Digos City, and Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental Provinces [Archive] - Page 2

tough

September 25th, 2007, 07:19 PM

Davao Sur town, a city soon
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (26 September) -- Almost reaching the minimum local income required to become a city, local executives are optimistic of seeing the cityhood of Sta. Cruz very soon.

Town mayor Joel Ray Lopez said that the town is now very ripe economy-wise with the operation of big companies in the said municipality.

Just 38 kilometers from Davao city, the town is home to big industrial plants such as the San Miguel Brewing Philippines Inc, Pryce Gases Inc, and Franklin Baker Company which produces 20 to 25 million pounds of desiccated coconut annually.

The Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation also invested on coconut plantation and cattle production, Filinvest Farms Corporation on sugarcane plantation, GSL Food Enterprise on banana chips, SODACO Farms on durian plantation and others.

" Without the IRA, the town can already stand on its own which qualifies us to become a city very soon," Lopez said.

Situated between two growth centers like Davao City and General Santos City, Sta. Cruz enjoys the advantage of access as it is traversed by the National Highway serving the Southern Mindanao Development Corridor.

Lopez cited the infrastructure and utilities which served as the attraction for the investors to operate in the town. Roads, bridges, power, water supply, and telecommunications are all in place.

The LGU offers fiscal incentives to registered and qualified enterprises in the form f Business Tax Holidays and Non-Fiscal Incentives.

Recently, Sta Cruz opened its door to HEDCOR Sibulan Corporation, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Corporation, which is set to develop a four-billion hydro-electric power plant.

"It is a big investment that will not just generate energy for the whole of Davao del sur but even neighboring cities like Davao and Kidapawan," he said.

A Malaysian firm is also set to put up an oil depot in Sta. Cruz, that would maximize the town's shoreline.

Lopez bared that getting 40 percent of the investment tax from these big companies, the LGU is more than qualified to elevate its status into a city. (PIA XI)

Philippine Information Agency (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p070926.htm&no=3)

davaoeagle

September 25th, 2007, 08:17 PM

Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Power project to boost DavSur town's economy (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/09/26/bus/power.project.to.boost.davsur.town.s.economy.html)
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

SOME P6 billion of investments were poured in by Hydroelectric Corp. (Hedcor), an Aboitiz Company, for the establishment of a hydropower plant in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Sta.Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said in a press conference at the PIA office Tuesday that the project could be a competitive advantage for the town and serve to attract more investors.

"The plant's capacity is 40 to 42 megawatts. It's more than the need of all municipalities in Davao del Sur. We learned that only a 36-megawatt power is needed to supply the entire province," Lopez said.

The town mayor said the plant will be utilizing the Tudaya Falls.

"The construction of the plant is ongoing. Since it can generate power which is more than the need of the province, the company plans to sell the excess utilized power to its sister company, the Davao Light and Power Company. So hindi lang ang Davao del Sur ang makikinabang nito, but also Davao City," Lopez said.

With the power project, Sta. Cruz already surpassed its target investment for the year, which was pegged at P50 million.

Other than Hedcor, Lopez said there are investors who have signified interest in putting up shops in Sta. Cruz.

He said the Franklin Baker Company, an American-owned company, has proposed to establish another coconut processing factory in the municipality.

"I still don't have an idea how much was allotted for the establishment of another factory, but the new factory will be an expansion of the company's existing factory. It will still be established inside the 15-hectare land area which the company owns," Lopez said, adding that the new factory will be even bigger than the old one.

"The new factory will surely generate a thousand of jobs for residents in the area," he said.

davaoeagle

September 25th, 2007, 08:33 PM

Business
Alsons eyes two ethanol distilleries in Mindanao
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Alcantara-owned Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) is planning to build two ethanol distillery plants in Mindanao as it seeks new income sources.

In a speech before the Mindanao Business Conference held in Gen. Santos City recently, Tomas I. Alcantara, chairman of the Alcantara Group of Companies, said ACR is planning to put up its first ethanol facility in Cagayan De Oro City with a capacity of about 100,000 liters a day. The plant is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Alcantara said the company is also considering putting up an ethanol production facility in Sarangani.

He said ACR is also looking at building a bio-diesel refinery in Southern Mindanao which will produce 100,000 liters of fuel a day. The facility is slated for completion by mid-2011.

“Our engagement in these new projects will cover not only the alcohol production phase but the critical agriculture component as well,” Alcantara said.

He said the company is likewise considering developing a mining property in Davao del Norte to take advantage of the surging prices of metals worldwide. It is planning to participate in a large copper and gold project in South Cotabato.

Alcantara said the group is open to forging partnerships with foreign and local investor groups to provide technological expertise.

“In the projects that we have been involved in, we have always kept the doors open to partners, both foreign and domestic, who provide value added to the ventures. Most of our ventures are with outside partners and investors,” Alcantara said.

He said Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of the Toyota Motor Group, is looking at the proposed site of the 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant to be built by ACR in the west coast of the Sarangani province in Southern Mindanao.

The coal-fired power plant will be an independent power producer that will not have any guaranteed offtake from state utility National Power Corp. It is expected to break ground around this time next year and will be operational by the end of 2011.

“This will help stave off the almost certain power shortage four years from now and thus avert any need for government to declare a state of emergency in the power sector,” Alcantara said.

ACR, which has managed and operated almost 500 megawatts in generating capacity, also has power plants in China, Pakistan, Vietnam and in nearby South Sulawesi in Indonesia. ACR has major investments in energy and power, property development, and product distribution.

The group also produces milkfish under the brand name Sarangani Bay, which has become world-class and synonymous with premium quality fish in North America, Europe and other parts of the world.

Alcantara said the group’s property unit Alsons Development Co., continues to be a significant real estate player in Davao City, completing several projects with an aggregate area of some 1,560 hectares and another 90 hectares in several sites.

Ibex

September 26th, 2007, 09:05 AM

Good Afternoon Digos City! :banana::banana::banana:

Dugay gyud ko nawala, pagbalik nako naa na Digos City thread.
Go Digos... :cheer::cheer::cheer:

davaoeagle

September 27th, 2007, 08:08 AM

Tec-Voc school to be set up in Sta. Cruz (http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=18065)
By Nef Luczon

THE provincial government of Davao del Sur and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will put up a provincial technical-vocational school in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur next year.

Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said that the school will help the youth prepare for the municipality’s plans to expand on socio-economic developments and tourism.

“This school shall be constructed for our constituents, for them to be ready with the skills in the municipality’s upcoming investments,” Lopez said.

The school will have short-term vocational courses like welding and plumbing.

MtApoStandard

September 27th, 2007, 08:48 AM

Tec-Voc school to be set up in Sta. Cruz
By Nef Luczon

THE provincial government of Davao del Sur and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will put up a provincial technical-vocational school in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur next year.

Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said that the school will help the youth prepare for the municipality’s plans to expand on socio-economic developments and tourism.

“This school shall be constructed for our constituents, for them to be ready with the skills in the municipality’s upcoming investments,” Lopez said.

The school will have short-term vocational courses like welding and plumbing.

MtApoStandard

September 27th, 2007, 01:37 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/09/28
Rep Almario opposes inclusion of sex education in elementary level
By Neela Duallo

City of Mati (28 September) -- Herself alarmed of the possible implications and its ill-effects, Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Thelma Z. Almario strongly opposed the inclusion of sex education in the curriculum of elementary education.

In a letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Almario stressed some valuable points to her strong objection.

She said that sex education in the primary level has brought adverse effects in the young minds of the pupils, and impairing their innocent minds on their perception towards the supposed "inherently beautiful, natural, spiritual, dignified, and emotional content of human sexuality".

Almario also pointed out that in Filipino culture, elementary pupils are not mature enough to be exposed to sex education, and their minds are young enough to absorb the real essence of sex education.

Sex education can instead, be given to the students in secondary education.

"The time and resources spent for sex education should instead, go to the major subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science and Technology where students have proven to be doing poorly", she said.

She reiterated that said subjects are more important and more helpful in enhancing their academic performance and intellectual capacity.

Moreover, she also explained that sex education has failed to answer the perennial problem on population explosion, and the alarming increase of teen-age pregnancies.

As such, Almario appealed to the President and to the people as well, for concrete actions, as initiated by the Catholic Community.

In a recent Regional Assembly of the Family Life Apostolate held in Malaybalay City and attended by various dioceses in Mindanao, a resolution was adopted "urging the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines For the Immediate Suspension, Revision/Modification of the Present Pornographic Subject on the Human Reproductive System in the Curriculum of Grade School Pupils".

Attending the Regional Assembly were the Archdiocese of Davao, and Dioceses of Cagayan, Tandag, Sorsogon, Cotabato, Iligan, Dipolog, Malaybalay, Pagadian, Tagum, and Mati.

Congresswoman Almario also revealed that she already raised the matter to Education Sec. Jesli Lapuz.

The Secretary said he will take up the matter with Msgr. Fernando Capalla of the Archdiocese of Davao. (DXHM Mati/PIA XI) [top]

Ibex

October 1st, 2007, 09:47 AM

sana naa taga mati nga mag maintain sa thread kay daghan baya interesting places sa mati ug sa davao oriental...

dinabaw

October 1st, 2007, 02:01 PM

sana naa taga mati nga mag maintain sa thread kay daghan baya interesting places sa mati ug sa davao oriental...

hala oi sir @paulkrps taga Mati way maintain2 :lol:

paulkrps

October 2nd, 2007, 01:03 AM

kwangol ka nyor dinabaw. naa ko dire sa toronto.:lol:

gihimo na gani ta kang honorary citizen of davao oriental.

Rasputin

October 2nd, 2007, 05:44 AM

Dahican ,Mati
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/1406619766_60bbdf2e4e.jpg?v=0

Dapat naay Open Skim Boarding Competition sa Mati to attract more beach dwellers of all ages... Ganda ng sand for skim boarding...

MtApoStandard

October 3rd, 2007, 02:52 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/10/02

DAR clarifies news reportage on Mati picket rally
by Elisa Dacula

MATI, Davao Oriental (2 October) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform here clarified report on the issues raised by the farmers and the Task Force Mapalad (TFM) in the staging of picket rally before the provincial office last September 26, 2007.

Provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Venchito Mandap expressed disappointment on news published in Mindanao Daily Mirror dated Sept. 28, 2007, entitled "Farmers storm DAR provincial office." The said article was written by Maya Padillo of the Mindanao Daily Mirror.

He said that all the issues as raised were already addressed two weeks ago during a dialogue with these farmers represented by TFM.

The dialogue was conducted at the DAR regional office XI with the presence of Undersecretary Narciso Nieto.

Mandap said that 138 out of 528 hectares covering Hacienda Maonao were already covered under the program. However, 390 hectares of which could not yet be distributed because there was already an existing infrastructure projects such as airport, terminal, runway and other buildings.

He said that DAR should also consider the rights of the landowner to retain five hectares of their lands.

Mandap said that Task Force Maonao was organized to identify and determine the areas coverable under CARP on the 390-hectare, and Omar Espina who heads the picket is one of the members of the said task force.

Mandap also clarified that the poverty of Hacienda Tolentino was already issued notice of coverage.

As to their claim that there was delay in the segregation survey of L.N. Lopez property Mandap said that it is not possible for the DAR to undergo a segregation survey when the property is still being contested and is pending before the court.

As to the issue of beneficiary selection, he said the qualification is not the membership in association but based on the order of priority stated on Section 22 of RA 6657.

He said that majority of those who joined the picket are members of the association and not actual occupants, tenants or farm workers of the area.

PARO Mandap said that he was not notified of the picket for him to heed their demand for a dialogue because he was in Caraga and Manay having a meeting with the municipal officials involving Kilusan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlarn (KKK) lands, turned-over to DAR for distribution.

He even had to return on that very night to the office just to face the group for a dialogue but refused the call.

He said that he was forced to postpone his appointments the next day only to give priority for a dialogue with them. The dialogue has no new developments and significant but a reiteration of the previous one, said Mandap.

The employees expressed disappointment over their actuations using dirty tricks in their rudeness and disrespectful attitude they have shown to the government personnel by chanting and shouting insulting words while the personnel are working.

He said that the group agreed to leave and end their picket after dialogue, but was dismayed when they spent another night on their makeshift tent enjoying their night drinking wine and hard liquor bought at the nearby store.

PARO Mandap also appeal to the media for a balance reporting and accurate data before the news is published.

The Provincial Agrarian Reform Office is located at Brgy. Dahican, City of Mati and not in the municipality of Governor Generoso. Maher Loren is the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) of Governor Generoso and not Eduardo Ignacio who is the MARO presently assigned in City of Mati. (DARPO PIO/PIA XI) [top]

MtApoStandard

October 3rd, 2007, 02:52 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/10/03

Davao Oriental focuses on infra development
By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (3 October) -- Vividly envisioning more works after her first one hundred days in office, Davao Or. Governor Corazon Malanyaon complements her first quarter in office through massive infrastructure development.

"The primary purpose of this is to bring the products of the farmers to their respective market," Malanyaon said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive ordered an inventory of all provincial roads and equipments of the province.

These include the dump trucks, bulldozer, grader, and back haw among others.

"We will give priority to the worst road conditions," she added.

One concrete example is the municipality of Manay which has not undergone repair for the past four years.

And thinking of a more creative way to implement infrastructure development, the Governor made maintenance teams, corresponding to the available equipments.

Malanyaon also emphasized the importance of a work program, particularly the start and the time of the expected completion of the project.

"Through this measure, the provincial government can really save. I will give incentives to the team with fewer expenses and higher savings," she said, imposing a challenge to the different teams.

The different Mayors of the Province will serve as auditors of the program.

They will report to the Governor the flow of the project, and the performance of the teams.

"We will get rid of the usual practice of reporting to the field on Tuesday and end the work on Thursday," the Governor uttered, determined and never compromising.

After addressing the condition problems of the provincial roads, the provincial government will veered its focus to the barangay roads.

With the said thrust, the Governor appealed to the Mayors not to divert usage of the equipments and the program of work.

This is done to see the effectivity of the new policies implemented by the provincial government.

"I will give you all that you deserve, but you give me the right attitude," was the fair deal that Gov. Malanyaon wanted to pursue with her work force. (DXHM-Mati/PIA XI) [top]

bustero

October 3rd, 2007, 03:06 PM

kewl Davao Oriental Thread!

dinabaw

October 3rd, 2007, 03:08 PM

sir paul based on this map ingana ba kadako ang Mati "the city" ( hehe masuko man gud si sir pag Mati City) :D

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9140/phlocatordavaoorientalmao6.png (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 3rd, 2007, 03:49 PM

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/3862/centennial20cross20at20xa7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
centennial cross in Pusan point.

Rajah_Soliman

October 3rd, 2007, 08:47 PM

this is the height of irresponsible governance!!!!!! :bash:

PIA Press Release
2007/09/28
Rep Almario opposes inclusion of sex education in elementary level
By Neela Duallo
(DXHM Mati/PIA XI) [top]

davaoeagle

October 4th, 2007, 02:16 AM

Discovering Davao Oriental
By Joselle Badilla

The Pusan Point in Barangay Santiago, Caraga municipality made Davao Oriental famous when local and foreign nationals witnessed the first millennium sunrise seven years ago.

Today, the City of Mati, the province’s capital is again all out to promote what they called “the haven located in the southernmost tip of the Philippine archipelago” as they celebrate this month’s Sambuokan Festival.

The province is rich in culture and home to beautiful white sand beaches and landscapes.

Recognizing the beauty Davao Oriental offers to the people, the Department of Tourism Region XI promoted it as the next surfing capital by conducting the first Surf and Skimboarding Safari at the Dahican Beach on September 14 to 16.

It is now considered as one of the best place to unwind in Mindanao.

DOT-XI together with the city government of Davao Oriental also launched “Baybay Nato ni Bai,” a coastal management campaign that is designed to advocate environmental awareness to be able to preserve and protect the communities’ environment.

“We have to develop a new tourism destination as well as develop skimboarding and surfing. Mati is known to the world as pristine area. Napakalinis ng coasts dito. Marunong silang mag alaga ng coastal areas nila,” DOT-XI regional director Sonia Garcia said.

During the 1st Surf and Skimboarding Safari, young and adult enthusiasts are the common sight at the long beach line of Dahican Beach.

George “Choc” Plaza, a local in the area became a trainer to more than 13 surf and skim enthusiasts. He said skimboarders and surfers started to gather and tried the sport in 2005.

“Diri sa Dahican pud nagtapok tapok. Unya naa pud gadayo diri, uban pud sa amo,” Plaza said.

Most of those who practice are residents who live near Dahican Beach. 13-year old Sonny Aporbo is one of them.

Aporbo won in the 2006 2nd national competition both in advance and master category. “Diri ran na sya nagpuyo sa Barangay Dahican,” Plaza said.

He said more and more kids are into the sport and practice almost every weekend.

“Dili pud tanan sila naay surf board or skim board. Mga anak ra man intawon pud ni silag mangingisda. Hulat lang mig financial support sa gobyerno diri. Ingon man sila tabangan pud mi. Ang San Miguel Beer ng promise man to sila maghatag daw silag surf boards, hulat lang pud mi,” Plaza said.

He said one day during a practice, a Japanese national and his wife approached them and told them they have the potential in excelling in the sports.

“Apil pud syag surf sa amo. Ingon sya gwapo ang dagat diri, maayo ang balod pero wad aw mi gagamit og correct na surf board,” he said.

Plaza said the Japanese national donated five original surfboards each worth P50,000.

“Gihatagan mi niya, naminyo man pud to siyag taga diri. Kanang mga bata man gyud miski pa barato tig P1,000 and skimboard, di man na sila kapalit kay mangingisda ra intawon mga inahan og amahan,” he said.

Plaza and his team are expected to compete in a surfing competition in Siargao, Surigao del Sur in November.

“Puli puli ra na silag gamit inig mag practice diri,” he said.

Plaza said these boys are elementary and high school students who practice during weekends.

“Saturday og Sunday diri gyud na sila tanan magtapok. Usahay pag Biernes human klase dunay mag practice ana nila diri. Usahay sa balay na nako sila mani-odto unya balik na pud sa dagat mag practice,” Plaza said.

The youngest surfer under his team now is nine-year old Jovec Monares, also a son of fishermen.

“Kana sya, walo na sila ka mag-igsoon. Gusto ra gyud skimboard. Bug-at pa ang board kaysa sa iya pero maayo nga bata, naa gyud talent,” Plaza said.

Today, the province has at least three diving sites and one surfing site.

Another must-see is the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Matiao, the best place to go to during Holy Week. Jose Barcena created sculptures for all the mysteries of the Holy Rosary here.

A 50-room coastal resort is also on its completion. This is the first in the province.

Efren Dupa, a copra and buy-and-sell businessman and owner of the resort located at Barangay Badas said constructing a resort would invite tourists to visit and enjoy Davao Oriental.

