Davao City and Samal Island [Archive] - Page 12

xzibit31

March 30th, 2006, 09:14 AM

We all love our city. We all want it to grow leaps and bounds. But in order to do this we must first fix what is happening daily in our beloved city. I have thought about his time and again and I think we should do these things asap.

These are the following things that I think we need to address:

Airport…

This is the first impression that visitors have of our city. True enough our airport is new and pleasant to the eyes. Air-conditioned, with aerobridges, the works. Very modern indeed.

But when you get out of the terminal(domestic arrivals and international airrivals; this is also present at the departure entrance.), things change. You get to see shabby tents leading to the waiting/parking area, still with shabby tents. People crowding on the top of the stairs waiting for a glimpse of their loved ones/visitors. Drivers, with not so pleasing clothings, soliciting people with van services (God knows how much they charge). Taxi drivers who show their true colors when passengers are with them already (charging very high flat rates). Police doing nothing but standing around talking with people. Task force soldiers doing the same. ( I am saying this because I always witness this whenever I am at the airport.)

We need to get rid of the tents and put some permanent structures (for the ones leading to the parking/waiting area(domestic and international and departure) also for the passenger waiting/greeting area). For the vans and the taxis to charge the rates that are approved by the government. For the police and the task force soldiers to start doing their jobs.

Taxi’s…

Once upon a time, our taxis were the envy of the island of Mindanao. Brand new, nice smelling, courteous drivers. But sad to say, our taxis are now so dilapidated. It smells so bad and the drivers are so bastos(also drivers are so dirty). Some of them even resort to charging flat rates, in my opinion , is so unfair.

We need to have the franchises of the old and dilapidated taxis revoked or force the operators to get new units. They have to train their drivers on proper manners and etiquette. We should not give franchises just left and right. We must look into the background of these applicants. And yes, the taxis should be of one color, one make and kind. Para may uniformity.

In Australia, there is a bond of about 300,000.00 australian dollars just to have the franchises approved. This is to separate the fly by night operators to the legitimate operators. They do this so that they can be sure that the operators can handle the maintenance of their units.

Jeepney’s…

Same with the taxis should be applied.

The dilapidated jeeps should be replaced. There should be a specific color of jeep per route(ex..matina agdao-yellow; toril-agdao-blue). This is also to have uniformity. The drivers should be clean, so with the jeeps.

Loading and Unloading zones…

Jeeps and taxis just load and unload passengers whenever and where ever they want. They act as if they owend the roads. They just swerve left and right, endangering the lives of the passengers they carry and of the people on the sidewalk. One good example of this is in front of NCCC mall. There is a sign there that states that NO LOADING AND UNLOADING. But the jeeps and taxis do not mind the sign. Maski may pulis, it’s the same. The police just ignore them. That is why traffic dyud kaayo…!!!

I know that we have designated loading and unloading zones. The problem is it is not being used. The problem is the drivers ignore this. Event the would be passenger are ignoring this.

Sana, in order to use these loading and unloading zones, we must penalize both the driver of the vehicle and the would be passenger if they are loading and unloading in a non-designated area. Para mu-too na dyud. Because if the passengers wait or go down on the designated zones the drivers will follow. We should also limit the number of vehicles at the designated zones to prevent traffic.

Pedestrians…

The pedestrians should be put in their proper places, which are pedestrian lanes. There are pedestrian lanes around the city. I hope that people use it. People who are not using it are causing a lot of traffic. Pareho lang sila ng mga public transpo. Parang hari ng daan.

There should be stiff penalties to offenders.

Sidewalks…

I travel around the city everyday. Specifically the route magallanes, legaspi, camus, palma gil, claveria, roxas blvd., quezon blvd, and going to ecoland. These areas have little or no sidewalks at all!!!

We must put sidewalks in all places around the city. The people should use it. It should be included in the building code that sidewalks around the city must be of one pattern para maganda tingnan.

Traffic Signals…

I hope that the new traffic signals would be installed soon. Grabe na kaayo ang traffic downtown.

I also hope that it would be installed pud sa southern part of the city like sa intersection of sandawa and bus terminal, intersection of maa and mcarthur highway, intersection of sandawa and mcarthur highway, intersection of tulip drive and ecoland diversion road(near sm), ulas calinan intersection and more pa.

Police (TMG)

I hope that the tmg do their job. I always see them at the side of the road talking with each other and not directing traffic.

And when they direct traffic, grabe pud ka traffic. I really don’t know how to fix this…modern traffic signals,maybe.

Road markings….

I don’t know whose responsibility is this, but most of our roads don’t have the proper markings.

I hope that the proper road markings would be implemented soon.

Habal habal / trisibot / trisikad….

I know that these people are trying to make a living. But can we please make them stay where they are supposed to stay?

I always see the habal habals around the city street. I am beginning to think that the authorities are turning a blind eye to this. The weave in and out of traffic as if they owned the place. They drive their motorcycles as if there was no tomorrow. Bad trip talaga sila…I hope that we can clamp down on these people.

The trisobot and trisikad should be limited inside subdivisions. But as it is they venture out on to the national highways…hahay!!! They are the same breed as the habal habals. Mga walang pakealam sa buhay at pasahero basta kumita lang….

They should be put in their proper place. A lot of accidents are happening because of these people.

There are many more problems hounding our beloved city. I hope that we would take a look at it also for us to move forward to make our city very prosperous.

Paging Konsehal....ano kaya magawa natin with these problems?

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 09:16 AM

how bout explore davao?

what about Awesome Davao or Dream Davao

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 09:24 AM

dreamdavao has easily caught my attention ei....i love that! i have created a poll in our yahoo group regarding the URL for our Davao tourism website....

to other fellow forumers, you may visit our group through clicking this link: SSC Davao Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sscdavao/)

We will stick with the city's official slogan, Experience Davao - From islands to highlands... but is it ok if we will also spice this up like adding sub slogans to attract specific market such as :

Davao - Sun drenched beaches, eclectic nightlife! <<< for the young travelers, party animals, etc.

.....we can still add more to this!

junax

March 30th, 2006, 09:33 AM

^^ wow TJ... brilliant ideas coming from you!

anyways, all my future davao pics can be seen here http://majesticdavao.50webs.com... compiled in a nice way... parang tour davao kumbaga, ito lang muna ambag ko in promoting our beloved davao...

changed my signature too... :)

junax

March 30th, 2006, 09:39 AM

Salamat kaayo Junax sa Run down on 11 Biz Districts sa Davao, I couldn't ask for more. Just shows how sprawling our beloved city is.

no probs davaoeagle... i made a dummy website just for this davao business districts... link in my signature. you can check out the initial pictures there. :)

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 09:42 AM

thnx junax! as your site name suggests...your site is simply "Magnificent!" :bow: :bow:

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:01 AM

no probs davaoeagle... i made a dummy website just for this davao business districts... link in my signature. you can check out the initial pictures there. :)

done! it's fabby!

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 10:04 AM

Davao's random pix....

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/dabaw7.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/talikud2.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/nytdvo1.jpg

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:06 AM

We all love our city. We all want it to grow leaps and bounds. But in order to do this we must first fix what is happening daily in our beloved city. I have thought about his time and again and I think we should do these things asap.

These are the following things that I think we need to address:

Airport…

This is the first impression that visitors have of our city. True enough our airport is new and pleasant to the eyes. Air-conditioned, with aerobridges, the works. Very modern indeed.

But when you get out of the terminal(domestic arrivals and international airrivals; this is also present at the departure entrance.), things change. You get to see shabby tents leading to the waiting/parking area, still with shabby tents. People crowding on the top of the stairs waiting for a glimpse of their loved ones/visitors. Drivers, with not so pleasing clothings, soliciting people with van services (God knows how much they charge). Taxi drivers who show their true colors when passengers are with them already (charging very high flat rates). Police doing nothing but standing around talking with people. Task force soldiers doing the same. ( I am saying this because I always witness this whenever I am at the airport.)

We need to get rid of the tents and put some permanent structures (for the ones leading to the parking/waiting area(domestic and international and departure) also for the passenger waiting/greeting area). For the vans and the taxis to charge the rates that are approved by the government. For the police and the task force soldiers to start doing their jobs.

Taxi’s…

Once upon a time, our taxis were the envy of the island of Mindanao. Brand new, nice smelling, courteous drivers. But sad to say, our taxis are now so dilapidated. It smells so bad and the drivers are so bastos(also drivers are so dirty). Some of them even resort to charging flat rates, in my opinion , is so unfair.

We need to have the franchises of the old and dilapidated taxis revoked or force the operators to get new units. They have to train their drivers on proper manners and etiquette. We should not give franchises just left and right. We must look into the background of these applicants. And yes, the taxis should be of one color, one make and kind. Para may uniformity.

In Australia, there is a bond of about 300,000.00 australian dollars just to have the franchises approved. This is to separate the fly by night operators to the legitimate operators. They do this so that they can be sure that the operators can handle the maintenance of their units.

Jeepney’s…

Same with the taxis should be applied.

The dilapidated jeeps should be replaced. There should be a specific color of jeep per route(ex..matina agdao-yellow; toril-agdao-blue). This is also to have uniformity. The drivers should be clean, so with the jeeps.

Loading and Unloading zones…

Jeeps and taxis just load and unload passengers whenever and where ever they want. They act as if they owend the roads. They just swerve left and right, endangering the lives of the passengers they carry and of the people on the sidewalk. One good example of this is in front of NCCC mall. There is a sign there that states that NO LOADING AND UNLOADING. But the jeeps and taxis do not mind the sign. Maski may pulis, it’s the same. The police just ignore them. That is why traffic dyud kaayo…!!!

I know that we have designated loading and unloading zones. The problem is it is not being used. The problem is the drivers ignore this. Event the would be passenger are ignoring this.

Sana, in order to use these loading and unloading zones, we must penalize both the driver of the vehicle and the would be passenger if they are loading and unloading in a non-designated area. Para mu-too na dyud. Because if the passengers wait or go down on the designated zones the drivers will follow. We should also limit the number of vehicles at the designated zones to prevent traffic.

Pedestrians…

The pedestrians should be put in their proper places, which are pedestrian lanes. There are pedestrian lanes around the city. I hope that people use it. People who are not using it are causing a lot of traffic. Pareho lang sila ng mga public transpo. Parang hari ng daan.

There should be stiff penalties to offenders.

Sidewalks…

I travel around the city everyday. Specifically the route magallanes, legaspi, camus, palma gil, claveria, roxas blvd., quezon blvd, and going to ecoland. These areas have little or no sidewalks at all!!!

We must put sidewalks in all places around the city. The people should use it. It should be included in the building code that sidewalks around the city must be of one pattern para maganda tingnan.

Traffic Signals…

I hope that the new traffic signals would be installed soon. Grabe na kaayo ang traffic downtown.

I also hope that it would be installed pud sa southern part of the city like sa intersection of sandawa and bus terminal, intersection of maa and mcarthur highway, intersection of sandawa and mcarthur highway, intersection of tulip drive and ecoland diversion road(near sm), ulas calinan intersection and more pa.

Police (TMG)

I hope that the tmg do their job. I always see them at the side of the road talking with each other and not directing traffic.

And when they direct traffic, grabe pud ka traffic. I really don’t know how to fix this…modern traffic signals,maybe.

Road markings….

I don’t know whose responsibility is this, but most of our roads don’t have the proper markings.

I hope that the proper road markings would be implemented soon.

Habal habal / trisibot / trisikad….

I know that these people are trying to make a living. But can we please make them stay where they are supposed to stay?

I always see the habal habals around the city street. I am beginning to think that the authorities are turning a blind eye to this. The weave in and out of traffic as if they owned the place. They drive their motorcycles as if there was no tomorrow. Bad trip talaga sila…I hope that we can clamp down on these people.

The trisobot and trisikad should be limited inside subdivisions. But as it is they venture out on to the national highways…hahay!!! They are the same breed as the habal habals. Mga walang pakealam sa buhay at pasahero basta kumita lang….

They should be put in their proper place. A lot of accidents are happening because of these people.

There are many more problems hounding our beloved city. I hope that we would take a look at it also for us to move forward to make our city very prosperous.

I'm all for these observations and suggestions xzibit31. Let's hope this will be heard by concerned agencies.

dinabaw

March 30th, 2006, 10:31 AM

Maayong hapon sa tanan!

How about something us forumers or our friends to contribute in making good things for Davao .Lets us ask our good Konsehal what shall we do to make Davao much better and what we envision Davao to be!If we lack on promotion why don't we aggresively advertise Davao, like if u have a friend in London why we convince him/her what Davao can offer, that it is a peacfful place to be, we can do it thru emails!"All great things starts small" , we can start it and maybe a "domino effect" can be achieved!

1 of my idea , like this Nature park why don't we guys "lend a hand" to its construction, maybe we have an Enviromental planners here in our forum who can make suggestions or even draft the designed plan or maybe we spend our spare time to plant trees or plants. Whatever our profession we can help in some ways by contributing to its realization of making Davao what we envision it to be!what's ur take about this guys?

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 10:38 AM

Maayong hapon sa tanan!

How about something us forumers or our friends to contribute in making good things for Davao .Lets us ask our good Konsehal what shall we do to make Davao much better and what we envision Davao to be!If we lack on promotion why don't we aggresively advertist Davao, like if u have a friend in London why we convince him/her what Davao can offer, that it is a peacfful place to be, we can do it thru emails!

I have a suggestion , like this Nature park why don't we guys "lend a hand" to its construction, maybe we have an Enviromental planners here in our forum who can make suggestions or even draft the designed plan or maybe we spend our spare time to plant trees or plants. Whatever our profession we can help in some ways by contributing to its realization of making Davao what we envision to be!what's ur take about this guys?

we are with you dinabaw!

dinabaw

March 30th, 2006, 10:42 AM

Tnx Tj coz I started promoting Davao in some of my friends in Europe maybe pass thru their friends

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 10:55 AM

Tnx Tj coz i'm starting promoting Davao in some of my friends in Europe maybe pass thru their friends

that's great dinabaw, what we are trying to do as well is to create a promotional website that would further aid our goal in promoting Davao. A site which is comparable to Malaysia's www.tourism.gov.my or HongKong and Singapore's. Davao's travel website which has some features of Expedia.com, Classicvacations.com, or Tripadvisor.com

Since marami tayo dito....how bout let's divide ourselves into groups...Some will do the promotion, others will assist the local government with its upcoming projects such as Davao's Central Park, etc...

:) :) We can do a lot for Davao :) :)

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 11:09 AM

i met Art thru a circle of concerned Davawenyos and we went to the same fitness gym sa Marco Polo (mktg exec siya diha) and often times we spoke about progress of Davao. We both love going to Taboan but I was always with a diff group then, unsa pa di mga "drug dealers" he he.

By the way out of topic, the CRs of Taboan was always spic and span. Pwede ka tulog didto kung naa lay kama.

I'm pretty sure Paul, that you bumped into Joji Alcantara at South Gate kay she was with this comp before. Joji used to be my classmate sa ADDU, both of us finished the same degree. I had a rather not-so-pleasant exp with Mr. Marquez re: my article published in Mundo (?) before. he he. But that's water under the bridge.

hahaha, jojie, yes, how's she? kaila kaayo bai! iregards ko. small world.

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 11:13 AM

what about Awesome Davao or Dream Davao

both are good d.e. my only concern with the dream is the classic question - can it call to action? otherwise both can be catchy.

dinabaw

March 30th, 2006, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by tj_brewed Since marami tayo dito....how bout let's divide ourselves into groups...Some will do the promotion, others will assist the local government with its upcoming projects such as Davao's Central Park, etc...

