Mindanao Island - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 2

boju

July 26th, 2006, 08:45 AM

Guys, the article below is part of the recent PGMA's SONA in regards of her megaregion plan. What do you think?

Mindanao is our priority for agribusiness investments in the south. Mindanao is mostly fertile and largely typhoon-free, exporting coconut products and high value crops, and from its waters come 40% of the country's fish catch. Our investment priorities mirror those for North Luzon, and more because Mindanao has the poorest regions and poorest provinces and because we have to spend on a logistics system linking it to the north.

In 2003 we introduced the RORO from Zamboanga del Norte through Negros, Panay and Mindoro to Batangas. This system has slashed travel time from Mindanao to Luzon from 36 hours to 24 hours, and freight cost by 30 percent, so crucial to food shipments. Now we will develop more routes like the one from Cagayan de Oro through Camiguin, Bohol, Cebu and Masbate to Bicol, the Central Nautical Highway.

Also in 2003, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Tawitawi registered double-digit declines in poverty incidence from the year 2000. Congratulations.

Kitang-kita ang pag-ibayo ng mga isla ng Sulu, Basilan at Tawi-Tawi. Nagbukas ang Jollibee sa Basilan. The Balikatan exercises with the United States, combined with the US GEM program and other donor-assisted projects, have no doubt contributed to this.

Sa Sulu, isang araw ng Mayo, umuulan, nagwakas ang isang mahabang pagtutunggali nang pumasok ang mga kawal at sibilyan sa Kampong Bitan-ag sa Panamao na hawak ng mga rebelde. Nagyakapan at nagkamayan ang dalawang panig. Dahil sa matinding pagnanais para sa kapayapaan ni Marine General Ben Dolorfino, naganap ang pagkakasundo. Gayon natapos ang isang madugong kabanata. Congratulations, General Ben Dolorfino.

Susi sa anumang pag-ibayo ang malakas na suporta at ma-abilidad na liderato ng pamahalaang local. Halimbawa, iyong "from arms to farms¡¨ ni Governor Ben Loong ng Sulu, with his caravan of tractors literally invading former rebel camps in his province. Congratulations.

Mahigit isang linggong nakaraan, dumating sa "Eleven Islands" ang daan-daang rebeldeng at kanilang pamilya, sa pamumuno ng dating MNLF Commander na si Aribari Samson. Dito sa mga pulo na kilalang "no man's island," dati nagtatago ang mga rebelde at criminal. Ngayon sa tulong ng isang programa ng United Nations, nagtayo tayo ng dalawang daang tahanan at panibagong buhay para sa pangkat ni Samson. Thank you for giving peace a chance. Congratulations, Commander Samson.

I take this occasion to express our gratitude to the donor community from the US, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the European Union, Australia, Japan, our ASEAN neighbors, the multilaterals and the rest of the world. Thank you for helping us in our peace process.

If we can harness the forces of good in our nation, the positive force at work here at home and those from abroad such as the US, Malaysia, the OIC and others, we shall prevail in Mindanao with a peace agreement that brings freedom and hope to all Filipinos. With this peace, we would reap dividends in resources invested in agribusiness, not aggression, to build up, not tear down, the Philippine south.

Among the possible peace dividends would be pro-poor road projects like the Siocon-Sirawai-Sibuco-Baligyan Road in Zamboanga del Norte; the Lebak to Maguindanao which Sim Datumanong started when he was Secretary of Public Works; the Dinagat Island road network in Surigao Del Norte; the Hawilian-Salug-Sinakungan barangay road in Agusan del Sur; the Pangil Bay Bridge; and the Surigao-Davao Road, which we want to be as beautiful as the Bukidnon Highway completed during the administration of Joe Zubiri and the term of Migs Zubiri.

Mindanao's number one export, coconuts, has been growing continuously for the last three years, at the rate of 10% a year. The coconut farmers deserve a portion of the peace dividend. I invite Congress and the Bishops-Ulama-Priests-Pastors-Farmer-Lumad Conference led by Archbishop Fernando Capalla to help me ensure their rightful share.

On top of peace and investment, progress also demands good governance. I congratulate Donkoy Emano for the drop in reports of corruption for public contracts in Cagayan de Oro from 65% of firms last year to 38 this year. Also Rudy Duterte and the other leaders of Metro Davao led by Majority Leader Boy Nograles for a similar drop, 57% last year to 49 now. Things are coming together for Mindanao, a prelude to their readiness for eventual federalism.

TheAvenger

July 26th, 2006, 01:33 PM

I wrote this article on the year 2000 but I think this is still applicable
at present time.

The Mindanao conflict

I BELIEVE the root cause of the Muslim rebellion in the south is the humiliating poverty in Mindanao particularly suffered by the majority of our Muslim brothers.

Our Muslim brothers have also suffered discrimination from both the government and Filipino Christians since the Spanish and American eras, and even up to the present Philippine government. They lost their ancestral lands to the Christian settlers owing to the past government's policy of transmigration. Since the 1920s, the Christian population of Visayas and Luzon, particularly the landless poor, were given lands in Mindanao by the government. That government's policy in the past resulted to our brothers' loss of their ancestral lands to the Christian settlers.

Our poverty-stricken Muslim brothers and sisters were ready recruits for the rebels who used the Muslim faith as rallying points. I sympathize with the Muslim rebels for fighting a just cause, which may benefit their people. However, they should realize that Mindanao is already a shared land. The Christians are now the majority in Mindanao, if not in Basilan and Sulu. To establish an independent Islamic State in Mindanao is out of the question. Even if the Philippine government agrees to an independent Muslim state, the majority of Christians in Mindanao will not agree. I am sure they may opt to establish a separate Christian liberation army to fight the Philippine government or the independent Islamic State that may be created.

An independent Islamic state in the south composed of Sulu, Basilan and the Muslim-dominated provinces in Western Mindanao will only lead to more war -- a civil war between the Christians and Muslims in the south.

I am sure Malaysia will not be happy with the creation of an independent Muslim state in the Southern Philippines. In the 1970s, Malaysia secretly helped Muslim rebels in their fights against the Philippine government; they helped the rebels because a peaceful Philippines may revive the claim to Sabah which was part of the Sulu Sultanate during the Spanish era and leased by the British and later by the Malaysian government.

Malaysia would neither like an independent Moro Islamic Republic to be created in the southern Philippines because that Islamic Republic may fight Malaysia for the return of Sabah to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu.

Perhaps Malaysia prefers that a perpetual warfare in the south in order to avoid the incorporation of Sabah to the Philippines or to an independent Muslim state that may be created in the South if the Philippine government agrees to the rebels' demand.

It is also in the best interest of the Philippines to find a way to remedy the Filipino Muslim's plight and rebellion by pouring more money into the development of the whole of Mindanao and Sulu.

That region must be given priority in the allocation of the national budget (and politician's pork barrels), which is heavily concentrated in the Christian regions of Visayas and Luzon.

I also believe that the Muslin rebellion in the South is due to their economic hardship and not due to religious beliefs, though in the past colonial era up to present era there has been a deep distrust between Filipinos of Christian and Muslim faiths.

The government and the entire populace must now start the healing process between Christian Filipinos and Muslim Filipinos, which may take an entire generation to achieve. That healing process coupled with funds for the development of Mindanao will stop the never-ending Muslim rebellion and will lead to a prosperous Mindanao that will benefit our entire country.

habagatcentral1

July 26th, 2006, 03:24 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/General%20Nostalgia/MistySarangani_Bay.jpg
Mist over General Santos and Sarangani Bay (Mount Matutum at the background)

ikra

July 26th, 2006, 03:49 PM

well said Esber.. i would want to have a bigger territoy.. but philippines i think is good as it is... and yes your points i cannot agree more... very well written essay

TheAvenger

July 26th, 2006, 07:22 PM

December 1, 2000

THE MINDANAO CONFLICT

THE ARRIVAL OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

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For centuries our forefathers though of different ethnic groups were of one race living in harmony in our archipelago. From the 16th to 21st century our country was wracked by turmoil owing to different religious beliefs. And at present time there is a resurgence of armed conflict in the southern part of our beloved country.

To understand the ethnic and religious problems in the Philippine island of Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu we must first trace the roots of the conflict, which began about 500 years ago. On the year 1300 the Arabs arrived in the island of Sulu and spread the Islamic faith in most parts of Mindanao, Palawan, the Visayas islands, and in the Central Luzon including Manila. When the Spanish colonizers arrived in Manila in the year 1570, Manila was a Muslim Sultanate ruled by Rajah Suliman. After the Spanish colonizers conquered Manila, they spread to the whole of Philippine Archipelago and at the same time converted the natives to Christianity.

However, the Spaniards failed to subjugate and convert to Christianity the inhabitants of Mindanao and Sulu. The Spaniards called the Muslim inhabitants Moros, as they called Moors the Muslim in Morocco North Africa. For about 300 years the Moros fought against Spanish colonial rule. The Moros made many fierce attacks in the coastal town of the Visayas and Luzon. They also attacked Manila, which became the seat of power of the Spanish colonizers. For protection against sudden Moro attacks the Spaniards have built a walled city in Manila, which they called Intramuros.

In retaliation for the Moro raids the Spanish colonizers have recruited Christian Filipinos for their war expeditions in the Southern Philippines to punish and subjugate the Moros of Mindanao and Sulus. And from that time on, the Muslims Filipinos hated their brother Filipinos from the North who became Christian and soldiers of the Spanish colonizers.

After Spain ceded the Philippine archipelago to the Americans in the year of 1898, the American government tried to subjugate the Muslims in the south but they failed. During the American colonization period they shifted many settlers from the Visayas and Luzon to populate the vast hinterlands of Mindanao. At the same time the Americans continued their campaign to rule the whole southern Philippine Island of Mindanao and Sulus, with the help of Christian recruits.

After the Philippines was given independence by the Americans in the year of 1946, the Philippine government embarked on massive resettlement of Mindanao, which is sparsely populated. The war veterans and the poor families from Luzon and the Visayas were given public lands in Mindanao. And also many pioneering families and traders from the Visayas and Luzon chose to settle in Mindanao, as it is a very fertile land and were called the Land of Promise. By the year 1960, the majority of population in Mindanao was Christian, and only in the island of Basilan and Sulus the Muslims were the majority.

THE SULU SULTANATE AND SABAH

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In the centuries long gone, Sabah was a part of the Sultanate of Brunei. About the 14th century the Sultanate of Brunei made war against the Sultanate of Malacca in the Malay Peninsula with the help of the Sultan of Sulu. Brunei rewarded the Sultan of Sulu by ceding to him the territory of Sabah. From the 14th century until the year 1881 the territory of Sabah was a part of the Sulu Sultanate. The Sultan of Sulu owned, ruled and exercise sovereignty in Sabah until it was leased by an American syndicate and later chartered by the British North Borneo Company in the year 1881. From that year up to 1946 the British North Borneo Company was paying yearly lease rentals to the Sultan of Sulu. From 1946 up to 1963 the British Crown government and later the Malaysian government from 1963 up to present year 2000 were paying lease rentals to the Sultan of Sulu.

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On 15th July 1946 the British North Borneo Company leased of Sabah were transferred to the British government. It was just a month after the Philippines got independence from the Americans, and the infant Philippine government pleaded to the U.S. government for support in Philippine protest to the incorporation of Sabah to the British Crown. It was futile as the British and Americans were like brothers.

On 16th September 1963 with the British government arrangement, Sabah became a part of the Federation of Malaysia. On the year of 1965 the Sultan of Sulu have asked the helps of the Philippine government in recovering the territory of Sabah. Later about 1967 the Sultan of Sulu transferred the Sultanate sovereign and proprietary rights in Sabah to the Philippine government. The Philippine government using the lease written documents from Sulu, and from the Spanish government museums has submitted the case in the World Court to prove that Sabah was leased and not ceded to British North Borneo Company in the previous 19th century. However the World Court did not even accept the Philippine government case as the British heavily influence the World Court. The Philippine government was slow to realize that possession is one half of the law. No country in this world will returned their ill-gotten territory without a fight.

OPERATION JABIDAH

On the year 1968 with the clamor of Sabah natives to join with Sulu, the late President Marcos established a secret guerilla Special Forces to infiltrate and make a foothold in Sabah. It was called Operation Jabidah, most of the recruits were Muslim from Sulus and some Christian who can speak the Tausug and Sabah dialects. The first training camp of Operation Jabidah was established in the island of Simunul near Bongao Sulu.