“Gwapo atong mga dagat diri. Daghang mabisita nga gwapong lugar. Diri sa resort they can try fishing. We have bangus and dangit. We also have floating cottages,” Dupa said.

Garcia said with the new resort, Mati will be attracting more visitors and tourists will be coming.

Not known to many, these places have been frequented by foreign nationals and probably considered the next best tourist and surfing destination in Mindanao.

“This is a fabulous province. We are hoping that Davao Oriental will become the next favorite tourist destination. This is the best place for lovers of nature, culture and history,” Governor Corazon Malanyaon said.

The province’s famous attraction includes, Pujada Bay, Wason House, 17th Century Caraga Church, Cape of San Agustin, San Agustin Altar Cave, Mandaya Village, Tuboran Muslim Village, Menzi Tourism Complex, Provincial Capitol Park, Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Sleeping Dinosaur Peninsula, Calapagan Hotspring, Sigaboy Island, Mt. Hamiguitan Bonsai Forest in San Isidro town, Pujada Island, Juaniban Island, San Victor Island and Lake Diomabok.

Davao Oriental is a haven waiting to be discovered. Just three hours away from the Davao International Airport and Sasa Wharf.

dinabaw

October 4th, 2007, 03:08 AM

Davao Oriental focuses on infra development
By janice on Oct 4, 2007 in News

City of Mati, Davao Oriental — Vividly envisioning more works after her first one hundred days in office, Davao Or. Governor Corazon Malanyaon complements her first quarter in office through massive infrastructure development.

“The primary purpose of this is to bring the products of the farmers to their respective market,” Malanyaon said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive ordered an inventory of all provincial roads and equipments of the province.

These include the dump trucks, bulldozer, grader, and back haw among others.

“We will give priority to the worst road conditions,” she added.

One concrete example is the municipality of Manay which has not undergone repair for the past four years.

And thinking of a more creative way to implement infrastructure development, the Governor made maintenance teams, corresponding to the available equipments.

Malanyaon also emphasized the importance of a work program, particularly the start and the time of the expected completion of the project.

“Through this measure, the provincial government can really save. I will give incentives to the team with fewer expenses and higher savings,” she said, imposing a challenge to the different teams.

The different Mayors of the Province will serve as auditors of the program.

They will report to the Governor the flow of the project, and the performance of the teams.

“We will get rid of the usual practice of reporting to the field on Tuesday and end the work on Thursday,” the Governor uttered, determined and never compromising.

After addressing the condition problems of the provincial roads, the provincial government will veered its focus to the barangay roads.

With the said thrust, the Governor appealed to the Mayors not to divert usage of the equipments and the program of work.

This is done to see the effectivity of the new policies implemented by the provincial government.

“I will give you all that you deserve, but you give me the right attitude,” was the fair deal that Gov. Malanyaon wanted to pursue with her work force. (DXHM-Mati/PIA XI) By Neela G. Duallo

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/10/04/davao-oriental-focuses-on-infra-development/

MtApoStandard

October 4th, 2007, 03:31 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/10/05

Davao Oriental boasts of 2 possible sources of power
By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (5 October) -- Fortunately, the province of Davao Oriental has two possible power sources, and can most probably, in time, get rid of the disastrous effects of long and frequent power interruptions.

Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative, DORECO, is cognizant of such fact, and acknowledges the existence of the possible power sources for the province.

Provincial Sec. and former DORECO Board President Mr. Chito Gregorio said that as yet, the electric cooperative is still financially not ready for establishing a power source for its consumers, as it would take a hefty sum to achieve one.

"Though it would take time to realize the dream of having our own power supply, but definitely, the province can with Aliwagwag Falls in the municipality of Cateel, and the windmill of Barangay Macambol in the City of Mati," Gregorio said.

The financial assistance of the Province and from the two district representatives are greatly needed for this endeavor.

Gregorio added that this has to be taken into very serious consideration.

"If we cannot do something with the power interruptions originating from the main power source, the situation will be worst, ten years from now," he explained.

The possible power sources are capable of providing a 10 million-kilo volts power supply, enough for the next forty to fifty years.

Aliwagwag Falls is a cascading waterfall, serenely located in the virgin forest of Brgy. Aliwagwag municipality of Cateel. It is considered by hydraulic engineers as the highest in the country, and one of the most beautiful falls in Mindanao.

It is a series of 84 waterfalls, cascading over 186 stairways, as it transcends like a stairway to heaven in varying height, and boasting of its 1110 feet majestic height and 30 feet average width. (DXHM-Mati/PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

October 6th, 2007, 02:58 AM

TRAVEL: A Hidden Paradise in Kisulad, Davao Del Sur
Written by Nadine Loreto / MindaNews
Saturday, 06 October 2007 08 28 26
STA. MARIA, Davao del Sur (MindaNews/05 October) -- With my wind-blown hair, dust-powdered face and a butt that ached after sitting for two hours in a jampacked jeep, we finally reached Kisulad.

I stepped down and scanned the area, wondering where the resort could be when all I saw were tall coconut palms, an abandoned basketball court, ruins of a concrete stage and a little view of the sea.

In the midst of my wondering, a voice interrupted, "Dayn, bag mo." (Dayn, your bag) My big brother handed down my backpack and so the rest of us got busy with things to carry. When there were no longer bags on top of the jeep, when the vehicle was emptied of all the big plastic bottles of mineral water, cooking utensils, a bag of vegetables, groceries, cooler and tents, our leader told us to follow him. I realized we still had to travel by foot to reach the resort.

We walked along the shore. On the side facing the sea, I saw a few shacks made from different scrap materials. The place was quiet and even seemed deserted. But there are residents here, as one can see freshly used black net hanging on a fishing boat.

I looked down on the grayish sand and saw seaweeds the waves brought to shore. When I looked at the far end of the shore, I caught a glimpse of the rich green chain of mountains along the coastline that seemed to stretch out towards the sea. I wondered how we were going to get there when there's a cliff that blocked our path.

Nearing the cliff, I realized that stairs were intentionally carved at the sides to reach the other side. The first step is just where the shore meets the waves. I saw some worried faces of those who were wearing jeans and rubber shoes.

Good thing I wore shorts and a pair of slippers. So I splashed my way to reach the first step of the rocky stairs and took a careful step after another. My knees got weak looking down at the rocky surface and the waves that drummed against it. The only support I got was a bamboo railing which serves only for balance. Midway, I found out there was another cliff. Before reaching it, we walked along a narrow shore, a rock wall on one side and the sea on the other. The very narrow shore leaves just enough room for one person to traverse it without getting wet (at low tide).

Drops of sweat were dripping on our foreheads with the summer noontime sun looking down on us and a heavy load of bags on our backs. I was still scared on the next cliff but I had to stop in the middle of it to relish my first view of the place I'll be staying in for the next three days.

All my complaints during the whole trip melted away as I was greeted with the wonderful sight of the beautiful white sand shore with rich green hills on one side and the clear aqua blue water on the other side. Tall coconut palms that gently bow down to the majestic sea was such a magnificent sight that reminded me of a postcard picture.

The scene made me feel like I was in Survivor Pearl Islands with only us around within a paradise away from civilization. But there were thatched huts under the shade of talisay trees that lined up along the coastline. There were also fishing boats and a white fishing boat with bold red font written on it that says "WELCOME TO WOW KISS." I grinned when I read it, and shared my thoughts on how odd it was to name the place WOW KISS. Later on, it made sense when I realized it stood for “World Of Wonder, Keep It Secret and Simple.” I also learned that the boat was owned by former education secretary Ricardo Gloria who is known for his “WOW” Education.
I removed my slippers and enjoyed the feel of gripping the sand between my toes, raising my foot, spreading apart my toes and letting the sand back to the beach, and then, my stomach uttered a cry. By this time I realized I needed to get myself under the shade of a cottage and eat my lunch. But before joining the others, I stopped and grinned again when I read the message posted on a wooden board on the cottage: “Midlife Crisis is that moment when you realize your children and your clothes are about the same size." Later, after scanning the whole place, I realized boards with sayings like "Do Your Best and God Will Do The Rest" are everywhere, on huts, on trees.

Everything seemed perfect as I ate my fried chicken and rice, talking to my friends while enjoying the view of the aqua-blue sea until we found only SMART network had a signal in this place (good thing though because we fully enjoyed the experience without diversion of texting).

After finishing our lunch, we headed for our cabins. We walked on a path with stones painted with white on either side and shrubs and coconut palms lined up on both sides to accentuate the path. It somehow had an appearance of a park with island gardens at the middle of crossing paths, carpeted with bermuda and carabao grass.

Cabins are on the hill so one has to climb up a couple of steps of concrete stairs before reaching it. The cabin itself is made of wood with a small balcony that gives you a taste of the wonderful view of the sea and the mountain ranges along the coastline that stretches out towards the sea. The cabin has two beds and a bathroom. I suddenly felt exhausted so I laid down on my bed.

Just when my eyelids were about to drop, someone called out, "Panganaog namo kay magteam building na'ta." (Come on down, it's time for team building). Though I really wanted to stay in bed, I stood up and headed down. After all, I was here to participate in a youth camp.

Good thing I did, or else I would miss the fun of digging the sand for a treasure, climbing up and down the hill, feeling like a challenger in Survivor Pearl Islands with my team as a tribe.

It was late afternoon when the physical activity ended and we headed for the prayer room at the top of the hill. Getting there was another challenge with the steepness and the eroding soil underneath the concrete tile stairs. On top of the hill is a simple room made of native materials -- a wooden floor, amakan walls, and nipa roof with a balcony that gives you the panoramic view of the resort. The room is almost bare with only a narra table on a banig at the center and a few posters on the wall. Its walls heard us as we shared our experiences and the learning we gained from the day’s activities.

As the sun was about to set, I found myself a hut where a rattan hammock slung from its posts. It was so nice to be lying in a hammock swinging from side to side, watching the sunset at the horizon, free from all worries, away from the noise and smoke of the city. Then, it was only us around and it felt like we were in an exclusive private resort, our paradise hidden by a wall of hills.

My day started off rough with the bumpy roads inside a jampacked jeep but it ended with a joyful heart and a calm mind.

I closed my eyes and savored the feel of the sea breeze as it touched my skin. I looked forward to the next two days. (Nadine A. Loreto is currently a 3rd year student of BA Communication Arts major in Media Arts at the University of the Philippines Mindanao).

http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3309&Itemid=50

ReyBCortz

October 6th, 2007, 05:25 AM

good morning mindanoan. where is that Kalisud in Davao del sur?

MtApoStandard

October 6th, 2007, 08:42 AM

dinabaw

October 6th, 2007, 11:03 AM

good morning mindanoan. where is that Kalisud in Davao del sur?

hi @ReyBCortz i think this is somewhere in Malita there was a "secret" hidaway that own by former DepEd Sec. Gloria it's a dive site .

dinabaw

October 6th, 2007, 12:02 PM

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9795/41rvj7vgd7lhl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 6th, 2007, 12:07 PM

Davao or raring for infrastracture development

By glenda on Oct 6, 2007 in News

BY: Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM – City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental – Vividly envisioning more works after her first one hundred days in office, Davao Or. Governor Corazon Malanyaon complements her first quarter in office through massive infrastructure development.

“The primary purpose of this is to bring the products of the farmers to their respective market,” Malanyaon said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive ordered an inventory of all provincial roads and equipments of the province.

These include the dump trucks, bulldozer, grader, and back haw among others.

“We will give priority to the worst road conditions,” she added.

One concrete example is the municipality of Manay which has not undergone repair for the past four years.

And thinking of a more creative way to implement infrastructure development, the Governor made maintenance teams, corresponding to the available equipments.

Malanyaon also emphasized the importance of a work program, particularly the start and the time of the expected completion of the project.

“Through this measure, the provincial government can really save. I will give incentives to the team with fewer expenses and higher savings,” she said, imposing a challenge to the different teams.

The different Mayors of the Province will serve as auditors of the program.

They will report to the Governor the flow of the project, and the performance of the teams.

“We will get rid of the usual practice of reporting to the field on Tuesday and end the work on Thursday,” the Governor uttered, determined and never compromising.

After addressing the condition problems of the provincial roads, the provincial government will veered its focus to the barangay roads.

With the said thrust, the Governor appealed to the Mayors not to divert usage of the equipments and the program of work.

This is done to see the effectivity of the new policies implemented by the provincial government.

“I will give you all that you deserve, but you give me the right attitude,” was the fair deal that Gov. Malanyaon wanted to pursue with her work force.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/10/06/davao-or-raring-for-infrastracture-development-2/

dinabaw

October 6th, 2007, 12:24 PM

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/673/515kxzsvhxlgg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 7th, 2007, 10:56 AM

bay of mati
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2482/pop0001leu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 7th, 2007, 11:01 AM

Old photo of Mati Wharf
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7411/pop0004lbe3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

shaKEIRa

October 8th, 2007, 03:51 PM

^^ any recent photo? for comparison sake...

Ibex

October 9th, 2007, 06:27 AM

dinabaw

October 9th, 2007, 11:40 AM

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/2562/3438191784434a3db79jx1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

paulkrps

October 10th, 2007, 01:54 PM

Old photo of Mati Wharf
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7411/pop0004lbe3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ikaw ng naa sa foreground nyor?:lol:

i saw this pic awhile back, but i can't seem to figure out the church (san nicholas) that's very the pier. but it could be the one at the middle.

Rajah_Soliman

October 11th, 2007, 12:53 AM

ikaw tong nag buri hat sir paul? :lol:

ikaw ng naa sa foreground nyor?:lol:

i saw this pic awhile back, but i can't seem to figure out the church (san nicholas) that's very the pier. but it could be the one at the middle.

dinabaw

October 13th, 2007, 02:21 PM

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7721/1445605348624342b196im7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

nikkixtrm

October 13th, 2007, 03:07 PM

nindota nila magkuha og picture uy!! :o

nindot pod na e-drawing sir din! :D

dinabaw

October 14th, 2007, 04:27 AM

^^ sige nikks gawan mo ulit ng sketch :)

dinabaw

October 15th, 2007, 02:46 PM

Digos

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6287/aporoadqf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 15th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Davao del Sur

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9167/p1010015atepr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

paulkrps

October 15th, 2007, 06:08 PM

goys, hope you've been to cape san agustin. it has a white sand beach, halos awa-aw pud kay wa kaayo tawo didto.

dinabaw

October 16th, 2007, 03:57 AM

Peaceful Davao del Sur
October 15th, 2007 — Peter

I was in Davao del Sur yesterday for the birthday of my wife’s nephew in Digos City, 55 km south of Davao City.

After lunch, we proceeded to my in-laws farm in Sta. Maria, another 35 km south, where we witnessed the death of a young tarsier found by farm hands.

Other than that tragic loss, the province was a complete serene greenery of mango, coconut and sugar plantations. No troubles at all.
That is why I fully agree with its governor, Dodo Cagas, that the recent travel advisory of the Canadian Government was baseless.

I am certain that those bureaucrats in Ottawa have not been to this peaceful place. And yet they decide the fate of not just travelers but the whole province.

http://ptlavina.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/peaceful-davao-del-sur/

shaKEIRa

October 16th, 2007, 02:01 PM

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7721/1445605348624342b196im7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

the white one is called lorica...

GearX

October 17th, 2007, 03:39 AM

How far is Sta Cruz from Digos?

dinabaw

October 17th, 2007, 04:13 AM

How far is Sta Cruz from Digos?

around 30 to 35 kms.

davaoeagle

October 17th, 2007, 04:14 AM

About 20 kms from Sta. Cruz Municipality centre.

dinabaw

October 17th, 2007, 04:29 AM

mao ba vic i thoguht it is farther thanks

GearX

October 17th, 2007, 04:52 AM

oh i see. thanks for the info.:)

dinabaw

October 17th, 2007, 11:47 AM

Mati fire bureau receives commendation for heroic act in tradegy
By glenda on Oct 17, 2007 in Feature, Events, News

BY : Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM-City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental – After proving that they are not just good firefighters, elements of the Mati Fire Station got a commendation after responding to a tragic bus accident that could have clamed more lives in Sitio Pulang Pantad, Barangay Badas, this city.

The Bachelor Bus with body # 4230 was taking the curves of Badas when the brake malfunctioned, causing the tragic accident.

With the quick response of the Mati Fire Station, along with other rescue elements from the Mati-PNP and DREAMS Rescue 166, the driver and forty others who were seriously injured were saved.

With such heroism, the Mati Fire Bureau, led by City Fire Marshall Alex Pamaybay, was recognized as a Gantimpala Agad Awardee, from the Civil Service Commission -Region 11.

“More than the fact that we are duty-bound to do so, but conscience dictates that we must save lives, and we did just that,” Pamaybay said.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Mati approved a resolution “commending the Bureau of Fire Protection in the City of Mati for an appropriate, immediate, and quick response / rescue operation last August 18, 2007 to a vehicular accident in Barangay Badas”.

On that fateful night of August 18, 2007, Pamaybay instructed two of his men to rush to Badas minutes passed 7 pm to respond to a bus accident in the area.

Never realizing then that they will be on for an “ultimate action” with the major accident, Fire Officer 1 Raniel Castillo and Fire Officer 2 Michael Santos, along with four other volunteer firefighters, raced their way to Sitio Pulang Pantad of the said barangay where the accident took place.

What transcended into their sight were moans and cries of pains, as the accident claimed the life of passenger Carlos Jumawan while hurdling his way to the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital, after Castillo successfully pulled him out from the total wreck of the bus he was riding back to Mati from Davao City.

Another passenger, Engr. Leoncio Vallespin died after several days in a Davao City hospital.

While they are indeed, experts in firefighting, but the firemen admitted they do not have life-saving equipments.

Said equipments could have could have easily relieved driver Rudy Melgar, whose legs was entangled with two reinforcement bars.

It was learned from initial reports showed that what all the rescuers did to free the agonizing driver was to gather all available hard materials, and with all their might, carefully got the metals off from the bus driver.

It took an hour to save Melgar , and the next thing he knew was that he was rushed to the hospital.

After the operation, and home at base at last, the rescuing firefighters reiterated the need of heavy prying tools, not only fire trucks, hoses, and water, to be more effective in responding to emergencies.

“God forbids, should another fateful incident happen again, we are always ready to go to the scene, and do the same thing, putting our lives at risk to save lives,” Pamaybay assures.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/10/17/mati-fire-bureau-receives-commendation-for-heroic-act-in-tradegy/

davaoeagle

October 17th, 2007, 06:08 PM

Thursday, October 18, 2007
Arroyo keynotes coop gab in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani -- The two-day Regional Cooperative Summit, which starts Thursday, seeks to strengthen cooperatives in Region 12. It will have President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as keynote speaker.

Arthur Aller, chair of the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) 12, told a news conference Tuesday the summit aims to set a momentum and lead cooperatives in the country with its renewed unifying purpose.

Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.

Updates on the Kadayawan Festival 2007

"Cooperative means development through self-reliance," Aller said.