We can do a lot for Davao

Let's Dow it! ibalik nato ang atong Bayanihan Spirit! :nocrook:

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 02:40 PM

Let's Dow it! ibalik nato ang atong Bayanihan Spirit! :nocrook:

kang kinsang payag ang dayungan? :jk:
bitaw, i am so happy on whats going on in our thread. it shows the true essence of bayanihan, davao style.

@ junax: beautiful site. next time sabay tag picture-picture.

@ davaoeagle & paulkrps: i hope joji alcantara, rhonson ng & those people behind www.dabawenyo.net & www.dabawenya.com would join us here on ssc. theyre great bunch of people.

Since marami tayo dito....how bout let's divide ourselves into groups...Some will do the promotion, others will assist the local government with its upcoming projects such as Davao's Central Park, etc...

:) :) We can do a lot for Davao :) :)

youve got leadership skills man! i like your idea. yes, we can do a lot!

On going meeting sab karon sa Medco Office of Jess Dureza ang preparation for the Palau visit - 80-member delegation headed by the whole Palau top government officials. Bisita sila dire April 7-9.

Till later, salamat! :)

oh wow! 2006 is the busiest year so far for davao. after ATF, theres BIMP EAGA, Nanning, Palau plus those conventions held i think almost every week. sana tuloy-tuloy na.

@ xzibit: good observations. dag-dag ko lang to. sidewalk vendors are kinda eyesore. why not the city govt provide some assistance to them. provide them with decent looking carts/stalls, have them wear uniform with ID. since some of these vendors are victims of usurers, pwede rin provide financial assistance-bombay style but with lower interest or no interest at all. let CTO designate a bombay-looking collector riding motorcycle. with this, demolition team of city hall will no longer needed and perhaps the demolition team sila na lang ang gawing bombay.

good night everybody! ive got digos city pics, bukas or sa weekend ko na lang ipost.

abskess

March 30th, 2006, 03:14 PM

great idea Dinabaw...let us give all we can contribute for the good og our beloved Davao...Maayong hapon sa tanan!

How about something us forumers or our friends to contribute in making good things for Davao .Lets us ask our good Konsehal what shall we do to make Davao much better and what we envision Davao to be!If we lack on promotion why don't we aggresively advertise Davao, like if u have a friend in London why we convince him/her what Davao can offer, that it is a peacfful place to be, we can do it thru emails!"All great things starts small" , we can start it and maybe a "domino effect" can be achieved!

1 of my idea , like this Nature park why don't we guys "lend a hand" to its construction, maybe we have an Enviromental planners here in our forum who can make suggestions or even draft the designed plan or maybe we spend our spare time to plant trees or plants. Whatever our profession we can help in some ways by contributing to its realization of making Davao what we envision it to be!what's ur take about this guys?

xzibit31

March 30th, 2006, 03:20 PM

how do i post a pic dito?

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 03:28 PM

^^ click here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=200800

xzibit31

March 30th, 2006, 03:34 PM

^^ click here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=200800

thanks...

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 03:39 PM

how do i post a pic dito?

:) I did my first pic post by going to photobucket.com so I can get the URL of my pic. I am no expert but it worked.

Here are pics taken this afternoon at Marco Polo.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i320/peterlavina/Nanning2.jpg

Mayor of Nanning Lin Gouqiang with Mayor Duterte and members of the City Council at the historic signing of the Letter of Intent to set up the sister-city pact.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i320/peterlavina/Nanning1.jpg

Probably because my middle name is Tiu, and my looks are Chinese, the mayor obliged with this photo op. :yes:

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 03:47 PM

^^ konsehal, are you related to mac tiu?

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 04:28 PM

^^ konsehal, are you related to mac tiu?

Pareha ang lugar sa China nga gigikanan sa among mga old old ninono. Sa Amoy, now known as Xiamen.

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 04:36 PM

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 04:45 PM

Noe Tiu is now based in Palawan. He came to Davao City last Jan. with Joey Ayala during the ATF.

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 04:46 PM

now now, i remember noe tiu/tio of bagong lumad. hehehe.

now back to davao. i remember the old philam bldg at rizal st. there was an old emblem in that bldg. did it serve for some american diplomatic function before? i really thought it was an american consulate.

Noe Tio is originally from Cebu. I believe he is still playing music once in a while. But his main "racket" is graphic arts. :tongue4: One time he made it big with new concept in t-shirt designs.

Murag ang Philam was formerly American Life Insurance mao tingali naay eagle emblem. US mission in Davao was US Information Service (USIS) at the Aldevinco Bldg., CM Recto. Lahi ang Aldevinco Shopping Center.

USIS closed down I can't recall when, but its library service was donated to the Ateneo de Davao.

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 04:47 PM

Noe Tiu is now based in Palawan. He came to Davao City last Jan. with Joey Ayala during the ATF.

Big welcome to Happy LA. We're all happy to have you in this forum. :rock:

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 04:49 PM

Big welcome to Happy LA. We're all happy to have you in this forum. :rock:

Thanks to you, I got this address. My first time.

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 04:53 PM

Thanks to you, I got this address. My first time.

This is already the 6th thread. I understand there are 500 posts for each thread. But most veterans here update the posts so we can follow the discussions and see the pictures posted.

You can go to the previous threads though for background. :rofl:

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 04:58 PM

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 04:59 PM

Thanks to you, I got this address. My first time.

another councilor in our midst? welkam ser. our community is getting bigger!

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 04:59 PM

This is already the 6th thread. I understand there are 500 posts for each thread. But most veterans here update the posts so we can follow the discussions and see the pictures posted.

You can go to the previous threads though for background. :rofl:
Yeah, daming suggestions. Nice to know they're concerned. Basta taga-Dabaw. Suroy-suroy sa ko.

slerz

March 30th, 2006, 05:00 PM

hello mr councilor, where are you in the pic?

really? another Davao councilor si happy? Thank you councilors for visiting this forum. :)

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 05:01 PM

Noe Tiu is now based in Palawan. He came to Davao City last Jan. with Joey Ayala during the ATF.

thanks for the update happyl.a. it's been years since we had kolokabildo. from what i heard, he's happily settled in palawan.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 05:01 PM

another councilor in our midst? welkam ser. our community is getting bigger!

My pleasure. Am a bit slow on this yet. Its my first time to join forums.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 05:04 PM

hello mr councilor, where are you in the pic?

really? another Davao councilor si happy? Thank you councilors for visiting this forum. :)

Sorry, I was not in the pic. Though I was in the same venue, but I was attending another function. :)

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 05:06 PM

hello mr councilor, where are you in the pic?

really? another Davao councilor si happy? Thank you councilors for visiting this forum. :)

Happy LA was not in the pic. He was at the ground floor of the Marco Polo leading the seminar on strategic leadership for population, family planning and reproductive health which I earlier mentioned.

Suffice it to say, Happy LA is still pogi bay! Wala na inom for almost four years yata. :banana2:

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 05:08 PM

thanks for the update happyl.a. it's been years since we had kolokabildo. from what i heard, he's happily settled in palawan.
Malaki pa rin si Noe. He performed the percussions during the performance of Joey at the Venue. It was a 'welcome performance' for the guests of the ATF.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 05:09 PM

slerz

March 30th, 2006, 05:12 PM

Happy LA was not in the pic. He was at the ground floor of the Marco Polo leading the seminar on strategic leadership for population, family planning and reproductive health which I earlier mentioned.

Suffice it to say, Happy LA is still pogi bay! Wala na inom for almost four years yata. :banana2:

bout you mr konsehal, are you in the pic?

Lucky I am that I'm talking to Davao councilors.. I hope all our public officials will also visit this forum for our concerns to be taken.

visit sad mo mr councilors sa thread sa among dakbayan :)

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 05:15 PM

Got to go. See u.

abskess

March 30th, 2006, 05:17 PM

Gud day folks...just wanna share with you some photos that ive found in some of the sites...and to test as well if my photo posting would work...hehehe... :banana:

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/PlayatMagsaysayPark.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/SeagulResort.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/PryceBusinessDistrict.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/RanchoPalosVerdesGolfCourse.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/SMCityDavao.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/MarcoPoloDavaopool.jpg

Konsehal

March 30th, 2006, 05:19 PM

thanks for the update happyl.a. it's been years since we had kolokabildo. from what i heard, he's happily settled in palawan.

Daghang taga Davao sa Palawan. NCCC Group is big there with Dos Palmas Resort ug dept store. MATS of former councilor Simpoy Alterado naa pud branch didto.

Sign off na ko. Another big day tomorrow. Second day ng seminar ni Happy LA and we have a meeting of the Davao City Investment Incentive Board ug Davao City Sports Council.

All for Davao, bai! :goodnight

abskess

March 30th, 2006, 05:29 PM

I hope this is a lot better...

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/PryceBusinessDistrict.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/PlayatMagsaysayPark.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/SeagulResort.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/MarcoPoloDavaopool.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/SMCityDavao.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/RanchoPalosVerdesGolfCourse.jpg

abskess

March 30th, 2006, 05:31 PM

Yes! at last... :banana: :banana: :banana:

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 05:34 PM

hey guys, here's an invite to our ny exhibit:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/more/invite.jpg

abskess

March 30th, 2006, 05:43 PM

wow...that's a one bigtime exhibit pare...congrats to the 4 you and to the rest of Davaoeños there...we are very proud of you... :applause:

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 05:52 PM

thanks abskess, all for the dabawenyo. looking forward to meeting fellow dabawenyos in n.y.

sugbuanon

March 30th, 2006, 06:33 PM

I hope this is a lot better...

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/Abskess/PryceBusinessDistrict.jpg

neat.. i like this angle..

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:06 PM

that's great dinabaw, what we are trying to do as well is to create a promotional website that would further aid our goal in promoting Davao. A site which is comparable to Malaysia's www.tourism.gov.my or HongKong and Singapore's. Davao's travel website which has some features of Expedia.com, Classicvacations.com, or Tripadvisor.com

Since marami tayo dito....how bout let's divide ourselves into groups...Some will do the promotion, others will assist the local government with its upcoming projects such as Davao's Central Park, etc...

:) :) We can do a lot for Davao :) :)

I'm all for these guys, in my case I will sell Davao thru the planned website and thru word of mouth.

I have friends here (of diff cultures) who signified interest in travellin to Davao. Just last night, Filipina friend who has an american missionary for a bf would surely visit (or even make Davao as base) when she and husband to be would do missionary work in Mindanao.

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:17 PM

Pareha ang lugar sa China nga gigikanan sa among mga old old ninono. Sa Amoy, now known as Xiamen.

what about rackel and oliver tiu (bro and sis) and atty william (formerly ubina kay gi revert nya to chinese last name) of PRC Davao?

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:26 PM

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 10:30 PM

thanks abskess, all for the dabawenyo. looking forward to meeting fellow dabawenyos in n.y.

lamia adto ani oi! sige lang mag door to door ko (paningkamot) aron kalupad ko didto. he he

Sige lang Paul, iemail nako to mga migo na taga Davao naa sa NY para kaadto pud sila sa inyong show.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 10:44 PM

Welcome Hon. Happy LA. FYI everyonel, as his monicker suggests, the hon. councilor has a happy disposition in life. Well-versed emcee as well. I'm so glad about his new baby (not human though), the soon-to-be- another tourist attraction of Davao-the Punta Dumalag Turtle Sanctuary. Kudos konsehal Happy LA.
Thanks for the welcome. Yeah, good to know you are familiar with the marine turtle sanctuary that we set up in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya. We are now on our third year and we have released more that 1,500 hatchlings to the sea, so far (will upload some pics as soon as I learn how to do it). The nesters are 'hawksbill turtles', one of the most endangered specie. Davao city is truly blessed. It is the only highly urbanized city in the phils. that has a nesting site for these rare turtles, second only to Miami, Florida in the world. Usually these gentle creatures nest only in secluded and lonely islands. :cheers:

paulkrps

March 30th, 2006, 10:57 PM

gud morning sa tanan!

sayang, you should be there d.e.

i talked to my friends and they're interested to have it shown in california. so we still have to talk to people and do the legwork.

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 10:59 PM

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:13 PM

wow...nice pix konsehal.....

here's the news today that came out regarding that pictorial :)

Davao inks ties with China's Nanning City
March 31, 2006
Sunstar Davao Online

DAVAO City has forged bilateral ties with Nanning, a progressive city in China, paving the way for mutual cooperation between the two cities.

In a signing ceremony of the letter of intent between the two cities Thursday afternoon, Mayors Rodrigo Duterte of Davao and Lin Guoqiang of Nanning agreed to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two cities as well as strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation to bring about prosperity in both cities.

Both parties also agreed to make concerted efforts, on the basis of equality and mutual benefits, to actively carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism, science and technology, culture, sports, health, education and many more and to promote development of the friendly relations between Davao and Nanning.

In his speech, Duterte thanked the mayor of Nanning for their decision to establish friendly ties with Davao, saying they have "come to the right place."

Guoqiang thanked Duterte as well, saying that they have enjoyed their stay in the city and invited the Dabawenyos to visit Nanning as well

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:15 PM

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 11:15 PM

good morning to all! welcome po honorable councilor happy l.a! we are proud to have you here......We'll post (soon) the links of the past threads so you can check it as a reference. :) This thread does not only promote Davao to the world but has also served as a venue for suggestions and feedbacks of e-dabawenyos such as me who aint in Davao now.... :righton: :righton:

Forward Davao!
Good morning too. Thanks for helping me find my way here. I really would appreciate the updates on your feedbacks and suggestions which I find practical and reasonable if not commendable.
I believe Davao City has a DESTINY. A DESTINY to lead not only mindanao but the Phils. to greater prosperity. If there be any indication of this, just take note of the physical features, highest peak in the country(Mt. Apo, do you know that the famous Lake Venado near the peak is part of Davao City), largest bird(phil eagle), exotic fruits(durian, pomelos, mangoes), flowers (orchids), near the beaches and mountain resorts, turtles, largest fruit bat in the world (golden crowned flying fox in Malagos), no typhon, best water, very fertile land, great people (like you guys), and I could go on and on. DESTINY is manifested already.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 11:20 PM

Councilor Happy LA, is it ok with ya if we'll add this project to our upcoming promotional site...so that tourists would be fully aware of it?
Sure, I will provide you with pics as soon as I learn how to upload it here(hehehe). Turuan day ako ng anak ko.
Hey lumabas na ang bar exams result. You might know some friends or relatives who took it. Just visit http://www.inq7.net/index_network.htm for the complete list.

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:23 PM

Food Trip!

A Davaoeño Feast
BY JEREMY C. MALCAMPO
Manila Bulletin Online
March 31 2006

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO1143604337.jpg

Though most Pinoy gourmands criticize Davao cuisine as something that always goes with liquor, or something you eat to help kill time because the natives prefer their fish and meat sinugba (charcoal grilled), boiled or roasted with ginger and tanglad (lemon grass), I believe otherwise. I do believe—behind all the Sinuglaw fad which roots from classical to contemporary Filipiniaña culinary history—that Davao food is so diverse and good, it takes a lifetime to rationalize and answer the question why they love Durian, and why Davao women are extremely special.