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Since Simunul island is very near Sabah where for centuries the people in that area sailed the Sulu Seas without regards to nationality or citizenship, some Malay spies disguising as Sulu natives were able to infiltrate the training camp. After some incidents in that secret training camp, the leader of Operation Jabidah transferred the camp to Corregidor Island located in the entrance of Manila Bay. The mostly Muslim trainees from Sulu together with other Christian were transferred to Corregidor to continue training.

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The Malay spies to create dissention in the camp exploited the volatile long training and hardship in Corregidor. After a few months those Muslim trainees of Operation Jabidah want to quit the training and had demanded that they must be sent home to their hometowns in Sulu. The secret training ended in fiasco and led to an alleged massacres The alleged Corregidor massacres led to the outcry of Muslim Filipinos for justice and on that year the seeds of another Muslim revolt was planted.

THE MORO REBELLION

Ironically the Marcos secret military project Operation Jabidah that was established for the recovery of Sabah, which will benefit the whole Filipino nation particularly our Muslim brothers in the south, became the seeds of Muslim rebellion.

By 1972 during the declaration of Martial Law by Marcos, the Moro National Liberation Front was ready to wage war against the government. From the year 1972 up to the 1980s combatants, the Armed Forces and the Moro guerillas committed untold brutalities.

Thousands of civilians in Mindanao, Basilan and Sulus, government soldiers and guerillas were killed in that brutal war. That brutal war was the results of our century-old prejudiced view of our Muslim brothers and sisters. It was the result of the Spanish and American colonial misrule and the past Philippine government neglect of the Muslim Filipinos welfare and education, and respect to their culture.

In the past few months there is a resurgence of the armed conflict in Mindanao but the problem of Mindanao cannot be solved by military might as some in the government would like to believe. Those Muslims or Moros where also Filipinos and not foreign invaders.

In our view, peace and stability would be possible only when the people, especially in the grassroots, are deeply and completely healed of their hurts, prejudices and biases. The process will take a long time, perhaps a generation. Our government must take the lead in the healing process, for Muslim and Christian to trust each other and live together, in order to prevent the dismemberment of our country and to have a strong and united Republic.

All the people of Mindanao and Sulu especially our Muslim brothers and sisters should also learn to accept that their beloved island is now a shared land and our heritage, beliefs, and land tie us all together.

Ady001

July 27th, 2006, 06:54 AM

habagatcentral1

July 27th, 2006, 07:11 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/General%20Nostalgia/KulintangMindanao.jpg
Kulintang sa MSU Gensan Museum

habagatcentral1

July 27th, 2006, 07:12 AM

Downtown Cotabato City as seen from PC Hill
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TheAvenger

July 27th, 2006, 11:07 AM

A nice speech however it was written by her speechwriter from the information given by government buraucrats, we are not really sure if
it is really true what she said about the government's project or progress in Mindanao and Sulu.

sorry for asking, but my friend went to Basilan daw. I'm not sure about this...

boybleauXx

July 27th, 2006, 08:59 PM

The SONA on Mindanao and Sulu.....was a bit sloppy ....

She failed to mention the long delayed Airports Development Projects in Mindanao that shall develop the airports in Butuan; Laguindingan in Misamis; Pagadian; Dipolog and Cotabato.

She also failed to concretize the loooong promised Mindanao Railways Project

TheAvenger

July 28th, 2006, 12:24 AM

For nation-building, we need to understand the history and
culture of our brother Moros.

The Moroland and the Moros
Text from moroinfo.com

The Moroland (Mindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan), also presently known as Southern Philippines, comprises the area of about 96,438 sq. km- about 33 percent of the total land territories of the Philippines. Currently, it contains 23 of the Philippines' 73 provinces.

The land has been picturesquely described by Herman Hagedorn as a vast green crab, in tropic waters, stretching out an irritated claw after a school of minnows skipping off in the direction of Borneo.

The crab is Mindanao. The irritated claw is the Zamboanga Peninsula. The minnows are the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. By way of comparison, Moroland is larger in territory than either Portugal or Austria. The Muslim population of the Moroland outnumbers the populations of many independent countries such as Albania, Costa Rica and Libya.

The Moros are the Islamized people and the native inhabitants of the Moroland who were once the majority inhabitants of the area. However, due to the consequence of the colonization of Mindanao, the status of the Moros as majority has diminished from majority to minority. The exact figure of the Moro population is difficult to determine because of conflicting information.

Based on the government census in 1980, the number of Moros were estimated at about 2,504,332 out of 10,905,243 total population of Mindanao. The truth of this figure is, however, questioned by majority of the Moros as the government's strategy to portray that Moros were just a very small segment of the majority Filipino populations of the area.

Hence, the Moro respondents claim that there were about 5,310,958 Moros in 1982. And at the time, the MILF's estimate is from seven million to ten million Moros all over the Moroland.

The Moros are divided into thirteen ethnic linguistic groups such as Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Samal, Yakan, Sangil, Badjao, Kalibogan, Jama Mapun, Iranun, Palawanon, Kalagan, and Molbog. They are mainly found in Western and southern Mindanao Island, the Sulu Archipelago, and coastal areas of southern Palawan.

But only five (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan) of the twenty-two (now twenty- three) Mindanao provinces have a Muslim majority.

The Moros were once considered to be the most developed communities in the entire Philippines Archipelago. They reached the level of a centrally organized life. They had their own form of government antedating several hundreds of years the creation of the Philippine Republic.

These governments were the Sultanate of Sulu, which was founded approximately in 1450, and the Sultanate of Maguindanao and Buayan which were united by Sultan Kudarat into one Sultanate, Sultanate of Maguindanao in 1619.

Sultan Kudarat's sphere of power and influence, aside from his traditional dominion over the whole of Cotabato, Lanao, Davao, Misamis, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga, was so extensive that he was able to collect tributes from seafaring inhabitants of the coast of Borneo and some areas of Basilan and the Visayas.

This only shows that the Moros under these two Sultanates were not only enjoying sovereignty and independence but influencing other peoples as well, which become the foundation of the legitimate rights of the Moros to regain their lost freedom and independence.

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Moro Ethnic Groups
From bangsamoro.info

The Bangsamoro people is composed of eleven ethnic groups. Each group has its own language but only a few controls a political unit like a province or municipalities. Some groups speak one language with three variations like the Maranao, Iranun and Maguindanaon. The Sama people have one language with many variation such as the dialect of the Jama Mapun, and the Bangingi.

The Bangsamoro was once a dominant group in the country. They have 500 years political history, so far the longest political experience compared to other groups in the whole Philippines. Their culture is a blend of Islam and adat. Adat is the sum of both pre-Islamic culture and the philosophical interpretation of the Muslims on the teachings of Islam. It is itself the lasting contribution of the Bangsamoro people to the country’s national body politic. However, to know the Muslim history, one should understand the role of Islam in bringing about historical development. It is this Islam that actually produced heroic resistance against western colonialism. The Bangsamoro became known as cultural communities owing to their culture surviving foreign hegemonism to this day.

The history of the Bangsamoro people is part of the backbone of the historical development of the whole country. Filipino historians like Dr. Renato Constantino asserted that no Philippine history can be complete without a study of Muslim development (1990:29).

The Philippines has two lines of historical development. The first line, which is the older, came to develop in Mindanao and Sulu. And this refers to the Muslim line of historical development . Had not this line of historical development been disturbed by western colonialism, Islam might have charted the entire destiny of the Philippine nationhood. External factors swept into the country and brought the second line. The Hispanized Filipinos were central to the development of this second line. This is the product of the great historical experiences of the Filipino people under western rule.

1. The Maranao. Literally, Maranao means people of the lake. Their homeland is called Lanao which means lake. Their oldest settlement started around here, and up to this day, highly populated communities still dot the lake. Their language is similar to Maguindanaon and Iranun. One shall be confused as to which of them owns the mother tongue since the Maranao and Iranun can understand 60% of the Maguindanaon language. At any rate , these groups live in proximity. Continuous contact allows them to develop or share a common practice including language.

2. The Maguindanao. Originally, Maguindanaon is the name of the family or dynasty which came to rule almost the whole island of Mindanao, particularly the former Cotabato. It later refers to the Muslim people who live in the Pulangi valley which sprawls the Southwestern part of Mindanao. It is for this reason, the Maguindanaon are called people of the plain. They accepted Islam at the last quarter of 15th century. Total Islamization of the whole Pulangi area succeeded only with the arrival of Sharif Kabungsuan a prince from Johore who came to Mindanao after the fall of Malacca and nearby areas to Dutch colonialists in 1511.

3. The Iranun. These people have inhabited the area bordering between Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao province. They claimed to be the origin of these two ethnic groups. The language of the Maranao and Maguindanao is strongly rooted in the Iranun tongue. The Iranun may perhaps be the mother language and the rest are just a mere dialects. For several centuries, the Iranun formed part of the Maguindanao sultanate. Their culture received much influence from the Maguindanao rather than the Maranao. There was a case in the past the seat of the Maguindanao sultanate was situated at Lamitan and Malabang that were the strongholds of the Iranun society. They fought the western invaders under the flag of the Maguindanao sultanate. The Iranun were excellent in maritime activity. They used to ply the route connecting the Sulu sea, Moro gulf to Celebes sea, and raided the Spanish held territories along the way.

4. The Tausug. Prof. Muhammad Nasser Matli argued that the term Tausug is a slang word and originated from two words: tau (people) and ma-isug (brave). Therefore, Tausug means brave people.
Before the coming of Islam, the Tausug had already established a central government. When Islam came, Tausug leaders accepted Islam. They did not resist. As soon as they became Muslims they made themselves models by infusing Islamic values and politics to the government. The result was the spread of justice in the land. Seeing the beauty of Muslim leadership, the entire natives finally accepted Islam. The peaceful triumph of Islam in Sulu in the middle of the 13th century led to the Islamization of local politics. This was the process that brought about the establishment of the Sulu sultanate in 1450. Many Tausug leaders were sent outside Sulu to further strengthen the Sulu sultanate influence. This was the origin of the growth of Tausug communities in Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, Basilan, Zamboanga, and Sabah. Up to this period, these places are still the favorite destination of Tausug migrants who have been displaced by the wars and conflicts between the Muslims and the Philippine government.

5. The Yakan. The term Yakan is a mispronunciation of the word yakal by the Spaniards. While the term Basilan has originated from two words basi (iron) and balani (magnate). In the ancient time Basilan was thickly covered by the yakal trees. Foreign people often mistook the name of the yakal trees as the native identity. During colonial period the Spaniards branded the inhabitants of Basilan as Yakan, and became carried up to the present.

6. The Sama. The Sama identity derived from the term sama-sama which means togetherness or collective effort. The Sama people are highly dispersed and scattered in the Sulu Archipelago. They are geographically diversified owing to their exposure to maritime activities and fishing. There are five sub-clusters that make up the Sama people. Helping each other is recognized as norm of the Sama people. Included in the Sama group are the Badjao known as the sea-gypsies of Sulu Archipelago and Celebes sea. The Badjao people call themselves Sama Laut.

7. The Sangil. The Sangil came from Sangihe an archipelago sprawling the Celebes sea just south of the Mindanao sea. Their migration to Sarangani province and to the coastal areas of Davao del Sur and South Cotabato was ahead of the coming of Islam to Southeast Asia. They embraced Islam later as a result of their continuous contact with their motherland, which became Islamized, as well as with the emerging Muslim communities in Maguindanao and Sulu in the 14th century.
<Read More>

8. The Kaagan. The Kaagan inhabited mostly Davao areas. They became Muslims as a result of contact with the Maguindanao sultanate, and later strengthened with the arrival of some Tausug groups who helped to organize the Kaagan society. No wonder the Kaagan language has many bahasa sug root words. With the departure of the Tausug and Maguindanao influences at the height of the Filipinization process. Most of them have been marginalized and were helpless to improve their society because their social organization did not improve as those in Lanao and Sulu.

9. The Kolibugan. The term kolibugan is a Sama word which means "half-breed". Originally, they are part of the Subanun tribe, an indigenous people inhabiting the interior of the Zamboanga peninsula. Their neighbors, particularly the Sama Bangingi and the Tausugs called these Islamized Subanun as Kolibugan because their culture has been altered by their Muslim neighbors and for years there has been intermarriage with other groups that produced new generations, hence they are called Kolibugan. These people still speak the Subanun language and retain the Subanun type of social organization, which is limited to clan orientation with less political inclination. Today, the term Kolibugan is applied to all Subanun who moved to coastal areas and intermarried with the Muslims, and finally embraced Islam.