Aller also chairs the National Cooperative Development Council.

A cooperative should prove that it can "stand on its own first before external funds could come in."

Aller said there are 65,000 cooperatives in the country from which a conservative estimate of 28 percent are successfully operational.

Mismanagement and corruption are among the factors causing cooperatives' operations to fail, according to Aller.

"That's why we are reactivating the basic principles and legal foundation of cooperativism in the country," Aller said. "If cooperative development should start from the Far South, so be it."

"Here, the advent of Jags-CT is seen to establish linkages with our neighboring countries and thus help our cooperatives," Aller added.

Jags-CT stands for Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle. It was initiated by mayors in 2004 and aims to establish international trading linkages with other Asean countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Mayor Enrique Yap of Glan said new infrastructure projects had been ongoing in Glan, Sarangani province, and in Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani municipality in the province of Davao del Sur.

This includes the completion of the P43-million port in Sarangani municipality recently while Glan's old trading port, now a limited international port, was scheduled for a P16-million renovation.

Ibex

October 18th, 2007, 04:57 AM

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/klutz1030/lovinpinas1180000440ec63scd.jpg

dinabaw

October 18th, 2007, 09:19 AM

JAGS-CT infrastructure to lure investments
By Bob on Oct 15, 2007 in Feature, News

GLAN, Sarangani (October 13, 2007) – Vital road networks, ports and an economic zone are taking shape within a growth area in southern Philippines close to Indonesia.

Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. said that new infrastructure projects in the Davao del Sur towns of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani, and Glan in Sarangani province would lure more investments to the growth area.

Yap said the approval of a 25-hectare economic zone in Glan would speed up development in the cluster, officially known as Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT).

The P43-million port in the island municipality of Sarangani (Balut island) has been completed, according to the JAGS-CT secretariat.
Glan was also set to renovate its old trading port following its declaration as limited international port.

Mayor Yap, who chairs JAGS-CT, said construction of the national highway connecting Glan to Jose Abad Santos was halfway through where only a trail under coconut trees was used before.

The mayor said a JAGS-CT resolution has been passed requesting for the immediate release of the P20-million fund to finish the road from Glan to Jose Abad Santos.

In a recent forum here, Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, chair of Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), said he had personally followed up the release of the road fund with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

Leyretana commended the JAGS officials for their efforts in helping “accelerate the attainment of economic development” of the depressed areas not only in the Philippines but in nearby northern Indonesia as well.

He added that better relations between the two countries should be maintained to facilitate “trade and commerce.”

JAGS-CT and Indonesia had forged trade agreements for goods and local products, and traders expect regular shipments when the Glan port is completed.

JAGS-CT is a cluster of southern Philippines towns formed in 2003 in support to the Brunie-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

It aims to increase trade, tourism and investments by enhancing cross-border linkages with the northern provinces of Indonesia.

Mayor Yap said JAGS-CT can prove to other municipalities and countries that smaller growth areas can develop if they just only “cooperate with each other.”

He said JAGS-CT is solely run and financed by the local government units of Jose Abad Santos, Glan and Sarangani municipality. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

http://www.topix.com/ph/davao/2007/10/jags-ct-infrastructure-to-lure-investments

good news from the farthest area of Davao del Sur:cheers:

junax

October 18th, 2007, 09:53 AM

davaoeagle

October 18th, 2007, 08:04 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/10/19
Davao Oriental proposes uniform for food servers, model CR for food establishments
By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (19 October) -- Food servers in the city can now boast of a descent living, help the local tourism industry and likewise the local economy l.

This is the envisioned in the proposal of Vice-Governor Mayo Almario's for food establishments to implement a uniform system to its food servers.

Earlier, he gave his assurance that the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will come up with an ordinance mandating the proposal.

The Vice-Governor already asked for a city ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Mati, to boost the said intention.

"This is a way to instill cleanliness, not only to the business sector but to its workers as well. It's so nice to see clean restaurants and eateries, with very satisfactory service from well-groomed food servers," he explained.

Almario also stressed that food servers in uniform complements the scenario of a perfect dining atmosphere.

"It will entice more customers, and for customers to keep coming back, which will mean more revenue for the establishment and to the city government," he added.

The Vice-Governor was disgusted with untidy food servers in some food establishments in the city, which he said, drive customers away.

Implementing a uniform system for food servers is also a re-packaging of sort for Mati now that it has just turned into a component city.

Feeling it's not enough, Almario will ask the Sanitation Department of the City to come up with a model comfort room for food establishments.

"Once implemented and realized, sanitation problems will be minimized. These will benefit all concerned, the public, the food establishment owners, and the city government," Almario said. (DXHM-City of Mati/PIA XI) [top

davaoeagle

October 18th, 2007, 08:07 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/10/19
5-day Belgian medical mission visits Davao
By Rose B. Palacio

Davao City (19 October) -- Medical experts from Benedenti Team of Belguim composed of about 20 nurses, doctors, dentists, and technicians, including journalists held a five day (October 13-17) International Comprehensive Dental Mission at the Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc (DMSF) College of Dentistry, Davao City, in cooperation with DMSF and Operation Smile through Dr. Eric Pius J. Cembrano, Dental Mission Coordinator.

Belgian medical expert Dr. Rik Claes commented that Davao City (as what the Philippines have been pictured in some countries abroad) is not really that bad. "In fact we find the place peaceful and personally saw it with ourselves how hospitable the residents are," he told the Philippine Information Agency in an exclusive interview together with Dr. Erna J. Dimaya, Dean of the College of Dentistry, DMSF.

The 5-day successful International Comprehensive Dental mission provided medical assistance to thousands of Davao residents including lumads or Indigenious People coming from far-flung mountains like Marahan, Paquibato, and other depressed areas with the help of the Philippine Army who brought them at DMSF.

The Belgian doctors also provide same medical mission at Talikud island, Samal upon invitation of Congressman Lagdameo, Dr. Dimayan said.

The successful mission was realized through the efforts of Dr. Eric Pius J. Cembrano, Dental Mission Coordinator of Operation Smile-DMSF-Benedenti and Dr. Bong Capitan.

This medical mission, which is one of its kind held in Davao City was realized through combined efforts spearheaded by Dr. Cembrano who closely coordinated with Faith Nuñez a graduate of DMSF (1995), married to a Belgian Geert Verhaegen.

The Benedenti team provided Comprehensive dental care such as Restoration (fillings); Surgery (Extraction); Prosthetics (dentures); Oral health education (tooth brushing instructions); and other modified activities related to dentistry.

Benedenti team of Belgium include: Rik Claes; Griet Luyten; An Van Kerkhoven; Annelies Gerits; Chris Vanslembrouck;Mieke Van Hout; Christine Tolleneer; Annemie Telleneer; Jan Denys; Guy Andriaens; Niels Janssen; Geert Verhaegen; Martine Vanden Dries; Sofie Venstermans; Sofie Vanheusden; Faith Nuñez; Ronald Canters; Monique; Marlies; and Eric. (PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

October 19th, 2007, 02:08 PM

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4903/mountapoaa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sinjin P.

October 19th, 2007, 08:12 PM

^ Breathtaking :shocked:

Sinjin P.

October 19th, 2007, 08:19 PM

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/klutz1030/lovinpinas1180000440ec63scd.jpg

Mala-Boracay ah. :okay:

davaoeagle

October 19th, 2007, 09:01 PM

Saturday, October 20, 2007
Davao Sur organic rice spreads like wildfire

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur -- Putting down her "garab" or harvesting knife for a short rest, Juanita Boliva, 36, scans the wide open rice fields of Bala village, as far as her eyes can see.

"We've been here since six in the morning," she says, wiping the beads of sweat from her sunburn forehead with her forearms. "We won't stop until we get this whole field harvested before sundown."

Her fellow harvesters, mostly in long-sleeved dark shirts, wearing wide-brim buli hats to shield them from the searing heat of the mid-morning sun, kept slicing at the thick clusters of brownish-green rice stalks, now heavy with golden palay grains.

It's harvest time here at the panoramic rice fields of picturesque Bala village and farmfolks like Juanita, along with her relatives, are out in the fields -- the third time this year -- harvesting the mature rice grains.

Just a short distance away beside the narrow, pebble-strewn road, is the rice thresher, chug- chugging away the rice stalks, filling up the 50 kg white poly sacks.

Filled with palay grains, villagers will soon load them into trucks that haul the sack-filled grains to the big rice mills in nearby Bansalan town where they are milled into a special kind of white rice.

This rice harvested by Juanita isn't just any ordinary rice. And the rice farm in Bala village, Magsaysay, isn't just any rice field. This is a special organic rice grown here using only organic fertilizers from rice wastes.

Big piles of rice stalks, turning brown under the sun, will soon be carried to wide rectangular ditches where they are allowed to decomposed along with organic wastes like manure from chickens, horses, carabaos, cows, and even fish intestines.

In four to six months, this pile of rice wastes will turn to organic fertilizer.

This organic rice farm here is run by farmers belonging to the Diversified Organic Farming System (Dofs), a special rice production program set up by the local government of Magsaysay town.

Farmers here don't use any kind of chemicals to grow this special kind of rice and they make sure this rice has not been adulterated with other varieties of rice.

"It's safe because we don't use chemicals or any pesticides to kill off the usual pests that bother the growing of rice here," says Juanita who joined the Dofs last year.

The only fertilizers they use for growing their organic rice are the "organic fertilizers" which they produce from rice stalks, weeds and organic wastes.

This group of farmers doesn't use any kind of synthetic fertilizers and costly chemicals available here from local agro-suppliers.

"You see, we can't use them because they suck out the nutrients from the soil. If we use them, our rice fields will produce less rice," says Juanita.

Magsaysay farmers call their organic rice "Magrice" an acronym for Magsaysay Rice, to identify it closely with its origin here.

The "Magrice" brand name is now spreading like wildfire and becoming more popular in the supermarkets and groceries of Davao, Cebu and Manila.

A number of foreign buyers who heard about this rice have been sending inquiries to the Department of Trade and Industry Davao regional office asking how they can order this organic rice in big volumes on a regular basis.

Rice farmers here got a lot of help to start this organic rice project from the Don Bosco Diocesan Youth Center which runs a program called "Integrated Programs and Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture and Development."

To make sure the quality of rice is maintained, the organizers set up a strict "internal quality control system" or IQCS among farmer participants like Juanita and her relatives.

Funding and logistics were provided by local town officials of Magsaysay like Mayor Jess Lumanog and Vice Mayor Arthur Davin who believe in the organic rice program, which is also attracting attention from other rice-growing regions.

"Its worth all their efforts and perspiration despite the heat. We're supporting them all the way. We want to make sure they get very good prices for their organic rice," says Lumanog.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga.

nikkixtrm

October 20th, 2007, 04:30 AM

i think boracay is overrated D: but i havent been there so...:D

Ibex

October 20th, 2007, 05:54 AM

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4903/mountapoaa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice view.. murag sa sabuag dapit ni nakuha or sa colan. ive been at the top five times already...

dinabaw

October 20th, 2007, 10:41 AM

Nice view.. murag sa sabuag dapit ni nakuha or sa colan. ive been at the top five times already...

can you post some of your climbing photos @Ibex :)

dinabaw

October 20th, 2007, 10:57 AM

Saturday, October 20, 2007
Davao Sur organic rice spreads like wildfire

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur -- Putting down her "garab" or harvesting knife for a short rest, Juanita Boliva, 36, scans the wide open rice fields of Bala village, as far as her eyes can see.

"We've been here since six in the morning," she says, wiping the beads of sweat from her sunburn forehead with her forearms. "We won't stop until we get this whole field harvested before sundown."

Decision on Estrada's Plunder case

Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.

Her fellow harvesters, mostly in long-sleeved dark shirts, wearing wide-brim buli hats to shield them from the searing heat of the mid-morning sun, kept slicing at the thick clusters of brownish-green rice stalks, now heavy with golden palay grains.

It's harvest time here at the panoramic rice fields of picturesque Bala village and farmfolks like Juanita, along with her relatives, are out in the fields -- the third time this year -- harvesting the mature rice grains.

Just a short distance away beside the narrow, pebble-strewn road, is the rice thresher, chug- chugging away the rice stalks, filling up the 50 kg white poly sacks.

Filled with palay grains, villagers will soon load them into trucks that haul the sack-filled grains to the big rice mills in nearby Bansalan town where they are milled into a special kind of white rice.

This rice harvested by Juanita isn't just any ordinary rice. And the rice farm in Bala village, Magsaysay, isn't just any rice field. This is a special organic rice grown here using only organic fertilizers from rice wastes.

Big piles of rice stalks, turning brown under the sun, will soon be carried to wide rectangular ditches where they are allowed to decomposed along with organic wastes like manure from chickens, horses, carabaos, cows, and even fish intestines.

In four to six months, this pile of rice wastes will turn to organic fertilizer.

This organic rice farm here is run by farmers belonging to the Diversified Organic Farming System (Dofs), a special rice production program set up by the local government of Magsaysay town.

Farmers here don't use any kind of chemicals to grow this special kind of rice and they make sure this rice has not been adulterated with other varieties of rice.

"It's safe because we don't use chemicals or any pesticides to kill off the usual pests that bother the growing of rice here," says Juanita who joined the Dofs last year.

The only fertilizers they use for growing their organic rice are the "organic fertilizers" which they produce from rice stalks, weeds and organic wastes.

This group of farmers doesn't use any kind of synthetic fertilizers and costly chemicals available here from local agro-suppliers.

"You see, we can't use them because they suck out the nutrients from the soil. If we use them, our rice fields will produce less rice," says Juanita.

Magsaysay farmers call their organic rice "Magrice" an acronym for Magsaysay Rice, to identify it closely with its origin here.

The "Magrice" brand name is now spreading like wildfire and becoming more popular in the supermarkets and groceries of Davao, Cebu and Manila.

A number of foreign buyers who heard about this rice have been sending inquiries to the Department of Trade and Industry Davao regional office asking how they can order this organic rice in big volumes on a regular basis.

Rice farmers here got a lot of help to start this organic rice project from the Don Bosco Diocesan Youth Center which runs a program called "Integrated Programs and Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture and Development."

To make sure the quality of rice is maintained, the organizers set up a strict "internal quality control system" or IQCS among farmer participants like Juanita and her relatives.

Funding and logistics were provided by local town officials of Magsaysay like Mayor Jess Lumanog and Vice Mayor Arthur Davin who believe in the organic rice program, which is also attracting attention from other rice-growing regions.

"Its worth all their efforts and perspiration despite the heat. We're supporting them all the way. We want to make sure they get very good prices for their organic rice," says Lumanog.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/10/20/bus/davao.sur.organic.rice.spreads.like.wildfire.html

very good news!!!!lets go ORGANIC! :cheers:

Ibex

October 20th, 2007, 11:04 AM

can you post some of your climbing photos @Ibex :)

sure... hanapin ko yung mga photos ko then scan ko pa...

dinabaw

October 20th, 2007, 11:05 AM

sure... hanapin ko yung mga photos ko then scan ko pa...

thanks ilagay natin sa Mountain Climbers' thread hahanapin ko

Ibex

October 20th, 2007, 11:06 AM

thanks ilagay natin sa Mountain Climbers' thread hahanapin ko

okey dokey...

Ady001

October 20th, 2007, 01:40 PM

WOW!!! with davao city alone, a huge metropolis in its own right, how do we classify this davao region agglomeration?

digos city w/c borders
sta. cruz city w/c borders
davao city w/c borders
samal city and panabo city w/c borders
tagum city which borders
mati city

my god we need LRT asap...

still not feasible bai junax...

dinabaw

October 20th, 2007, 03:56 PM

okey dokey...

you can post it here
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=518722

dinabaw

October 22nd, 2007, 04:30 AM

never mind everest i like to climb Hamiguitan :D

Mt Hamiguitan "Enchanted Mountain"

feel like in Liliput land the 600 has. bonsai forest in Mt. Hamiguitan

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6317/472292120544141f1b9sq9us4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8084/apr30175pg1nc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6614/hamigitan01sa5je0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1112/hamigitan02zh2mk1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
this is really a strange or absurd place :D not only bec trees are small but plants and some grasses too! amazing!!!

ex: they call this orchid dendrochilum maybe the size of each flower is about 3 inches
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9729/47110163928a23b9e32nh5oa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

this is her small sister , look at the leaf in the background it is the normal size of dendrochilum orchid leaf!

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3622/4711008352bb6f937cfbn9el9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/927/471075714fafb4c2d41ic3ni3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2027/471105743150e0176e8tg5ql6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/120/47108505691b55b7092dh7zy7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
you thought this is a grassland ..its a landscape of miniature dendrochilum sorrounded by minature trees ..amazing!

dinabaw

October 22nd, 2007, 04:32 AM

more Hamiguitan photos

miniature pitcher plant
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/540/472294372c939a2c417ru4zr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

strange looking plant

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1105/472296870ac774c2ae2pp9ex4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7691/472280756193ee16be8pn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

not a plant but some kind of creature
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1787/47230502601eca3710dai3zg9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

a mushroom or a jelly?
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8595/474172047862505b918ya0ze7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

maybe a small version of slipper orchid?
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7896/47108800492849528b7oe0jf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

campsite
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9010/4722703316997918ecdbu3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

October 22nd, 2007, 04:35 AM

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3646/4710729384055ebae49pg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4595/4722725503872ebe0dbks9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ibex

October 22nd, 2007, 06:20 AM

@Dinabaw good thing you have taken photos of the famous bonsai forest... Nice!! when mo ni saka?

junax

October 22nd, 2007, 08:13 AM

still not feasible bai junax...

but why? even with davao city alone... panacan to toril area feasible na ang LRT. magkano ba ang fare from toril to downtown? i guess more or less than 20 petots. panacan to downtown mga 12++ not so sure kasi tagal ko na hindi naka commute. so kung mag charge ang LRT ng 40 petot ok lang hahaha.

dinabaw

October 22nd, 2007, 11:03 AM

@Dinabaw good thing you have taken photos of the famous bonsai forest... Nice!! when mo ni saka?

dili oi raided lang ng mga pics i love to climb Mt. Hamiguitan if my legs still can :lol: anyway i also posted that in Mountaineers thread :)

Rall

October 22nd, 2007, 01:51 PM

but why? even with davao city alone... panacan to toril area feasible na ang LRT. magkano ba ang fare from toril to downtown? i guess more or less than 20 petots. panacan to downtown mga 12++ not so sure kasi tagal ko na hindi naka commute. so kung mag charge ang LRT ng 40 petot ok lang hahaha.

kulang ang volume ng tao...
and try to figure out where to put yong stations... then check if you have the good volume in a 2km radius...

MtApoStandard

October 22nd, 2007, 04:04 PM

kulang ang volume ng tao...
and try to figure out where to put yong stations... then check if you have the good volume in a 2km radius...
matina district is a major choke point and very heavy during rush hour, right? commuters i guess will be discouraged to use public jeepy if travel time is conveniently shortened. i mean faster in getting out of cbd and ease of travel crossing matina district. i guess toril district is a choking point too and some other along this stretch

Sinjin P.