Though most Pinoy gourmands criticize Davao cuisine as something that always goes with liquor, or something you eat to help kill time because the natives prefer their fish and meat sinugba (charcoal grilled), boiled or roasted with ginger and tanglad (lemon grass), I believe otherwise. I do believe—behind all the Sinuglaw fad which roots from classical to contemporary Filipiniaña culinary history—that Davao food is so diverse and good, it takes a lifetime to rationalize and answer the question why they love Durian, and why Davao women are extremely special.

Perhaps, all types of meat really reincarnate as food for humanity when grilled. They are four times more flavorful and aromatic with all essential oils enhanced. When grilled atop charcoal, meat becomes tastier as salinity (natural chloric acids) doubles, and high and low-lypo fatty acids fuse together, making it good enough to please both the palate and our olfactory sense. Of course, there’s the aged Sukang Tuba, and Sasa (sap) that are romantically fermented through years and years of storage in Tapayan clay jars, and big glassware with garlic, onions, pepper, pork fat oil, and heavily infused with chili peppers.

My last Davao food adventure was well over two years ago, and I had forgotten how good Davao food can be. It was precisely to reacquaint myself with the goodness of Davao cuisine that just recently I found myself, together with a few colleagues and friends, at the Hotel Intercon in Makati City giving support to Chef Manuel "Paddy" Lascano’s Davao Food Festival which highlighted a superior buffet line of modern and authentic Davao cuisine.

When I arrived at the Jeepney Restaurant of the Hotel Intercon, I found my mentor, Chef Gene Gonzalez, giving detailed instructions to a chef at the rotisserie station about properly grilling a tuna panga to his preference; while asking another member of the staff for a minute serving of Oding or Udong (a Filipinized dish of the Japanese Udon). In the next table, my mentor’s sous chef, together with Café Breizh owner Chef Paul Tee of Davao, was signaling me for an early, afternoon drink.

After Chef Paddy was formally introduced to me, I went to check the Oding or Udong station. I was asked by one of the interns who participated in the festival if I wanted to try a sample serving, and I replied yes. She sautéed some chopped garlic and onions in oil and put in about two tablespoons of fresh pork liver slices until they changed in color. She added some herbs and put in some flour-and-egg-based noodles with some kinayod coconut meat. The coconut meat extended its internal oils and turned the concoction into a creamy dish, timely perfect for seasoning with salt and pepper.

While she plated it, I proceeded to the grill station. I asked for a serving of marinated, fresh liempo slices and a single order of tuna panga for grilling. When I tried everything with steamed rice and a dip made out of suka at sili, the food was so good I was convinced to try out everything that the food festival had to offer.

While Chef Paddy was giving some lectures on Davao food history to the rest of the guests at our table, I signaled to my mentor’s sous chef to join me in choosing some more examples of Davao food to try out.

As we stepped into the casserole area, and the fry station, he recommended the Guprito nga Tilapia with Mango Ginger Sauce, which was fried to a superb crispiness. The mango ginger sauce was bliss; it was a basic amalgamation of aroma and contrasting tastes. It was really very good and as far as I know Chef Paddy is renowned for this amazing Davao dip. I then got some pieces of fried Puso ng Saging Bola Bola, which had some reddish outer-burn, and tasted meaty in umami. I enjoyed them with the mango ginger dip, as well.

After lunch, my stomach still had some room for Sea Urchin Roe Salad, fried garlic stewed pork belly, Manuk Kiarehan, and some Cassava Dumplings with Durian Cream for dessert. Needless to say, I left the food festival well-sated and intending to come back. Incidentally, the Davao Food Festival at the Hotel Intercon is until March 31.

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:23 PM

Thanks for the welcome. Yeah, good to know you are familiar with the marine turtle sanctuary that we set up in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya. We are now on our third year and we have released more that 1,500 hatchlings to the sea, so far (will upload some pics as soon as I learn how to do it). The nesters are 'hawksbill turtles', one of the most endangered specie. Davao city is truly blessed. It is the only highly urbanized city in the phils. that has a nesting site for these rare turtles, second only to Miami, Florida in the world. Usually these gentle creatures nest only in secluded and lonely islands. :cheers:

Yes konsehal, I've been following this dev't and I'm proud of you being the foremost proponent in this advocacy. I hope that you can get private sectors to adopt the site thru sponsorship, akin to Philippine Eagle Foundation so as to improve the site by way of setting up of facilities that allow for enhanced consciousness and education to the public especially the young generation.

Yes, Davao is truly blessed to be home to this gentle species and to have you and your team to look after them. I wish we could have a website on this as well to be linked to the new Davao tourism promotion website this group at SSC Davao Forum is espousing to construct.

Nice to know Miami has similar nesting site. Well Davao has a lot of similarities to Miami especially on the aspect of sun, (climate) beaches and white sands, not to mention the people, with both cities being home to many with hispanic roots. If I knew then I could have taken a peek when I was there last Feb and see how they manage it and maybe pass on the info to your group and learn from it as well. I'll surely check out the site when I get back to Miami next time.

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:27 PM

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:28 PM

and not only that! Considering that Davao is second to Miami in the entire world ( as a highly urbanized metropolis) to have a nesting site for hawksbill turtles - nothing more that i can say but..WOW!!!!! we really have to promote this...

This is one of the answers to one of our visitors FAQs "Why should i visit Davao?"

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:30 PM

Daghang taga Davao sa Palawan. NCCC Group is big there with Dos Palmas Resort ug dept store. MATS of former councilor Simpoy Alterado naa pud branch didto.

Sign off na ko. Another big day tomorrow. Second day ng seminar ni Happy LA and we have a meeting of the Davao City Investment Incentive Board ug Davao City Sports Council.

All for Davao, bai! :goodnight

that's true, the NCCC group hired most of their emps from Davao. I have friends who are working there for more than 10 yrs now, i think since the time they opened NCCC branch and Dos Palmas there.

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:34 PM

gud morning sa tanan!

sayang, you should be there d.e.

i talked to my friends and they're interested to have it shown in california. so we still have to talk to people and do the legwork.

Cali is a nice location for your show too. I'm closer as well and haven't been to the area. If this one pushes thru, it might be a good time for me to go then. Daghan pud kaayo taga Davao naa sa Cali. I'm planning to go there this May Paul. Unta maka timing ko ana sa show didto.

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:34 PM

the popular DOS PALMAS is owned by the NCCC's - Dabawenyo entrepreneurs?

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:36 PM

the popular DOS PALMAS is owned by the NCCC's - Dabawenyo entrepreneurs?

Affirmative! Davao is going places.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 11:42 PM

Yes konsehal, I've been following this dev't and I'm proud of you being the foremost proponent in this advocacy. I hope that you can get private sectors to adopt the site thru sponsorship, akin to Philippine Eagle Foundation so as to improve the site by way of setting up of facilities that allow for enhanced consciousness and education to the public especially the young generation.
Mayor Rody has formed Task Force Pawikan Davao, tasked to lead the conservation efforts. RRD placed me to chair it on his behalf. The site is located in the foreshore land of the Aboitiz in Punta Dumalag (blessing in disguise). We have set up an artificial hatchery that so far has been very successfull (92% hatching success, average), a temporary repository have been built ( for rescued turtles for rehab before they are released back to the sea). And yes a learning facility cum research center is one of our dreams to be set up there. All the help we can muster is most welcome.

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:43 PM

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 11:46 PM

Thanks to you, I got this address. My first time.

good morning and welcome councilor happy l.a. we're happy to have you here. i salute your efforts in preserving those turtles in punta dumalag and bats in malagos.

@ konsehal pete: after davao-nanning signing, san pumunta ang nanning mayor? did you tour him?

@ kuya paul: di ba title pud sa usa nimo ka painting kanang titulo sa inyo exhibit?

@ tj: may title na ang new website?

good morning to all!

tj_brewed

March 30th, 2006, 11:51 PM

good morning and welcome councilor happy l.a. we're happy to have you here. i salute your efforts in preserving those turtles in punta dumalag and bats in malagos.

@ konsehal pete: after davao-nanning signing, san pumunta ang nanning mayor? did you tour him?

@ kuya paul: di ba title pud sa usa nimo ka painting kanang titulo sa inyo exhibit?

@ tj: may title na ang new website?

good morning to all!

Goodmorning bro!!!! wala pa..the poll is still up and running regarding the websites address/URL. nasa yahoo group natin and it will end next week (April 7 to be exact)

.... bro! do u still have the link of the 5th thread. I guess we need to post all of our threads here from 1 - 5. Our beloved Councilor Pete mentioned that he gave this thread's link to some of our city's important officials and the tourism/ business sectors...i guess we need to post those for their reference..watchathink? Good morning Dave!

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 11:54 PM

^^ unsa gani address sa yahoo group nato? kay ako ibookmark. member nako didto.

davaoeagle

March 30th, 2006, 11:55 PM

fella davaoenos, sign off sa ko ha kay mangita pa ko wawalt. talk to you all soon.

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 11:56 PM

naka-archive. heres davao 5th thread:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=326322&page=1&pp=20

KulasKusgan

March 30th, 2006, 11:57 PM

fella davaoenos, sign off sa ko ha kay mangita pa ko wawalt. talk to you all soon.

no need, ngayo lang ta kay tj. hehe.

HappyL.A.

March 30th, 2006, 11:58 PM

Gotta go too. Marami ng alipores dito na gusto rin gumamit ng computer. Till next time.

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 12:00 AM

Our SSS-Davao Yahoo Group >> click here (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sscdavao)

@ Happy L.A - take care po councilor! and have a great day up ahead! thanks for being part of the ssc davao family!

@ davaoeagle - cya later bro!

@sleep - toinkz...ehehehehhehe ako pud im at work while doing ssc..eheheheh multitasking...ngita wawalt at the same time

KulasKusgan

March 31st, 2006, 12:08 AM

^^ batsi na pud ko. take care kayong lahat.

Friday, March 31, 2006
Davao inks ties with China's Nanning City

DAVAO City has forged bilateral ties with Nanning, a progressive city in China, paving the way for mutual cooperation between the two cities.

In a signing ceremony of the letter of intent between the two cities Thursday afternoon, Mayors Rodrigo Duterte of Davao and Lin Guoqiang of Nanning agreed to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two cities as well as strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation to bring about prosperity in both cities.

Both parties also agreed to make concerted efforts, on the basis of equality and mutual benefits, to actively carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism, science and technology, culture, sports, health, education and many more and to promote development of the friendly relations between Davao and Nanning.

In his speech, Duterte thanked the mayor of Nanning for their decision to establish friendly ties with Davao, saying they have "come to the right place."

Guoqiang thanked Duterte as well, saying that they have enjoyed their stay in the city and invited the Dabawenyos to visit Nanning as well. (BOT) source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/03/31/bus/davao.inks.ties.with.china.s.nanning.city.html)

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 01:31 AM

Cali is a nice location for your show too. I'm closer as well and haven't been to the area. If this one pushes thru, it might be a good time for me to go then. Daghan pud kaayo taga Davao naa sa Cali. I'm planning to go there this May Paul. Unta maka timing ko ana sa show didto.

need to halungkat napud ang mga contacts sa cali. ayawg kabalaka d.e. in case madayon, you'll be the first to know.

dave, i had an illustration before titled "hangyu lang ser". a sad tribute to the toiling masses. pakiluoy for a favour.

Konsehal

March 31st, 2006, 01:46 AM

good morning and welcome councilor happy l.a. we're happy to have you here. i salute your efforts in preserving those turtles in punta dumalag and bats in malagos.

@ konsehal pete: after davao-nanning signing, san pumunta ang nanning mayor? did you tour him?

@ kuya paul: di ba title pud sa usa nimo ka painting kanang titulo sa inyo exhibit?

@ tj: may title na ang new website?

good morning to all!

More should follow Happy LA in our forum.

Nanning delegation went around the city yesterday afternoon after the signing. DCIPC was in charge. Vice Mayor Bonguyan hosted a dinner for them at Ahfat at Victoria

They took the 9pm flight (delayed) for Manila. They will proceed next to Brunei and Singapore.

Suggestion nako ngalan sa website ginaprepare ni tj - Davao dot come! :)

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 01:48 AM

Davao dot come! :)

hehehe, creative, catchy. sige sa, dinner sa mi. ayo ayo mong tanan!

dinabaw

March 31st, 2006, 02:14 AM

Maayong buntag sa tanan! welcome councilor Happy La! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

originally posted by Sleeper_unokang kinsang payag ang dayungan?

Kini si David atung dayungan padulong sa nature park para mauhuman na ang kontrobersya ani! didto maka cover2x siya sa mga kasagbutan ug kapunuan! hehehe!

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9341/david3ot.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

To couniclor Happy La
Good morning Sir! kanag advocate man dyud mo sa Enivironment! unsa matabang namo sa paglambo sa atong environmen?t maka tabang ba mi sa himuon na Nature Park?

To Paulkrps
Corpuz diay ka bai! unsa man nimo si Architect Corpuz?Si Ben Banez taga davao pud ba?kay naaman gud ko kaila Banez nag iskwela sa learning center diya sa San Pedro Village!

abskess

March 31st, 2006, 02:34 AM

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 03:14 AM

To Paulkrps
Corpuz diay ka bai! unsa man nimo si Architect Corpuz?Si Ben Banez taga davao pud ba?kay naaman gud ko kaila Banez nag iskwela sa learning center diya sa San Pedro Village!

corpus with the s, hehehe. heard of him, pero di mi related. si ben, classmate sa unsa pa sa learning center of the arts (now ford academy of the arts) kauban sila jimmy ang ug alfredo naraval (sln). i think kami ang pioneer batch ato (kauban pud diay si glesor moreno).

valium

March 31st, 2006, 03:19 AM

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 03:29 AM

'Only 5 regions will
survive federalism'
Published: 30 March 2006
by Wilfredo Rodolfo III

ONLY five of the nation's 17 regions, including Central Visayas, would remain self-sufficient if the country switches to a federal system of government, said a former chief economist.

Dr. Felipe Medalla, former head of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), said the other regions will have to depend on the national government for financial help to run its hospitals, educate its students and pay its workers.

Medalla, currently a professor of economics at the University of the Philippines' School of Economics, was a guest at a conference yesterday organized by the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 to discuss aspects of the country's possible shift in its system of government.
In his computations, Medalla assumed that the existing regional divisions would become the different states under a federal setup.

He said that if all regions were to collect taxes equal to nine percent of their respective Gross Domestic Product, then only Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, Cordillera, Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas would survive financially.

The projected tax collection was derived from the regions' present Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and their share of the budget of national departments providing local services - police, education, health and agrarian reform.

If the regions' tax collection rate was pegged at a "realistic" eight percent, then only the National Capital Region (NCR) would be capable of running a federal state, he said.

In his talk, Medalla said tax collection, how to deal with poor regions and what to do with government employees affected by abolished departments would be the biggest problems of a federal Philippines.

How the states share the existing national debt and how to fund national agencies like the Armed Forces and the Judiciary must also be discussed, he said.

He pointed out that under the present setup, many regions would not be able to collect local and state taxes to finance their operations since most of these operations still rely on the national government for funds.

The result, he said, would be a system like other federal countries, where the poor regions rely on doleouts from rich regions.

The same problem hounds one of the most successful federal governments in the world - Germany - according to Dr. Herzwig Mayer of the German Development Committee.

Mayer also attended the RDC 7-organized conference.

"This is the biggest issue now in Germany because the rich states are crying foul," Mayer said.
Medalla pointed out that poor states may end up not exerting efforts to raise their revenues or develop their economy because of dependence on rich states.