10. The Palawan. The early Muslim inhabitants in mainland Palawan were the Panimusan. These people became Muslims as a result of close contact with the Sulu Sultanate. Many Tausug during the sultanate period came to Palawan in order to introduce Islam to the local people. The Muslim concentration is mostly in the southern part of Palawan such as Batarasa, Rizal, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and Espanola. In these municipalities the Muslims are likely dominant and hold political power. Isolated Muslim communities are also found in Narra, Roxas, Taytay and Aborlan.

11. The Molbog. The Molbog are mainly confined in the Balabac islands located at the southern tip of Palawan. They received Islamic influence and later embraced Islam from Brunei Muslim missionaries. The propagation of Islam was active during the 15th century when Muslim principalities rose from the eastern side of the Malay peninsula and Borneo. At this period, the Brunei sultanate was expanding its influence to the Philippines and Palawan is not far from Brunei. The Sulu sultanate also helped to strengthen Islam among the Molbog.

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The Islamization of Moroland
From moroinfo.com

The process of the Islamization of Moroland first started in Sulu Archipelago towards the end of 13th century, estimated to be in 1280 CE, through the missionary effort of a certain Tuan Mashaikha who married there and established the first Islamic community.

Thereafter, it was reported that Tuan Mashaikha was followed by a Muslim missionary named Karim-ul- Makhdum around the second half of the 14th century. Through Rajah Baguinda who came at the beginning of the 15th century, the political element in the Islamization process was introduced.

It was his son-in-law, Abu Bakar, whom he had designated as his successor, who started the Sulu Sultanate.

In mainland Mindanao, Islam was first introduced into Maguindanao areas by a certain Sharif Awliya from Johor around 1450. Like the preachers of Islam in Sulu, he was also said to have married to a local lady, who gave him a daughter.

When Sharif Awliya left, a certain Sharif Maraja, also from Johor, came and stayed in Slangan area and married the daughter of Sharif Awliya. Later, around 1515, Sharif Kabungsuwan , also from Johor with Arab descent, arrived with many men at the Slangan area, roughly where is Malabang now.

He augmented the missionary activities of his predecessors, and was credited the founder of the Maguindanao Sultanate.

Through intermarriages and political alliances with the neighboring ruling families, Islam spread from Maguindanao through along the coast to the Gulf of Davao and inland to Lake Lanao and Bukidnon.

Though no specific date is known for the Islamization of the people of Lake Lanao, the Maranao tarsila trace their Islamic ancestry as well as royal lineage back to the same Sharif Kabungsuwan. In this manner, Islam became the majority religion in the island.

By the mid-Sixteenth century, the Moroland was in the process of becoming part of the wider Muslim world of South East Asia. Commercial relations and political alliances linked the Moro Sultanates of the Mindanao-Sulu region with other neighboring Muslim states.

The impact of Islamization of the Moroland was so great as Cesar Adib Majul, a Muslim historian, commented: "By adopting Islam, a segment of the population of the Philippines became a part of the wider religious community from the pillars of Hercules to the borders of China. Those people in the Philippines gained from Islam a high sense of religious community, new laws, a more developed political organization…and above all, a new ethical outlook on life. Having adopted values that transcended their race and particular culture, they began to consider themselves as a historical people, yet assuming all the time that their history was not the result of their own making or efforts. Without this consciousness, as well as all the benefits that Islam brought to the peoples of Sulu and Mindanao, they would have been easily swept away by Western colonialism and relegated to the limbo of conquered peoples."

Ady001

July 28th, 2006, 01:06 PM

^^ BTW, the Manila times has the Moro Times supplement already, to be published every last friday of the month.

Alingatong

July 28th, 2006, 03:50 PM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/pag2a.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/pag-1.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/pag1.jpg

www.pagadian.org (http://www.pagadian.org)

boju

August 5th, 2006, 01:29 AM

Saturday, August 05, 2006
Biz leaders, gov't economic managers to grace Minbizcon

SOME of the county's top business leaders and government economic managers are expected to attend this year's 15th Mindanao Business Conference, which is to be held on August 31 to September 2, to give substantial insights and comprehensive information to further boost the business climate in the southern part of the Philippines.

Conference director Teresita Uy-Sebastian, who is also the regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said delegates who will attend the business confab include business tycoons and senior government economic officials who will also be among the main conference speakers.

In the guests and speakers list are tobacco and liquor magnate Lucio Tan, who will give some advice on how to invest in Mindanao; Canadian mining-firm TVI Resource Development Phil., Inc, corporate adviser John B. Ridsel, who will talk on their company's practice on sustainable and responsible mining in Mindanao, emphasizing their current gold and silver project in Zamboanga del Norte; and Gil B. Genio, chief executive officer of Innove Communication Inc., who will talk on the topic of information and communication technology infrastructure challenges of Mindanao, to name a few.

On the government side, topping the list are Trade and Industry secretary Peter B. Favila, who will deliver the keynote speech; Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza, who will give the participants an overview of the present efforts of government and private sectors in enforcing peace in Mindanao for development; Presidential Consultant on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion III, will give an insight on how to improve and develop small and medium scale enterprises; and, on the tourism industry, Tourism Undersecretary Oscar P. Palabyab will tell how to further maximize the potential of Mindanao to become the one of world's favorite tourist destination sites.

Top officials of Department of Science and Technology are also expected to attend.

Others include the presidents of both chamber of commerce of the Philippines and America, Donald Dee, and Rick Santos, respectively.

"The presence of these top business leaders will surely change the present image of Mindanao, since the problem on peace and order has been the major stumble block in luring investors to do business in Mindanao," Sebastian told reporters during the pre-conference dinner with the local media over the weekend.

Sebastian said they are expecting at least 1,000 participants to attend the business confab.

"Aside from businessmen from Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon, different corporate officials and representatives from neighboring countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the northern territory of Australia are also expected to participate as observers," she said.

Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. president Jose Batausa also highlighted the importance of the presence of the country's top business leaders and government officials who have earlier gave their confirmation to attend the confab, saying that it will help the business leaders in Mindanao to achieve their goal of taking a candid in-depth look at the changes of Mindanao as one of the driving factor of the country's economy.

The 15th Mindanao Business Conference carries the theme of "Mindanao: The Best of the Philippines."

boju

August 5th, 2006, 01:30 AM

Mindanao super-region launched

Cagayan de Oro City (5 August) -- The Mindanao Super-region was launched today as local government executives closed ranks and committed to push Mindanao’s peace and development strategies.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza, recently designated as Mindanao Super-region Chief, met with the Confederation of Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors League Presidents in Mindanao (CONFED) and consulted with Mindanao leaders on the strategy to move the various mega projects which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo highlighted in her recent State of the Nation Address.

Newly elected CONFED President and South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes expressed the group’s collective support to the Super-region initiatives. Dureza inducted into office the new set of officers, with immediate Past President Gov. Emmanuel Piñol as ex-officio member.

Dureza said a progression of the Mindanao strategy of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo), as the focal agency will ensure that the island’s Super-region work will be “off to a running start”.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo expressed appreciation on the active and positive response demonstrated by the Mindanao leaders.

“I congratulate you on your initiative to support the Super-region and I thank you for your cooperation,” the President said in a statement she made over the phone during the meeting. (MEDCo)

boju

August 5th, 2006, 01:35 AM

DENR head foresees green national highway

Cagayan de Oro City (5 August) -- “The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time to do it is now,”

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo Reyes stressed this point at a recent press conference on the agency’s Greening the Philippine Highway Project (GPHP) held at the Grand Caprice, Limketkai Center this city.

The project aims to conduct massive tree planting on August 25 which will simultaneously take place along the country’s three major highways, covering a total length of 3,349 kilometers. With a target of planting both sides of the highways at intervals of 10 meters per seedling, some 500,000 seedlings will be needed for the project.

Reyes spearheaded the project in the face of the growing frequency of floods nationwide brought about by a succession of typhoons. With the country’s watersheds denuded by decades of indiscriminate logging, rampaging floodwaters have even caused a number of dikes across Central Luzon to collapse and inundate the provinces.

Reyes gave his assurance that the project would be sustainable, not like the short-lived reforestation projects carried out in the past.

“The landscape is filled with failed projects because previous projects did not involve everybody. We’re trying not to repeat that, that’s why we’re involving the local government units (LGUs),” Reyes stressed.

Expert DENR foresters will be tapped to ensure that endemic species will be planted in the localities to ensure the seedlings’ survival. Diverse species will also be planted to prevent a wipeout should one tree become diseased and infect others of the same species.

Following the maxim that environmental protection is not DENR’s monopoly but rather the responsibility of every member of society, parts of the highway shall be given to local government units, NGOs, companies and other organizations for “adoption.”

MOA shall be forged among concerned agencies to ensure sustainability. DENR shall provide the necessary planting materials and technical assistance, DPWH for the hole digging and earthworks, DepEd and CHED have agreed to mobilize their students and faculties, while DILG, the PNP, PND and AFP have committed to provide seedlings and transportation to participants.

Representatives from the local government, law enforcement, academe, church, NGOs and the business sector nationwide have come forward to support the reforestations project.

Antonio Olison, President of the Philippine Wood Producers’ Association, has already committed to donate 150,000 seedlings for Luzon alone. Chambers of Commerce and the Mindanao Business Council (MBC) likewise threw their support behind the greening project.

For his part, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno was also all the way behind DENR’s initiative. “I’d like to thank DENR and Secretary Reyes for their bold, aggressive move at reversing the environmental degradation which has gone on for centuries. It is an initiative we all should support.” The town of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental recently got hit by flashfloods, causing damage to crops, livestock, infrastructure and properties and claiming the lives of some residents.

“The Pan-Philippine Highway spans Laoag City in the North down to Davao City in Mindanao. It links the country, it’s the ‘glue’ that binds all of us. By working together to plant trees along the highway, we’re showing the world that we can be cohesive, that we can work together,” Reyes said, adding that greening the country’s highways is only the first big step in a planned reforestation campaign that will cover the rest of the countryside. (PIA-10

boju

August 5th, 2006, 01:37 AM

Japanese firm expands banana plantation in Mindanao

By Rose B. Palacio

Davao City (5 August) -- A Japanese firm, Sumitomo Fruits Corp (Sumifru), has been developing about 4,000 hectares of land in T'boli, Calinan, Toril and North Cotabato for its banana plantation project, plans to expand its program with some P1-billion expansion fund.

Sumifru will undertake a major expansion of its banana plantation, brining to P6.5-billion its total investment in the banana plantation since December 2004.

In December 2004, Sumifru has started its banana plantation operations, planted about 4,000 hectares of bananas and spend P800-million to develop the infrastructure to support it.

Now, Sumifru intends to plant more than 4,000 hectares to about 5,800 hectares and would spend P1-billion more said project to include infrastructure.

The Japanese expansion program is expected to generate more jobs and livelihood opportunities for 12,000 residents in the plantation areas, Sumifru said. (PIA)

tj_brewed

August 5th, 2006, 07:12 AM

boju

August 7th, 2006, 02:29 AM

‘4 ASEAN countries, one destination’ launched

By RACHEL C. BARAWID

KORONADAL, South Cotabato — The Philippines has embarked on an ambitious bid with its neighbors Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia to package themselves into one single, tourist destination in the Pacific Region. Under these concept, visitors from all over the world will have the chance to see four countries in one trip and experience exotic culture, exciting adventures and breathtaking nature found only in these places.

The BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) comprises the areas of Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines; the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; 10 provinces in the Indonesian islands of Kalamantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Irian Jaya; and Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan in Malaysia. BIMP-EAGA was established in 1994 to boost trade, tourism, and investment within the region.

Dubbed as "Dream DestinASEAN," this marketing strategy aims to create for BIMP cluster of nations a more positive, appealing image. It also hopes to position EAGA as the "dream destination" in the region, because of its rich Culture, countless Adventures and abundant Natural attractions (CAN). This will be made more ideal as each member-nation undergoes seamless connectivity to each other through air and sea links.

The Philippines’ Mindanao leaders and its local counterparts in the EAGA member nations convened recently in the capital city of South Cotabato to develop a more cohesive plan for this grand sales pitch.

Over 130 officials representing the government, travel and tourism industry, and business sector of the BIMP-EAGA attended this 3rd Joint Tourism Development Cluster Meeting. Also present were its development partners Asian Development Bank, Northern Territory of Australia and the German Technical Assistance.

Department of Tourism Undersecretary and concurrent National Coordinator for BIMP-EAGA Affairs Oscar Palabyab said the goal to make EAGA a single destination will be undertaken under a five-year period through joint tourism promotion and marketing by the four member-countries, and the increase and sustainability of EAGA air and sea linkages.