October 22nd, 2007, 06:15 PM

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3646/4710729384055ebae49pg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4595/4722725503872ebe0dbks9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow, what's this? A hybrid atis?

Ibex

October 23rd, 2007, 03:27 AM

dili oi raided lang ng mga pics i love to climb Mt. Hamiguitan if my legs still can :lol: anyway i also posted that in Mountaineers thread :)

very incredible gyud ang sight didto @dinabaw. you should visit the place bro, malapit lang sya at breathtaking gyud kaayo ang sights, imagine the whole valley puro bonsai. all the century old trees are waist high. :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

dinabaw

October 23rd, 2007, 04:21 AM

very incredible gyud ang sight didto @dinabaw. you should visit the place bro, malapit lang sya at breathtaking gyud kaayo ang sights, imagine the whole valley puro bonsai. all the century old trees are waist high. :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

wow!! you've been there sir @Ibex? share naman pics mo :)

Farirah

October 23rd, 2007, 04:32 AM

DENR control over banana plantations at Mt. Apo sought
Ben D. Arche

DIGOS CITY – Vice governor Simplicio Latasa of Davao del Sur has asked the local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here to regulate the operations of banana plantations at the Mt. Apo reservation area in Barangay Kapatagan, this city.

Latasa blamed the DENR office for allowing banana firms to plant exportable Cavendish bananas, and to acquire more areas to expand cultivation even without the required environment compliance certificate (ECC).

Aside from ECC, Latasa said the firm should submit to DENR the environment impact assessment (EIA) as government requirement before it can start cultivation on the area intended for plantation.

The EIA contains the activities that the company will undertake to protect the environment from the operation of its banana plantation, Latasa told.

He said the EIA shows what chemicals the firm would use; distance of the buffer zone from residential area, school, sources of water like rivers; reforestation scheme and measures for protection of plants and animals near the plantation.

These agricultural firms named by the vice governor as operating without ECCs are the Dizon Farm, ABC Farm and the Señorita Farm.

DENR executive director Ric Calderon of Region Xl made it clear earlier that those banana plantations in Kapatagan have no ECCs.

Governor Douglas Ra. Cagas also vowed to shut down banana plantations operating without the required ECCs.

The Mt. Apo National Park has 64,000 hectares shared in part by Digos City, Sta. Cruz and Bansalan towns in Davao del Sur, and Kidapawan City, Makilala and Magpet towns in North Cotabato.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071023106598.html

Ibex

October 23rd, 2007, 04:51 AM

Ibex

October 23rd, 2007, 04:55 AM

wow!! you've been there sir @Ibex? share naman pics mo :)

yup.. hinahanap ko nga yung mga pics ko para ma post pero parang na erase ko na kasi matagal na eh... :bash: :bash:

Ibex

October 23rd, 2007, 05:03 AM

:banana: :banana: :banana:

dinabaw

October 23rd, 2007, 05:05 AM

^^ sayang :cry: napaka importante noon :D

Ibex

October 23rd, 2007, 05:19 AM

dont worry di pa ako sumusuko. hanap pa ako from other sources. :) :) :)

bustero

October 23rd, 2007, 11:20 AM

Cool pix, specially the old one! I've never seen really old pix of Mati!

dinabaw

October 25th, 2007, 02:48 AM

Davao del Sur holds Habagatan Songfest
By janice on Oct 25, 2007 in Feature, Events

Davao City — From 1987-1993, the Habagatan Songfest was prestigious competition of intensively evaluated singing talents in the province and which was the showcase of talents during that period.

After a 14-year hiatus the Cultural Foundation of Davao del Sur, Inc. and its Corps of Scholars in cooperation with the Provincial Government is organizing its revival this year.

Habagatan Songfest has become a distinctive talent extravaganza intended to generate considerable income to finance the scholarship program which would realize the aspirations of indigent but deserving college and technical school students. It would also help move forward the Foundation’s worthwhile social concern programs.

This year’s Habagatan Songfest will begin its audition rounds on October 25 in the Municipality of Malalag (for District 2) and on October 26 in the City of Digos (for district 1). The Semi-finals will be held on November 10 and the Grand Finals will be on December 15. The Songfest is divided in several categories; “Bubwits (8-14 years old), “Bagets” (15-29 yrs old) and “Bigats” (30-60 years old). (PIA XI) by RG Alama

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/10/25/davao-del-sur-holds-habagatan-songfest/

jhunix

October 26th, 2007, 01:07 AM

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q266/jhunix71/lapanday.jpg

davaoeagle

October 26th, 2007, 01:18 AM

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/mati2.jpg

Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon shows Paul Jones (2nd from left), deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy, a brochure that features her province's tourist destinations and business potentials during a tour of exhibit booths at the opening of Davao Trade Expo 2007 at the Exhibition Area of NCCC Mall of Davao Thursday. (Sun.Star Davao/Rene B. Lumawag)

dinabaw

October 26th, 2007, 03:23 AM

After expansion, PPA rehabilitates Mati Wharf
By glenda on Oct 26, 2007 in News

BY : Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM-City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental - After it successfully completed the expansion of Mati Wharf as expected in August this year, the Philippine Ports Authority is set to do more for the City of Mati.

PPA-Mati Ports Manager Aida Pajo disclosed that PPA is now repairing the dilapidated portion of the wharf.

“We have 80 meters of dilapidated portion, and PPA is now doing the work,” Pajo said.

And since the rehabilitation is under way, PPA might as well maximize what it can do for the wharf.

Pajo wants not only the repair of the dilapidated part of the wharf, but also the “break water walls”.

“I will suggest that in the pre-conference for the project,” she added.

Once the rehabilitation is done, Mati wharf can now accommodate two vessels of the standard regular size at the same time.

Also, PPA plans to put up a fence for the wharf for security purposes.

A work of Luzviminda Construction, the wharf expansion and rehabilitation was materialized through the persistent follow through of then Congressman and now Vice-Gov. Mayo Almario of Davao Oriental.

The wharf expansion also covered 80 meters.

By next year, 2008, a brand new and fully operational Mati Wharf will welcome the people of Mati and people other places, one fitting way to welcome the cityhood of Mati.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/10/26/after-expansion-ppa-rehabilitates-mati-wharf/

davaoeagle

October 27th, 2007, 07:52 PM

The New Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol in Mati City

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/mati3-1.jpg

dinabaw

October 28th, 2007, 03:39 AM

provincial capitol of Davao del Sur

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2456/12165257vl8.png (http://imageshack.us)

davaoeagle

October 28th, 2007, 10:39 PM

Business
Eastern Petroleum to construct $30-M ethanol plant
By Donnabelle L. Gatdula
Monday, October 29, 2007

Eastern Petroleum Corp. (EPC), one of the country’s most aggressive small oil players, will start the construction of its $30-million ethanol processing plant next year.

EPC chairman and president Fernando Martinez said they have formalized a joint venture agreement with their partners in the ethanol facility.

He said the plant, to be located in Sarangani, will have an output capacity of 200,000 liters per day.

He added they expect the construction of the plant to be completed in the first quarter of 2009.

Martinez said they have started planting cassava in a 2,000-hectare plantation which will be used as feedstock for the ethanol plant.

To be able to supply the country’s requirements once the mandated five percent bioethanol blend is implemented in 2009, he said about 12,000 hectares of cassava should be planted.

Martinez said every 6.1 kilos of cassava produce an equivalent of one liter of ethanol.

The EPC executive stressed that cassava remains the best feedstock to produce ethanol. “This is a superior stock introduced in the country. The yield for cassava could average 50 to 70 percent.”

Last May, EPC signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Guanxi Estates for the development of some 10,000 hectares of land into an ethanol plantation.

Based on the MOA, Martinez said Guanxi and EPC are targeting to produce some 400 million liters of ethanol in 2010 in preparation for the implementation of E-10 blend.

Under the Biofuels Act of 2007, oil companies are mandated to have a five percent blend of ethanol in their gasoline products two years after the signing of the law.

After four years of the law’s effectivity, the mandated blend will be increased to 10 percent.

dinabaw

October 29th, 2007, 11:40 AM

Monday, October 29, 2007
Davao Sur organic rice spreads like wildfire

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur -- Putting down her "garab" or harvesting knife for a short rest, Juanita Boliva, 36, scans the wide open rice fields of Bala village, as far as her eyes can see.

"We've been here since six in the morning," she says, wiping the beads of sweat from her sunburnt forehead with her forearms. "We won't stop until we get this whole field harvested before sundown."

Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada.

Her fellow harvesters, mostly in long-sleeved dark shirts, wearing wide-brim buli hats to shield them from the searing heat of the mid-morning sun, kept slicing at the thick clusters of brownish- green rice stalks, now heavy with golden palay grains.

It's harvest time here at the panoramic rice fields of picturesque Bala village and farmfolks like Juanita, along with her relatives, are out in the fields -- the third time this year -- harvesting the mature rice grains.

Just a short distance away beside the narrow, pebble-strewn road, is the rice thresher, chug- chugging away the rice stalks, filling up the 50 kg white poly sacks.

Filled with palay grains, villagers will soon load them into trucks which haul the sack-filled grains to the big rice mills in nearby Bansalan town where they are milled into a special kind of white rice.

This rice harvested by Juanita isn't just any ordinary rice. And the rice farm in Bala village, Magsaysay, isn't just any rice field. This is a special organic rice grown here using only organic fertilizers from rice wastes.

Big piles of rice stalks, turning brown under the sun, will soon be carried to wide rectangular ditches where they are allowed to decompose along with organic wastes like manure from chickens, horses, carabaos, cows, and even fish intestines. In four to six months. This pile of rice wastes will turn to organic fertilizer.

This organic rice farm here is run by farmers belonging to the Diversified Organic Farming System (Dofs), a special rice production program set up by the local government of Magsaysay town.

Farmers here don't use any kind of chemicals to grow this special kind of rice and they make sure this rice has not been adulterated with other varieties of rice. "It's safe because we don't use chemicals or any pesticides to kill off the usual pests that bother the growing of rice here," says Juanita who joined the Dofs last year.

The only fertilizers they use for growing their organic rice are the "organiz fertilizers" which they produced from rice stalks, weeds and organic wastes. This group of farmers doesn't use any kind of synthetic fertilizers and costly chemicals available here from local agro-suppliers.

"You see, we can't use them because they suck out the nutrients from the soil. If we use them, our rice fields will produce less rice," says Juanita.

Magsaysay farmers call their organic rice "Magrice" an acronymn for Magsaysay Rice, to identify it closely with its origin here. The "Magrice" brand name is now spreading like wildfire and becoming more popular in the supermarkets and groceries of Davao, Cebu and Manila. A number of foreign buyers who heard about this rice have been sending inquiries to the Department of Trade and Industry Davao regional office asking how they can order this organic rice in big volumes on a regular basis.

Rice farmers here got a lot of help to start this organic rice project from the Don Bosco Diocesan Youth Center which runs a program called "Integrated Programs and Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture and Development". To make sure the quality of rice is maintained, the organizers set up a strict "internal quality control system" or IQCS among farmer participants like Juanita and her relatives.

Funding and logistics were provided by local town officials of Magsaysay like Mayor Jess Lumanog and Vice-Mayor Arthur Davin who believe in the organic rice program which is also attracting attention from other rice-growing regions. "Its worth all their efforts and perspiration despite the heat. We're supporting them all the way. We want to make sure they get very good prices for their organic rice," says

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/10/29/bus/davao.sur.organic.rice.spreads.like.wildfire.html

davaoeagle

October 29th, 2007, 08:45 PM

DENR inaugurates P1.2-billion septage facility in Sarangani (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071030107229.html)
By LLALYN B. DE VERA

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently inaugurated a septage treatment facility (STF) in Sarangani province for the protection of the coastal waters of Sarangani Bay, under the P1.2 billion Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (SMICZMP) of the government.

The Alabel’s septage facility in Alabel town, Sarangani province is one of the seven waste-water treatment facilities constructed under the DENR project, which is expected to provide desludging services to households in Alabel and General Santos City, one of the highly-urbanized cities in Southern Mindanao.

Sarangani Bay is part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Eco-Region and is one of the few areas where endangered marine mammals like "dugong’’ or sea cow and whales are found.

Other coastal municipalities that will benefit from the STFs are Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, and Malapatan along Sarangani Bay, and in the municipality of Malalag along Malalag Bay in Davao Del Sur, which translates to around 241,539 beneficiaries.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. said the construction of facilities ensure the continuous supply of clean water to the residents in the province.

He explained that with the construction of a septage facility, pollution load that is directly dislodged in the bay will be reduced.

The treatment facilities are expected to reduce water pollution in Sarangani Bay at an estimated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) load reduction of 3,389 kilograms per day or 47 percent of the estimated daily pollution load by the six coastal municipalities.

The DENR chief said the STFs are projected to generate an annual income of around R20 million from fees and health and sanitation benefits.

"The project will also continuously provide employment to local residents," Atienza said.

"It will also improve the aquatic environment including water quality of Sarangani and Malalag Bays to enhance the economic productivity and potentials in fishery and marine life, specifically tuna fish," he added.

The project is launched to enhance the strategic integration of the management of the coastal and watershed ecosystems.

This includes Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape in South Cotabato and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Balasiao Watershed and Malalag Bay in Davao del Sur.

eonynx

October 30th, 2007, 05:19 AM

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q266/jhunix71/lapanday.jpg

ang ganda naman!:)

GearX

October 30th, 2007, 05:20 AM

Iranian investor building P50-million dolphin resort in Davao del Sur

ALABEL, SARANGANI — A P50-million resort that would feature dolphins as major attraction is being developed by an Iranian investor in Sarangani town, Davao del Sur province to boost the tourism potentials of the coastal municipality, officials said.

Sarangani Mayor Jerry Cawa said that Iranian national Foad Akhavan is undertaking the project in sitio Bulaki.

"Based on our memorandum of agreement, 10% of the net income will go to the local government unit once the project becomes operational," Mr. Cawa told reporters recently here.

Sarangani town, or more popularly known as Balut Island, is about a three-hour motorized-boat ride from General Santos City.

Mr. Cawa said the foreign investor, who reportedly maintains a dolphin breeding farm in Misamis Occidental, plans to also breed dolphins in the resort’s 15-hectare facility. "Hopefully, our town would land in the tourism map of the Philippines with sights of dolphins doing acrobatic acts amid the waves or ordinary people seeing or touching these friendly sea creatures," he added.

Mr. Cawa said that enclosure nets have already been put in place at the seafront to prevent the dolphins from escaping to the high seas. But he clarified that there’s still no dolphin inside those nets and that the investor might bring some from his farm in Misamis Occidental if they can’t catch the creatures off the town’s waters.

Sarangani is one of the towns grouped under the JAGS-CT, which stands for Jose Abad Santos, Glan, Sarangani-Cooperation Triangle. Glan is in Sarangani province, while Jose Abad Santos, like Sarangani town, lies in Davao del Sur province.

Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr., chairperson of cooperation triangle, said they expect the dolphin farm to also attract the attention of tourists from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. JAGS-CT, Mr. Yap stressed, was formed in 2003 in support to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area.

"This [dolphin farm] investment came about due to our vigorous promotion of the cooperation triangle," Mr. Yap claimed, adding that their grouping aims to enhance the trade, tourism and investment potentials of the three towns.

But Mr. Cawa pointed out the need for more frequent, reliable transport service to his town. Commercial boat trips from General Santos City to Sarangani town and vice versa is only once daily, usually during night time.

Mr. Cawa called on passenger boat owners to ply the route regularly to also boost the economic growth of the impoverished town, citing the completion of a P43-million port complex.

He said that communication should no longer be a problem since Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom have established cellular sites in the town, whose main produce is copra. — R. S. Sarmiento

source (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW103007/content.php?id=055)

abskess

October 30th, 2007, 06:38 AM

shaKEIRa

October 30th, 2007, 01:25 PM

The New Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol in Mati City

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/mati3-1.jpg

you and your family? nice capitol!!!

dinabaw

October 30th, 2007, 02:47 PM

Digos

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/503/brgy2belection2b2007007fz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

davaoeagle

October 30th, 2007, 06:52 PM

^^

Nope, that's Rebel Magdagasang with his sister, daughter and niece...

Ibex

October 31st, 2007, 06:20 AM

is that Mt Apo sa background @Dinabaw?

paulkrps

October 31st, 2007, 01:48 PM

kulang ang volume ng tao...
and try to figure out where to put yong stations... then check if you have the good volume in a 2km radius...

while i agree that there is a lack of it, we should also at the long term. i wish that they should start at it sooner while there is room to grow and place it.

MtApoStandard

October 31st, 2007, 02:25 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/11/01

Youth enlivens Sambuokan fest
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (1 November) -- Majority of the prime movers in the recently concluded 7th Sambuokan Festival in the City of Mati are the youth who displayed creativity, talent, and dynamism.

The young Matinians have consistently enlivened the yearly Sambuokan, tagged second to the most renowned Kadayawan Festival of Davao City.

Activities such as Indak-Indak sa Dalan, "Lanog" Drum and Bugle Corpse, and the SK Cheerdance Competition are all given color and life by the youth.

Committee chair for Education city councilor Nino Sotero Uy said that the youth have initiated some of the major activities during the said festivity as they have seen the great potential of the young ones who deserve to be highlighted during the celebration.

In time for the Sanguniang Kabataan election held last October 29, the SK of Mati pulled their resources to open the Cheerdance Competition. The contest was participated by the different schools in the city such as the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST), Mati National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS), Mati Doctors College, and guest participant from a Maragusan school.

For the Indak-Indak sa Dalan street dancing competition, about 14 participants vied for the grand prize.

Sambuokan remains as Mati's prime tourism activity especially now that the former town was recently declared a city.

The city now celebrates unity that also happens to be the root of the Visayan word "Sambuokan" which means one and united.

New city mayor Michelle Rabat brushed aside talks that the festival will take another name. The Sambuokan Festival, given birth during the administration of her father and former town mayor Paking Rabat, is said to continue as Mati's festival trademark but later will get a new and better face as Matinians celebrate cityhood. (PIA XI) [top]

davaoeagle

November 6th, 2007, 04:27 AM

Sarangani:
Where business and politics mix
Published : 2007-11-05

THEIRS is a partnership driven not only by expediency but also bonded by familiar background and common passion to serve.

While they don’t necessarily bring laughter and humor like Laurel and Hardy and breath the gung-ho spirit of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or the swashbuckling crime busting duo act of the ’70s television hit Miami Vice, Sarangani’s one-two punch in Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon is just the right mix of youthful and exuberant leadership this southern most province southeast of Mindanao needs to close the first decade of the new millennium.

Both in their early 30’s, the governor and his vice governor are cut for the job, so to speak.

They are not just articulate and hard-driven. They were first and foremost promising corporate yuppies before politics beckoned.