He added that competition between states may also end up being detrimental to the country.

As an example, Medalla said that to attract investors, competing states might pull minimum wages down or keep taxes low.

Many government offices would also be abolished if powers are given to states instead of on the national governments.

Regional offices will be the first to disappear, he said.

RDC 7 chairman and Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz clarified that yesterday's conference was not initiated by Malacañang.

"If this had the blessings of Malacañang, you would not have seen speakers who are criticizing the government and its plans," Arnaiz said.

NEDA 7 regional director Marlene Rodriguez said it was just a coincidence that the conference happened when a signature campaign was held in support of amendments to the Constitution, including a shift from a presidential system to a parliamentary system.

Rodriguez said the conference was planned last year.***

only northern mindanao? how about southern mindanao/davao region and provinces? it cant survive federalism? and normin will? interesting.

let's just wait and see.....i'm not really sure if you have any personal grudges towards Davao...eversince you started posting in our threads - all of these are negative comments and bad news. However, I personally, still respect your opinions..

Interesting it is! I sure do hope that federalism will be pushed through. Till then, we cannot prove anything but read to speculations.

International economic ties and partnerships, imports and exports stats, our LGUs income, competency ratings - just few of the strengths that our region (DAVAO REGION) has.

I'll address your post as a challenge to the local business sector and local government unit. The international community already recognized our region's potential. I guess the NAIVES are out of our concerns now....

talking about NEDA...thanks to NEDAs forecast re Davao Region for the year 2006.

NEDA sees DAVAO as top economic performer this year (2006)

March 2006- National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Nicasio Agustin believes the P14 daily wage increase issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) XI will not severely affect Region XI's economy.

Agustin said in fact, given the sharp increase in capital infusions in last year and present year industry indicators, NEDA expects DAVAO Region / Region XI to top other regions in the country in terms of economic performance this year.

A NEDA XI survey showed Region XI obtained a 100 percent increase in capital infusion last year compared with the previous year, Agustin said.

DAVAO Region also stood out in terms of tourist arrivals last year and is projected to remain in the lead this year, Agustin said.

He is also confident the agriculture sector will continue to soar high this year with the impending transfer of the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office to Davao City.

"An improved growth in food sector is seen this year and the transfer of the DA office in the city is also seen to strengthen further the agriculture sector," Agustin said, adding the food sector specifically banana will continue to pull up the region's exports.

Davao Region is a region to watch this year because of the vast mineral deposits in Mindanao, Agustin said.

He said the recent approval of the amended Mining Act is expected to shore up the mining industry in Mindanao, provided mining industry key players continue to practice a sustainable mining approach.

"Mining ang bubuhay sa atin, not much on manufacturing," Agustin said.

Aside from mining, service sector is at an upward trend due to the apparent growth in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector. Davao City is projected to rank second to Cebu City on ICT growth for 2006, Agustin said. DM

:eek2:

junex

March 31st, 2006, 03:30 AM

Thanks for the welcome. Yeah, good to know you are familiar with the marine turtle sanctuary that we set up in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya. We are now on our third year and we have released more that 1,500 hatchlings to the sea, so far (will upload some pics as soon as I learn how to do it). The nesters are 'hawksbill turtles', one of the most endangered specie. Davao city is truly blessed. It is the only highly urbanized city in the phils. that has a nesting site for these rare turtles, second only to Miami, Florida in the world. Usually these gentle creatures nest only in secluded and lonely islands. :cheers:

Maayong buntag guyzzz....haller to Hon. Concilor Pete and Hon. councilor Happy L.A. welcome to SSC...hmmm nice to know that even how busy you are you still find ways to dedicate a little time to conserve our endangered species like turtles...

Oopss..Sirs, Is Matina Applaya is dirt-free enough to set-up sanctuary there or you have upcoming plans to relocate it to other spick and span environs like Samal? though i haven't visited that sanctuary yet but id picture-out how filthy that place since squatters and factories sorrounds.

One more thing councilors....what ought to be the future plans for our coastal areas (bucana, boulevard, isla verde, bolton isla, matina applaya, panacan & tibungco areas) where lots of mudflats abounds...if i may suggest i want that place to be a mangrove forests since we have a lot of sea creatures and etcs that need to be protected...i've heard migratory birds are frequent in TIMES BEACH and their numbers are quite increasing, dugongs are spotted in Davao Gulf, local species of birds need also shelter...I know you have a lot of things to consider but i hope these will be included in your plans and upcoming projects.

Imagine Davao City having coastals like this teeming with birds and sea creatures with skyscrapers on the background:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Onibag1072001/mangrove.jpg

I really hope that most of the upcoming projects are in touch with nature..its nice to see Davao develops that way....hope i can contribute to your conservation endeavor malooy ang Ginoo. Yon lang po, I thank you...bow!!

valium

March 31st, 2006, 04:40 AM

is it me or are you guys contented at being just second to cebu??? i see no sense in pointing out that davao is next to cebu in this and that. is it actually something? like its a big achievement being just next to cebu? do you see it as a strength? if thats the case, it would be pretty weird. and i would say, awkward for cebu.

Ic3

March 31st, 2006, 04:56 AM

it's just you ;) i don't know where you get your ideas from, but i don't see anything in this thread that suggests people here are contented being second to cebu. this thread is meant to promote davao. so please stop suggesting such things.

junax

March 31st, 2006, 05:02 AM

^^ CEBU is no. 1 for cebuanos, DAVAO is no. 1 for davaoeños. what's common to both cities? the word "PROUD".

are you proud of your city? and may i know your no. 1 city now valium?

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 05:08 AM

Mayor Rody has formed Task Force Pawikan Davao, tasked to lead the conservation efforts. RRD placed me to chair it on his behalf. The site is located in the foreshore land of the Aboitiz in Punta Dumalag (blessing in disguise). We have set up an artificial hatchery that so far has been very successfull (92% hatching success, average), a temporary repository have been built ( for rescued turtles for rehab before they are released back to the sea). And yes a learning facility cum research center is one of our dreams to be set up there. All the help we can muster is most welcome.

Wow, Davao is really creating its own niche. Tourism via Flora and Fauna. We the people of Davao laud this heroic effort of the reverent mayor and his sub-leaders. Take my hat off to you konsehal LA.

Ic3

March 31st, 2006, 05:12 AM

in the ICT front (from http://www.itmatters.com.ph)

New ICT plan in the works

CEBU CITY -- The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) will release in May a new ICT strategic road map for the Philippines.

The plan will be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in June, which is celebrated annually as ICT month, said Commissioner Damian Domingo O. Mapa.

Among others, Mr. Mapa said the road map lists programs and projects focusing on the computerization of all government offices nationwide and of government services, generation of jobs, development of ICT human resources and integration of ICT in high school and college curricula by 2010.

"By 2010, we want to see to it that every high school graduate has touched a computer," said Mr. Mapa, who was here to attend the inaugural meeting of the Cebu Provincial ICT Council.

Under the plan, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao are expected to join Metro Manila in the Tier 1 cities classification. This category covers cities that will have over 50,000 ICT workers by 2010. Tier 2 cities should have at least 10,000 ICT workers, while Tier 3 cities will have less than 10,000 workers in the industry.

The plan does not identify ICT hubs, but rather human resources hubs. "We are not pursuing the concept of ICT hubs anymore because, with the way networks are designed, we are going to be in one big loop," Mr. Mapa said. -- MSV

valium

March 31st, 2006, 05:12 AM

its just me??? thats not the case as to what im reading about your posts, putting description in big bold letters such as "RANK SECOND TO CEBU"

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 05:13 AM

valium

March 31st, 2006, 05:18 AM

^^ second to miami, for turtles, that one is different! :bash:

Ic3

March 31st, 2006, 05:23 AM

don't take it word for word bro. i think what is being emphasized is davao's capacity to be an ICT hub. we can't deny that cebu is ahead of davao in terms of ICT but knowing davao has the ability to turn itself into an ICT hub is worth noting. someday, we will be one of the top ICT hubs in the philippines.

i don't want to get personal on you, but observing your posts here as well as in the silicongulf website shows you have your own issues which no longer is our concern. just don't drag us to your negativism.

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 05:35 AM

:righton: :righton: rock on Dabawenyo entrepreneurs! :righton: :righton:

davaoeagle, im starting to make a draft for our upcoming website. I hope you can help me with the articles coz i aint good in writing..ehehehehhe would that be ok bro?

Also since we will be promoting Davao to a wide market, we need to do some categorizations (if that's how we'll call it). Here are the areas that we need to promote re Davao:

1. Cultural Tourism (festivals, Indigenous groups, etc.)
2. Contemporary History and Heritage
3. Urban Davao (Nightlife, Shopping, etc.)
4. Nature Getaways (nature parks, nature resorts, conservatory centers, etc.)
5. Summer Getaways (Islands and beaches)

....... and yung iba pa na pwedeng i-add! watchathink?

Bro tj, if i may suggest we open the task to everyone so that each one will have the chance to contribute. I for one would be interested in some subjects but it's best to also let others signify their choice. For example, I am more inclined at writing about Nature Gateways, Summer Gateways and Urban Davao but we would love for this to be a concerted effort.

If there would be no takers (worst scenario) then the 2 of us and maybe our big brothers (Councilors Pete and Happy LA) will do all the writing. I make no bones doing this though with you and our big bros.

Calling all volunteers!

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 05:39 AM

no need, ngayo lang ta kay tj. hehe.

i manila express lang tj he he. unta naa puy davao express noh?

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 05:45 AM

More should follow Happy LA in our forum.

Nanning delegation went around the city yesterday afternoon after the signing. DCIPC was in charge. Vice Mayor Bonguyan hosted a dinner for them at Ahfat at Victoria

They took the 9pm flight (delayed) for Manila. They will proceed next to Brunei and Singapore.

Suggestion nako ngalan sa website ginaprepare ni tj - Davao dot come! :)

catchy pud bitaw ni no? Davao.Come! guapo pud butangan ug exclamation powent. :)

valium

March 31st, 2006, 05:52 AM

Maxey: The 'wounded' City Council
By Ram Maxey
Bar None

CITY Councilor Diosdado "Dado" Mahipus has a new role in the city's lawmaking body. The normally combative young lawyer said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao that the Council has been "wounded" by constant bickering among its members. "I want the wound to be healed," he said.

Dado was referring to the well-publicized heated debates during council sessions, which occasionally raised the blood pressure of the protagonists arguing over controversial issues of the moment, sometimes even to the point of near-fisticuffs.

One such issue was the case of certain members of the previous committee on housing being allegedly involved in mulcting favors from some development firms. The favors reportedly ranged from free roundtrip plane tickets to cold cash. The controversy led to the resignation in a huff of committee members who angrily denied the charges, which were never proven anyway.

Then there was the so-called "legislative planning" session of recent memory participated in by the majority group in faraway Malabalay, Bukidnon at a place called Monastery of Transfiguration. The minority had refused to join the out of town trip by bus, saying it was a waste of public funds at P700 a day per participant, deciding to do their own separate, but austere, legislative planning within the confines of the City Council's session hall.

The year before, both majority and minority blocs did their planning at the posh Pearl Farm resort on Samal Island at a reported cost of P4,000 per participant.

Did that stay-over at such an idyllic but expensive setting induce amnesia? How can P700 be more expensive than P4,000? I'm just wondering about the return-on-investment (ROI) aspect. Baka the Pearl Farm thing was really worth the expense. Baka productive naman.

Then there is the case of the unfinished roof deck over the collective heads of the councilors (remember those leaking offices?). According to whispers among some of the honorable members the construction, which began as long ago as 2002, has been tainted with irregularity. Does the word "irregularity" also mean "graft" or "corruption" -- or both? At any rate the case is now with the Ombudsman for Mindanao.

"It bleeds me to know that there is an irregularity involved in the construction of the roof deck," Mahipus said, adding that he is hoping that his colleagues who may have been involved in the irregularity to come clean for the healing process to begin. They can start, he said, by "listening to their conscience or to the whisper of their inner being."

Hopefully, that will stop Dado's bleeding. But some people may pretend to listen yet refuse to hear. You have come across such.

According to the dictionary the word "bicker" means "to argue over petty and trivial matters". It's a wonderful invention. The dictionary.

Congrats to the new lawyers!

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 06:06 AM

'Only 5 regions will
survive federalism'
Published: 30 March 2006
by Wilfredo Rodolfo III

ONLY five of the nation's 17 regions, including Central Visayas, would remain self-sufficient if the country switches to a federal system of government, said a former chief economist.

Dr. Felipe Medalla, former head of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), said the other regions will have to depend on the national government for financial help to run its hospitals, educate its students and pay its workers.

Medalla, currently a professor of economics at the University of the Philippines' School of Economics, was a guest at a conference yesterday organized by the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 to discuss aspects of the country's possible shift in its system of government.
In his computations, Medalla assumed that the existing regional divisions would become the different states under a federal setup.

He said that if all regions were to collect taxes equal to nine percent of their respective Gross Domestic Product, then only Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, Cordillera, Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas would survive financially.

The projected tax collection was derived from the regions' present Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and their share of the budget of national departments providing local services - police, education, health and agrarian reform.

If the regions' tax collection rate was pegged at a "realistic" eight percent, then only the National Capital Region (NCR) would be capable of running a federal state, he said.

In his talk, Medalla said tax collection, how to deal with poor regions and what to do with government employees affected by abolished departments would be the biggest problems of a federal Philippines.

How the states share the existing national debt and how to fund national agencies like the Armed Forces and the Judiciary must also be discussed, he said.

He pointed out that under the present setup, many regions would not be able to collect local and state taxes to finance their operations since most of these operations still rely on the national government for funds.

The result, he said, would be a system like other federal countries, where the poor regions rely on doleouts from rich regions.

The same problem hounds one of the most successful federal governments in the world - Germany - according to Dr. Herzwig Mayer of the German Development Committee.

Mayer also attended the RDC 7-organized conference.

"This is the biggest issue now in Germany because the rich states are crying foul," Mayer said.
Medalla pointed out that poor states may end up not exerting efforts to raise their revenues or develop their economy because of dependence on rich states.

He added that competition between states may also end up being detrimental to the country.

As an example, Medalla said that to attract investors, competing states might pull minimum wages down or keep taxes low.

Many government offices would also be abolished if powers are given to states instead of on the national governments.

Regional offices will be the first to disappear, he said.

RDC 7 chairman and Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz clarified that yesterday's conference was not initiated by Malacañang.

"If this had the blessings of Malacañang, you would not have seen speakers who are criticizing the government and its plans," Arnaiz said.

NEDA 7 regional director Marlene Rodriguez said it was just a coincidence that the conference happened when a signature campaign was held in support of amendments to the Constitution, including a shift from a presidential system to a parliamentary system.

Rodriguez said the conference was planned last year.***

only northern mindanao? how about southern mindanao/davao region and provinces? it cant survive federalism? and normin will? interesting.

Here we go again.
I don't know if you are aware of the real score in journalism or in simplistic terms the art of writing. As it is, writing can be subjective and opinionated. Unless the writer is adept at repleting his piece with credible, verifiable facts and figures, then his work can very well be an objective, factual one.

In the case of the article you are ranting about- and Davao again, as it has always been your favorite dart board, the writer Wilfredo Rodolfo III sugar coats his opinion by parroting another opinion, in this case that of Mr. Medalla.

Lest you forget, in analyzing an article or a write up, one has to also do his research on the background of the writer and whoever has fed him ideas to form his own opinion.