To jumpstart these initiatives, the BIMP-EAGA Business Council has identified new prospective air routes that will service multiple destinations within the EAGA region.

According to Romeo Serra, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council and the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, Mosphil Aero Inc., an RP-Russian company will start flights to the Zamboanga-Sandakan route by October while another flight connecting Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei will begin in April next year.

Other proposed air routes include Davao-Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia-Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via Royal Brunei Airlines; Kota Kinabalu-Puerto Princesa via Air Asia and SouthEast Asian Airlines; Davao-Kota Kinabalu via Frontier Aviation; and Pontianak, Indonesia-Kuching, Malaysia-Brunei.

Tour packages in these destinations have also been created by travel agents.

During the meeting, leaders of member nations also hailed the Philippine government’s recent move to provide 50 percent reduction of airport charges and fees to airlines servicing the Mindanao-Palawan route and all ports of entry in Mindanao. They also welcomed the travel tax exemption granted for travels from Mindanao and Palawan to any other EAGA destination.

Palabyab said these incentives which reduce the cost of travel in EAGA are major steps toward the achievement of BIMP’s goal to boost tourism and investment in the sub-region.

Meanwhile, DoT Regional Director for Cotabato Sohura Dimaampao cited the significant role of the private sector in this synergy of ASEAN countries.

"The government cannot do this alone. We need the private sector to invest in our projects. They have been very aggressive for the first time in getting involved in BIMP activities. This is a good start for us," she noted.

On the other hand, Special Envoy to BIMP-EAGA Retired General Efren Abu underscored the need to ensure security in the region at all times.

"An effective tourism regime in the BIMP-EAGA must factor in a responsive machinery which will ensure security to incoming tourists. Our tourists will be able to truly enjoy their experience in our countries if we make them feel secure and safe. This is an integral part of the attractions we offer and should define the character of hospitality we are extending," he said.

Taking into account all these factors, Davao Representative Corazon Malanyaon, chair of the House Special Committee on EAGA sees a good future ahead for the sub-region as long as member-nations continue to work together to achieve its common goal of finding its niche in global tourism market.

"No country has the monopoly of resources. We must bear in mind that all stands to benefit from a strong relationship of interdependence and synergy. Thus, the idea of blending the specific strengths of EAGA in the area of tourism can be a formidable advantage in the face of stiff tourism competition worldwide," Malanyaon concluded.

boju

August 10th, 2006, 02:53 AM

Local firm plans $200-M power plant in Mindanao

By Abigail L. Ho
Inquirer
Last updated 04:19am (Mla time) 08/10/2006

LOCAL firm MG Mining and Energy Corp., through Sultan Energy Philippines Corp., plans to invest at least $200 million to put up a power plant near a coal mine site in Sultan Kudarat province in the main southern island of Mindanao, said Rufino Bomasang, chairman of both companies.

MG Mining holds a number of coal exploration contracts in Mindanao with proven reserves of at least 80 million tons, said Bomasang, a former official of the Department of Energy.

He said the ones in Sultan Kudarat could be developed to fuel a 200-megawatt mine-mouth plant.

With another $50-$100 million, the company's Sultan Kudarat mines could produce 500,000-700,000 metric tons of coal a year, enough to feed a 200-megawatt plant, he added.

"We expect to produce enough coal to fuel a power plant by 2011," Bomasang said in a media briefing. "By then, we want to have the power plant and the transmission system in place so we can immediately supply power to the demand centers."

He said Sultan Energy was in talks with possible buyers of the power to be produced, including the Aboitiz group's Davao Light and Power Co., based in Davao City in Mindanao.

Cagayan de Oro Electric Co., also in Mindanao, is another potential buyer that Sultan Energy plans to approach, he said.

Bomasang said that if the proposed project of the government's National Transmission Corp. to interconnect Mindanao and Leyte Island in the central Philippines would materialize, Sultan Energy could expand its market to that region or even to the main Philippine island of Luzon. With INQ7.net

BOB-bXu

August 10th, 2006, 06:38 AM

Mindanao leaders prepare mega projects

BUTUAN CITY (PNA) – The Confederation of Mindanao Leaders (Comil) yesterday strongly expressed their all-out support to the newly formed Mindanao Super Region for full economic development and more progressive southern islands.
South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes, the newly elected president of the Comil, said chief executives of various provinces in Mindanao, with their respective regio-nal development councils have started outlining several mega-strategies and mega-development plans for implementation and guidelines.

“Our ranks have committed to push full Mindanao development through the Mindanao Super Region,” Fuentes said.

President Gloria Ma-capagal-Arroyo has desig-nated her top peace nego-tiator Secretary Jesus Du-reza to head the Mindanao super-region projects.

Dureza said he has met with Mindanao leaders and drew various strategies to activate the mega pro-jects in Mindanao.

“The Mindanao super-region has been launched as local government exe-cutives closed ranks to push Mindanao’s peace and development strate-gies,” he said.

According to Dureza, the confederation of Min-danao leaders collectively support the super-region initiatives.

The Comil expressed its full support after Dureza inducted the group’s new officers with immediate past president Governor Emmanuel Piñol as ex-officio member.

Dureza said the Min-danao Economic Develop-ment Council (MEDCO) will be the lead agency in implementing projects that have been lined up for the super-region.

This is in line with President Arroyo’s State-of-the Nation Address (SONA) that detailed a blueprint for sustainable economic development anchored on the creation of five super-regions across the country.

President Arroyo an-nounced the creation of the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Min-danao and the Cyber Corri-dor.

She outlined a multi-billion infrastructure deve-lopment program spread across the five super-regions in the country

WawaY[625]

August 10th, 2006, 06:49 AM

magulo ba sa mindanao?lols

BOB-bXu

August 10th, 2006, 07:00 AM

Definitely not !

WawaY[625]

August 10th, 2006, 07:04 AM

diba palaging may gyera sa mindanao?

ergit222

August 10th, 2006, 07:34 AM

Wow Mindanao!
^^WOW!!! galing! :applause:

windlady

August 10th, 2006, 08:09 AM

BOB-bXu

August 11th, 2006, 10:24 AM

P7-B MRDP program set for Mindanao's rural projects
Sunday, August 06 2006 @ 12:18 PM BST

Provincial
The P7 billion Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP) fund is ready for distribution to the 108 towns in the southern island, government officials said on Sunday.

MRDP officials said Surigao del Sur province is one of the 25 qualified beneficiaries of Phase II, and is now at the height of preparing for the implementation of its various projects.

Surigao del Sur is also identified by the National Statistics Office (NSO) as one of the beneficiaries in Mindanao.

Other areas will be implemented next year until 2011 under MRDP Phase II program, it was learned.

The P7 billion budget will fund target beneficiaries such as rural infrastructures, community fund for agricultural development (CFAD), environmental protection and capability building.

Seven municipalities of Surigao del Sur already qualified and passed the criteria set by MRDP Phase II program. These would also include high incidence of poverty, potential in agriculture, no assistance received from other sources, and with ready Barangay Development Plan (BDP).

"Our people are very happy to receive this MRDO's program, which will also alleviate their living condition," said Gov. Vicente Pimentel.

The implementation of MRDP Phase II is due to the successful completion of MRDP Phase I that ended in 2004, benefiting the provinces of Compostela Valley, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Agusan del Sur.

The MRDP Phase I and Phase II program provide more infrastructure, job generation, education and health, among other things, said Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Butuan City solon Rep. Leovigildo B. Banaag, chairperson of the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources also said that MRDP is one of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo's Mindanao priority programs to uplift the living condition of the Filipino people particularly in the countryside. (PNA)

habagatcentral1

August 20th, 2006, 02:47 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/PaxUnidas_Davaomondocopy.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/CotabatOCtyHallcopy.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/cagayan.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/lakesebu.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/dadiangasmondo.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Marbel_Roundballcopy2.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Ampa2anhaus_Mgindnaocopy.jpg

ikra

August 20th, 2006, 04:07 PM

diba palaging may gyera sa mindanao?
yet another misconception/stereotyping about mindanao.

WawaY[625]

August 20th, 2006, 04:22 PM

yet another misconception/stereotyping about mindanao.

lols, tga mindanao ako..hehe i was just fooling around :)

Ady001

August 21st, 2006, 06:49 AM

^^ Berns, how dija make those snazzy captions? You can compose some banners for the forumers elsewhere if you can utilize your skill in manipulating images.

habagatcentral1

August 21st, 2006, 07:52 AM

^^ Berns, how dija make those snazzy captions? You can compose some banners for the forumers elsewhere if you can utilize your skill in manipulating images.

^^ CamPhone images. Wala lang magawa sa buhay,hehehe! :D

habagatcentral1

September 1st, 2006, 03:28 PM

The Maranao settlement of Tugaya
Property names are listed in the language in wich they have been submitted by the State Party.
Philippines (Asia and the Pacific)

Date of Submission: 16/05/2006
Submission prepared by:
National Commission for Culture an the Arts

State, Province or Region:

Province of Lanao sel Sur, Miondanao

Ref.: 5017

Description

The municipality of Tugaya is unique in that this is an entire town that is virtually composed of craftsmen/artisans of various pursuits. Almost every household specializes in some form of art or craft that is part of traditional Maranao culture: backloom weaving, tapestry weaving and various kinds of textiles; brass-making/casting of various forms of vessels, woodcarving, silver/gold smiting, utilizing the Maranao art of decoration - the okir. From this community come the artisans that are called upon to decorate in the traditional manner the major forms of architecture, e.g. the Maranao torogan, the royal houses. The performance arts are also unique to the group where the penchant for the artistic spill out into even games and mundane articles of domestic use.

Textile weaving in Tugaya is still the Southeast Asian back-strap weaving, utilizing the okir decorative motifs which is indigenous to the area. The bronze/brass casting craft employs the cire perdue, waste- mold method of casting in the production of various types of vessels that follow traditional forms. Metal-forging uses again the Southeast Asian double-bellows forge, and employing traditional tools. Wood carving and mat weaving is also widespread, again with the distinctive okir decorative motifs. Almost the entire community is engaged in one or more of the forms or arts and craft.

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value
Satements of authenticity and/or integrity:

The arts and crafts, including the employment of the okir into the various forms of expression. is ingrained in the people due to their culture. These are so distinctive that that is easily recognizable from among the other cultures of the Philippines. These come from an unbroken traditional line of development that cannot be separated from the history of the people themselves. This culture of the Maranao has been studied extensively by both foreign and local anthropologists. The arts and crafts are intimately enmeshed with the cultural structure and organization of the people such that it is highly distinguishable from all other forms, although these would still belong to a pan-Southeast Asian culture.

Comparison with other similar properties:

The Islam practicing groups in the southwestern part of the Philippines share in a generalized Southeast Asian culture, including the aesthetics. The Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakan all have their own distinct cultural identifies reflected in their arts and craft. But Maranao art is unquestionably more distinct and outstanding. Although the art of the above-mentioned groups, including those from island Southeast Asia, has affinities with the Arabian kufic, the Maranao okir is highly conventionalized such that the various art motifs are designated with a complex nomenclature from the simplest to the more complex ones.

Source: UNESCO
http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5017/

Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape
Property names are listed in the language in wich they have been submitted by the State Party.
Philippines (Asia and the Pacific)

Date of Submission: 16/05/2006
Submission prepared by:
Department of Environment and NAtural Resources (DENR) - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

State, Province or Region:
Tupi, Tampakan, Pomolok, South Cotabato, and Malungon, Sarangani Province
Coordinates: N6 22 E125 5
Criteria: (ix)(x)
Ref.: 5028

Description

It is bounded on the North by Kiblawan and Malalag, Davao del Sur; on the South by General Santos City; on the East by Malungon, Sarangani and on the West by Banga, Koronadal and T'boli, South Cotabato. The area is located within Barangays Kinilis, Landan, Maligo and Palkan of the Municipality of Polomolok; Barangay Albagan, Tablu and Lampitak, of the Municipality of Tampakan; Barangays Acmonan, Cebuano, Kablon, Linan and Miasong of the Municipality of Tupi; Barangays Datalbatong and Datalbita, Municipality of Malungon; all in the Province of South Cotabato and Sarangani. Mt Matutum is a steep mountain north of the town of General Santos in South Cotabato Province. A recent forest cover survey reported that the forest stands on Mt Matutum are found at 1,290 to 2,270 m, and are therefore all montane in type. Mt Matutum has a forest reserve of 14,000 ha, of which c.3,000 ha is reported to still be primary forest. The boundaries of this reserve are used to define the IBA.