Their educational backgrounds are impressive. Dominguez, a 30-year old bachelor who holds a degree in economics from Boston College in Massachusetts while Solon is a graduate of business administration at Fordham University in New York.

They both, at one time, worked in their respective family-owned companies that are among the country’s most diversified corporations. They know their economic intelligence better than most local managers here. They speak the language of businessmen and know their balance sheets by heart.

Now, instead of selling their own products, they are at the helm in making Sarangani one of the premier investment destinations in Mindanao.

The two are out to prove that business and politics do mix. For good reasons.

For the vice governor who is barely four months in office, Sarangani’s natural harbors and vast agricultural lands are its most attractive advantages over other new provinces in Mindanao.

“We have the Sarangani Bay surrounded by mountains serving as natural barriers against gusty southern winds. There are coves ideal for aquamarine culture. And the bay itself is littered with natural harbors for port operations and possibly ship building activities,” the 36-year old vice governor said.

Besides, there has not been a single recorded typhoon ever since the freak Yoling of 1971 hit then South Cotabato, from which Sarangani was carved out in 1992.

Six of the seven towns of Sarangani are also connected by a paved and well-maintained road network that stretches to 145 kilometers between ends and passing through General Santos City. Traveling from Glan in the eastern most part of the province to Maitum in the western tip takes just a little under two hours even in leisurely driving. No traffic problems whatsoever.

Dominguez, whose family-owned Alsons Corporation is setting up a US$350-million 200-MW power plant in Maitum (to be expanded up to 900MW in 200-300MW increments), is quick to add that Sarangani’s human resources are also its best assets.

“We have proven industrious people in the coastal towns of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim and adventurous and equally-hardworking residents in Alabel, Malapatan, Glan and Malungon (the only landlocked town of Sarangani),” Dominguez said.

The local government, he said, has won back the trust and respect of residents after several years of being subjected to ignominy of corruption by past public officials.

“Now people are finding jobs in companies that have poured and added new investments in the province,” Dominguez added.

Among them is pineapple giant Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) which now is leasing close to 1,600 hectares of land in Maasim and Malungon, both former strife-torn towns and another 500 more hectares under growership contract. Dolefil has also set its sights for a potential 15,000-hectare expansion project that will run up to 2015.

Over the last three years, new investments recorded an annual average growth rate of 3.05 per cent. Capital infused into this new businesses reached P497.9 million or annual average of 30 per cent. Very impressive compared to the 0.6 per cent national growth in new local investments between 2002 to 2005, according to former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director Cielito Habito.

The province also crafted an incentive-laden investment code that allows new investors tax holidays for up to five years with the local government more than willing to provide quick and efficient processing of business permits and licenses.

Investment climate is now very excellent, according Dominguez.

“We have not had any major insurgency or terrorism-related incident ever since I became governor in 2004,” he said.

If they were to make a pitch, the two top honchos of the province say they would prefer that Sarangani become the industrial and agricultural hub of southern and central Mindanao.

“We need to produce capital and consumer goods in order to have a solid economic foundation,” Dominguez explained.

Both, however, admit that Sarangani still has a long way to go to achieve that goal. But they said the local government, under their stewardship, is willing to pour more resources for the development of public utilities and other infrastructures needed for new investments.

The mountains of Kiamba and Maitum are rich in gold and copper deposits. Marble, limestone and other associated minerals are of commercial quantities in the towns of Maasim, Malapatan and Glan.

Food processing is also a big potential investment area, the two agreed. More than 7,000 hectares of mango trees are now dotting the province which yielded almost four metric tons last year.

Sarangani Bay continues to host and produce abundant marine life. Banana production reached 91,236.92 metric tons also in 2006. The province still leads Central Mindanao in coconut production at 353,187.50 metric tons in the same year.

One area the governor and his vice governor are proud of is tourism.

“From virtually zero some five years ago to over2270,222 last year,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez compared the 14-year old Sarangani province to “Bohol 10 to 15 years ago, even Boracay 20 years ago.”

If Bohol and Caticlan have their Panglao and Boracay beaches, Sarangani also has its Gumasa, a serene village in Glan. Gumasa boasts of fine powdery white beaches that are comparable if not better than Boracay’s. And the place is even hardly developed yet.

For the adventuresome, there is the famous Pinol Cave where earthenware and anthropomorphic potteries dating back some 3,000 years ago were unearthed and are now preserved in a museum.

A heart-pounding 15-minute white water tubing ride in the crystal-clear river of La Union in Maitum or an early morning scuba dive deep into the magnificent Tinutu Wall in Maasim that drops more than 1,500 meters.

One can also marvel at the colorful marine life at Tuka point in Kiamba or explore the hidden pristine falls of the town deep into its jungles, home to one of the few remaining forest covers in Central Mindanao. If one gets lucky enough, swim with whale sharks that gorge for plankton just two fathoms deep in the coast of Alabel, watch release of turtle hatchlings or go whale and dolphin watching.

For those who are avid students of history and anthropology, Sarangani is home to at least five major Indigenous tribes. Those who want to be amused, just listen to Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz for his own claim that the first mass was held in Glan, not in Limasawa or Butuan as other historians have argued and be awed by his collection of artifacts and family memorabilia and fascinating American-era old houses.

“With all these stimulating sights, doing business in Sarangani is also a pleasure,” Dominguez said turning his attention to the vice governor who reminded the latter to go dive at Tinutu and volunteered his wet suit.

In the young tandem Dominguez and Solon, scions of third generation members of old family friends, Sarangani is having the best of both world of politics and business.

The two never imagined that their passion for good food and nightlife while they were both in the United States will bring them together again in Sarangani for more than just personal satisfaction.

“We used to share dinner while I was visiting the governor in Boston and he dropping by our apartment in New York,” said Vice Governor Steve Solon.

That was almost ten years ago when the governor was still studying at Boston College and the newly-graduated vice governor was trying to gatecrash into the Wall Street as stockbroker.

“Now, we often sit beside each other during formal functions and sit across the table late at night,” he added.

But the things they discuss are no longer about who they were dating but rather agreeing on dates and schedules they are to attend as top officials of the province.

dinabaw

November 7th, 2007, 05:47 AM

Davao Or targets zero malnutrition
By glenda on Nov 7, 2007 in News

By : Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM-City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental- There’s no stopping the provincial government of Davao Oriental in giving the services due to the people, and make the next three years something to reckon with and be grateful for.

After a good start of delivering the health services to the people, pushing zero illiteracy, and infrastructure development among others, this time Davao Oriental scores again with its vision of zero malnutrition.

Provincial Nutrition Officer Roseny Casicnan said that another phase of supplemental feeding is expected next year.

Heads of Offices still have to decide on what to feed the children, whose ages range from zero to six years old.

“The program is under the Early Childhood Care Development Program, now known as Bright Child Program of Davao Oriental,” Casicnan disclosed.

But most likely, mongo will be the main component of the supplemental feeding, because it is rich in nutrients.

Beneficiaries to the supplemental feeding program are children from the municipalities of Banaybanay, San Isidro, Cateel, and Tarragona.

Last September, the first phase of the supplemental feeding culminated in those municipalities.

3, 493 pre schoolers and primary graders were recipient of the supplemental feeding program, regardless of their nutritional status.

In the first phase of the program, children were given a kilo of rice everyday.

Casicnan further revealed that the province is strongly abiding to the Phil. Plan of Action for Nutrition.

These include nutrition education, micro nutrients supplementation, food assistance, food fortification, access to livelihood, nutrition education for parents, and nutrition for maternal and child health services.

Nutrition education is done prior to the feeding.

As an enormous part of maternal and child health services, new born screening will also be implemented.

This is done to check on the new born babies, to know their weaknesses, and defects, with the belief that early detection leads to early treatment.

“If malnutrition cases still prevail even after the supplemental feeding, malnourished children still have to avail of supplemental feeding in its next phase.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/11/07/davao-or-targets-zero-malnutrition/

davaoeagle

November 7th, 2007, 08:38 AM

:applause:

2 mining firms to operate in Davao Oriental, Comval (http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=18407)
By Carmelito Q. Francisco

TWO companies have applied for mining operation permits in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, revealed Regional Director Edilberto Arreza of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Skynix Investments Ltd., a Chinese-American company, is already in the process of acquiring the mining rights in the 23,000-hectare properties in the areas in Maragusan and Pantukan, Compostela Valley and Calapagan, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

“The bulk of the area is in Davao Oriental,” Arreza told the Mindanao Times Monday during the weekly “Kapihan sa Dabaw” at the Pizza Hut at SM City Davao, pointing out that the company has applied for mining rights in public lands.

He said the company is into producing copper and gold in the area, although its application for mining rights has yet to be finalized.

On the other hand, Philshin Mining Corp., a Chinese-Filipino company, is looking into acquiring the mining rights for the 900-hectare area within titled properties in Mati City.

He said the company will also mine for copper and gold in the area.

The venture of the two companies only indicates that big investors, particularly those in China, have considered the two areas as good investment areas for mining operations, Arreza said.

Based on the information reaching Arreza’s office, several foreign investors, most of them Chinese companies, have visited Davao Oriental during the last few month to look into the mining potentials of the province.

“It seems it (Davao Oriental) has become popular with foreign companies as good area for mining operations,” he said.

The interest of these companies on the province has not been dampened even with the move of Gov. Corazon Malanyaon to suspend the issuance of permit to small scale miners between August and September following the controversy that there were permits approved even when these were illegally acquired, he added.

Arreza said Malanyaon has already lifted the suspension order and even granted amnesty to those small scale mining operations, particularly the hauling of copper and nickel ores to be shipped to foreign buyers.

Based on the data provided by the agency, about 1,500 metric tons of chromite were hauled and shipped since the governor lifted the suspension order, while about 1,900 metric tons of nickel ore were also shipped during the period.

The chromite ores were from the small scale mining sites in Calapagan, Mati City, Davao Oriental, while the nickel ores were from Gov. Generoso, also a town in Davao Oriental.

Malanyaon earlier said her office has been besieged with inquiries on mining prospects in the province since taking over the office on July 1. Malanyaon, in a text message to this writer about two months ago, claimed some of the companies tapped local companies to do the legwork for them.

The province is known to have large deposits of chromite, gold, copper and nickel ores and was host to some mining operations since the 1950s.

paulkrps

November 7th, 2007, 11:45 AM

mga goys, request lang, i need a very good davao photo (probably pearl farm or any other), hi-res if available for a filipino telephone. there is no monetary compensation, but credit will be given to the photographer. thing is i suggested that davao is the cover, last year was palawan. they said ok, kaso, i don't want to use it with the photographer's permission. so mga goys, this is your chance. i have a tight deadline on this. please, please, pretty please?

nikkixtrm

November 7th, 2007, 03:45 PM

i'd do it >_> but im not in davao at the moment :bash::bash:

davaoeagle

November 7th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Thursday, November 08, 2007
DavOr holds forum on tourism development
By Ben O. Tesiorna
Sunstar Davao

THE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental held a one-day stakeholders' forum on tourism development at the capital City of Mati on Wednesday.

With the theme "One Smile, One Heart, One Mind for Davao Oriental," organizers aim to craft a comprehensive tourism program for the province that will be based on the result of the forum.

Governor Corazaon Malanyaon said she wants Davao Oriental to be included in the country's tourism map.

"There is a need for us not to start developing our tourism industry considering we have a lot of potentials. So this event is our way of declaring to the people that the government is seriously considering developing tourism and hopes to organize the Davao Oriental Provincial Council at the end of the day," Malanyaon said

Vice Governor Mayo Almario said the forum also serves as an "awakening activity for the people to know that we have what it takes."

The province has identified 79 tourist attractions, it was learned. Officials admitted though that despite the myriad attractions they still lack infrastructures like hotels and other amenities.

Almario said they are however complementing the lack of infrastructure with the help of the local community. Like in San Isidro, where no hotels are available, local residents are tapped to improve their houses and accommodate tourists.

"We have bed and breakfast facility as an alternative to hotels," Almario said.

Malanyaon said this way they are able to package Davao Oriental as a unique tourist attraction unlike those in other areas.

"What we want to sell to the people is the uniqueness of the province, the novelty of the place. That there's so much nature, adventure, and culture that one would enjoy," she said.

Even the mining sites in the province, Malanyaon said, could be tapped as another tourist attraction to show to the people that tourism and mining are not in contrast with each other but could rather go together in the development of the province.

The forum held at the Provincial Board session hall was well attended by stakeholders coming from the hotel, restaurant, travel, media and government organizations.

Resource speakers were Paul So of the AusAid and Action Holidays Tour Corporation; Sebastian Angliongto of the Mindanao Business Council; Yvette Lee of the Anilao Outrigger; photographer Rhonson Ng; writer Jojie Alcantara; Teolulo Pasawa of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center; Sonia Garcia of the Department of Tourism; restaurant owners Theresa and Claude le Neindre; Regional Development Council chair for tourism Alma Uy; and Roche Angon of the USAID's Growth Equity for Mindanao.

davaoeagle

November 7th, 2007, 07:08 PM

Thursday, November 08, 2007
Mati launches 'Madayaw Mati'
Sunstar Davao

TO MOTIVATE its people to become more entrepreneurial, the City Government of Mati, through the City Investment and Tourism Office, has organized a project dubbed as "Madayaw Mati."

The local government unit (LGU) of Mati expects that this project will augur well for entrepreneurship, livelihood, and domestic tourism in the province of Davao Oriental.

One of the highlights of "Madayaw Mati" is the staging of a mini-trade fair tagged as, "Market-Market", which will be conducted every weekend starting September 15 until December of this year at the Mati Park and Baywalk.

The "Market-Market" project was conceptualized by Louis N. Rabat, president of the Davao Oriental Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DOECCII) and concurrent chair of the provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC).

The project is implemented by the DOECCI, Mati City Investment and Tourism Office, and Department of Trade and Industry -Davao Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-DO).

"We are envisioning the Market-Market to be among the many crowd-drawing activities of the Madayaw Mati project," Rabat said.

The organizers jointly said the "Market-Market" is conceptualized in order to provide brisk marketing opportunities for micro entrepreneurs who are engaged in manufacturing and processing of resource-based products.

Booths will be provided and no participation fee will be collected.

The organizers are urging all producers of Davao Oriental who are into manufacturing or processing to participate in the trade fair.

For confirmation and queries, get in touch with Dashiel Indelible, Jr. of Mati City Investment and Tourism Office at telephone number (087) 388-3234 or Jose L. Calub of DTI-DO at (087) 388-3735 or 811-4072.

dinabaw

November 8th, 2007, 02:29 AM

paulkrps

November 8th, 2007, 02:46 AM

k ser dinabaw. will try to, kaso basig maiipit ko maghinulat.

dinabaw

November 8th, 2007, 02:48 AM

lagi wa may prof. maniniyot sa ato diri :D

paulkrps

November 8th, 2007, 03:00 AM

asa si teej, murag syag shots, ako na lang pilian.

dinabaw

November 8th, 2007, 03:04 AM

asa si teej, murag syag shots, ako na lang pilian.

e-mail tj tapos parang may mga photos na ibinigay si Bagani sa kanya, oh btw i forgot @Rall has nice photos too dunno naa ba siya pearl farm. :)

dinabaw

November 8th, 2007, 05:32 AM

Davao Oriental holds forum on tourism development
By glenrose on Nov 8, 2007 in News

THE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental held a one-day stakeholders’ forum on tourism development at the capital City of Mati on Wednesday.

With the theme “One Smile, One Heart, One Mind for Davao Oriental,” organizers aim to craft a comprehensive tourism program for the province that will be based on the result of the forum.

Governor Corazaon Malanyaon said she wants Davao Oriental to be included in the country’s tourism map.

“There is a need for us not to start developing our tourism industry considering we have a lot of potentials. So this event is our way of declaring to the people that the government is seriously considering developing tourism and hopes to organize the Davao Oriental Provincial Council at the end of the day,” Malanyaon said

Vice Governor Mayo Almario said the forum also serves as an “awakening activity for the people to know that we have what it takes.”

The province has identified 79 tourist attractions, it was learned. Officials admitted though that despite the myriad attractions they still lack infrastructures like hotels and other amenities.

Almario said they are however complementing the lack of infrastructure with the help of the local community. Like in San Isidro, where no hotels are available, local residents are tapped to improve their houses and accommodate tourists.

Sun.Star Davao

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/11/08/davao-oriental-holds-forum-on-tourism-development/

paulkrps

November 8th, 2007, 11:36 AM

e-mail tj tapos parang may mga photos na ibinigay si Bagani sa kanya, oh btw i forgot @Rall has nice photos too dunno naa ba siya pearl farm. :)

salamat nyor. andam ng alkansya?:lol:

davaoeagle

November 8th, 2007, 07:16 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/11/09
Davao Oriental readies tourism boom
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (9 November) -- Now a priority of the provincial government, tourism is set to be the ingredient for the dawning of Davao Oriental Province.

Various stakeholders from the government, hotels, restaurants, transportation, travel, and communication gathered Wednesday (November 7) for the Tourism Development Stakeholders' Forum held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

"This is one declaration of the province's serious commitment in developing the tourism sector of Davao Oriental," said Provincial Governor Corazon Malanyaon.

The forum was attended by resource speakers who shared their thoughts, contributions, and commitment in helping the province develop this particular sector. Some of the invited speakers were Sonia Garcia, Joji Alcantara, Rhonson Ng, Alma Uy, Roche Angon, Claude Le Neindre, Sebastian Angliongto, and Paul So.

Malanyaon bared some of her personal favorites of the 79 tourist attractions that are all located in Davao Oriental. However, she would want to leave the planning and decision-making to the different stakeholders who deserve more rightly the power to draw the tourism development.

During the forum, the Provincial Tourism Council was formed as well as the drafting of initial plans on how to go about promotion and development. The group will also decide on what branding should be used to sell and promote tourist sites in Davao Oriental.

"We admit that the province is not yet that prepared in terms of resources to cater to the potential number of tourists that might come and visit us. This is one aspect that we will try to study and plan for without having to destroy that beauty and uniqueness of our tourists attractions," she added.

One of the plans of the governor is to focus on the rich cultural heritage of the people to entice local and foreign tourists. (PIA) [top]

dinabaw

November 9th, 2007, 02:04 AM

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4751/08matiys2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
MATI, Davao Oriental -- A cook prepares shrimps for dinner for tourists at a local hotel in Mati. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

dinabaw

November 9th, 2007, 02:25 AM

Pygmy forest is Davao Oriental’s brand mark
By glenda on Nov 8, 2007 in News

BY: Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM-City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental- Endowed with the vastness of two thousand hectares and the mystique of it’s 2 to 3 feet tall-century-old trees, the Pygmy Forest in Mt. Hamiguitan, municipality of San Isidro was chosen as the brand mark of Davao Oriental.

The move came after the strong pursuit of the provincial government of Davao Oriental to aggressively promote the tourism potentials of the province.