Now if you wanna get down the bottom of this, better check out the writer and NEDA as to who has the burden of proof.

In my own opinion, Davao Region and Mindanao as a whole can stand on its own feet when federalism finaly sees the light of day.

Your opinion is yours to bubble about and we remain as steadfast as ever. Bow!

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 06:11 AM

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 08:39 AM

catchy pud bitaw ni no? Davao.Come! guapo pud butangan ug exclamation powent. :)

bros...i like this idea....but murag lisod...coz with domain registration, normally the extentions are .com .net .org .ph etc....but its tough to find for .come!

also, the typical addresses end with .com

junex

March 31st, 2006, 08:52 AM

Davao and Jolo artists collaborate on Bud Dahu play
MindaNews/ 29 March 2006

Three Davaoeño theater artists recently immersed
themselves in Jolo, Sulu to produce a play on the Bud
Dahu massacre. Veteran performers Mario Lim and Pepito
Sumayan, along with Palanca-winning playwright Arnel
Mardoquio, collaborated with young Tausugs fresh out
of college who formed the local theater group, Puddang
Lupah Sug.

The Davao artists stayed in Jolo from February 19 to
March 7. There, they workshopped the young Tausug
artists and mounted the play, "Bud Dahu," which
commemorates the 100-year old story of the massacre by
American colonial troops of a Muslim community of
1,600 men, women and children on top of Mount Dahu
in Jolo. The Davao artists tapped traditional musical
and dance traditions, integrating them into the
historical play.

The play was part of a three-day celebration of the
Bud Dahu Centenary from March 6 to 8, 2006, with its
theme, "Healing Bud Dahu: Honoring our Ancestors,
Celebrating our Struggles and Building a Future of
Peace and Justice." During the event, the production
was performed twice to highly-emotional Tausug
audiences.

"The audiences were so affected by the massacre scene
that even the performers were crying," said Mardoquio,
who directed the play.

"I had to remind them that we still had an act to
finish," he recalled.

"At the start of rehearsals, we found out that the
kids knew more of Britney Spears than their own native
traditions in dance and music such as the pangalay,"
explains Mardoquio.

"When we showed them how to use gongs for theatrical
sound effects, their interest to learn their native
culture was aroused," he relates.

Pepito Sumayan sadly notes that traditional arts were
not being propagated in the community.

Musical instruments have been destroyed by wars and
evacuations, gongs have been sold and melted," he
reports.

Still, eight traditional artists were located and
invited to join the production and enrich the
performances.

"With their performance experiences, the thirty five
young members of the production realized how important
theater was to their community," claims Mardoquio.

The three Davao artists Mardoquio, Sumayan and Lim
were named honorary artists-in-residence of the
Puddang Lupah Sug theater company. The next goal is
for the Tausug artists to be given workshops by the
Cultural Center of the Philippines to further hone
their performance craft.

The Davao artists reported that the day they went
home, the young Tausug artists travelled to the pier
to serenade them in a tearful and improptu farewell
ceremony.

The play is slated to tour Davao City schools from
August to September 2006. The performance comes with a
workshop, forum and essay writing contest
module-package designed for teachers and students to
explore the theme of peace.

"Bud Dahu" is produced by International Networking for
Culture and Development (INCAD) in partnership with
Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) and

Mindanao PeaceWeavers (MPW). For inquiries, call Gigi
Bartulaba-O' Hearn at cel 0922-947-9884 or
0910-744-2951. Email address is incad_dvo@yahoo.com

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 09:09 AM

for anybody's reference:

Report of NSCB re Mindanao's GDP
released last year 2005

The economy of Mindanao expanded by 6.0 percent in 2004, up from a 4.3 percent growth it registered in 2003. The total output of production of all economic activities in the island was estimated at P205.560 Billion from P193.848 Billion in 2003, valued at constant 1985 prices. In real terms, the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output of Mindanao was valued at P822.127 Billion in 2004.

The island's economy is primarily driven by the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) sector which accounted for 37.5 percent of the total GDP. The industry posted P77.028 Billion in 2004, 6.1 percent higher than the P72.589 Billion listed in 2003. It also surpassed the 3.9 percent growth it posted in 2002-2003. The output was mainly derived from agricultural and fishing activities which accounted for 98.7 percent of the industry's output. With logging banned in many areas of the island, the forestry sector still managed to chip in 1.3 percent contribution. Logging operations in the area were mostly concentrated in the Caraga Region which accounted for 75.7 percent of Mindanao's forestry production.

The service sector, accounting for 35.7 percent of the 2004 GDP, grew by 6.3 percent in 2004. The growth was fueled by the sustained growth in trade, TCS (Transportation, Communication and Storage), ODRE (Ownership of Dwellings and Real Estate) and private services. Government services decelerated from 3.5 percent in 2003 50 1.3 percent in 2004 due to streamlining and austerity measures implemented by the government.

Mindanao's industry sector grew by 5.6 percent in 2004, almost double than the 2.9 percent performance it listed in 2003. The sector contributed P55.086 Billion in 2004 accounting for 26.8 percent of the GDP. In 2003, its total production stood at P52.173 Billion. The manufacturing sector, cornering two-thirds of the industry's output, expanded further by 5.9 percent in 2004 from 4.7 percent in 2003. Manufacturing industries are mostly situated in Regions 10, 11 and 12 which accounted for about 82.9 percent of the sector's output.

By Region...

Among the six regions comprising the Mindanao Island Group, Davao Region posted the highest growth of 6.9 percent up from the 4.7 percent performance it registered in 2003. It also accounted for about 25.6 percent of the total output of Mindanao. SOCCSKSARGEN Region came in second with a 6.3 percent growth followed by Northern Mindanao (6.0%), Caraga (5.5%) and ARMM (5.3%). Zamboanga Peninsula was the slowest with economic improvements paced only at 4.7 percent.

By industry…

Caraga outperformed the other regions in the AFF industry and posted an 8.6 percent growth further improving the 5.6 percent growth it listed in 2003. Davao Region placed second with 7.4 percent followed by SOCCSKSARGEN Region with 6.8 percent. SOCCSKSARGEN Region cornered about 23.4 percent of Mindanao's AFF outputs, up from 23.2 percent last year, further boosting its claim of being the food basket of Mindanao.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region, on the other hand, led other Mindanao regions in the industry sector with a 6.7 percent performance. Zamboanga Peninsula followed closely with a 6.6 percent growth and far third was Northern Mindanao with 5.6 percent performance. Northern Mindanao, however, contributed about 31.6 percent to the total industry output of Mindanao.

Davao Region led the regions in the service sector outputs and registered 7.6 percent growth contributing about 29.7 percent to the service sector output of Mindanao. Davao Region hosts a number of hospitals equipped with modern apparatus, schools and big shopping malls which draw patrons from neighboring regions. Far second was Zamboanga Peninsula with 6.8 percent followed by Northern Mindanao with 6.2 percent growth.

Davao region has fastest growing economy in Mindanao -- NSCB
Mindanews

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao region has the fastest growing regional economy in Mindanao in 2004, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

The NSCB-Southern Mindanao report said that Region XI’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 6.9 percent, which is far better than the 4.7-percent growth noted in 2003.

According to the NSCB, all the major sectors posted “ “remarkable performances.”

Agri-forestry and fisheries (AFF), for instance, grew by 7.6 percent compared to 5.5 percent in the previous year. AFF accounts for nearly 27 percent of the region’s total economy.

Corn, banana, and sugarcane production also posted substantial growth, according to the report.

Services, too, grew 7.6 percent as opposed to 6 percent in 2003. Services contributed 42.2 percent to the region’s economy last year.

Telecommunications grew by leaps and bounds, hitting a double-digit growth of 17.3 percent compared to 7.1 percent in 2003.

Estrella Turingan, NSCB-XI chief, noted that the entry of new players in the wholesale and retail industry and the increase in the number of convenience stores boosted the trade subsector from 6.9 percent in 2003 to 7.4 percent in 2004.

The industry sector, on the other hand, registered a 5.4-percent growth in 2004 as against 2.4 the year before. It was reportedly due to the growth in the manufacturing and construction subsectors.

The infusion of domestic and foreign investments in seaweed processing industry, wood chips factory, construction materials industry fueled the steady growth of manufacturing subsector, the NSCB said.

The construction industry also made a complete turnaround after posting a 15.2-percent shortfall in 2003. In 2004, it recorded a 10.8-percent growth reportedly due to the increased private construction activities and the completion of major public construction projects.

Why in Davao?
published January 2006

Davao, the city of blooms from islands to highlands is the site of the 25th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which will be held on January 13 to 21, 2006.

Indeed, Davao City is blooming and booming from islands to highlands. Investments in terms of total capitalization of businesses continues to surge from only P62 billion in 2000 to P69 billion in 2001, P80 billion in 2002, P84 billion in 2003, and a whopping P118.5 billion in 2004. The sharp growth is very evident in the city’s tourism, construction, agriculture, and export sectors.

Tourist arrivals based on air passenger traffic and hotel occupancy volume have been consistently increasing since 2000 placing Davao City’s total tourism receipts at P5.22 billion in January-June 2005 alone, a 13-percent increase from P4.62 billion generated in the same period last year.

Similarly, this city had recorded an unprecedented increase in the value of private building construction, which skyrocketed to P7.4 billion last year from only P773 million in 2001.

So did exports, shooting up to $993 million in 2004 from $848 million in 2003 and $738 million in 2002, with the balance of trade further widening in Davao City’s favor.

“These figures are making Davao City even more attractive to tourists, many of whom are corporate executives and entrepreneurs on vacation who can’t ignore a business opportunity when they see one,” said ATF 2006 Secretary General and Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation Executive Director Daniel Corpuz.

Davao is the capital of the Southern Mindanao region and one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area, spanning 244,000 hectares. This sprawling metropolis has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub of Southern Philippines.

Citing Davao City as the next pillar of Philippine tourism, Durano said it was President Arroyo’s personal choice as the venue for ATF 2006.

The 25th Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) slated in Davao City is expected to significantly boost the economy in Mindanao and prop up investor confidence in the region and the rest of the Philippines.

Imagine the kind of international exposure that Davao City and the rest of Mindanao will gain from the ATF, which will be participated in by throngs of delegates from the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the major wholesale travel trade buyers from all over the world, all translating to thousands of foreign and local visitors flocking to Southern Philippines during that nine-day event.

Tourism had contributed substantially to Mindanao’s expanding economy, which posted growth rates of 4.4 percent in 2002 and 4.5 percent in 2003 and consistently had accounted for around nine million of national employment.

There have been remarkable increments in the region’s air and sea transport volumes in terms of both passengers and cargo because of increased tourism activities, particularly in Southern and Northern Mindanao, which posted more than 1.2 million foreign and domestic tourists. The international airport in Southern Mindanao’s tourism and investment hub – recorded around 1.4 million incoming and outgoing passengers in 2004 while hotel occupancy rates posted a 6.5 percent increase in the January-June 2005 from its year-ago level.

The impact of these developments can be felt throughout the region’s economic landscape, especially in the food, transport, hotel, resort, entertainment, recreation, retail, and services sectors.

Quite evidently, the government is taking advantage of ATF 2006 to launch the development of Mindanao as a tourist haven and Davao as the center of the tourism industry in Mindanao and present it to the world in that perspective.

This move will thus correct the wrong perception that Mindanao is a not a safe place to visit, to invest in, or even to stay.

Participating in the ATF are the 10 Asean-member countries, their exhibitors from various sectors of the tourism industry, and 470 buyers and media from six continents. All these translate to thousands of foreign guests and tourists, who will soon see Mindanao in a totally different light.

Why in Davao ? The answers are obvious!

junax

March 31st, 2006, 10:16 AM

^^ good afternoon davao! pasagdi ang ubang tawo nga maglaway sa kanindot sa davao hehehe...

c0kelitr0

March 31st, 2006, 10:24 AM

^^ @tj, i've posted the same article pages back :D

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 10:36 AM

^^ @tj, i've posted the same article pages back :D

yup coke - it's an article published last January 2006. Just posting it here as a reference.

Konsehal

March 31st, 2006, 11:12 AM

bros...i like this idea....but murag lisod...coz with domain registration, normally the extentions are .com .net .org .ph etc....but its tough to find for .come!

also, the typical addresses end with .com

Yup, tj is right dili man ni pwede as domain name but it can be used in other ways. Posters, tshirts, flyers, print ads, especially targetting internet users.

I totally disagree with Medalla's assumptions that only a few regions will survive while the others will be subsidized by the federal government in case we go federal. In my opinion, once we go federal, states will retain much of the taxes, as high as 85-90 percent. In effect, states will have enough money to run their regions. It is the federal government (Manila) that will be in trouble. That is the reason why federalism is getting little attention compared with going parliamentary. In fact, GMA, JDV, Concom, etc. all pay only lip service to federalism. Those in the center do not actually like to surrender their power.

A closer look at the Chacha proposals do not say that we go federal. It is the new parliament that will enact the law that will effect the federalization of the country. So, if Parliament will not come out with any enabling law, Goodbye federal! :nuts:

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 11:19 AM

its just me??? thats not the case as to what im reading about your posts, putting description in big bold letters such as "RANK SECOND TO CEBU"

what's your point valium? are you trying to incite some fire where there should be none?

abskess

March 31st, 2006, 11:21 AM

Gud evening buddies... :dj:

abskess

March 31st, 2006, 11:36 AM

I just wanna ask valium if you know what valium is? what it is for? its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics...i hope you know your facts the way you know your name...Please dont inject your effect on us... :ohno:

Sinjin P.

March 31st, 2006, 12:24 PM

what's your point valium? are you trying to incite some fire where there should be none?

He/she/it has incited fire in the Cebu thread and now, he's bringing up flames here too? How irresponsible! :ohno:

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 12:26 PM

Yup, tj is right dili man ni pwede as domain name but it can be used in other ways. Posters, tshirts, flyers, print ads, especially targetting internet users.

good evening lil bro sinjin :)

i agree konsehal!!!!! we can use davao.come! as well! sana nga we can have those posters and t-shirts too....i just checked our yahoo groups...explore davao is leading the poll...keep your votes coming...the poll will close next week..to those who havent joined our yahoo group - pm me your emails....

Councilors Pete and Happy L.A, any good news/ updates re Davao City?

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 12:41 PM

He/she/it has incited fire in the Cebu thread and now, he's bringing up flames here too? How irresponsible! :ohno:

ambot lagi ani, kung kitang mga taga davao ug cebu wa mamroblema ani. let's be happy for whatever progress each of our cities have made. period.

psionic

March 31st, 2006, 01:43 PM

tanong lang po? bakit ang mga high rise ng davao city ay concentrated sa bajada area? may kinalaman ba dyan ang composition ng lupa? bakit wala high rise sa matina rea na mas malaki naman ang space?

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 02:13 PM

Sea Scape Tour project launched in Davao Sur
April 1, 2006
PIA

STA CRUZ, Davao del Sur (1 April) -- The municipality of Sta. Cruz launched a tour package that would help boost the municipality's eco tourism industry and attract potential tourists and investors who could help provide economic benefit to its constituents.

Mayor Gerome Undalok said Sta. Cruz was declared as one of the Provincial Agri-Industrial Centers in Region XI by the Regional Development council through the National Economic Development Authority to attract specific investments in the municipality.

To achieve its objective, the municipality launched the Sea Scape Tour Project which stands out as an eco-tourism venture that integrates the elements of community-based eco-tourism, people's participation, customer focused, contribution to environmental conservation, preservation and protection of local culture.