The Mt. Matutum is a volcanic cone formed by volcanic uplift during previous period of activity. The geology of the area is dominated by material of volcanic origin. It is classified as a non-active volcanic cone; generally of pyroxene andosite and surrounding areas are classified as volcanic slopes and piedmonts.

Mt. Matutum forms the headwaters and catchment area for several major drainages including the Klinan, Silway and Buayan rivers which empty into Sarangani Bay through General Santos City.

About 68% of the area is characterized by nearly flat rolling terrain, which is generally located at the lower elevations of the protected area boundaries. Highest elevation at the Mt. Matutum is 2, 286 meters above sea level.

Mt. Matutum is host to diverse plant and animal species including the Philippine Eagle. There are 110 plant species and 57 animal species.

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value
Satements of authenticity and/or integrity:
The Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape-Sarangangi Bay Protected Seascape is one of two project sites under the Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (SMICZMP) - a declared a protected landscape on March 25, 1995 through Presidential Proclamation 552 issued by then President Fidel Ramos.

Comparison with other similar properties:

Mt. Matutum Forest and Natural Park will soon be the habitat of captive-bred Philippine eagle after the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) considered the suitability of Matutum for the experimental release of the world renowned Philippine national bird.

Philippine Eagle sightings in Mt. Matutum have been reported since 1970s and one physical evidence of this is the recent captive of a Philippine eagle at Sitio Basak, Polunuling, Tupi, South Cotabato. (MCC/MIO-Tupi/PIA 12). Mt. Apo National Park, Mindanao- is a dormant volcano and the Philippines highest mountain (2954m). As a known habitat of the national bird, Philippine Eagle, its forested slopes were protected for the conservation of this endangered bird. Mount Kanlaon, Negros- located in the central highlands of Negros, this mountain is home to various species of ferns, lichens, and orchids. It is also inhabited by numerous species of tropical birds. Among them are hundred endemic species of bleeding heart pigeons and the nearing to extinction, Negros Fruit Doves. Others are Barblers and Warblers, Doves, Bulbuls, Flycatchers and woodpeckers.

For more of Mindanao's World Heritage Site Nominees, click on the link below:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/?pattern=&type=&state=ph&theme=&region=&order=&date_start=&date_end=

boju

September 2nd, 2006, 02:29 AM

PNOC, Samsung in P8.2-B jatropha farm, refinery project

By Abigail L. Ho
Inquirer
Last updated 02:36am (Mla time) 09/02/2006

PNOC Alternative Fuels Corp., a unit of state-owned Philippine National Oil Co., signed Friday a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s Samsung Corp. for an P8.2-billion jatropha plantation and refinery project.

The project involves a 120,000-hectare jatropha plantation costing P6.0 billion and a 200,000-metric ton (MT) biofuel refinery costing P2.23 billion.

PNOC Alternative Fuels and Samsung will jointly prepare basic plans for what they call Jatropha-based BioFuel Producing Project, including a preliminary feasibility study and sales strategies for the product.

They will hire an international consultant in drafting the plans.

“We are targeting the final feasibility report this November, and we are expecting favorable results,” PNOC Alternative Fuels president and chief executive Peter Anthony Abaya said.

The said both companies wanted to fast-track the project.

Jatropha, locally known as “tuba-tuba,” is described as a drought-resistant perennial shrub whose fruit can be processed into oil. The oil can be further refined to produce diesel.

If the project will be found feasible, Samsung will arrange financing and do the engineering, procurement and construction of the biodiesel refinery.

Samsung will also handle marketing overseas.

PNOC-Alternative Fuels is aiming for several biofuel refineries totaling one million metric tons in capacity and jatropha plantations totaling 700,000 hectares. These are to be mostly in the southern island of Mindanao.

The company has ongoing negotiations with prospective joint venture partners and expects to sign more memoranda of understanding before yearend.

According to data from PNOC Alternative Fuels, a refinery with an annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons will need feedstock from a 30,000-hectare jatropha plantation, while one with an annual capacity of 240,000 metric tons will need raw material supply from a 120,000-hectare plantation.

“We are upbeat about jatropha and we aim to become a prominent alternative fuels-producing company,” Abaya said.

The company also intends to put up a refinery, with a daily capacity of 50,000 barrels, that will use low-rank coal as feedstock, and a biofuels central terminal facility.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently disclosed that Saudi Aramco, the government’s partner in Petron Corp., an affiliate of PNOC, planned to put up a jatropha processing plant in Mindanao. With INQ7.net

windlady

September 2nd, 2006, 03:40 AM

Lucio Tan to invest P1.25 B more in South

Bullish on the economic prospects of Mindanao, business tycoon Lucio Tan revealed yesterday that he is investing P1.25 billion more in liquor and softdrink facilities on the island.

"Seeing the great potential of Mindanao as a growth area, we are expanding our presence here by investing P1 billion in the Tanduay facility beside the Asia Brewery plant and another P250 million for a softdrink facility, (both) in Cagayan de Oro City," Tan said.

Tan bared his investment plan in his speech entitled "Investing in Mindanao: A Testimony" during the opening of the plenary of the three-day 15th Mindanao Business Conference here.

He said Tanduay Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is now expanding its production in Mindanao.

He said the $100-million liquor facility of Asia Brewery in Cagayan de Oro City — the first in Mindanao — is one of his biggest investments.

The state-of-the-art brewing plant is capable of producing 24 million bottles of beer a year.

In its annual report, Tanduay Holdings said it has cornered 49 percent and 35 percent of the market in the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively, with Luzon contributing only 16 percent.

In 2005, its total sales went up slightly by 0.59 percent to P6.8 billion from P6.76 billion a year ago. Tanduay’s Five Year Rum topped all brands, capturing 74 percent of total sales.

The new investment in the brewing and liquor facilities in Cagayan de Oro City is in anticipation of the company’s export market, Tan said.

Earlier, Tanduay Distillers Inc. bared its plan to export its rhum and other liquor products and spirit beverages in the Asia-Pacific region by next year.

According to the company’s website, its rhum products include Tanduay 5 Years, Tanduay Gold, Tanduay Rhum 65, Tanduay White, Tanduay Philippine Gold, Tanduay Dark, Tanduay Centennial Rhum, Tanduay ESQ, and Tanduay Superior.

Its wines include Ban de Vendange, Chardon Blanc, Cuvee de la Californie, and Vino Blanco. Its other products are Cossack Vodka, London Dry Gin, Guerrero Brandy, and Barcelona Brandy.

Tan said his group of companies will continue to maintain — and even expand — its presence in Mindanao.

Allied Bank, for one, has a total of 40 branches in Mindanao, 11 of them in Zamboanga City. The Philippine National Bank, which Tan controls, has 49 branches on the island.

The Tan-led Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines have daily flights to at least seven major points in Mindanao. Tan also has major meat, dairy and tobacco interests on the island.

boju

October 25th, 2006, 06:53 AM

Mike Banos: An Energy Road Map for Mindanao

It’s never too late to make or modify our regional and local development frameworks based on a holistic long-term sustainable development that’s drawn from the grassroots, starting with micro development plans from the puroks and barangays.

October 25, 2006

Hammer&Anvil

MikeBanos

An Energy Road Map for Mindanao

I was honored to receive late last week an invitation from NEDA-10 RD Myra Balandra to join a two-day Regional Research Utilization Forum which starts today at a local hotel. The forum is one of the activities marking National Statistics Month and will have the theme “Empowering Consumers Through Responsive Energy Statistics.”

As its name implies, the forum will be a venue for the generators and users of energy research to maximize knowledge sharing amongst themselves so it becomes a catalyst for informed decision making regarding not only the energy sector but the entire Mindanao economy as well.

I’ve been closely following issues on energy especially those which affect Southern Philippines for the past fifteen years and just last month, a forum hosted by the Philippine Economics Society at the Xavier University only served to confirm what is becoming increasingly apparent not only in Mindanao but the entire country as well:

There just aren’t enough resources available in the country’s energy sector to meet its energy needs over the medium and long term. And heaven forbid a major base load power plant goes out of kilter anywhere in the country soon, because this will surely lead to rotating brownouts similar to those which plagued the Ramos administration during the start of its tenure in the early nineties.

Much has been made about STEAG State Power Inc’s (SPI) coal-fired power plant but even if it does go online as expected by the end of this year, its output would be barely enough to bring up the spinning reserve needed by the Mindanao power grid. Now, what if it does not go online and the overstrained power barges or silted hydro power plants bog down?

In that forum, Cepalco Sr. Vice President Dave Tauli said that by 2009, Mindanao’s energy needs would be 9,150 gigawatt hours while dependable power supply (including SPI’s coal-fired power plant) would only be 9,200 GWh, which leaves Mindanao with a generating capacity reserve way below the 13.1% threshold on top of a generating system that’s no longer “N-1” reliable.

As former National Power Corporation President Guido Delgado noted in the same forum, no new plants are forthcoming because energy prices in Mindanao are too low, thus there are no creditworthy off-takers and no long term market, hence no long term funds available in the local market for investments in power generation, which by its nature calls for long-term funds. On top of that, there are the stranded costs of Napocor and distribution utilities Mindanao power consumers are mandated to pay under the EPIRA.

Former Transco President Alan Ortiz was batting fore the Leyte-Mindanao interconnection project as a transmission solution to the power generation problem in Mindanao but the energy department insisted the country couldn’t afford it and it was too expensive.

Faced with this dilemma, Dave and Guido are both pushing for “distributed generation projects” by distribution utilities, which will encourage local distribution utilities like Cepalco to put up their own generation facilities (e.g. Minergy) which can provide stand by power during peak hours.

Besides this, Guido is now going around talking to the owners of gensets to be part of an island-wide “stand-by power” network that would link them all together and provide a substantial (say, 500MW) power reserve which can tidy us over during those nasty “peak hours” when everyone seems to be using the power grid.

This is made possible with the use of the SCADA (software used to control power generation and distribution) that would synchronize all these gensets through the use of remote terminal units controlled by a “master station.|”

What I asked Dave and Guido then, and what I would like reiterate to today’s forum participants was this question (which as far as I was concerned, I failed to get a satisfactory answer to) : what have we been doing to “shape” or influence the way our economy or industrial/commercial/residential consumer base is now structured to make it more energy efficient and less “power hungry?”

It’s been over a decade since Guido was president of Napocor. I know it’s always great to look at things with the power of hindsight but bear with me awhile and lend an ear to what I humbly recommend.

What if, during this 14-year period, government and the private sector collaborated to see how the future direction of development in the country would look like? They would have come up with policy decisions which could have made our energy user profile more energy efficient by say, advocating “knowledge- or information-based industries” such as information and communication technologies (ICT) which can bring in more “value-added” to the island’s economy and bring in relatively larger revenues for lesser energy consumption.

That’s the basic direction of sustainable development I’ve been advocating for all these years, the tenets of which the late, great economist E.B. Schumacher laid out in his immortal tome “Small is Beautiful” (Economics as if people mattered).

Schumacher was a respected economist who worked with J.M. Keynes and J.K. Galbraith. For 20 years he was the president of the National Coal Board in the United Kingdom, opposed the neo-classical economics by declaring that single-minded concentration on output and technology was dehumanizing, that one's workplace should be dignified and meaningful first, efficient second, and that the nature is priceless.

Schumacher proposed the idea of “smallness within bigness”; in other words, a specific form of decentralization: for a large organization to work it must behave like a related group of small organizations. Schumacher's work coincided with the growth of ecological concerns and with the birth of environmentalism and he became a hero to many in the environmental movement and community movement.

In first chapter of 'Small Is Beautiful', The Problem of Production, Schumacher points out that our economy is unsustainable. The natural resources (especially fossil fuels), are treated as expendable income, when in fact they should be treated as capital, since they are not renewable and thus subject to eventual depletion. He further points out that similarly, the capacity of nature to resist pollution is limited as well. He concludes that government efforts must be focused on attaining sustainable development, because relatively minor improvements like education for leisure or technology transfer to Third World countries would not solve underlying problems inherent in an unsustainable economy. (from Wikipedia)

Consider for instance how much revenue and employment the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has generated compared to say, mining or heavy industries for the same amount of investment. Factor in the environmental costs of these “extractive industries” and it becomes obvious how a poor country like us could successfully address our “energy crisis” over the long term, because frankly, I don’t believe there’s a “short-term” panacea to this problem which by its very nature can only be addressed by long-term solutions.