In the Stakeholders’ Forum held on Nov. 7, 2007 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, and attended by different heads of office, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Panlungsod, toruism officers, and businessmen, Gov. Corazon Malanyaon reiterated that now is the time to focus on the tourism industry, and put the province on the map of tourism wonders.

“It’s now time to make use of the abundance, of whatever we have for the province. We have to introduce Davao Oriental to the rest of the country and to the world,” she said.

Other beautiful and historic spots were also suggested to be Davao Oriental’s distinction.
These include the Old Caraga Church and Pusan Point of Caraga, Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Pujada Bay and Dahican Beach of the City of Mati, and Aliwagwag Falls of Cateel.

Despite the fact that she hails from Cateel, but Gov. Corazon Malanyaon also supported Pygmy Forest to be the selling advantage of the province.

“There is no politics here. On the marketing side, we really have to think of what is it in Davao Oriental that would the lure visitors and tourists to come for a visit, and what is its uniqueness,” the Governor explained.

She furthered that others that were suggested can also be found elsewhere in the world, but you cannot find another pygmy forest in other places.

However, it does not mean that other tourism potentials will no longer be promoted.

“Of course, we will promote them also, but we have to start with the Pygmy forest ,” she added.

In the Stakeholders’ Forum also, the Provincial Tourism Council was formally organized.

It is tasked to lead the undertakings towards making a big wave in the arena of awesome tourism bigwigs.

The Pygmy forest in Mt. Hamiguitan majestically stands at 1, 650 feet above sea level, and looks like a huge vegetable garden in the middle of the jungle, and has become the favorite camping site of local and foreign tourists, mountain climbers, and adventurous people.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/11/08/pygmy-forest-is-davao-orientals-brand-mark/

dinabaw

November 9th, 2007, 02:38 AM

Tuesday, November 06, 2007
DavOr no longer issuing permits for small miners
By Carlo P. Mallo

THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Southern Mindanao clarified Monday that Davao Oriental provincial government has not ordered a stop on small-scale mining operations.

Rather, it has merely imposed a moratorium on the issuance of new permits.

Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada.

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.

"It's not about the existing small scale miners," said MGB-Southern Mindanao Director Ed Arreza said in Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at Pizza Hut restaurant in SM City Davao.

It was earlier reported that the Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon has issued a moratorium on all small-scale mining activities in the province. Davao Oriental is rich with mineral deposits and ranks next to Compostela Valley in terms of mineral deposits in the region.

Moreover, Arreza added that the province is implementing a two-door exit for all mining related materials.

"Mining firms can only pass through the Maragusan and Pantukan exits," Arreza said.

Arreza said that the two-door exit policy of the provincial government is one way of eradicating the proliferation of black market in mining in the region.

It is a well known that some mining companies would rather smuggle out the minerals that they have mined directly to foreign countries.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/compostelavalley/2007/11/06/davao-oriental-no-longer-issuing-permits-for-small-miners/

davaoeagle

November 9th, 2007, 06:27 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/11/10
Davao Oriental guv sees mining as tourism "come-on"
by Mai Gevera

Davao City (10 November) -- Besides waterfalls, caves, and beaches, the province of Davao Oriental is also a seat of gold and mines. Now seen as a potential crowd-drawer, provincial Governor Corazon Malanyaon admitted that the province is now seriously studying the mining sector to spur development in the said area.

In a recent interview, the official expressed full support to the growing mining industry especially in the mineral-rich towns of the province. However, Malanyaon held some hesitations for a number of issues and concerns that may have been encountered in those areas.

"We are still to look into the mining industry and we will make sure that these mining operations will not adversely affect the environment and the people," she said.

Even vice governor Joel Almario bared that one effective way to boost the tourism industry is by tapping the mining sector as this would be the gateway for the coming of local and foreign investors.

However, the provincial government is also very careful in opening up the industry. Weeks ago, Malanyaon ordered for a stoppage of mining activities in some towns because of the reported trouble caused by these small-scale miners that alarmed the residents.

In a separate report, the official did not favor the sight of private armies employed by the miners as this has caused terror and fear to the community residents.

This has pushed the official to release a mining moratorium to prevent any possible incident of trouble that may root from the mining activities. (PIA) [top

dinabaw

November 11th, 2007, 01:52 PM

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Sunday, November 11, 2007
Palma Gil's camp backs Cora's administration

THE camp of former Davao Oriental governor Maria Elena Palma Gil expressed support to the administration of Governor Corazon Malanyaon who, just few months ago, was strongly criticized by the Palma Gils.

Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada.

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.

Lawyer Miguel Palma Gil, son of the former governor, said their family has already forgotten the stiff political competition between his mother and Malanyaon during the May 14 elections.

He said their family is now fully supporting Malanyaon and all of her programs for the province.

"Wala namang gulo (There is no more quarrel) between kay mama and Gov. Malanyaon eh. Isang araw lang ang election. We support the governor and her administration. Any differences we had before, sa (that was true during the) election lang yun. Pagkatapos nun, balik na sa normal ang buhay," Miguel said.

He said his mother has accepted defeat and is now living a stress-free life.

"Ang mama ko is happy right now. God works in ways beyond the limited confines of our understanding. The beauty of His judgment is only unraveled when we appreciate its fruits," Miguel said.

Malanyaon earlier said everyone is cooperating with her administration including those that are identified to be supporters of her political rival and former governor Maria Elena Palma Gil.

"We have no problems here actually, we have the support of practically everyone," Malanyaon said.

Vice Governor Mayo Almario on the other hand said that for as along as they are doing their mandate, the people, regardless of political affiliations, would surely give their support to provincial officials.

Competition between Malanyaon and Palma Gil, who were once political allies, was fierce during the May 14 elections. (BOT)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/11/11/news/palma.gil.s.camp.backs.cora.s.administration.html

davaoeagle

November 12th, 2007, 04:58 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/11/13
PYGMY forest is Davao Oriental's Brand Mark
By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (13 November) -- Endowed with the vastness of two thousand hectares and the mystique of it's 2 to 3 feet tall-century-old trees, the Pygmy Forest in Mt. Hamiguitan, municipality of San Isidro was chosen as the brand mark of Davao Oriental.

The move came after the strong pursuit of the provincial government of Davao Oriental to aggressively promote the tourism potentials of the province.

In the Stakeholders' Forum held on Nov. 7, 2007 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, and attended by different heads of office, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Panlungsod, toruism officers, and businessmen, Gov. Corazon Malanyaon reiterated that now is the time to focus on the tourism industry, and put the province on the map of tourism wonders.

"It's now time to make use of the abundance, of whatever we have for the province. We have to introduce Davao Oriental to the rest of the country and to the world," she said.

Other beautiful and historic spots were also suggested to be Davao Oriental's distinction.

These include the Old Caraga Church and Pusan Point of Caraga, Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Pujada Bay and Dahican Beach of the City of Mati, and Aliwagwag Falls of Cateel.

Despite the fact that she hails from Cateel, but Gov. Corazon Malanyaon also supported Pygmy Forest to be the selling advantage of the province.

"There is no politics here. On the marketing side, we really have to think of what is it in Davao Oriental that would the lure visitors and tourists to come for a visit, and what is its uniqueness," the Governor explained.

She furthered that others that were suggested can also be found elsewhere in the world, but you cannot find another pygmy forest in other places.

However, it does not mean that other tourism potentials will no longer be promoted.

"Of course, we will promote them also, but we have to start with the Pygmy forest," she added.

In the Stakeholders' Forum also, the Provincial Tourism Council was formally organized.

It is tasked to lead the undertakings towards making a big wave in the arena of awesome tourism bigwigs.

The Pygmy forest in Mt. Hamiguitan majestically stands at 1, 650 feet above sea level, and looks like a huge vegetable garden in the middle of the jungle, and has become the favorite camping site of local and foreign tourists, mountain climbers, and adventurous people. (DXHM-City of Mati/PIA XI) [top]

abskess

November 13th, 2007, 03:12 AM

^^kelan kaya makakaakyat ang SSC Goys dyan ano? :)

davaoeagle

November 17th, 2007, 10:40 AM

PIA Press Release
2007/11/17
DSWD sustains supplemental feeding

Davao City (17 November) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already released P256 million to its regional offices which subsequently transferred the funds to the different Day Care Students-Parents Groups (DCSPGs) who will manage the feeding program.

A total of P750M has also been allocated in the 2007 General Appropriations Act so that the supplemental feeding program can be continuously implemented during the 2007-2008 school year.

Secretary Esperanza Cabral of DSWD said, with this development, a total of 289,877 day care children in 369 target municipalities are expected to benefit from the DSWD Supplemental Feeding Program.

The program aims to improve the nutritional status of the target children who will be given milk and hot meals using available indigenous food materials that will provide at least 1/3 of the recommended daily energy and nutrients intake of children three to five years old, Secretary Cabral said

Sec. Cabral explained that at the start of the feeding program, the children will undergo de-worming in nearby health centers. Their baseline height and weight will also be taken. At the end of the feeding program, the children's height and weight will be taken again to determine how the feeding program has improved their nutritional status.

Undernourished children get a hot meal and a glass of fresh milk daily for a period of 42 days with a budget allocation of P22.00 per child. Parents of the children are also involved in the implementation through food preparation and feeding. They also assist health workers in gathering baseline data and in assessing the children's nutritional status.

Target areas in Davao Region are the towns of Talaingod in Davao Norte and Sarangani Island in Davao Sur. (DSWD/SMS/mbm-PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

November 19th, 2007, 02:45 AM

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1839/matigq1.png (http://imageshack.us)
COME TO MATI. White sand beaches are among the tourist attractions in Mati, Davao Oriental. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

davaoeagle

November 19th, 2007, 08:04 AM

Beautiful Mati

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/mati1.jpg

dinabaw

November 19th, 2007, 08:48 AM

Beautiful Mati

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/mati1.jpg

wowowie!

dinabaw

November 19th, 2007, 09:29 AM

Island Blue
Pujada Island
Mati, Davao Oriental
Philippines

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6664/88836431y8lnzyoiislandbzp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 20th, 2007, 03:03 AM

Rajah of “rebound” returns home, rebounding vs ailment
By glenrose on Nov 20, 2007 in News

By Neela G. Duallo

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental — “There’s no place like home” and first City Mayor of Mati Francisco “Paking” Rabat has proven this proverbial saying to be true.

Last week, having completed his chemotherapy sessions for the last six months for cancer, Mayor Paking, as he was, and still is fondly called, returns home, celebrating another chance in life.

“I am so glad and so grateful to be back,” he said.

The father of now Mayor Michelle Rabat is still overwhelmed with the cityhood of Mati.

“This has been the fulfillment of my dream, and I thank the Almarios, mother and son Congresswoman Thelma and then Congressman now Vice-Governor Mayo Almario for doing the works, along with the other officials and the people of Mati,” he added.

He boasts that being the capital of the province of Davao Oriental, Mati only deserves to be a city.

Rabat got the accolade as the “Rajah of Rebound” being a part of the national basketball team who brought home a bronze medal in the Brazil Olympics back in 1954.

As a sports buff, he was responsible in bringing to Mati the 2003 Mindanao Friendship Games, where he got reunited with a long-time friend, Mr. Caloy Loyzaga, who graced the opening of the Mindanao Friendship Games.

In the 2007 local elections, Rabat should have sought for re-election, and could have scored another landslide win, but a medical check-up in Manila proved to be a blessing in disguise.

It was in there when his doctors discovered that he has lung cancer, and was advised to immediately undergo chemo therapy.

As such, Rabat made an emotional farewell to the people of Mati, as he revealed his health condition, and in as much as he still wants to serve, but he has to fight for his life.

He said that all his life he has been helping people, and nothing compares to the happiness in so doing.

“It’s now time that I will be the one to ask all of you a favor, even to my political opponents, please pray for me,”he pleaded with a broken voice.

And the people of Mati did not fail Mayor Paking, as daughter Michelle repeated history through a resounding victory in the election.

“I am just following what my Dad started. He is larger than life, and there will only be one Mayor Paking,” the heiress to the political throne emphasized.

Now as he enjoys more the wonders of life, Rabat disclosed that he is always in touch with his Creator.

When he finally arrived home, he went directly to the family Shrine, and poured his heart out.

Friends and well wishers now start to visit Mayor Paking in his cozy Dahican residence, adding more reason to his will to survive.

Among the well wishers who already paid a visit to the former Mayor are Bishop Patricio Alo of the Diocese of Mati, Sr. Marietta Alo, OND, Program Directress of diocesan radio station DXHM-Radyo Totoo, and Engr. Alan Huertas. Manager of the Trinity Cable Television, the sole cable service provider in the City of Mati. (DXHM-City of Mati/PIA XI)

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2007/11/20/rajah-of-rebound-returns-home-rebounding-vs-ailment/

dinabaw

November 20th, 2007, 09:25 AM

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9172/883510382ef41f92dc2uw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2913/882694745059d9dafacew8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 20th, 2007, 09:28 AM

Mati
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3732/88351037470bad9cb69eo2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ibex

November 20th, 2007, 11:58 AM

davaoeagle

November 21st, 2007, 08:15 PM

Department of Budget and Management ready to release Mati’s IRA as a city
Nov 22, 2007
BY : Ms. Neela G. Duallo
DXHM-City of Mati

City of Mati, Davao Oriental – As the whole nation celebrates the coming of 2008, the City of Mati has also one thing to celebrate.

Vice-Mayor Cesar de Erio divulged that DBM is now ready to release the Internal Revenue Allotment of Mati as a component city.

“Ðespite the petition filed by the League of Cities now pending at the Supreme Court, but DBM is ready to release the new IRA of Mati on 2008”, he said.

The petition also includes contemporaries of the City of Mati.

Understandably, the League of Cities would not want an addition to the League because it will mean a slash from the budget intended for their IRA.

De Erio explained that even City Legal Counsel Atty. Geronilla sees no hindrance to the cityhood because all the procedures were followed.

The people of Mati gave an astounding yes vote for the cityhood of Mati on June 18, 2007, and the formal declaration of the citybood followed the day after, June 19, which incidentally falls on the 73rd birthday of first City of Mati Mayor Paking Rabat.

The Vice-Mayor also added that the Supreme Court has not been able to come up with an early resolution, the decision to the petition filed because other new cities have not yet completed their requirements.

“We were the second to comply with the requirements,” he said.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat is now an honorary member of the League of Municipalities, and a member of the League of Cities.

“The honorary membership to the League of Municipalities is for the simple reason that Mati is still a vital part of Davao Oriental. We still need the supervision of the Governor,” de Erio further explained.

With it’s new status now as a city, Mati IRA jumps to 368 million pesos.

“The amount will go to the enhancement of the services rendered to the people,” he furthered.

In her early days in office, Mayor Michelle Rabat revealed her desire to have a “city hall where no people go” because all the needs of the people are addressed even in the barangay level.

The cityhood was made possible through Republic Act No. 9408, a legislation of then Congressman and now Vice-Governor Mayo Almario.

The bill is an “act converting the Municipality of Mati in the province of Davao Oriental into a component city, to be known as the City of Mati”.

With the City of Mati, the province of Davao Oriental can now be proud that finally, it already has it’s first city

gurugeri

November 22nd, 2007, 01:41 AM

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/672/img5116ud7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ganda ng pagkagawa parang d s pinas:cheers:

Hello. Jerry here from Legazpi. Just browsing some Mindanao threads. I love this picture. Yes, it doesn't seem "Philippinish" if there is such a word. Hehe.

Ibex

November 22nd, 2007, 01:54 AM

^^ welcome to davao jerry.. make it sure to browse the mindanao thread occasionally lalo na ang mga WOW Davao threads... :bash: Its not like what the news is painting about this enchanting place... :):):)

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 04:34 AM

B]Amazing Mati ![/B]

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1458/img8062as6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 04:37 AM

Mayo Cold Spring

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/6405/img8122xz2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9872/img8103fv0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 04:40 AM

Waniban !

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/6618/img8256nx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

MtApoStandard

November 22nd, 2007, 06:24 AM

[center]Mayo Cold Spring

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/6405/img8122xz2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
so beautiful!

davaoeagle

November 22nd, 2007, 11:45 AM

^

I have swam in that lake before...very chilly water!

davaoeagle

November 22nd, 2007, 11:46 AM

Waniban !

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/6618/img8256nx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I've been to this island to do shark watching...very nice place!

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 01:52 PM

more of waniban....

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2460/img8187qj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 01:55 PM

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3451/img8234rd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 22nd, 2007, 01:57 PM

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3464/img8248rr5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

nikkixtrm

November 23rd, 2007, 04:30 AM

hm siguro og ako maka-uli, muadto siguro ko either samal or mati every weekend.

dinabaw

November 23rd, 2007, 01:32 PM

^^ gikan samal ambak lang kay Mati naman sa other side :nocrook:

nikkixtrm

November 23rd, 2007, 04:09 PM

oh yeah. buhat ko og bangka :D

dinabaw

November 27th, 2007, 02:03 PM

Mangrove Forest in Mati....

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1485/mati13ju6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ibex

November 28th, 2007, 12:22 PM

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/header/wow_logo.jpg

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/province/59.jpg

dinabaw

November 28th, 2007, 01:56 PM

strange stone formation @ Dahican ...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/664/mati9ka2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 28th, 2007, 02:00 PM

Waniban Beach....

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3988/mati6fv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 28th, 2007, 02:04 PM

Make it Masao !!!

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9778/mati1cs7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

November 28th, 2007, 02:07 PM

I really like the Mangrove Forest ..tingnan nyo may stone henge pa ...LOL

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9027/mati12nd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ibex

November 28th, 2007, 02:25 PM

:bash: @dinabaw klaro na gyud ang effect sa global warming sa mati...:) Ni taas na ang sea level kay naabot na sa tubig ang balay... :lol::lol::lol: Hagdan ug pedestal sa poste nalang ang nabilin :nuts::nuts::nuts:

dinabaw

November 28th, 2007, 02:28 PM

^^ mao ba abi nako stone henge na murag sa England :lol:

Ibex

November 28th, 2007, 02:44 PM

^^ pwede kung gi tungtung ang hagdan sa poste murag stonehenge... :lol::lol::lol:

Ibex

November 28th, 2007, 03:22 PM

Never been here, maybe one of these days I will...^^

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/baganga-do/images/stories/masaobeach%5B1%5D.jpg

sugarboy

November 28th, 2007, 11:09 PM

anyone here from digos?

MtApoStandard

December 1st, 2007, 10:15 AM

strange stone formation @ Dahican ...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/664/mati9ka2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
this must be the whistling coral sand. awesome!

