaded the green technology of making charcoal briquettes using leaves, twigs, stems and other forest waste materials. The method is also not too complicated considering that it only requires that the forest wastes are carbonized, fed into a grinding machine, mixed with binders like gelatinized starch then compacted in a molder to produce uniform-sized charcoal briquettes.

Zozobrado said the charcoal briquettes are an environment-friendly fuel alternative which can be used by households and even business now that the price of liquefied petroleum gas has once again gone up.

She said the planned partnership between DENR XI and the local government of Davao is an ideal setup since DENR can conduct the training in coordination with the barangays. This community-based project can also provide possible livelihood for the community, she said.

More livelihood opportunities will evolve once the community is properly trained about the process of producing charcoal briquettes using forest waste, she said. This will also ease the pressure off our forests and the environment, she added.