An “Energy Road Map” is what Mindanao, or more specifically, the Philippines, needs at this point in time. It’s never too late to make or modify our regional and local development frameworks based on a holistic long-term sustainable development that’s drawn from the grassroots, starting with micro development plans from the puroks and barangays that’s participatory, and where the least citizen of a particular locality is given voice to put in his ten cents worth regarding the way his neighborhood will look like over the long run.

If the decision-makers in Manila take too long to make up their minds about this thrust, it behooves us as stewards to the human and natural wealth of Mindanao to put our heads together now to draw up this “Energy Road Map” ourselves, instead of leaving our collective future in the hands of people a thousand kilometers away who couldn’t care less about the consequences of our apathy and their procrastination.

comment to mike_banos@walla.com
source: www.kagay-an.com

habagatcentral1

October 25th, 2006, 07:07 AM

Oi! Nabuhi na sab ang Mindanao Thread Yehey! :D

tigidig14

October 31st, 2006, 08:34 AM

congrats sa DAVAO's banner
nakapunta na ko sa mga site dun sa building hehehe

Rajah_Soliman

October 31st, 2006, 10:47 AM

hapit naman god ang adlaw sa mga patay :hahaha: mabuhi dyud ang patay... :lol: :lol:

Oi! Nabuhi na sab ang Mindanao Thread Yehey! :D

Pacific_leopard

October 31st, 2006, 02:02 PM

Lanao del Sur
http://www.thelandofpromise.com/lanaosur/mosque02-1098.jpg

http://www.thelandofpromise.com/lanaosur/mosque01-P7263225.jpg

this is one of the most beautiful pictures about mindanao... this looks so magnificent... I can't wait to travel in Mindanao one day...

habagatcentral1

October 31st, 2006, 02:06 PM

this is one of the most beautiful pictures about mindanao... this looks so magnificent... I can't wait to travel in Mindanao one day...

Then travel here Pacific. As in, despite negative outlook of it, I still believe in its potential. Nahidlaw na ko gani sa Mindanao .

marjus1

November 1st, 2006, 03:19 AM

interesting........ you know, Cebu is now known 'The International Capital of Southern Philippines' , because there are now direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hong Kong to Cebu. So Cebu is basically the gateway of tourism of Mindanao.

I don't think Cebu has that many international direct flights yet to warrant calling it the "gateway to Mindanao". I believe most international travellers to Mindanao will arrive via Manila. It is by far the most convenient and accessible gateway to any part of the Philippines.

Anyway, this forum thread is about Mindanao, not Cebu, so best limit the discussion to Mindanao. There's lots to talk about in Mindanao, nice places to visit, lots of colour, indigenous tribes, etc...

marjus1

November 1st, 2006, 03:24 AM

Sleepwalker:

Yes Marcelo Fernan Bridge is of the same type, CABLE-STAYED.
This Butuan bridge will complement the planned Mindanao Railway Project.

The huge agro-industrial output of Davao and Agusan areas will be much hastened as this will act as a conduit to the fast growing commercial market economy of Visayas especially Metro Cebu.

Why should Mindanao's products go to Cebu when we have international ports already in Mindanao that can transport them to international destinations. Mindanao is more than capable of delivering it's goods to other regions in the world, thank you very much. If need be, we can transport them to Manila, which is a far bigger market.

WawaY[625]

November 1st, 2006, 05:11 AM

I don't think Cebu has that many international direct flights yet to warrant calling it the "gateway to Mindanao". I believe most international travellers to Mindanao will arrive via Manila. It is by far the most convenient and accessible gateway to any part of the Philippines.

Anyway, this forum thread is about Mindanao, not Cebu, so best limit the discussion to Mindanao. There's lots to talk about in Mindanao, nice places to visit, lots of colour, indigenous tribes, etc...

CEBU isnt that much better off than davao in terms of international flights, so how can he that cebu is the gateway to mindanao? duh as if people go to mindanao via cebu? duh! where is your brain bro?

i have friends in cebu,and i have nothing against cebu, but to say that cebu is the international capital of southern philippines"? again a million eyebrowns are reaised here? how dare this retard come here and claim cebu lords over mindanao...

g0Rs

November 1st, 2006, 06:29 AM

capital of southern philippines should be davao

WawaY[625]

November 1st, 2006, 06:51 AM

each province has its own capital..davao is capital of davao..lols

KulasKusgan

November 1st, 2006, 06:58 AM

@ gors: mas gusto ko admin capital sa mindanao ang bukidnon kay sentro sa tanan. accessible sa davao, cdo, cotabato.

bongao, tawi-tawi pics courtesy of flickr (adlaw):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adlaw/sets/72057594104336313/

http://static.flickr.com/47/126870060_101cccca70.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/46/126868117_b870405112.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/72/188748513_ab64c7b180.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/53/125610704_9d64af6799.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/52/126408485_d33ba9edc7.jpg

to adlaw: whoever you are. salamat.

WawaY[625]

November 1st, 2006, 07:06 AM

yeah, bukidnon for capital...kay center, and pwede idevelop into a scenic city like washington DC..

ug duol ra sa CDO ug Davao

Alingatong

November 1st, 2006, 07:07 AM

http://static.flickr.com/46/126868117_b870405112.jpg

There you are Bongao Peak. I miss you so much.

I just can't forget my experience on top of the highest peak in Bongao. It's a must to climb the peak if you want to experience Tawi-Tawi.

KulasKusgan

November 1st, 2006, 07:24 AM

There you are Bongao Peak. I miss you so much.

I just can't forget my experience on top of the highest peak in Bongao. It's a must to climb the peak if you want to experience Tawi-Tawi.

unsa man? schedule tag mindanao-wide na meet. well conquer tawi-tawi...

@ waway: perhaps in maramag or malaybalay kay native kaayo ang pangalan. ayaw lang sa valencia or manolo fortich kay imported kaayo paminawon.

WawaY[625]

November 1st, 2006, 07:35 AM

^^ sa bugnaw unta nga part sa bukidnon

Sinjin P.

November 1st, 2006, 08:25 AM

Please avoid regionalistic topic here please, thanks. Now back to topic :)

windlady

November 1st, 2006, 08:30 AM

There you are Bongao Peak. I miss you so much.

I just can't forget my experience on top of the highest peak in Bongao. It's a must to climb the peak if you want to experience Tawi-Tawi.

^^ VERY NYC VIEW, HOPE I COULD VISIT THE PLACE ONE OF THESE DAYS :) :)

KulasKusgan

November 1st, 2006, 08:36 AM

Please avoid regionalistic topic here please, thanks. Now back to topic :)

huwaaat? were talking about mindanao here.

WawaY[625]

November 1st, 2006, 08:38 AM

Please avoid regionalistic topic here please, thanks. Now back to topic :)

whos being regionalistic here? this is a MINDANAO thread

Sinjin P.

November 1st, 2006, 08:41 AM

huwaaat? were talking about mindanao here.

Yeah, don't be confused guys, I'm referring to the one who is interfering with the topic (e.g. Cebu, lord, gateway, comparing x to y, etc.) ;)

davaoeagle

November 1st, 2006, 08:57 PM

I checked the message of Marjus and I oculd see nothing witten in there to thrash Mindanao. So what's the big fuss here? guys, basaha pa gyid ninyo ug balik or it's me who should. I will. Oh no, siopao is the intruder he he. kulang ang info nimo dong! joke lang (giggling)

davaoeagle

November 1st, 2006, 09:03 PM

@ gors: mas gusto ko admin capital sa mindanao ang bukidnon kay sentro sa tanan. accessible sa davao, cdo, cotabato.

puede man guro pero kinsa pud ganahan moadto didto nga wala man pud facilities kaayo. naay daghan asukar pero mag diabetes pud ta ana lol. Bitaw, dako ang budget kinahanglanon para maplastar ang conveniences ug wala budget gobyerno.

davaoeagle

November 1st, 2006, 09:32 PM

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/manolofortich-buk/images/stories/manolo_spots/c1.jpg

Ohh Camp Phillips in Bukignon...an uncle of mine lives here. This place is cool in early mornings. It gets too foggy too at times.

habagatcentral1

November 2nd, 2006, 05:30 AM

Polomolok, South Cotabato

Here, panapat sa DelMonte, wehehehehehe! :lol:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/General%20Nostalgia/dolemini.jpg
Dole Philippines ug ang usa ka epal sa Polomolok, South Cotabato

Alunan National Highway (part of the Pan-Philippine Highway/Maharlika Highway System) somewhere in Polomolok, South Cotabato
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack60.jpg

habagatcentral1

November 2nd, 2006, 05:57 AM

Buluan, Maguindanao Province

This was the terminus for most of the "Christian Pioneers" who are to settle in Sultan Kudarat and some portions of Koronadal and Allah Valley. This serves also an outlet for Lake Buluan and a tributary of Rio Grande de Mindanao/Pulangi.

They rode with the lanchas from Cotabato City all the way to the deepest parts of Cotabato during the 50's. Believe it or not?

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BuluanMaguindanao.jpg

g0Rs

November 2nd, 2006, 09:19 AM

ok man ang bukidnon as the admin capital kaso it needs a lot of money for infrastructure devt.

KulasKusgan

November 2nd, 2006, 02:05 PM

^^ amot-amot gud ta ninyo. hehe. kumpyansa mo sa bukidnon, daghan kwarta didto.

JAMAICUS

November 3rd, 2006, 10:31 AM

Arroyo to inaugurate P320-M capitol building of Sultan Kudarat

By BONG REBLANDO

TACURONG CITY — Mindanao has a new landmark, the R320-million capitol building of Sultan Kudarat, said to be Southeast Asia’s biggest.

It is described as a legacy of Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, the first Muslim governor of this predominantly Christian province.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will lead guests at the inauguration this month of the four-storey edifice, whose design is a combination of Muslim and Christian symbols with a gold-painted "Dome," a worship area, which separates the east wing from the West wing of the building.

"The construction of the capitol building is finished. We have transferred here last Sept. 18 with all government offices in place and functional. This is our legacy of service to our people. They deserve no less from my administration," Mangudadatu told reporters yesterday.

Except for the Dome, this "Palace of the People" with a sprawling floor area of 10,000 square meters is painted in pure white and is built in the center of the Kenram palm plantation which is owned by the family of Don Juan Garcia Jr., who donated the land to the provincial government.

"The design of the Capitol is unique. It is a combination of the architectural designs of state buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangkok, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, which had been visited by Governor Mangudadatu," said Arturo Uy of Gemma Construction, the contractor.

Uy dismisses charges that the building is substandard, citing its strict adherence to the designs and program of work and the strict monitoring by structural engineers, private consultants and government offices.

"It’s impossible that the building is substandard. Many eyes are watching us. We have structural engineers and the private consultants, who are dead serious in ensuring that we comply strictly with the plans and programs of the building," Uy said.

The construction of the capitol building started in 2003 with a R200-million loan obtained from the bank. The cost went up further to R320 million as changes were made while construction was going on to follow the foreign designs Mangudadatu wanted.

The new building boasts of a helicopter pad at one of its wings, an olympic-size tennis court, an elevator, VIP basement parking area, a ladder-type fire escape and imported acoustic board-sound system.

Uy said that the capitol building is also equipped with an automatic transfer-switch generating set and smoke-detection device with water sprinkles, which could abort the spread of fire.

He said the building is elevated, making it free from floods, while the landscape of the capitol site is of the latest design bolstered by the human-size statue of Sultan Kudarat, one of the country’s national heroes.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2006110378736.html

junax

November 3rd, 2006, 10:46 AM

wow!!! pictures pictures anybody?

JAMAICUS

November 3rd, 2006, 10:52 AM

The Sultan Kudarat PRovincial website I think has a pic but I'm too lazy to check it out... hehe...

WawaY[625]

November 3rd, 2006, 11:26 AM

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g261/waway625/party3.jpg

shadow_can2003

November 3rd, 2006, 12:27 PM

^^ Ganda naman ng Mindanao. Sana more developments to come.

WawaY[625]

November 3rd, 2006, 12:27 PM

kumusta na ang gyera sa mindanao? magulo pa ba sa mindanao?

habagatcentral1

November 3rd, 2006, 12:43 PM

I've passed by it last year. Palasyo man gyud na ara sa tunga sang plantasyon sang kenram. Tupad sina ang Isulan Terminal.

By the way, basi kaagi kamo Sharrif Aguak, ano na ang itsura sang palasyo sang "Sultan sa Maguindanao" didto?

KulasKusgan

November 3rd, 2006, 05:33 PM

balita ko nagpapatayan daw dyan sa mindanao. pls enlighten me. hehe.