The project is built around the unique environmental attributes and serene beauty of Pasig Island of Barangay Bato and Tagabuli Sea Rock Garden. It enhances a broad range of environmental experiences and learning with fun and enjoyment of the sun, sea and sand.

Coastal trekking along the mangrove areas, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, visit to seaweeds farms, island hopping, sport fishing are also among the activities that bring the guest closer to nature.

Further the tour provides you a better understanding on the relationship on the ecosystem of the upland and the coastal areas as one can view the landscape of the Mt. Apo Natural Park to the coastal areas.

The Sea Scape Tour Package provides several optiononal objectives; Package I Pasig Marine Sanctuary (Option 1) Tour around the Pasig Area (40 minutes) - tour over the sea grass, coral reef areas, catch glimpse on the gardens of the sea and interact with the "sea farmers" tending to their seaweed farms and sea cucumber culture.

(Option 2) Snorkeling/Swimming along the fish sanctuary (45 minute) - snorkeling/swimming along the so-called fish sanctuary and view the healthy corals and colorful fishes within the sanctuary.

(Option 3) Scuba diving along the Fish Sanctuary (45 minutes - 1 hour) - View the richness of the coral reef along the sanctuary while observing the lifestyles of some of the coral reef fishes.

Package 2: Sea Rock Garden (Option 1) Experience the soothing seascape tour at the sea rock garden in Barangay Tagabuli with its unique coastal topography complemented with its natural landscape of rock formation, dwarf mangroves naturally scattered within the white sand beachfront. Big mangroves also provide shades to those beach lovers.

Its activities involves Snorkeling/swimming/scuba diving along the fish sanctuary and sportfishing this option also provides alternative places for prepared activities: like in Bacolod Beach in barangay Tuban and Tajos Beach in Barangay Zone III.

(Option 2) Fish Cage - Tagabuli is also the fish capital of Sta. Cruz with the presence of fish cages within the Tagabuli Cove. Fish feeding and interact with the fish folks as they tend to their fish cages. You may have sure catch fishing and cook your own catch. (Option 3) Bird Watching - Added attraction is the bird sanctuary along the National Highway where big trees serve as roosts for birds of different species.

The Office of the Provincial Agri-Industrial Center and Office of the Municipal Administrator believes that the project will not only generate livelihood and benefits for the villagers but also promotes and show cases local conservation efforts of threatened coastal environment and wildlife.

MarkiiBoi

March 31st, 2006, 02:22 PM

^^ that's right. take advantage of God's wonders. :okay:

dinabaw

March 31st, 2006, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by psionic tanong lang po? bakit ang mga high rise ng davao city ay concentrated sa bajada area? may kinalaman ba dyan ang composition ng lupa? bakit wala high rise sa matina rea na mas malaki naman ang space?

I know downtown areas are swampy thats why pile driving is so deep if ur having even just 3-storey buiding , i think there's no difference in soil composition in Bajada and Matina maybe its just a coincidence that high-storey buildings are concentrated now in bajada. but i know there is some highrise building projects to be erected in Matina.

LordCarnal

March 31st, 2006, 02:31 PM

^^

bakit wala high rise sa matina rea na mas malaki naman ang space?

It would also depend on the value of the land. The more the value of the land goes up, then the more it would be practical to build a highrise structure. :)

This is particularly true in an area where space is limited like a downtown area perhaps.

abskess

March 31st, 2006, 02:46 PM

Yup, tj is right dili man ni pwede as domain name but it can be used in other ways. Posters, tshirts, flyers, print ads, especially targetting internet users.

I totally disagree with Medalla's assumptions that only a few regions will survive while the others will be subsidized by the federal government in case we go federal. In my opinion, once we go federal, states will retain much of the taxes, as high as 85-90 percent. In effect, states will have enough money to run their regions. It is the federal government (Manila) that will be in trouble. That is the reason why federalism is getting little attention compared with going parliamentary. In fact, GMA, JDV, Concom, etc. all pay only lip service to federalism. Those in the center do not actually like to surrender their power.

A closer look at the Chacha proposals do not say that we go federal. It is the new parliament that will enact the law that will effect the federalization of the country. So, if Parliament will not come out with any enabling law, Goodbye federal! :nuts:

I absolutely do agree with you sir...

Here are some additional facts Mr. Medalla should have considered or known before he uttered those presumptions:

1. that more than 50% of country's GDP is being supplied by MIndanao being the bulk of it coming from Davao Region,

2. that most of Phils minerals: gold, cupper, silver, granite etc has the most substancial amount in The Davao Region...

3. that Philippines is the major exporter of coconut and that all being contributed by Davao Region,

4. that Phils supplies approx 70-80% of worlds banana and abaca needs and they are being exported by DAvao region,

5. that more than 60% of countrys cut flower and vegetable needs is coming from DAvao region,

6. that the oil deposits in the Cotabato Basin, which is more in amount and quality than what Brunie and other asean countries have according to the study presented by Petronas MAlaysia, is nearest to the DAvao Region,

6. that the ARAMCO is scounting the areas of Davao and COtabato REgions for their planned Oil refinery here in Mindanao,

7. that DAvao is the de facto capital of BIMP-EAGA,

8. that the number one filipino, in fact given an award as Pinoy of the Year, is no other than the honorable mayor of Davao City,

9. and countless more...

..if Davao cant survive with all of these endowed asstes...i think no other place or region for that matter can curvive...

:yes: :yes: :yes:

dinabaw

March 31st, 2006, 03:01 PM

^^
how about the Mango export now that Guimaras and Davao can only export quality mangoes to Australiia

KulasKusgan

March 31st, 2006, 03:25 PM

xzibit31

March 31st, 2006, 03:31 PM

[QUOTE=abskess]I absolutely do agree with you sir...

Here are some additional facts Mr. Medalla should have considered or known before he uttered those presumptions:

1. that more than 50% of country's GDP is being supplied by MIndanao being the bulk of it coming from Davao Region,

2. that most of Phils minerals: gold, cupper, silver, granite etc has the most substancial amount in The Davao Region...

3. that Philippines is the major exporter of coconut and that all being contributed by Davao Region,

4. that Phils supplies approx 70-80% of worlds banana and abaca needs and they are being exported by DAvao region,

5. that more than 60% of countrys cut flower and vegetable needs is coming from DAvao region,

6. that the oil deposits in the Cotabato Basin, which is more in amount and quality than what Brunie and other asean countries have according to the study presented by Petronas MAlaysia, is nearest to the DAvao Region,

6. that the ARAMCO is scounting the areas of Davao and COtabato REgions for their planned Oil refinery here in Mindanao,

7. that DAvao is the de facto capital of BIMP-EAGA,

8. that the number one filipino, in fact given an award as Pinoy of the Year, is no other than the honorable mayor of Davao City,

9. and countless more...

alam mo dude, with the info on hand, i think visayas and luzon would not survive without mindanao...kawawa na sila kung federal na. what money we make in mindanao, stays in mindanao. we only have to remit about 5 percent to imperial manila....IMHO... :)
.

astroboi

March 31st, 2006, 03:34 PM

matamis nga mangga sa Davao, we enjoyed eating Davao mangoes when we went there last year and ofcourse the fragrant durian, sarap talaga.

HappyL.A.

March 31st, 2006, 04:46 PM

[QUOTE=dinabaw]Maayong buntag sa tanan! welcome councilor Happy La! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

To couniclor Happy La
Good morning Sir! kanag advocate man dyud mo sa Enivironment! unsa matabang namo sa paglambo sa atong environmen?t maka tabang ba mi sa himuon na Nature Park?

Yes of course. But it would depend on your expertise or capabilities. But you can start with showing us some pics of parks in your area.

KulasKusgan

March 31st, 2006, 04:50 PM

hello happy LA.

i hope you can push for the devt of davao riverbanks. just like what marikina and nanning are doing.

heres nanning:
http://zedounet83.free.fr/data/CHN-Nanning-skyscrapercitycom23.jpg

http://www.pilotex.com.tw/nanning/images_01/nanning_008.JPG

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 04:50 PM

but in fairness to Central Visayas it also got the strength needed to propel in a federalism form of government! so Go Visayas! Go Mindanao!

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 04:55 PM

where is Zakoya's?

Zakoya's is along F. Torres street, to the left of the Davao Convention Center ;)

HappyL.A.

March 31st, 2006, 04:56 PM

[QUOTE=sleepwalker_uno]hello happy LA.

i hope you can push for the devt of davao riverbanks. just like what marikina and nanning are doing.

WOW, nakakainggit. But we have to start somewhere, and replecate some good experiences. With everybody's help am sure maraming magagawa. :) Signing off muna. :) :)

KulasKusgan

March 31st, 2006, 05:03 PM

WOW, nakakainggit. But we have to start somewhere, and replecate some good experiences. With everybody's help am sure maraming magagawa. :) Signing off muna. :) :)

yes, we have to start somewhere... like relocating those informal settlers along riverbanks. but city govt is kinda lenient on these people.

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:04 PM

Noe Tiu is now based in Palawan. He came to Davao City last Jan. with Joey Ayala during the ATF.

Welcome po!

I would just like to ask how I can observe dun sa hatching ng mga pawikan/turtles.... Would love to watch it kasi, esp when they go to the ocean na.

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 05:08 PM

basing on those pics...its achievable naman eh! well ofcourse wag muna yung mga skyscrapers!

I've been to Davao River Promenade 3 years ago.....and it looked promising....sana macontinue! kc parang akward tuloy tingnan na part lang ng river bank ang may mini park.....

honestly, nasayangan lang ko coz for the span of 3 years...wa diay ni napadayun? but im pretty sure that the city officials and even Mayor Duterte have noticed this....

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:10 PM

the popular DOS PALMAS is owned by the NCCC's - Dabawenyo entrepreneurs?

I don't know if this is a question... but yes, Dos Palmas is owned by the Lims who also own the NCCC malls/stores...

Btw, another Davaoeño we should be proud of are the Caktiongs who own Jollibee... ;)

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 05:12 PM

they own Jollibee Corp? whoa? for real? or nagfranchise?

bel1river

March 31st, 2006, 05:14 PM

The Honorables Pete Lavina and Leo Avila....probably the two most non-trapos in the city council....good job!!! These guys are advocates for issues that really matter. Let's hope we choose our elected leaders as we wisely chose these.

I guess we can't ignore what Valium has to say. He does have his points of view and at the very least, we can either take whatever he says with a grain of salt or keep them at the back of our heads. In other words, he could very well be vocalizing exactly what other people with negative images of Davao and Mindanao may have in mind. These are the very same people (unfortunately kapwa Filipino) we need to convince that Davao is what we say it is. Although sometimes, it is harder to convince one of our own than a dayuhan.

I have an American friend who actually lives in Davao and swears moving to Mindanao, particularly Davao, was the best thing he has ever done in his life. Mind you, he is not some 'kano who is merely living out his remaining years in "paradise" with his pension. He is actually an entrepreneur with a vibrant online business. He is young and is married to a lovely lady from GenSan and their kids all attend local schools. I asked him, "Do you think you'll ever find yourself and your family back in Washington State?" He said, "Sure! For vacation!".

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:16 PM

re: Federalism...

I would really love for imperial Manila to implement federalism in the country... GOOD LUCK na lang sa kanila!!!

bel1river

March 31st, 2006, 05:19 PM

they own Jollibee Corp? whoa? for real? or nagfranchise?

Indeed, TJ. They are full-blooded Davaoenos. I met Tony long ago at their first restaurant in Cubao (along Aurora Blvd.) when I was still college. I remember kasi I was so surprised then that a Davaoeno actually owned the place when we spoke to each other.

He told me pa nga that his beef actually came from Davao (Nenita Stock Farm tingali).

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:23 PM

they own Jollibee Corp? whoa? for real? or nagfranchise?

for real, they grew up here in Davao but later on moved to Manila... :D

Tony Tan Caktiong, head honcho of Jollibee, won the Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004. He is a graduate of the Davao Chinese School.

Check out this link (http://www.ey.com/GLOBAL/content.nsf/Philippines/Entrepreneur_of_the_Year-Tony_Tan_Caktiong) to know more about him.

KulasKusgan

March 31st, 2006, 05:26 PM

Indeed, TJ. They are full-blooded Davaoenos. I met Tony long ago at their first restaurant in Cubao (along Aurora Blvd.) when I was still college. I remember kasi I was so surprised then that a Davaoeno actually owned the place when we spoke to each other.

He told me pa nga that his beef actually came from Davao (Nenita Stock Farm tingali).

Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2004
Master Entrepreneur

Good food, family, and happiness

Food and family are two essential elements behind the success of both Tony Tan Caktiong and his company, Jollibee Foods Inc.

While growing up in Davao (Southern Mindanao), he and his brothers worked in their family restaurant where their father was also the chef. From his parents, they learned two basic ingredients that led to the Jollibee phenomenon -- good food and humility.

After high school, Mr. Tan Caktiong moved back to Manila to pursue an engineering course at the University of Santo Tomas. Upon graduating from the university, he and his brothers applied for a franchise of Magnolia Ice Cream House.

The business was already doing well but they noticed that the customers were looking for something besides ice cream. This gave them the idea to serve sandwiches and spaghetti. Pretty soon, the hot meals were outselling the frozen delights. Mr. Tan Caktiong decided to convert their two ice cream parlors into dine-in fast-food restaurants called "Jollibee."

The story behind the name is as interesting as the company's. When Mr. Tan Caktiong and his family were brainstorming on a symbol for their business, they thought of a bee because it is known for its hard work.

Bees also produce honey that represents the sweet things in life. In addition, they also wanted the name to connote happiness and prefixed "jolly" because people should be happy with their work to enjoy it. .

With Jollibee, the Tan Caktiong team decided to focus on the Filipino taste. They made sure -- as their father had taught them -- that all the food that Jollibee serves must taste good.

And when they learned that the Number One fastfood chain in the world was making an entry in the Philippines, Mr. Tan Caktiong knew that they had only two choices: to be a franchise of the global brand or to stand on its own.

Today, it is a known fact that Jollibee is the undisputed leader in the local fastfood industry. Jollibee commands 65% of the market, leading in three major segments -- Jollibee in chicken and burgers; Chowking in oriental fast food; and Greenwich in pizza and pasta.

Moreover, Jollibee is one of the largest franchising networks in the Philippines. From two stores in 1975, Jollibee can be found in around 900 locations in the country and 29 overseas. This phenomenon is due mainly to Mr. Tan Caktiong's persistent drive to innovate, to look ahead, and to learn from other companies' successes and mistakes. He is the toughest quality controller of Jollibee's products and services.

At the moment, Mr. Tan Caktiong is upbeat about doing business in China and Indonesia. Jollibee will explore opportunities in the Japanese dining segment through the US California-based Tomi's Teriyaki Japanese Restaurant.

He is not afraid to fail despite an unsuccessful venture in the Middle East. From a business standpoint, he considers the episode successful because of the valuable lessons he learned form it.

For his tremendous success, Mr. Tan Caktiong was recognized Management Man of the Year in 2002. He has also been presented an Agora Award for Outstanding Marketing Achievement, a Triple A Alumni Award from the Asian Institute of Management, a Golden Scroll Award, a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Entrepreneurship, a Star of Asia Award from BusinessWeek, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Chain Restaurant Operators and Suppliers Series.