MtApoStandard

December 1st, 2007, 10:15 AM

Davao Oriental Gov Malanyaon joins GMA in Spain
Davao Oriental Information Office
Friday, 30 November 2007 20:52
CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental (Davao Oriental Information Office/30 Nov) -- Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon will join President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her state visit to Spain starting today December 1 to 8 in a bid to sell Davao Oriental’s “majestic and fabulous” tourism destinations and the province’s investment sites. “This will be the opportune time to sell our province to the world market. You know, we’ve got the most fabulous, most majestic tourism destinations in the province like our pristine, world-class white-sand island beaches and of course, our vast forest of diminutive millennium trees or bonsai trees which can only be found in Davao Oriental. No other tourist destinations in the Philippines which offers a vast forest of bonsai trees but us. That is our new flagship destination,” Malanyaon said in an interview.

She also said that Spanish investors have also expressed interest to pour “huge amount of investments” in Davao Oriental. “Way before our scheduled state visit in Spain with President Arroyo, a number of Spanish investors have recently visited our province to see for themselves our investment sites and potentials. And they told me that they were fascinated no end to see our investment potentials. They told me that they were planning to pour huge amount of investment in the province. That’s the reason why President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have personally invited me to accompany her in her 8-day state visit to Spain. I am very much excited to sell our province to the Spanish investors,” Malanyaon said.

“And I am very thankful to the President for being very supportive in our efforts to sell Davao Oriental to the world market,” Malanyaon said. After her Spain trip, Gov. Malanyaon is also scheduled to fly to China on December 15 upon the invitation of Chinese investors who have also planned to put up a multi-million dollar fish processing plant in the province.

As the “coconut capital” of the Philippines, Davao Oriental produces one billion nuts annually covering a total crop area of 154,000 hectares. The major products exported by the province through the International Copra Exporter’s Corporation are crude oil and copra pellets. Records show that export of 816,863 metric tons of crude oil and pellets from 1997 to 2001 is valued at $185.7 million.

Davao Oriental is also the top producer of abaca fiber in Southern Mindanao. A total of 7,110 hectares is planted to abaca with production volume of 7,500 metric tons. The provincial government says that another 200,000 hectares is being targeted for the expansion of abaca production. Abaca plantations are located in the municipalities of Manay, Baganga, Cateel, Boston, Tarragona, Lupon, Banaybanay and in the City of Mati, the proivince’s capital.

However, based on the data gathered by the office of the provincial agriculturist, some 1,918 hectares is currently being planted to mango. Davao Oriental has a potential area of 1,500 hectares available for mango orchard.

Banana is also one of the identified priority industries to be developed by the provincial government. Like mango, banana is now creating its own space in the domestic market especially the Cardava variety. Based on record, Davao Oriental has 9,586 hectares planted to banana and it has an estimated production volume of 221,000 metric tons.

And having the longest coastline of 448 kilometers, Davao Oriental provides greater opportunity for deep-sea fishing. The presence of six fishing grounds in the province will provide deep-sea fishing good business opportunities especially with the production of modern fishing technology. Major species include yellow fin tuna, blue fin tuna, bonito big-eyed scads, skipjack, round scad, Spanish mackerel, frigate mackerel.

Aquaculture is also a promising agribusiness in the province, taking into account the vast areas of fishponds in the municipalities of Lupon and Banaybanay and the proliferation of fish cages within the bays of Mati and Banaybanay. With the increasing demand for carageenan both in the domestic and export markets, the shorelines of Davao Oriental are best suited for seaweed farming.

Davao Oriental is also blessed with metallic and nonmetallic deposits such as nickel, laterite, manganese, gold, iron, copper, chromite, coal, magnesite and magnenite. Magnesite reserve is estimated at 50,500 metric tons in the town of Banaybanay and 26,000 metric tons in the town of Lupon. Marble deposit is estimated at 1.2 billion metric tons and it can be found in the municipalities of San Isidro, Tarragona, Lupon, Governor Generoso and in the City of Mati. (Davao Oriental Information Office)

davaoeagle

December 1st, 2007, 05:16 PM

^

:applause:

abskess

December 2nd, 2007, 05:32 PM

SPECTACULAR :banana::banana::banana:

MtApoStandard

December 3rd, 2007, 01:23 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/12/04

Davao Oriental attracts Spanish investors
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (4 December) -- After receiving positive interest from some Spanish investors who visited some towns of Davao Oriental Province, provincial governor Corazon Malanyaon joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a seven-day European tour.

Malanyaon is just one of the presidential team who want to enhance and strengthen ties with European countries in terms of economic, historical, and cultural ties between the two countries.

Davao Oriental is a potential investment haven of Spanish businessmen as they were able to tour the province recently.

"They told me that they were planning to pour huge amount of investment in the province," she said.

This was also the same reason why President Arroyo decided to include her in her team who arrived in Spain last Saturday. The Philippine team was welcomed by Spain's high-ranking officials like Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias Romero.

While the President is bound to promote the entire Philippines to the different investors in Europe, Malanayaon on the other hand was all set to promote and sell Davao Oriental to potential European investors.

Among the known sceneries in the province are world-class white sand beaches, vast forests, crystal-clear waterfalls and many more.

"It is also just here in Davao Oriental that offers the vast forest of bonsai trees. This is our new flagship destination," Malanyaon said.

Besides European businessmen, Chinese investors also expressed interest in investing in the said province. After the European visit, the governor will then proceed to China to hold talks with interested investors who pledged to pour in millions for a fish processing plant in the province.

Davao Oriental boasts its 448 kilometer-coastline that could be maximized for deep-sea fishing. The governor supported the deep-sea fishing industry by developing the existing six fishing ground found all over the province. (PIA XI) [top]

davaoeagle

December 6th, 2007, 08:39 PM

Business
Spanish traders seen to invest $350M in RP’s renewable energy sector
By Donnabelle L. Gatdula
Friday, December 7, 2007

Some $350 million worth of renewable energy projects are expected to be clinched by the Philippines, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, main author of the Biofuels Law and a main proponent of renewable energy, said.

Back from an official travel to Spain, Zubiri said several Spanish businessmen have expressed interest to invest in the country.

He said this is a clear indication of a positive outlook for the renewable energy sector in the Philippines.

“This trip has opened avenues for more concrete government and industry collaboration at the same time that the Senate is now fast tracking legislation for renewable energy,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri said Spain is the world’s second powerhouse when it comes to renewable energy.

The lawmaker noted that a Spanish firm, Bionor Transformacion, is investing $200 million to plant 100,000 hectares in South Palawan to jatropha.

With the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp., as implementing agency of the Department of Agriculture, he said Bionor will assist the country’s biofuels development efforts through the identification of feedstock, cultivation practices, design engineering and construction of biofuels processing plants.

Another prospective investment, he said, will be the partnership between Department of Agriculture and some non-governmental organizations in Spain.

He said a memorandum of agreement and cooperation will be signed by the DA and Fundacion Codespa, a partnership of NGO in Spain involved in agricultural projects through micro-finance, training and technology transfer and business incubation.

Zubiri also noted that Green Fuels Inc. recently signed an agreement to invest $150 million and open 10,000 jobs in a biofuels processing plant in Davao Oriental. Green Fuels, he said, signed this agreement with Governor Corazon Malanyaon.

“We also had an official reception at the Spanish Senate where they highlighted Philippine-Spanish relations and friendship. The Philippine delegation was headed by Sen. Ed Angara as president of the Philippine-Spanish Inter-Parliamentary Association,” he said.

He said his trip’s real gains are greatly economic in nature that will generate jobs for Filipinos in the biofuels sector and clean energy in addition to renewed cultural ties with Spain.

abskess

December 7th, 2007, 09:37 AM

WOW! another bigtime investment for Davao Region

:banana::banana::banana:

Animo

December 7th, 2007, 06:45 PM

Ferdinand Zuasola/Davao Oriental Information Office
Friday, 07 December 2007 18:00

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental (Davao Oriental Information Office) -- Governor Corazon Malanyaon and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who have just arrived in the country from a week-long state visit in Spain witnessed the signing of a joint venture investment worth at least $200 million for the province of Davao Oriental.
Philippine-based company Guidance Management Corporation (GMC) signed an agreement with the Spain-based firm Green Fuel Corporation for a joint venture that will undertake several bio-fuel projects in Davao Oriental.

The agreement was signed at a business meeting last December 4 in Spain's capital, Madrid. The signing was witnessed by President Arroyo, Gov. Malanyaon, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Senator Miguel Zubiri who authored the the Philippine Biofuels Act and top officials of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations.

The project's investment in its initial phase is estimated at $150 million which will be allocated to planting of at least 60,000 hectares of palm in Davao Oriental, creating jobs for some 10,000 families in the province.

Green Fuel Corporation is a biodiesel company whose shareholders include Spanish utility Endesa and Tecnicas Reunidas, one of the world's largest general contractors. The unprecedented and historic link-up between a European and Philippine companies is by far the most comprehensive joint venture agreement signed to date for the Philippine biodiesel industry as the joint venture will develop the entire value chain, encompassing the procurement of feedstock, oil crushing, extraction and refining as well as the production of biodiesel.

The Chairman of GMC, Jack Rodríguez, defined the relations with GFC, as “strategic for the joint development of vertically integrated biodiesel projects in the Philippines”. President Arroyo has pledged her full support for the joint venture, while Senator Zubiri and Governor Malanyaon have underlined their commitment to facilitating the development of this milestone biodiesel project. For his part, the President of GFC, José Luis del Val, stated “that the presence in the Philippines, apart from expanding the raw material base required for our projects, opens up the path to a region, Asia, with enormous economic growth potential, where more than half of the world’s population live, from a country (the Philippines) historically rooted with Spain.”

As part of the agreement, both companies have constituted a joint-venture, open to the incorporation of other local partners from the fuel distribution sector, as well as companies that can add value to the biodiesel production chain, with the objective of securing raw materials (coconut, palm and jatropha oils) via mass cultivation of oleaginous plants, the construction of an oil crushing, extraction and refining unit with an annual vegetable oil processing capacity of 200,000 tons and a biodiesel plant with a production capacity of 110,000 tons per year. This will be followed by the gradual expansion of the company to other countries in Southeast Asia.

The initial steps of the project are directed towards the extraction of coconut oil, of which there are plenty in Davao Oriental, and the planting of a high-yielding variety of oil palm for feedstock, to be followed by the sowing of jatropha, once its economic viability and availability in sufficiently large quantities can be guaranteed.

The project’s investment in its initial phase is estimated at US$ 150 million, which will be allocated to planting 60,000 hectares of oil palm on ancestral and public lands in Davao Oriental, creating jobs for some 10,000 families of indigenous people.

Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon said that she was "grateful no end" to President Arroyo for her "all-out support" to their efforts to sell the province's investment and tourism sites to the world market. She also said that another "big amount of investment" is set to be poured in the province by investors from China who have planned to put up a fish processing plant in Davao Oriental.

However, top officials of the local government here are jubilant upon hearing the news of a big biofuel investment in Davao Oriental. "Good news for the people of Davao Oriental!," says the mayor of the City of Mati, Michelle Nakpil Rabat. Davao Oriental Second District Rep. Thelma Almario said many people in the province will finally get "much needed" employment with the entry of a big biofuel investor here as majority of the people here are heavily dependent on the ailing coconut industry.

ABOUT GREEN FUEL:
Green Fuel Corporación, which counts as shareholders Spanish multinationals Endesa, Técnicas Reunicas, Tepro Consultores and Asturian engineering group TSK, is leading the development of the biodiesel sector in Spain through a vertical integration model, and aspires to convert itself in the global reference in the sector, through the signing of agreements in raw material-producing countries, such as the Philippines, Argentina, Bulgaria or Rumania, among others. The company has initiated a strategic development plan, which will culminate in the construction of 6 biodiesel plants in Spain: Extremadura (already in construction), Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia. Its investment program totals some 350 million Euros distributed among Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.

ABOUT GUIDANCE MANAGEMENT:
Guidance Management Corporation (GMC) is a Philippine conglomerate with interests in the mining, agriculture, and energy sectors, among others. Its entry into the Philippine biodiesel industry follows the opportunities detected by the company, and which it plans to jointly development with Green Fuel. (Ferdinand Zuasola, Davao Oriental Information Office)

davaoeagle

December 7th, 2007, 07:20 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/12/08
Davao Oriental site of biggest biofuel investment
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (8 December) -- Davao Oriental is the newest investment site between the Philippines and Spain on biofuel sourcing as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed a $200 million palm oil investment venture.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon witnessed the signing between President Arroyo and the Spain-based firm Green Fuel Corporation that will work with the Philippines' Guidance Management Corporation.

It is one the reasons for the President's visit in Spain is to personally get involved in the critical phases of negotiations of the more than P9 billion agriculture-related projects that are set to benefit the Filipino people. Most of the agreements signed are focusing on the large-scale production of Jatropha as an alternative energy source and as a feedstock.

The investment to be made in Davao Oriental is just one of the agriculture-related investments to be started very soon. Davao Oriental will be the home of the 60,000-hectare palm oil plantation that is estimated to alleviate the lives of 10,000 families in the said province.

President Arroyo expressed full support for such investment as this is believed to be so strategic in developing the vertically integrated biodiesel projects in the Philippines.

Once the investment will be established, other value chain are expected to gain a positive effect especially on the procurement of feedstock, oil crushing, extraction, and the biodiesel production.

Even local companies can benefit from the said negotiation since the Green Fuel Corporation and the Guidance Management Corporation agreed to open the incorporation with local companies especially from the fuel distribution sector.

It will open more business opportunities such as the construction of an oil crushing facility that can accommodate 200,000 tons. Another plan is to set up a biodiesel plant that can handle a production of about 110,000 tons per year. The agreement also cited the plan of expanding the company to other parts of Southeast Asia. (PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

December 8th, 2007, 07:02 AM

^^ :applause:

dinabaw

December 8th, 2007, 11:41 AM

---

davaoeagle

December 9th, 2007, 04:04 AM

$ 150-million JV to make biodiesel fuel in Mindanao
Manila Bulletin

Green Fuel Corporación of Spain, a biodiesel company owned by ENDESA and Tecnicas Reunidas, has successfully completed the negotiations for the landmark strategic agreement with Philippine company Guidance Management Corporation (GMC). by far the most comprehensive joint venture agreement signed to date for the Philippine biodiesel industry.

The $ 150-million project will develop the entire value chain, encompassing the procurement of feedstock, oil crushing,

Jack Rodriguez, GMC Chairman, defined the relations with GFC, as strategic for the joint development of vertically integrated biodiesel projects in the Philippines.

President Arroyo has pledged her full support for the joint venture, while Senator Zubiri and Governor Nuñez-Malanyaon have underlined their commitment to facilitating the development of this milestone biodiesel project.

Davao Oriental Governor Nuñez-Malanyaon said she was committed to its full extend my position and office as governor of Davao Oriental to support this project and assure its success.

For his part, the President of Green Fuel Corporación, José Luis del Val, stated that the presence in the Philippines, apart from expanding the raw material base required for our projects, opens up the path to the Asian region, with enormous economic growth potential, where more than half of the world s population live, from a country (the Philippines) historically rooted with Spain.

As part of the agreement, both companies have constituted a joint venture, open to the incorporation of other local partners from the fuel distribution sector, as well as companies that can add value to the biodiesel production chain, with the objective of securing raw materials (coconut, palm and jatropha oils) via mass cultivation of oleaginous plants, the construction of an oil crushing, extraction and refining unit with an annual vegetable oil processing capacity of 200,000 tons and a biodiesel plant with a production capacity of 110,000 ton/year. This will be followed by the gradual expansion of the company to other countries in the AsiaPacific region.

The initial steps of the project are directed towards the extraction of coconut oil, of which there are plenty of plantations in the zone and the planting of a high oil-yielding variety of oil palm used as feedstock, to be followed by the sowing of jatropha, once its economic viability and availability in sufficiently large quantities, can be guaranteed.

The project s investment in its initial phase is estimated at US$ 150 million, which will be allocated to planting 60,000 hectares of palm on the island of Mindanao, creating jobs for some 10,000 families in the zone.

GMC (GMC) is a Philippine conglomerate with interests in the mining, agriculture, energy and restaurant sectors, among others. Its entry into the Philippine biodiesel industry follows the opportunities detected by the company, and which it plans to jointly development with Green Fuel.

abskess

December 9th, 2007, 03:25 PM

^^:cheers::cheers::cheers:

davaoeagle

December 10th, 2007, 06:48 AM

More Spanish firms want to invest in bio-fuel sector
Manila Standard Today

Investments worth over billions of pesos have been lined up for the development of the bio-fuels industry, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said over the weekend.

Zubiri, principal author of the Biofuels Law, said Coromoto Comunicacion of Spain was looking at investing some $100 million for a bio-diesel plant in southern Bukidnon.

Zubiri said representatives from Coromoto, a Spanish fund management group, would visit the Philippines next week to study the prospect of using jatropha plant as feedstock for a bio-diesel plant.

“They are a big corporation from Madrid and they are planning to enter into jatropha,” he said.

Zubiri also cited the planned investment of JGC Corp. of Japan for a P2-billion bio-fuel processing plant in San Mariano, Isabela.

JGC is a global engineering construction company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. The company designs and builds plants and other projects for a wide range of industries, including petroleum refining, gas processing petrochemicals and nuclear energy.

Another Spanish company, Abengoa Bionergy, had expressed interest in investing $175 million in the local bio-fuels industry, Zubiri said. The company, which owns and operates five ethanol facilities throughout the US and Europe, plans to put up a similar plant in Ozamis City.

“They are looking at an area of 48,000 hectares for its planned investment,” he said.

Spanish bio-diesel firm Bionor Transformacion S.A. also wants to invest $200 million to develop at least 100,000 hectares of land into jatropha plantations. The investment includes the construction of a bio-diesel plant.

Green Fuel Inc., another Spanish firm, plans to invest $100 million to $150 million for a biodiesel plant in Davao Oriental. Alena Mae S. Flores

paulkrps

December 10th, 2007, 03:53 PM

bipor ay porget:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/card.jpg

Ibex

December 12th, 2007, 08:47 AM

http://www.davaooriental.gov.ph/website/grafix/sunrise_gray.jpg

bustero

December 13th, 2007, 08:31 AM

Island Blue
Pujada Island
Mati, Davao Oriental
Philippines

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6664/88836431y8lnzyoiislandbzp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

beri nice place, parang paradise! hehe

dinabaw

December 13th, 2007, 10:33 AM

Jurasic Park

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/9805/21084242709a00697863sn7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This was taken while in transit ot Mati, Davao Oriental, the view was so nice that we have to stop and take a photo.

photo by Ian Ong

bustero

December 17th, 2007, 04:21 AM

^^is this the zigzag? katabi ng dino island.

dinabaw

December 18th, 2007, 03:18 PM

i have no idea @Bustero maybe sir paulrps can confirm it :)

more Mati

Pujada Island

Seventy nine delights, all from Davao Oriental. Pujada Island is but one of them. Brace yourselves, there's more to come.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7780/1001835yj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

lake in Pujada Island
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6619/1001872ql3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

dinabaw

December 18th, 2007, 03:24 PM

Still as spectacular as the first time! And this time we took a speed boat (wow!). Fifty minutes of Pujada Bay experience, and glorious Mati skies. Four hours of island bliss! I could not ask for a better day. I was thrilled to see the rain over the hills across the bay, but the weather was perfectly fine over the island. The water was crystal clear, and the most surprising for me was the feel of the pebbles, stones and shells under my feet. It was soothing, therapeutic even, not at all uncomfortable. We were told that the "hanging habagat" washes these to the shore, and that the other side now enjoys the fine and sandy beaches because of the "hanging amihan." I did see it for myself. The corner of the island indicated the onslaught of both wind directions. No matter, I was mesmerized as ever. If I wasn't looking down to collect sea shells by the sea shore, I was clicking away. Not in the album: big birds soaring over the lagoon, or perched on the coconut leaves; our speed boat being towed by the motor boat on the way back to the mainland (luckily, the motor roared back to life after a few minutes); and me snoring on a hammock. If only the island will stay this way forever. Meanwhile, enjoy before the others come in barging.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/390/1002147tl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/9008/1002150jn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://wonderbitch.multiply.com/photos/album/45/PUJADA_Island_Trip_II

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 09:52 AM

Digos Park

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9730/dsc0230fy9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 10:00 AM

Merry X'mas and Happy New Year from Digos...