WawaY[625]

November 3rd, 2006, 05:38 PM

oo nga..tapos kinikidnap ang mga turista at araw araw may bomba sumasabog..nakaktakot siguro dyan sa Mindanao noh?

KulasKusgan

November 3rd, 2006, 05:51 PM

katakot talaga jan sa mindanao. hala... araw-araw baya ako nandyan. haha.

davaoeagle

November 3rd, 2006, 06:31 PM

Polomolok, South Cotabato

Alunan National Highway (part of the Pan-Philippine Highway/Maharlika Highway System) somewhere in Polomolok, South Cotabato
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack60.jpg

is this the road in tantangan going to Tacurong from Marbel?

remember ko na to. this is right aftr polomolok center on the way to DOLE. 4 lanes na pala to. Dati kasi medyo dirt road pa lang to eh. Last time I drove on this road was in 1994.

junax

November 4th, 2006, 05:59 AM

;10341031']oo nga..tapos kinikidnap ang mga turista at araw araw may bomba sumasabog..nakaktakot siguro dyan sa Mindanao noh?

san sa Mindanao Avenue? hahahaha

sa mga hindi pa nakapunta ng mindanao, hwag na kayong pumunta dito, nagpapatayan lahat ng tao dito, maraming terorista, kidnappers at iba pa, tsaka wala kang makikitang magandang tanawin dito like virgin forests and beaches. walang world class resorts dito, yang davao city, cagayan de oro, gensan, zamboanga, at iba pang city nila, sus mga barrio lang yan. hay naku, wala ngang city dito eh, probinsya lang ang naririto. walang mga malls, wala lahat mga bukid lang makikita. hwag na kayong pumunta dito ha. stay put na lang kayo kung san man kayo naroroon total kumpleto naman kayo dyan. ayan...

para naman masolo ko ang MINDANAO bwahahahahaha! ang sarap kasi dito eh paradise nga tawag namin. joke lang baka seryosohin nyo eh ok lang din.

ikra

November 4th, 2006, 12:22 PM

ROFLMAO!!!! so true soooo true :D lol... me idea ba kayu what percentage of mindanao speaks bisaya??? im sure northern mindanao from pagadian-osamiz-dipolog-iligan-cdo-butuan-davao speaks bisaya... i know zambo speaks chavacano... ive been to cotabato and they speak bisaya there too, as well as far as kidapawan

habagatcentral1

November 4th, 2006, 12:34 PM

is this the road in tantangan going to Tacurong from Marbel?

Polomolok talaga. Just before Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok

@Waway. Eto pic sa Mindanao o. Sa Dadiangas na.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/14abbf20.jpg

Who said that Mindanao is a no man's land?

I say...Mindanao is my home down south! SouthCentral Mindanao, babalik din ako!

davaoeagle

November 4th, 2006, 09:00 PM

WawaY[625]

November 5th, 2006, 05:02 AM

pero most na kilala ko tga cotabato, di magaling mag bisaya and pag sila sila magkausap, nagtatagalog sila.

davaoeagle

November 5th, 2006, 05:43 AM

;10358972']pero most na kilala ko tga cotabato, di magaling mag bisaya and pag sila sila magkausap, nagtatagalog sila.

korek! tagalog nga halos lahat don eh, pati ang muslim karamihan tagalog except na lang yong mga nasa lower rung of economic strata, the speak in their common tongue.

habagatcentral1

November 5th, 2006, 12:32 PM

According to the brochure that I've got before, Cotabato City is the only city in Mindanao that "Tagalog" is the lingua franca.

Back then, Cotabato City was the gateway to the settlements in interior Mindanao. There were Ilonggos, Cebuanos, Ilokanos, Kapampangans, Tagalogs, etc mixed with Maguindanaos, Jama Mapun, Maranao, Teduray, T'boli, B'laan and so much more.

davaoeagle

November 6th, 2006, 12:45 AM

IMPRESARIO

November 6th, 2006, 08:50 AM

Tagalog pala ang Cotabato huh?, i have lots of college friends from Mindanao, hiligaynon dialect is still there....

g0Rs

November 6th, 2006, 09:03 AM

i have a dormate back then galing cotabato city...he speaks tagalog din...

Animo

November 8th, 2006, 07:55 PM

OZAMIZ CITY -- Am back in this bustling city of motorcabs. It took a one-hour and 45-minute drive from Iligan City and that includes the ferry ride, which is 12 minutes. Some of my friends in the Rotary are in the askance why I frequent this place and Dipolog and other cities in the Zamboanga and Sibugay provinces.

They had the notion that peace and order condition in these places are not good enough for the health and that the roads are bad.

Truth is, these places are a lot safer than Metro Manila. Most of the bridges in Lanao del Norte though are under repair and are in the same condition as the last time I was here last month. But the roads are good.

There are roadblocks in places where there are schools, to slow down motorists, but other than that the highway from Buda to Dipolog City is definitely better than the road from Buda to Calinan or Digos to Alabel towards the south. In short, if I give a grade to the DPWH directors, Region 11 is not faring very well.

I don't expect any dramatic performance this time from Director Dimas Soguilon. I think he has stayed long enough in the region he has developed some kind of bureaucratic fatigue. He cannot even dismantle the billboards fast enough so how can we expect him to repair the so many road defects in upper Calinan and Marilog, the rotting bridge in Padada and the corrugated highway between Sulop and Banate?

If I were him, I will kick out the district engineers in-charge of these places. Or better still, Director Soguilon can transfer to a smaller region, which is more manageable by his standard. Region 11 may be too big for him.

I feel it rather incredulous that some road faults cannot be repaired by the maintenance crew of DPWH. I do not think that repairing small portions of damaged national roads will need so much funding to put these back in shape. Even by just saving money on meetings held in posh restaurants will help DPWH crew to get their equipment running and their mixers churning out cement or asphalt mix.

What erodes the credibility of Arroyo government is when the President makes positive announcements and here we see simple defects not being attended. Gives you the feeling that what you hear is tomfoolery. It's not the President's fault actually, for some of the jobs and services needed only require simple ingenuity and industry.

The other night, I saw this DPWH man on national TV unabashedly declaring that they have dismantled the illegal billboards in Region 11. How can they engage in such prevarication when you do not see it happening in Davao City where the regional office of DPWH is located? If that is meant for propaganda, that one is reeking with lies and you know it can boomerang on GMA.

GMA does not need the political opposition as critic and enemy. She has one right inside her corral. DPWH Secretary Ebdane should come more often to Mindanao to see the performance of his people and look at the condition of the national highway in Davao del Sur and Davao City (Calinan to Buda).

The problem with most cabinet members is that they hate Mindanao like a plague. They come here for the ceremony, and after delivering boring motherhood statements go back to the comforts of their office in Manila. They should be ashamed of themselves. GMA comes to Mindanao more often than Cabinet members do, and consults the local stakeholders and officials and very often stays for the night if the business is not done.

But I tell you this is a malaise among officials. How often do we see senators visiting Mindanao? Even congressmen would rather spend their time, during recess, abroad on "official" business than consult their constituents during this break.

FOR A POSITIVE NOTE: There's a huge Gaisano Mall going up in Iligan City. Sugarcane and corn plantations in Bukidnon are verdant and we can expect bumper crop next harvest season.

The thousand-acre mango plantation in what used to be Cojuangco's flourishing cacao hacienda in Guihing has started to bear fruits. I heard from a media colleague in General Santos City that the fishing magnates there are ready to compete with the big guys in the tuna markets with new partnerships coming in. Davao City is temporary home to some 10,000 delegates attending the Catholic annual celebration of National Youth Day. A misnomer actually since the event will run for almost a week and attended also by non-Catholic youths.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINONG. My ninong Paco Dizon turned a summer older yesterday. I regret that this is his second birthday I am away from Davao City. Not many know this, but my ninong, who was the original Davao pomelo king, is now a kalamansi magnate. My kumpadre publisher assured me Don Paco has more than 100 hectares of his lands in Pampanga and Mindoro alone planted to fully bearing kalamansi (lemoncito). Don Paco really recognizes a fat cash cow when he sees one.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/11/09/oped/jun.ledesma.sunbursts.html

habagatcentral1

November 9th, 2006, 11:27 AM

When SOCCSKSARGEN speaks, its a very big bag of jellybeans. Different ethno-linguistic people are there.

FrancisXavier

November 9th, 2006, 11:30 AM

oonga...ilocano,ilonggo,cebuano,tagalog, ano pa?

habagatcentral1

November 9th, 2006, 11:35 AM

Majority of Northern Mindanaoans are Visayan (Cebuano/Boholano) speaking since the proximity of the area is near the places of the Visayans. Since then, there were Visayan settlers already as early as 17-18th Century.

Cotabato on the other hand was sparesly populated in the first half of the 20th Century. And with the opening of Mindanao as the "Land of Promise", different people went to Mindanao and encoraged friends and families to move to Cotabato.

Cotabato City was the hub or gateway for Central Mindanao, and that explains one of the reasons why Cotabato City speaks Tagalog. Not only Visayan people are here but those from Luzon and the native Mindanaoans as well.

habagatcentral1

November 15th, 2006, 06:35 AM

Ito ang Mindanao noon...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/mindanao.jpg
kapanahunan ng Komonwelt, Pagsakop ng Hapon hanggang dekada 60.

windlady

November 15th, 2006, 01:42 PM

Mindanao WiFi Hotspots
City Hotspot Location

Cagayan de Oro

Balay Mindanaw
Bigby’s Limketkai
Bo’s Coffee Club (Divisoria)
Bo’s Coffee Club (Limketkai)
Cafe Laguna (Big-R)
Coffee Works (near Robinson’s Mall)
Mallberry Suites
Mandarin Restaurant (Valez Street)
OIC (Only in Cagayan)
Robinson’s Mall
Sunburst
The Site Coffee Shop at Limketkai Mall

Davao

Apo View Hotel
Ateneo de Davao University
Bagobo House
Basti’s Brew (Victoria Plaza and Legazpi)
Blue Post (Ponciano)
Blugre Coffee Branches (MTS and Landco Building)
Bo’s Coffee Club (F. Torres St.)
Casa Leticia Hotel
Cups & Lowercase (F. Torres St.)
Damosa Gateway
Davao International Airport
Eden Nature Park
Figaro Coffee (Chimes)
Five One Coffee Shop (Victoria Plaza Compound)
Formula Pete’s Sports Café - Wheels & More Bldg JP Laurel
Grand Men Seng Hotel
Grand Regal Hotel
Holiday Health Spa (F. Torres St.)
Hotel Galeria
Humberto’s Hotel
Insular Hotel
Jack’s Ridge
K1 Coffee Shop on F. Torres Street
Karlo’s Koffee Korner
Matina Town Square
Mergrande Beach Resort
NCCC Mall
Marco Polo Hotel
Orange Grove Hotel
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Royal Mandaya Hotel
The Manor Hotel
The Venue
Tower Inn
Villa Margarita Hotel

General Santos

Cookie Factory
Cyber Junction - National Highway
East Asia Royale Hotel
Fagioli Coffee Club
General Santos City Airport
HiTechPinoy Internet Cafe (Pioneer Ave.)
Jazz Net - National Highway
Timeline Concepts

Iligan

Area 51 Net Café, Keema Arcade, Quezon Avenue Extension
MSU-IIT

Koronadal

Bahay Kainan
McGregor Coffee Shop

Surigao

Mario’s Grill and Restaurant

Zamboanga

Ateneo de Zamboanga, Downtown Campus
CoffeeBook.com
Cafe88 at Park88
Coffee Mix
Filinvest Zamboanga Office, SLSR Building
Inbox Internet Cafe
Jardin de la Vina Hotel (7th floor restaurant)
Myx Pizza

taken from mindanao.com

FrancisXavier

November 15th, 2006, 01:51 PM

may kulang jan sa CDO...
Xavier University
Cusina de Oro
Limketkai mall

junax

November 16th, 2006, 06:13 AM

many are quite familiar with Maria Christina Falls in iligan, but not with Agus 1 to 7 powerplants. the most special of all powerplants is the Agus 4 having an underground powerplant. laking gulat ko na meron palang ganito ang pinas... 120 meters (roughtly 40 storeys high) undergound powerplant. and its damn big. feeling mo nasa james bond movie ka once inside. here guys, enjoy! (sorry cell cam pics lang)

Maria Christina Falls, Iligan City... at full force... swerte namin kasi bihira lang yan i-open, most of the time dingding lang makikita dyan...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc01.jpg

main control center, still at ground level...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc02.jpg

close up... control center...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc03.jpg

ok... going under the tunnel (almost 1 kilometer ride), our bus was swallowed easily...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc04.jpg

going further this 800 meter stretch...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC18.jpg

finally the group arrived, feeling mo nasa ibang world ka...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc05.jpg

here, kita mo pa ang headlights ng bus...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc06.jpg

bye bye bus... where going under from here pa kasi eh.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/Mc07.jpg

after a series of stairs... finally arrived at the Agus 4 underground powerplant...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC08.jpg

120 meters below the ground, may mall pala dito!!! hehehe
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC09.jpg

i was really amazed...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC10.jpg

in awe...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC11.jpg

down to the turbine floor...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC12.jpg

turbine is so huge...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC13.jpg

the butterly valve (imagine a ten wheeler truck)...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC14.jpg

more of the turbine area...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC15.jpg

here is the agus 4 dam... from above...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC16.jpg

below that dam is the powerplant, here is the illustration... what an experience...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/MC17.jpg

thank you maria christina, NAPOCOR, Iligan.... mabuhay MINDANAO...