Mr. Tan Caktiong credits his parents for cultivating his entrepreneurial spirit and instilling in him the values of respect and humility, which are now ingrained in the corporate culture of Jollibee. Everyone in Jollibee -- from the CEO to a store's kitchen crew -- respectfully address each other as "Sir" or "Ma'am."

"If you take care of your people, they will take care of you," Mr. Tan Caktiong puts simply.

By people, he refers not only to employees but also to Jollibee's numerous suppliers, franchisees, shareholders and the public at large.

After all that has been said and done in the last 25 years since Jollibee metamorphosed from an ice cream parlor, Mr. Tan Caktiong returns again and again to the one basic question his parents would ask often of him: Have you made people happy?

Only when he is certain that he has made people happy can Mr. Tan Caktiong say that he is truly successful.

PIA Press Release
10/01/2004
Chinese school honors outstanding Davaoeños

By Rose Palacio

Davao City (1 October) -- The Davao Central High School (DCHS), popularly known as the Davao Chinese High School, has honored three outstanding Davaoeños for bringing honor and prestige not only for the school and the Chinese community but also to Davao City.

Cited were Jollibee Foods Corporation president and CEO Antonio Tan Caktiong; National Artist Ang Kiu Kok; and Philippine General Hospital Department of Neurosciences Chairperson Dr. Willy Lopez.

Caktiong recently won the 2004 World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in ceremonies held in Monte Claro, Monaco for his excellent contribution to the fast food industry through the Jollibee conglomerate.

Dr. Lopez, president of the Academy of Filipinio Neurosurgeons, was one of the doctors in the successful surgical operation of formerly enjoined Filipino twins Carl and Clarence Aguirre at the Montefiore Hospital for Children in New York.

The establishment of the DCHS in the 1920s was made possible through the encouragement of China's then Consul General Chou Kuo Shian (Zhou Guo Xian) and through the generosity of Davao's very own Don Fraancisco Juna Lim Villa Abrille (Lin Quan Fen).

The then Davao Chinese High School changed its name to Davao Central High School after President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 176 on April 23, 1973 calling for the "Filipinization" of all foreign schools in the country.

City Councilor Pilar Braga, chairperson of the City Council's Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, has filed a resolution citing the exemplary contributions of the DCHS in providing primary and secondary education to Chinese, Filipino-Chinese and Filipino elementary and high-school students in Davao City over the last eight decades.

Through her resolution, the City Council commended and congratulated the DCHS and its alumni association for their 80th founding anniversary September 25-28, 2004.

She also commended the three outstanding alumni for exemplifying and giving meaning to its scholastic tradition of academic excellence. (PIA-RPalacio)

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:27 PM

other Davaoeños we should be proud of:

musicians Joey Ayala and Cynthia Alexander, Juris of MYMP, South Border, Freestyle
film director Yam Laranas
acclaimed artist Ang Kiukok

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 05:29 PM

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: bravo dabawenyos! :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 05:31 PM

other Davaoeños we should be proud of:

musicians Joey Ayala and Cynthia Alexander, Juris of MYMP, South Border, Freestyle
film director Yam Laranas
acclaimed artist Ang Kiukok

sali na rin natin ang mga bagong talents ng Dos and Siete na galing Davao..

bel1river

March 31st, 2006, 05:36 PM

re: Federalism...

I would really love for imperial Manila to implement federalism in the country... GOOD LUCK na lang sa kanila!!!

I say, why wait for Imperial Manila to implement Federalism...

As to this matter, I would just have to agree with what Duterte, Emano and the other Mindanawan politicians have in mind....If all those opportunist, self-serving, backwater Manila-based politicians are only capable of rocking the boat all the time, then Mindanao will just have to secede from the country. Because when Manila sneezes, Mindanao catches a cold. Kung sige'g lang gubot diha sa Manila then we ought to just sever the cord that binds us, para wala ng mga hindrances to our advancement. Why should we rely on those people when half of them probably have never set foot in Mindanao.

Kung baga, 'If you're not with us, then get the hell out of the way!'.

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:37 PM

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:40 PM

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 05:47 PM

sa mga gagawa ng website...

promote rin natin that davao is typhoon-free ;)

and lets highlight the food

pati yung mga important legislations dito sa davao like the smoking ordinance, pati yung strong advocacy for women's rights pati na rin for gays and lesbians ;)

ei i have an idea dvocity...diba u design websites too? ei can u help us up? currently we are having a poll regarding the website's url address.... ako na hahanap ng paraan for the domain registration and webhosting...can u assist us with the development?

by the way, its going to be a website that will promote tourism muna.....like those of malaysia and hongkong...have u visited their site? its not gonna be that broad.....Im thinking of a website which would serve as a reference for travelers...kinda like tripadvisor and expedia. so lets not be that heavy with the legislations muna....i guess the davao city's official website should take care of that....

so if tayo yung travelers...and we want to visit a place..let's say Punta Cana, Cancun, or Davao.... then our website should answer our queries such as:

Anong meron sa Davao?
San ang Davao?
Ano ang travel requirements?
Anong activities andun?
How much would it cost? (average)
Anong flights papunta dun?
Where will I stay?
Bakit Davao?
what's in Davao which I cannot find anywhere else?

and so on........

and of course PICS PICS PICS!!! more pix! so basically our goal is to promote TOURISM...

by the way i have visited your site..and im one of your fan...your site is more like an guide to urban living - davao style! parang clickthecity, getasia, and cebucentral. I love it....you should continue that project!

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:58 PM

I don't design websites, its my cousins who do. We're currently working on a site about Davao but we're going to focus on the lifestyle topics more (eg bars, restos, events, arts, culture, fashion).

I'll help you with stuff, whenever I can.

Btw, I have talked to another web designer planning to make a site abt Davao, we agreed that maybe we can all meet up an form some sort of organization s we can consolidate our efforts. Para instead of competing, we can all work together to help Davao City.

I also think its a good idea to focus on our eco-tourism sites. ;)

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 05:59 PM

and before I forget...

The recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Ms Universe is also a Davaoeña, Ms. Lia Andrea Ramos. :D

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 06:02 PM

regarding the travelling info thing... I think Boracay.com (http://www.boracay.com) might be a good site to follow.

mydavaocity

March 31st, 2006, 06:04 PM

tj, thanks sa compliment! My cousins and I are gonna meet later today to pursue the project. ;) I'm glad to know we're on the right track.

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 06:05 PM

edit

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 06:27 PM

Sea Scape Tour project launched in Davao Sur
April 1, 2006
PIA

STA CRUZ, Davao del Sur (1 April) -- The municipality of Sta. Cruz launched a tour package that would help boost the municipality's eco tourism industry and attract potential tourists and investors who could help provide economic benefit to its constituents.

Mayor Gerome Undalok said Sta. Cruz was declared as one of the Provincial Agri-Industrial Centers in Region XI by the Regional Development council through the National Economic Development Authority to attract specific investments in the municipality.

To achieve its objective, the municipality launched the Sea Scape Tour Project which stands out as an eco-tourism venture that integrates the elements of community-based eco-tourism, people's participation, customer focused, contribution to environmental conservation, preservation and protection of local culture.

The project is built around the unique environmental attributes and serene beauty of Pasig Island of Barangay Bato and Tagabuli Sea Rock Garden. It enhances a broad range of environmental experiences and learning with fun and enjoyment of the sun, sea and sand.

Coastal trekking along the mangrove areas, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, visit to seaweeds farms, island hopping, sport fishing are also among the activities that bring the guest closer to nature.

Further the tour provides you a better understanding on the relationship on the ecosystem of the upland and the coastal areas as one can view the landscape of the Mt. Apo Natural Park to the coastal areas.

The Sea Scape Tour Package provides several optiononal objectives; Package I Pasig Marine Sanctuary (Option 1) Tour around the Pasig Area (40 minutes) - tour over the sea grass, coral reef areas, catch glimpse on the gardens of the sea and interact with the "sea farmers" tending to their seaweed farms and sea cucumber culture.

(Option 2) Snorkeling/Swimming along the fish sanctuary (45 minute) - snorkeling/swimming along the so-called fish sanctuary and view the healthy corals and colorful fishes within the sanctuary.

(Option 3) Scuba diving along the Fish Sanctuary (45 minutes - 1 hour) - View the richness of the coral reef along the sanctuary while observing the lifestyles of some of the coral reef fishes.

Package 2: Sea Rock Garden (Option 1) Experience the soothing seascape tour at the sea rock garden in Barangay Tagabuli with its unique coastal topography complemented with its natural landscape of rock formation, dwarf mangroves naturally scattered within the white sand beachfront. Big mangroves also provide shades to those beach lovers.

Its activities involves Snorkeling/swimming/scuba diving along the fish sanctuary and sportfishing this option also provides alternative places for prepared activities: like in Bacolod Beach in barangay Tuban and Tajos Beach in Barangay Zone III.

(Option 2) Fish Cage - Tagabuli is also the fish capital of Sta. Cruz with the presence of fish cages within the Tagabuli Cove. Fish feeding and interact with the fish folks as they tend to their fish cages. You may have sure catch fishing and cook your own catch. (Option 3) Bird Watching - Added attraction is the bird sanctuary along the National Highway where big trees serve as roosts for birds of different species.

he Office of the Provincial Agri-Industrial Center and Office of the Municipal Administrator believes that the project will not only generate livelihood and benefits for the villagers but also promotes and show cases local conservation efforts of threatened coastal environment and wildlife.

this is good news! Pasig Island in Bo. Bato is beautiful. When I was small, we used to wade in the pristine waters in this vanishing island.

Tagabuli used to have its own seaport where the Japanese commercial vessels use to load up logs in the 60's or might be earlier.

tj_brewed

March 31st, 2006, 06:30 PM

ei...i'll be signing off muna...maaga pa work ko bukas....ehehehehhe tc all!

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 06:37 PM

Zakoya's is along F. Torres street, to the left of the Davao Convention Center ;)

thanks a bunch dvocity, this place was still non-existent when i left Davao. I know for sure there was an unfinished comm'l bldg in this location before, that should be it

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 06:44 PM

yes, we have to start somewhere... like relocating those informal settlers along riverbanks. but city govt is kinda lenient on these people.

thanks for being politically correct sleep, re: informal settlers

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 08:19 PM

Let me repost this guys as this one makes for a complete resume of our beloved Davao

Living In Davao: A Bliss
By Cris D. Kabasares

"Davao City is an amazing story of how the richness of the land spawned multi-millionaires who started out with modest capital. How enterprising caretoneros (cart pushers) and lowly sacadas (migrant workers) became wealthy coconut planters. It's this incredible mix of people that makes Davao a thriving and exciting place to live."

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- I've lived in San Francisco, California, for nearly 40 long years--but I still freely--and proudly--call Davao City my home.

"My Sinulog". Post your Sinulog experience here

Today, when not traveling, my wife and I divide our time between California and an idyllic place called Mountain Haven tucked in Barangay Eden in Davao City where we have a modest vacation home overlooking Davao Gulf.

Isn't Eden the other name of paradise? There, living is good, quiet, and healthful. One sleeps and wakes up to the soothing breeze that gently sweeps the land from the foot of the mighty Mt. Apo.

That's why we live there from three to fours months a year, and truly love it.

It all started when I retired recently after 35 years in journalism, 10 years of those were spent in Manila, and a stint as a government hearing officer in San Francisco.

There's an exciting and different world out there that civilization calls retirement. It's the time in which we could do the other important things in life that we wanted most but didn't quite get around to doing them.

That world, it seems to me, is Davao City. Retirement is boring, a few friends in California who are retirees themselves had warned me. I'm completely unaware of what they're doing with their lives in retirement, but I know just exactly what I'm doing with mine and where I'm doing it.

It's in Davao where I'm enjoying my retirement rather enormously. Thomas Wolfe wrote "you can't go home again." Davao City seemingly flouts the famous poet. It has an incredible passion few true Dabawenyos are able to resist.

We come home to Davao. Most Dabawenyos I've met in London, Rome, Paris, Milan, Munich, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and on board cruise ships, told me they long for the day when they come home to live in Davao--for good.

Once I witnessed a Dabawenyo tossing away crisp 20-peso bills to people at the shed in the old Bangoy International airport. The brief scramble to grab a bill or two spilled over to the middle of the road as pesos were blown away there.

I recalled that the gladhander sat three rows behind where my wife and I were seated on the plane from Manila. He did it to fulfill a pledge--that when he comes home to Davao for good, he'll toss away P20 bills to his welcomers as soon as he comes out of the airport as a gesture of thanksgiving. He was home at last to retire after years of working in the Middle East, a fellow-passenger told me.

For me, in no other place is the feeling of being home so emotionally blissful than Davao.

As the plane I'm aboard approaches Davao Gulf, it glides a course between the mainland to the right and the island of Samal to the left. It soars over part of Davao City, makes a midair U-turn for the final approach, then that familiar thud of the tires, I know, I really know I'm home! Davao has a charm all its own.

People visit this place once and wake up the following morning with a decision to make it their home or praise its warmth and hospitality of the Dabawenyos.

This is a true account.

A friend and his wife from Vallejo, California, visited Davao for the first time in November, last year. Upon their return to California he called me to announce their decision to retire in Davao saying the city is peaceful. My friend is from Luzon, and his wife is from Samar. Like me, they have lived in California for over 30 years.

Davao offers limitless opportunities for the good life to retirees from other lands. It's is rich in history. It's the story of a land and people from pre-Hispanic times, and Jose Uyanguren's arrival in 1848, to the development of the vast Japanese abaca plantations.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Americans and the Commonwealth government extolled Mindanao as the "land of promise" and actively encouraged its settlement. Pioneers from different parts of the country came, many found their way to Davao where they discovered a vast and fertile region. Davao quickly became the metaphor for abundance and wide open lands. It still is.

Davao City is an amazing story of how the richness of the land spawned multi-millionaires who started out with modest capital. How enterprising caretoneros (cart pushers) and lowly sacadas (migrant workers) became wealthy coconut planters. It's this incredible mix of people that makes Davao a thriving and exciting place to live.

Dabawenyos now in retirement in Davao city find almost anything here. From glitzy shops, upscale malls, eateries, first class hotels, top-notched golf courses, entertainment, good educational institutions, and the toughest no-smoking ordinance in the country--Davao has it all. And it's an hour and 25 minutes flight to Manila.

They'll be glad to know that today Dabawenyos are working hard and smart to convert the region into a 21st century economic hub to span Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under the aegis of the BIMP-Eaga ( Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines/East Asean Growth Area) pact. With Davao City as its axis, they have set their sights on lands beyond the Coral Sea. The ambitious quest ran into a storm kicked up by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, but they're successfully re-working the plans. They know they're going to make it.

This Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) being held in this city is expected to propel the region to a flourishing tourist mecca. When that boom happens, every other Dabawenyo would share its bounty.

Davao is the cultural and educational center of Mindanao and Dabawenyos are deeply passionate about their city, the biggest in the world (244,000 sq. hectares) geographically.

They sing their loyalty to Davao in a song titled "Tayo'y Dabawenyo" (We're Dabawenyos)--now heard in many places around the world whenever Dabawenyos gather to celebrate an event.

There's hardly a mystery behind it, the feeling comes naturally with the size. Davao City is a modern metropolis but it has a stunning countryside to explore. Its forests are still vibrant and rich of wildlife, just as its seas are blue and bountiful, and its rivers still flow from the mountains to the shores.

Davao is the place to be, to retire and live the good life!