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5786/dsc1241copycf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 10:03 AM

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/330/dsc0587pt2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 10:04 AM

Simbang Gabi...

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5079/dsc1244copyii3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 10:05 AM

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4571/dsc1247copywh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 19th, 2007, 10:09 AM

Rizal Park...

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9479/dsc0583copytk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DexterTexter

December 20th, 2007, 07:25 PM

Ang tagal ko nang di naka visit sa Digos Citee.

dinabaw

December 24th, 2007, 01:47 AM

even Mati still feels barriotic(waway's word) look @ the infras matatalo pa ang ibang cities! eto parang barrio sa estets ..LOL

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2655/capitolbuildingmatidavasf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a view of the Davao Oriental Capitol Building in Mati, Davao Oriental. Photo was provided by Jose Porfirio. Jose points out that the building has a look reminiscent of the White House in the USA.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/672/img5116ud7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Jarenz

December 24th, 2007, 12:30 PM

Merry Christmas Everyone
&
A Prosperous New Year

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/xmashouse.gif

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/xmastree-1.gif

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/happyholidays1.gif

qwert_guy

December 24th, 2007, 03:53 PM

Usa ka Malinawon ug Malipayong Pasko sa Tanan

bustero

December 26th, 2007, 08:18 AM

Il Tenore

December 26th, 2007, 08:44 AM

great news for Matiños! (am I right?)

anyway, is Mati part of Metro Davao? IMO, it shouldn't be...

Il Tenore

December 26th, 2007, 08:50 AM

I forgot about the new attraction in digos.. what was that? it's in Kapatagan...
lo siento!! (please!)

dinabaw

December 27th, 2007, 08:18 AM

-dp-

Il Tenore

December 27th, 2007, 08:39 AM

thanks a lot!! It's camp sabras...

is it as cold as marilog or eden?

bustero

December 28th, 2007, 04:48 AM

no, it's too far.

dinabaw

December 29th, 2007, 05:33 AM

PIA Press Release
2007/12/28

Chinese bizmen to invest in Davao Oriental

Davao City (28 December) -- A delegation of four Chinese and one Filipino businessmen visited Davao Oriental recently to look for investment prospects, particularly on agribusiness and mining.

The Department of Trade and Industry – Davao Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-DO) reported that the mission visited Mati City and the municipality of Tarragona to assess suitable areas for cassava production.

Prior to the actual area survey, an investment briefing was conducted in Tarragona headed by Mayor Samuel L. Uy. On their second day in the province they met with Provincial Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon.

The group is interested on vast suitable areas for volume cassava production. Initially, they need at least 1,000 hectares, preferably those under the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) or Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA).

Cassava is used as the major raw material for the production of starch, ethanol and feeds. There is an existing US$250 million cassava plant in Guangzhou, China and operates on a 30 to 50 percent capacity. This is one of the major reasons why these businessmen are looking for suitable expansion areas outside of China.

According to DENR, there is an available 11,000 hectares open areas in Mati City and Tarragona. In Barangay Limot in Tarragona alone, there is an existing 5,200 hectares considered as CBFM area.

The delegation said that planting materials are readily available for the project which can be sourced out from the existing 12,000 hectares cassava production in Indonesia.

During the visit, Mr. Shen Guang, a technical and agricultural expert who is also a former executive of China's Department of Agriculture, gave a briefing on the most modern cassava production technology. According to them, the modern cassava technology can have a production yield of 60 tons per hectare, 46 percent higher compared to the existing Philippine production rate of 25-35 tons per hectare. Production interval is at six, eight, and10 months.

With this development, undeveloped suitable areas can be productive areas once these are utilized accordingly. Small farmers could be the immediate recipient of the project once it is finalized. (PIA XI) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p071228.htm&no=26&r=R11&y=07&mo=12

MtApoStandard

December 29th, 2007, 08:50 AM

even Mati still feels barriotic(waway's word) look @ the infras matatalo pa ang ibang cities! eto parang barrio sa estets ..LOL

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2655/capitolbuildingmatidavasf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a view of the Davao Oriental Capitol Building in Mati, Davao Oriental. Photo was provided by Jose Porfirio. Jose points out that the building has a look reminiscent of the White House in the USA.

the most beautiful and biggest government house in all davao at present i guess?

MtApoStandard

December 29th, 2007, 08:52 AM

i have no idea @Bustero maybe sir paulrps can confirm it :)

more Mati

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/390/1002147tl4.jpg

Pujada Island

Seventy nine delights, all from Davao Oriental. Pujada Island is but one of them. Brace yourselves, there's more to come.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7780/1001835yj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

lake in Pujada Island
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6619/1001872ql3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:cheers::cheers::cheers:
awesome

dinabaw

December 29th, 2007, 10:28 AM

no, it's too far.

how about Digos, Sta. Cruz, Davao City , Panabo , Tagum & Samal?:)

dinabaw

December 29th, 2007, 10:40 AM

ok guys some help here.. from the map shown Mati is bigger in size than Igacos(Samal), i think it's almost half the size of DC, so Mati "city" is the 2nd or 3rd largest city in PI ? i've asked Paul , he said he has no idea?

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9237/phlocatordavaoorientalmuy1.png (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

December 29th, 2007, 10:43 AM

the most beautiful and biggest government house in all davao at present i guess?

i just hate the "IN GOD WE TRUST" too americanized :lol:

paulkrps

December 31st, 2007, 04:57 AM

awesome

can't confirm it either. i thought pujada is small but i dunno.

MtApoStandard

December 31st, 2007, 05:55 AM

Jarenz

December 31st, 2007, 08:14 AM

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/happynewyear.gif

Ibex

December 31st, 2007, 08:26 AM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=17409317

qwert_guy

December 31st, 2007, 08:49 AM

http://www.sevenoaksart.co.uk/images/happy_yearflag.gif

http://www.multimediapalace.com/animations-02/people-gifs/new-year.gif

qwert_guy

December 31st, 2007, 08:56 AM

http://www.sevenoaksart.co.uk/images/happy_yearflag.gif

http://www.multimediapalace.com/animations-02/people-gifs/new-year.gif

qwert_guy

December 31st, 2007, 08:58 AM

http://www.sevenoaksart.co.uk/images/happy_yearflag.gif

http://www.multimediapalace.com/animations-02/people-gifs/new-year.gif

LordCarnal

December 31st, 2007, 03:14 PM

Happy New Year!

g0Rs

December 31st, 2007, 03:41 PM

:dance:
HAPPY NEW YEAR
DAVAO ORIENTAL
FROM
SSC ILIGAN
:dance:

g0Rs

December 31st, 2007, 03:43 PM

:dance:
HAPPY NEW YEAR
DAVAO DEL SUR
FROM
SSC ILIGAN
:dance:

IAMME

January 3rd, 2008, 03:45 AM

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q266/jhunix71/lapanday.jpg

Wow, cool! I hope it doesn't choke the river though.

Is that an airstrip in the middle of the plantation?

tj_brewed

January 3rd, 2008, 09:34 AM

bump!

tj_brewed

January 3rd, 2008, 09:41 AM

bump!

dinabaw

January 4th, 2008, 01:30 PM

PIA Press Release
2008/01/04

DTI Davao Oriental conducts upgrading of coco novelty products

by J. Gracia

Davao City (4 January) -- THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-DO) conducted recently a training on coconut novelties to further utilize the abundance of coconut in the Municipality of Manay.

The availability of wastes from coconut prompted DTI-DO and the Municipality of Manay to look for value-adding initiative on the use of coco twigs for novelty-making.

DTI-DO said that this has a good potential in the market considering the shift in consumers' preference, which is from synthetic to natural products.

To take advantage of the present trend, an Upgraded Skills Training on Coco Novelties was conducted in Manay, Davao Oriental.

A total of 30 women participated in the training. Techniques on proper selection and preparation of raw materials, designing, weaving and finishing were introduced which resulted to coming up with five product designs that include basket, flower vase, lei and Christmas decors. The participants were also given inputs on product pricing and costing for them to be guided and be aware on reasonable and competitive pricing techniques.

After the training, the participants were encouraged to organize themselves into a cooperative or association which will be undertaken by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Manay.

This would initially lead the group to receiving packages of assistance in terms of market identification and penetration, institutional development and strengthening through introduction of systems and procedures relative to their operations and some other assistance extended by SME serving agencies.

Coconut is the enrolled One Town One Product (Otop) of Manay.

Otop is a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, local chief executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, which has a competitive advantage. (DTI/-PIA XI) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080104.htm&no=04&r=R11&y=07&mo=12

regjeex

January 4th, 2008, 03:27 PM

I've been here twice i think. Si Auntie BingBing ang nag manage Sis-in-law ng Auntie ko. Its really nice place.

Little Boracay

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7228/img5432rj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is the beach called "Little Boracay" in Santa Maria, Davao del Sur. It's really a gorgeous location, and great for family fun.

WawaY[625]

January 4th, 2008, 09:25 PM

I've been here twice i think. Si Auntie BingBing ang nag manage Sis-in-law ng Auntie ko. Its really nice place.

yung auntie bing bing mo ba is a mariscal?

MtApoStandard

January 5th, 2008, 05:14 AM

Biofuel investors excite Davao Oriental business group
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (5 January) -- The Davao Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DOCCI) members welcomed the entry of a $200 million investment of a bio-fuel firm in the said province.
DOCCI president Louie Rabat claimed that the investment is the long awaited opportunity for the province to progress especially since it used to solely rely on the coconut industry as its main product.

This investment will truly make a difference here, it will truly improve the quality of life especially of our highly impoverished people which used to rely on the coconut industry," Rabat said.

It was December, last year that both Davao Oriental governor Corazon Malanyaon and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the signing of the said joint venture between the Philippine-based company Guidance Management Corporation (GMC) and the Spain-based firm Green Fuel Corporation.

The said venture will release an initial $150 million that is intended for the planting of more than 60,000 hectares of palm in some areas of the province. The investment is estimated to benefit at least 10,000 families in the locality.

The business group president also stressed that other local businessmen are similarly excited about the entry of such investment. He clarified that instead of a threat, it is rather considered a partner of the local investors in further activating the business climate in the province.

Rabat also said that Davao Oriental, as the biggest producer of coconut, will further benefit from the bio-fuel investment.

"In fact, this is helping to revive the coconut industry because coconut is one of the alternative sources or feedstocks for bio-fuel production. Now, the price of copra here is now stabilized at a higher price, which means the coconut industry is now booming," Rabat said. (PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

January 5th, 2008, 07:41 AM

BusinessWorld Wired

Vol. XXI, No. 110-A
Saturday, January 5, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Economy
Spanish biofuel firm to invest in Davao Oriental
DAVAO CITY — The Davao Oriental provincial government is preparing for a Spanish company that will invest in a biofuel project.

Governor Corazon T. Nuñez-Malanyaon announced the entry of Green Fuel Corp. which signed a joint-venture agreement with the Philippine-based Guidance Management Corp. during a state visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Spain last month.

Green Fuel will invest $150 million for an oil palm plantation covering 60,000 hectare which is expected to create 10,000 jobs, Ms. Malanyaon said.

The project will also develop other sources of biofuels such as Jatropha and vegetables. The project will initially tap coconut oil.

Jack Rodriguez, chairman of Guidance Management, said the venture is a strategy for "the joint development of vertically integrated biodiesel projects in the Philippines."

Jose Luis del Val, president of the Spanish firm, said their Philippine operation opens a path to growth potential in Asia.

The entry of a Spanish company will perk up the economy of the province, said Louie Rabat, president of the Davao Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"There’s no apprehension whatsoever on the part of the local businessmen with regards to the entry of the Spanish biofuel company here. No one among the local businessmen will be displaced because of that investment. That’s why we fully support its entry here," he added.

The provincial government and other government agencies have joined hands in rehabilitating coconut farms with the price of copra going up to P25 per kilogram from about P15 two years ago. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

Back to top

dinabaw

January 5th, 2008, 07:54 AM

Business WorldSaturday, January 5, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Economy
Davao Oriental eyeing coconut-based novelty handicraft exports

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry’s provincial office in Davao Oriental is looking at exporting coconut-based novelty handicraft.

In a statement, the agency said it has started training 30 women in the municipality of Manay on techniques of properly selecting raw materials, designing, weaving to packaging.

"They came up with five product designs that include basket, flower vase, lei, and Christmas decors. The participants were also given inputs on product pricing and costing for them to be guided and be aware on reasonable and competitive pricing techniques," the statement said, pointing out that raw materials were coconut twigs.

The agriculture office of the municipality is also helping the women in organizing themselves into a cooperative.

The municipality has identified coconut novelty products for its One Town One Product, a program of the department which allows a municipality to identify a product it wants to develop.

The municipal government will also help the cooperative in marketing their products and in continually developing them so they could penetrate foreign markets.

Some small and medium businesses in the province have also signified to help the group in enhancing their products.

Davao Oriental is known for its coconut industry and is considered the main producer of copra in the country.

Agriculture officials earlier said they have started to rehabilitate the coconut industry, the main source of livelihood in the province.

Lornito Orillaneda, Philippine Coconut Authority regional director, said the target of the entire region, with Davao Oriental as lead, is to produce at least one million tons of copra by 2010 by expanding the farms.

In 2005 the region produced about 470,000 metric tons of copra. Production has increased by 12% each year during the last two years, the coconut agency’s statisticians said.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW010508/content.php?id=055

davaoeagle

January 5th, 2008, 05:36 PM

Saturday, January 05, 2008
Davao Oriental traders welcome Spanish firm's arrival
Sunstar Davao

MEMBERS of the Davao Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DOCCI) welcomed the arrival of Europe's biggest bio-fuel company in their province with the hope that the firm's $200 million investment will truly rev up the economy of Davao Oriental, which used to rely solely on the coconut industry.

"We warmly welcome the arrival of the Spanish bio-fuel company in Davao Oriental. This investment will truly make a difference here, it will truly improve the quality of life especially of our highly impoverished people which used to rely on the coconut industry," said DOCCI president Louie Rabat.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, along with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, witnessed the signing of the joint venture investment during Arroyo's state visit in Madrid, Spain last December 2007.

Philippine-based company Guidance Management Corporation (GMC) signed an agreement with the Spain-based Green Fuel Corporation (GFC) for a joint venture that will undertake several bio-fuel projects in Davao Oriental.

The agreement was signed during a business meeting on December 4, 2007 in Spain's capital, Madrid. Arroyo, Malanyaon, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila, Senator Miguel Zubiri, who authored the Philippine Biofuels Act, and top officials of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, witnessed the signing.

The project's investment in its initial phase is estimated at $150 million, which will be allocated to planting of at least 60,000 hectares of palm in Davao Oriental, creating jobs for some 10,000 families in the province.

"There's no apprehension whatsoever on the part of the local businessmen with regards to the entry of the Spanish bio-fuel company here. No one among the local businessmen will be displaced because of that investment. That's why we fully support its entry here," Rabat said.

"In fact, we are surprised no end because that kind of investment is the least we expected for Davao Oriental. And they are here already, fascinated with the business climate and potentials of Davao Oriental. We can only credit its entry here to the relentless efforts of our hardworking Governor Corazon Malanyaon to attract foreign investors in our province," said Rabat, who is the son of former Davao Oriental Governor Francisco Rabat.

Rabat's younger sister, Michelle, is the incumbent mayor of the City of Mati.

"With the entry of this biggest bio-fuel investment in our province, the future of Davao Oriental is indeed very bright. We will no longer have to rely on the coconut industry, Davao Oriental being the largest producer of coconut in the country. In fact, this is helping to revive the coconut industry because coconut is one of the alternative sources or feedstock for bio-fuel production. Now, prices of copra here is now stabilized at a higher price, which means the coconut industry is now booming," Rabat said.

Green Fuel Corporation is a bio-diesel company whose shareholders include Spanish utility Endesa and Tecnicas Reunidas, one of the world's largest general contractors. The unprecedented and historic link-up between a European and Philippine companies is by far the most comprehensive joint venture agreement signed to date for the Philippine bio-diesel industry as the joint venture will develop the entire value chain, encompassing the procurement of feedstock, oil crushing, extraction and refining as well as the production of bio-diesel.

The Chairman of GMC, Jack Rodríguez, defined the relations with GFC, as "strategic for the joint development of vertically integrated bio-diesel projects in the Philippines".

President Arroyo has pledged her full support for the joint venture, while Senator Zubiri and Governor Malanyaon have underlined their commitment to facilitating the development of this milestone bio-diesel project.

For his part, the President of GFC, José Luis del Val, have stated that "The presence in the Philippines, apart from expanding the raw material base required for our projects, opens up the path to a region, Asia, with enormous economic growth potential and where more than half of the world's population live, from a country (the Philippines) historically rooted with Spain."

As part of the agreement, both companies have constituted a joint venture that is open to the incorporation of other local partners from the fuel distribution sector, as well as companies that can add value to the bio-diesel production chain with the objective of securing raw materials (coconut, palm and jatropha oils) via mass cultivation of oleaginous plants, the construction of an oil crushing, extraction and refining unit with an annual vegetable oil processing capacity of 200,000 tons and a bio-diesel plant with a production capacity of 110,000 tons per year. This will be followed by the gradual expansion of the company to other countries in Southeast Asia.

The initial steps of the project are directed towards the extraction of coconut oil of which there are plenty in Davao Oriental and the planting of a high-yielding variety of oil palm for feedstock and to be followed by the sowing of jatropha once its economic viability and availability in sufficiently large quantities can be guaranteed.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon said she was "grateful no end" to President Arroyo for her "all-out support" to their efforts to sell the province's investment and tourism sites to the world market. She also said that another "big amount of investment" is set for the province to benefit by the investors from China who have planned to put up a fish processing plant in Davao Oriental. (With FZ)