Cris D. Kabasares is past president of the Davaoeños of California. He briefly served as a hearing officer in the City of San Francisco. A semi-retired
journalist, he and his wife divide their time between San Francisco, California, and Davao City. He writes a column for a New York newspaper.

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 08:29 PM

nice read d.e.

sensya na, nabusy lang this morning, daghang dapat asikasuhon.

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 08:33 PM

what about come2davao.com

the mati website before was cometomati, they changed it to makeitmati.

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 08:38 PM

sige na nga...

tulfo brothers
erich and charles of scq
chuck allie of starstruck
juliana palermo
close up to fame winners: carinne and reyson

julius babao's dad also comes from davao, as well as caridad sanchez' husband (magkapatid dad ni julius and caridad's husband)

Let's not forget:
Zander Khan- the Juke Box king of the 80s, now mayor of Jose Abad Santos, Dav Sur
Ivy Violan hails from Toril
Verni Gonzales- Juke Box Queen of 80s (remember the song "kung ang irog mo ay dalawa, palayasin este, palayain ang isa')
Vina Morales spent part of her childhood in Malalag, Dav Sur. She is a grand daughter of the Heuses- big time banana planters in that area. Heus is caucasian where Ms. Morales got her mestiza features.
Geraldine who popularized the famous 80s ditty Pangako Sa 'Yo penned by Rey Valera who recorded his own version after Geraldine made it smash hit.
Gary Granada- known for his witty lyrics re: "Kapag nanalo na ang Ginebra", big time singer from the small town of Maco, Comp Valley, Davao
Freestyle Band- no need to elaborate
Cass Ponti hails from Mawab?
and a lot more..

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 08:47 PM

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 08:53 PM

nice read d.e.

sensya na, nabusy lang this morning, daghang dapat asikasuhon.

Looking forward to life like that of Chris K's, I know you do too - retire in Davao someday.

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 09:29 PM

Let's refresh our minds on this fact. 5 cities in Mindanao ranked high in the Most Competitive City Survey of AIM. Davao leads the pack (metro) while Tagum (DC's small bro) Koronadal, Surigao (small) and Iligan (mid-size) among Mindanao cities cited. Mindanao rocks!

20 Cities Named Philippines’ Most Competitive
AIM Policy Center unveils results of Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project
i> By the AIM Policy Center and Institutional Marketing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIVE METRO cities, five mid-sized cities, and 10 small cities have been cited as the Philippines’ most competitive, based on results of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) 2005. The findings of the biennial survey were revealed in a national conference held at the Inter-Continental Hotel Makati on February 13, 2006.

The AIM Policy Center completed the project in collaboration with the United State Agency for International Development (USAID), the Asia Foundation, and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). The PCCRP assesses the capacity of a city to provide an environment that nurtures the dynamism of its local enterprises and industries. It also assesses the general ability of a city to attract investments and entrepreneurs, and to uplift the living standards of its residents. Lastly, the project provides a benchmarking process that will aid individual cities in measuring competitiveness. City competitiveness itself is defined as “the ability of a city to create and maintain an environment that sustains more value creation for its enterprises and more prosperity for its people.”

The PCCRP ranks the competitiveness of various cities using seven major drivers of competitiveness: cost of doing business, dynamism of local economy, linkages and accessibility, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of local government to business needs, and quality of life. These drivers were adopted from the World Competitiveness Yearbook of the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development.

Sixty-five cities were surveyed in PCCRP 2005, the fourth edition of the project. Cities were categorized into 13 metropolitan cities (cities comprising Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao), 15 mid-sized cities (non-metro cities each with a population greater than 200,000), and 37 small cities (each with a population less than 200,000). Geographically, 30 cities are from Luzon, 14 from Visayas, and 21 from Mindanao.

In his presentation, Policy Center executive director Dr. Federico Macaranas named the following as the most competitive cities for each classification, in alphabetical order. (Click here to download presentation [pdf file].)

Metro: Davao, Las Piñas, Makati, Marikina, and Muntinlupa
Mid-size: Bacolod, Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo, and San Fernando, Pampanga
Small: Dagupan, Koronadal, Legaspi, Naga, Olongapo, San Fernando (La Union), Sta. Rosa, Surigao, Tagbilaran, and Tagum

The PCCRP aims to motivate local government leaders to become economic and development managers apart from being providers of outstanding public goods and services. The study is designed to inculcate these in local government leaders as well as businesses and civil society by promoting healthy competition among cities.

The growth of local government units was a prevalent theme in the speeches and remarks during the conference. Keynote speaker Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who pushes for livable communities and urban reform in his agenda, said, “Cities must become pockets of excellence… Each city is not competing against other cities; it is competing against itself. It must surpass its own self.”

paulkrps

March 31st, 2006, 10:00 PM

Looking forward to life like that of Chris K's, I know you do too - retire in Davao someday.

exactly. i want to retire with familiar faces and enjoy those fleeting moments without fear of bills to pay, etc. just be at peace with yourself and your GOD.

bel1river

March 31st, 2006, 11:07 PM

Can someone post the lyrics to Tayo'y Dabawenyo? Please. Pretty please?

And for the geeks :) out there, can someone post a link to a mp3 file of the hymn?

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 11:43 PM

exactly. i want to retire with familiar faces and enjoy those fleeting moments without fear of bills to pay, etc. just be at peace with yourself and your GOD.

amen to that Paul!

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 11:57 PM

Hey guys, try to check out the new Davao Tourism Official Web Site. It's really good. I've found most of the things I wanna know about Davao. Pretty sure the prospecting tourist out there would find it very helpful.

http://davaotourism.davaoguide.com/?page=8

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2006, 11:59 PM

Can someone post the lyrics to Tayo'y Dabawenyo? Please. Pretty please?

And for the geeks :) out there, can someone post a link to a mp3 file of the hymn?

tried to google it but got no luck, sorry.

Konsehal

April 1st, 2006, 12:43 AM

tried to google it but got no luck, sorry.

I will sing it from the heart:

Sa dakong timog ng Mindanaw
may isang lungsod na hinirang
ang likas nyang kayamanan
ay walang kapantay

Mga bundok, dagat, lupain
ay sagana sa pagkain
at ang magagandang tanawin
kadluan ng aliw

Mutyang lungsod ng Dabaw
sa iyang paglalakbay
sa mithiing kaunlaran
ikaw ay paglilingkuran

Tayo'y Dabawenyo
na tapat at tooo
pangarap ay matamo
kaluwalhatian mo
Lungsod na paraiso

:applause:

Check My first Araw ng Dabaw (http://www.funchain.com/post/0000002148) for a bit of history.

grg1992

April 1st, 2006, 01:00 AM

Davao is very beautiful!! Great pics! :okay:

Konsehal

April 1st, 2006, 01:08 AM

Can someone post the lyrics to Tayo'y Dabawenyo? Please. Pretty please?

And for the geeks :) out there, can someone post a link to a mp3 file of the hymn?

I just called up Popong Landero, aka Kaliweteng Gitarista, now popular as Davao's Bob Marley. He made a new version of our city song. He promised to prepare an mp3 file this afternoon. I will ask City Hall if we have an mp3 file of the original march music. :)

davaoeagle

April 1st, 2006, 01:49 AM

I just called up Popong Landero, aka Kaliweteng Gitarista, now popular as Davao's Bob Marley. He made a new version of our city song. He promised to prepare an mp3 file this afternoon. I will ask City Hall if we have an mp3 file of the original march music. :)

that's good news, konsehal!

dinabaw

April 1st, 2006, 02:14 AM

Maayong buntag sa Tanan!

dinabaw

April 1st, 2006, 02:17 AM

Originally posted by Dvocty
other Davaoeños we should be proud of:

musicians Joey Ayala and Cynthia Alexander, Juris of MYMP, South Border, Freestyle
film director Yam Laranas
acclaimed artist Ang Kiukok

How about Victor Edades , he reitred and died here along with his wife Jean! He loved Davao City!

davaoeagle

April 1st, 2006, 02:26 AM

Maayong buntag sa Tanan!

holler to all!

dinabaw

April 1st, 2006, 02:38 AM

NAGA CITY-High prices await Philippine mangoes, which have gained a strong following in Australia, according to an embassy official.

Ma. Araceli Escandor-Albarece, agriculture attache to Australia, said Australians currently pay as much as A$2 to A$4 for each mango, and demand continues to rise.

Albarece said supply could hardly cope with the demand, partly because not all mangoes meet Australian standards.

She, however, said that the Australian government was helping the Philippines meet these stringent quality standards for mangoes, and that a survey was now being conducted in Davao del Sur.

Albarece, who called the Inquirer from Perth, Australia, said that a $250,000-survey, funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid), of the mango plantations in Davao del Sur would determine whether mangoes there were free from the pulp weevil disease that infects mango fruits.

She said that once completed and found to be free from pulp weevil disease, all the mangoes from Davao del Sur would be allowed to enter Australia.

Albarece said the mangoes from Guimaras were currently the only ones from the Philippines certified for Australian export.

The agriculture attaché said there was a vast market for Philippine mango in Australia because Australians were already used to the unique taste and succulence of Philippine mangoes.

She added that Australian buyers were willing to pay high price for fresh mangos from the Philippines.

She said the rapid growth in the demand for fresh mangos from Australian consumers had prompted one Australian company to address the shortage by establishing a mango plantation in Queensland and the northern territory of Australia.

The agriculture attaché said the Harvest Co. of Australia is establishing plantations covering 1,000 hectares and targets to plant 350,000 mangoes in two years.

Albarece said the company was propagating the Calypso variety, which it believes can thrive in Australian conditions.

She said that mango producers in Davao del Sur must prepare for the big Australian export and band together to be competitive and up to Australian standards.

"It's time for our mango producers to group themselves and adopt a more aggressive marketing scheme to take advantage of the erratic production and supply of mangoes in Australia," she said.
Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau

abskess

April 1st, 2006, 02:45 AM

Pleasant day guys... :)

junex

April 1st, 2006, 02:47 AM

Haller to all....read on!!!

Mindanao eyed as huge market for veggies
posted @ 5:26 pm by Bob in [ News ]
Davao City (30 March) — There’s a huge market for vegetables in Mindanao and yet farmers produce the product for the Luzon area.

This was the observation made by Dante Sarraga, Jr., executive vice president of the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board during the Club 888 Forum at The Marco Polo Hotel yesterday.

Sarraga said if the vegetable produce are marketed within Mindanao, farmers will earn more instead of the products shipped to Manila where the transport time run up to 52 hours and have to l wait for 70 days to get paid.

“If transaction is done here mas madali kasi kaliwaan lang yan, you deliver the product and get paid immediately,” he said.

Although Sarraga said their Luzon market has already been established and Mindanao market still need to be developed.

Department of Agriculture regional technical director Romeo Falcon said there is low consumption of vegetable here.

He said there is a need to improve on this aspect because aside from the health benefit, it will also improve the economy.

Sarraga who is also a member of the Normin Veggies said that their area supply about 70 percent of the requirements of the entire Mindanao even as he said that they (Normin Veggies) corner 70 percent of the market share in Metro Manila.

“There is really market for vegetables and there is money in it,” he said.

He said that from June to December 2005 alone, they were able to produce 1.3 million metric tons of vegetables.

About 60 tons of their produce are being shipped weekly to Manila while six tons are supplied to Davao area, he said.

He said that when they transport their produce to Zamboanga then to Sandakan, Malaysia it would only take them 27 hours which is a shorter route than the one in Manila.

Sarraga meanwhile said that despite the cold chain, they also experience wastage but on a smaller volume.

He said three years ago they could only achieve recovery of production at about 40 percent compared to the current new technology with recovery production of 85 to 90 percent.

He however said that corrections must be made in the system inorder to come up with only one scheme for the island of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Roger Gualberto, president of the Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao, Inc. said they need to consolidate the vegetable producers of the island.

He admitted however that the traders are more organized than the producers and these traders are the once dictating the price of vegetables.

These traders even go up to the Kapatagan vegetable area in Digos, Davao del Sur to purchase the farmers produce directly based on their (trader’s) price.

He said there is also the need to consolidate the producers in order to get better price and share in the market.

The demand of vegetables in the local and global markets are also increasing and the producers have realized the need to shift from their traditional fragmented vegetable farm production system to highly competitive farm operations.

He said the clustering system is the most ideal approach in facilitating a market-driven produce.

“This will also lead to understanding basic customer requirements and preferences in terms of price, quality, service delivery and other competitive benefits”, he said.

Clustering strategy will be the focus in the coming 4th National Vegetable congress. The theme for this year is “Vegetable Cluster Farming: An Agribusiness for Domestic and Global Markets.

The congress will be held on April 26-28, 2006 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center where two important activities will happen, first, is the field tour at barangay Kapatagan in Digos City and in Salumay, Marilog District and in Manambulan, Tugbok all in Davao City. The other is the congress proper where it will carry three sessions and each session will present lectures to be handled by reliable industry experts.

There will also be sharing of best practices on vegetable production, post-harvest handling, cold chain technologies and marketing, clustering of farmers/farms to market competitiveness of small producers, and review of the vegetable industry strategic plans as well as strengthen private sector and government partnership in the development of a competitive Philippine vegetable industry.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban will be the guest speaker. (PIA/pdbanzon)

Konsehal

April 1st, 2006, 03:36 AM

Pleasant day guys... :)

I just posted in my blog (http://www.funchain.com/~peterlavina), new investments in Davao. Also, the City Council agenda for April 4 :)

abskess

April 1st, 2006, 03:37 AM

tj_brewed

April 1st, 2006, 04:29 AM

I just posted in my blog (http://www.funchain.com/~peterlavina), new investments in Davao. Also, the City Council agenda for April 4 :)

thanks for the good news konsehal.... :)

City meets investment target
April 1, 2006
Councilor Peter Laviña
http://www.funchain.com/~peterlavina

This year's goal of the city's investment promotion center is to attract fresh new investments for P 1.77 billion.

Well, we reached that figure in the first quarter!

The Davao City Investment Incentive Board, where I sit as member, approved four new investment applications Friday afternoon. The city government granted them incentives in the form of tax holidays under the Davao City Investment Incentive Code.

They were the following:

Food processing project of Stargate Enterprise Corporation located at Malagamot, Panacan - P 12.14 Million;

Vapor heat treatment plant of Southern Philippines Fresh Fruits Corp. located at Ilang, Tibungco - P 52 Million;

Property development - housing subdivision of Makar Properties Development, Inc. involving 179 units located at Baliok, Talomo District - P 275 Million;

Property development - housing subdivision "Pag-ibig mega city" of Makar Properties Development, Inc. involving 3,660 units located at Tacunan, Tugbok District - P 1.43 Billion

The four projects will generate 596 new jobs.

The city grants tax holidays that include exemption from payment of mayor's business permits, local fees and charges such as building permit fees, basic real property taxes and local business sales taxes.

Incidentaly, these figures do not include investments in non-preferred areas of investments and those that did not apply the availment of the incentives.

The Davao City Investment Promotion Center likewise provides non-fiscal incentives such as assistance in the processing of permits, business-matching, identification of sites, sourcing of raw materials, among others.

As chair of the City Council Committee on Trade, Commerce & Industry, I am now holding public hearings on the proposed amendments to the incentive ordinance. One of the new proposals is to grant more incentives to businesses that will locate outside the central business districts.

This is in keeping with the city's strategy to disperse growth to other outlying districts of the city.

New preferred areas of investments include my own proposal on production and generation of alternative energy resources.