Animo

November 19th, 2006, 01:55 AM

Written by Walter I. Balane / MindaNews
Sunday, 19 November 2006 07 02 32
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 November) – Some 12 million euros intended for development work in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao went instead to the government's health reform program this year amid the impasse in peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The fund, committed in earlier this year by the European Commission to the Mindanao Trust Fund, was supposed to be used to stabilize communities in conflict-affected areas and resettle displaced persons to help Mindanao once a final peace agreement is signed.

Ambassador Jan de Kok, head of Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, said the fund has been diverted to boost the government's health reform project under the Department of Health as its Mindanao Health Sector Policy Support.

Thelma Gecolea, an EC public affairs officer, told MindaNews the fund is still with the European Union with the details still being decided upon.

De Kok said the signing of the peace agreement was a condition for the release of the fund. The peace efforts got about a third of the EU's 90 million euros aid to Mindanao over a number of years, he said.

But he said the European Union has since pledged another 12 million euros to the MTF "following further progress with the peace negotiation" . "It will be included in next year's budget," he added.

Government peace adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza and de Kok said Friday that even before the signing, capacity building and organizational setup projects have been on the roll.

The two officials launched the Rapid Response Mechanism in Mindanao project in formal rites at the Marco Polo Hotel here Friday.

The EU announced it will release 1 million euros for the project as its initial contribution to the MTF this year, even before the peace pact is signed. He said it will be used either to upscale existing pilot projects or open new pilot areas for peace-building projects.

Apart from the EU's contribution, around US$2.74 million has been earmarked for the initial phase with US$ 369, 850.00 (Australia), US$ 643,005.00 (Canada), US$ 199,978 (New Zealand) and US$ 1,525,000 from the World Bank.

The projects initially prioritized for the phase are coconut driers in Barangay Sapad, Matanog, Maguindanao; tire path in Barangay Sungayan, Dinas, Zamboanga del Norte; livelihood training center in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan; Barangay Pacalundo, Baloi, Lanao del Norte; Barangay Lucatan, Tarragona, Davao Oriental and warehouse and solar dryer in Barangay Malisbong, Palembang, Sultan Kudarat.

The MTF was established in 2005 by the World Bank amid calls from the government for aid to Mindanao in case the agreement is signed. It will focus on providing grant funding to conflict-affected areas.

Dureza said they will make initial preparations by providing capacity building to the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the office eyed to lead the implementation of the MTF projects.

A full program will be implemented in the final phase once the peace agreement is signed. Grants will be released to finance projects like technical assistance, expansion of capacity-building, and a gradual transfer of management to a governing entity.

With the exploratory talks stalled since September, the peace panels have not yet identified the entity referred for now as the BJA or the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

De Kok clarified, however, that they did not wish to rush as they want to
give the aid after the signing of a peace pact to ensure that the projects would be sustained.

The EU said the initial 1-million euro fund was released to recognize the efforts of both the government and the MILF to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and to pursue a sustainable peace agreement.

http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1296&Itemid=50

Animo

November 25th, 2006, 05:39 AM

Friday, November 24 2006 @ 03:14 PM GMT

Provincial

24 - Multi-billion projects to make Mindanao, "the land of promise" a reality

The national government will allocate billions of pesos for infrastructure projects in Mindanao to harness its vast potentials and turn it into a real "land of promise."

Secretary Jesus Dureza, chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO), in last Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, said at least P10 billion is being eyed to construct new roads and repair or extend existing ones to further open up Mindanao to trade and tourism.

The biggest of these road projects is the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road that will have five sections with a total cost of P6.278 billion.

This project, once completed, will ran through the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

At least P2.065 billion will be earmarked for the construction of the Awang-Upi-Lebak road, connecting the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

The road project forms part of an inter-regional link between Central Mindanao, Region XII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through its coastal towns.

In the Zamboanga peninsula, the government is allocating some P1.326 billion to construct the Sibuco-Siraway-Siocon-Baliguian-Gutalac Road that would facilitate travel from Zamboanga del Norte to Zamboanga del Sur.

Once opened, this road project is envisioned to improve the peace and order situation in the two Zamboanga provinces.

Some P210 million is eyed for the widening of 10.8 kilometers of road from Dapitan City to Dakak in Zamboanga del Norte. The widened road would enable more tourists, foreign and local, to visit the Dakak Resort, a world-class tourist facility.

The government is also allotting billions of pesos for the construction and improvement of airports and sea ports in the region, as part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's concept of the "Mindanao Super Region."

Among these airport and seaport projects is the P5.386- billion new airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, with a planned 2,100 meters by 45 meters runway and a terminal building that would cater to some 1.2 million passengers.

Slated for upgrading and rehabilitiation are the Dipolog Airport, costing some P800 million; the Pagadian Airport, the upgrading and rehabilitation of which is projected to cost some P1.2 billion; the Butuan Airport, at a cost of P1.3 billion; the Cotabato Airport, to cost some P2.7 billion; the Zamboanga Airport, estimated to cost some P257 million; and the Ozamis City Airport with a projected cost of P86 million.

The Cagayan de Oro Port will be rehabilitated and extended at a cost of P163 million to enable more and bigger cargo and passenger ships to berth, the port being the gateway to Mindanao through the sea.

All these infrastructure projects will be supported by agri-structures such as irrigations, dams and bridges that would create linked and interconnected islands and provinces, to make Mindanao a mega-region, according to Secretary Dureza. (PNA)

http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20061124151429427

demented_pigeon

November 25th, 2006, 01:06 PM

i have a dormate back then galing cotabato city...he speaks tagalog din...

i have a former classmate from cotabato who tells me that they speak tagalog there.

g0Rs

November 26th, 2006, 08:35 PM

Monday, November 27, 2006
Mindanao girds for Saudi Arabia trade mission

MINDANAO trade officials are eyeing the markets of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for halal and other products manufactured in the southern Philippines.

Efforts to conduct a trade and investment mission to the Arabian kingdom shifted to high gear on Sunday with organizers calling on halal-certified companies to grab the opportunity.

"This is a trade and investment mission and as such we are also looking at the possibility of bringing investors to Mindanao," said Edwin Banquerigo, a ranking official from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao.

"We will not focus only on the Halal food products but also other products that have good market potentials in Saudi. We were advised that furniture has also good prospects in the Saudi Arabian market," he added.

Banquerigo said there are present 50 companies across the country that has been granted halal certification.

At least 403 existing products are certified also as halal, he added.

The trade mission is slated on February 23 to March 21 and will cover Saudi Arabia's two largest cities, Riyadh and Jeddah.

Ishak Mastura, secretary of DTI in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the Mindanao Economic and Development Council and the Mindanao Business Council expressed full support to the upcoming trade and investment mission.

Last month, the autonomous Muslim region's Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. was launched in a bid to deepen the country's niche in the international market.

Mastura said Philippine poultry exporters can avail of the services of the certification board to boost their competitiveness in penetrating the annual $150 billion global halal market.

Banquerigo said Malaysia is presently the undisputed international halal hub, having pioneered halal export production to other countries.

By food safety standards, halal is considered a quality control system by itself that puts emphasis on critical control points involving hygienic and disease-free preparation of foods from farm to plate.

Halal seal marked on labels of food and non-food products will inform Muslim consumers that the product is free from any Haram or pork, lard from swine and alcohol.

Haram, which is the opposite of halal, are foods that are forbidden for consumption of Muslims.

He said the upcoming trade mission is being coordinated by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Jeddah and Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

Mission activities include meeting with chamber and trade associations, briefing with regulatory agencies on the importation of halal products, one-on-one investment and market-matching, mini-halal product exhibit and market sensing tours. (BSS)

Source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/gen/2006/11/27/bus/mindanao.girds.for.saudi.arabia.trade.mission.html)

Christendom

November 28th, 2006, 01:14 PM

11 connecting flights from Bacolod opened

Eleven connecting flights from Bacolod were opened by Cebu Pacific starting November 22, the airline company said.

Flights available are from Bacolod to Laoag for P799; to Dumaguete, Kalibo, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Davao (via Cebu) for P999; and to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog and Davao (via Manila) for P1,299.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific marketing director, said that by adding more connecting routes, they are giving passengers more travel options.

Passengers can also avail of a check-through baggage connection service from the origin station to the end-destination of the guest. source (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2006/November/24/businessnews1.htm)

davaoeagle

December 4th, 2006, 07:12 AM

i have a former classmate from cotabato who tells me that they speak tagalog there.

Yes it's true. Cotabato City used to be a part of my territory (being a sales rep before) and I could say around 70% of the locals speaks tagalog very fluently.

g0Rs

December 11th, 2006, 01:05 PM

Monday, December 11, 2006
'Super regions' in Mindanao to be connected

HEAVY equipments of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are expected to start their massive earth-moving activities by March 2007, on a 117.30-kilometer coastal road that will connect the towns of Sibuco, Siraway, Siocon, Baliguian and Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte.

When completed in October 2009, this P1.326-B project is seen to improve the peace and order situation in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

Having completed the detailed engineering design and the procurement for civil works in September 2006, the construction of the P2.065 billion worth Awang-Upi-Lebak road in Maguindanao province is expected to start in April 2007 and is due for completion in November 2009.

To provide accessibility between the urban and rural centers of Dinagat Island, in Surigao del Norte, the national government will improve its 15-kilometer road for P100 million. Construction is expected to start in April 2007 because it is due for completion in 7 months.

The construction of a section, out of the 5 sections, of the P6.278-billion Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, which runs from Bacuag, Surigao del Norte to Mati, Davao Oriental and bisects Surigao del Sur, was started in October 2004.

This project, which is 60 percent funded by the World Bank and the rest by the Philippine government, is due for completion by August 2010.

In fact, the Manay-Mati (Davao Oriental) section has already recorded a physical accomplishment of 59.30 percent. Since engineering preparations are underway, full-blast operations in all the four other sections are expected to start in the early part of 2007.

Seen to propel the development of tourism and provide a wider market for marine agriculture products in the Zamboanga peninsula, the 10.8-kilometer Dapitan City-Dakak road shall be widened at a cost of P210 million out of domestic funds. Civil works are expected to start in April 2007 and completed sometime in August 2009.

In a bid to cut travel time between Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub City by two hours and 30 minutes, the government is now trying to fund the two-kilometer bridge across Panguil Bay. This project is expected to cost P2.7-billion and will be implemented through public-private partnership.

To increase Northern Mindanao's capabilities on job generation, economic opportunities, socio-political stability and to ensure a better quality of life for its denizens, the construction of the P5.386-billion Laguindingan Airport Development Project in Misamis Oriental has been scheduled to commence in mid-May 2007.

The airport project would enable the regional to handle international flights by wide-bodied aircrafts. Financed with a combined National Government and Official Development Assistance (ODA) fund, a new runway of about 2.1 kilometers long and 45 meters wide will be built along with a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building that could cater to 1.2 million passengers annually.

At an estimated cost of P115 million, some shoreline protection structures shall be built in the Dipolog City Airport starting this month.

Similar airport improvement projects will also be carried in the cities of Pagadian, Cotabato, Butuan, Ozamis and Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. The total cost of the projects amount to P1.35 billion. These projects are seen to increase the level of trade, tourism and investments within the sub-regional economic growth area (Bimp-Eaga). Some of airports will be able to improve their capabilities to handle night and extreme weather landings.

Source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/12/11/news/.super.regions.in.mindanao.to.be.connected.html)

FrancisXavier

December 11th, 2006, 02:03 PM

Im seeing erronious details.. ^

g0Rs

December 11th, 2006, 02:14 PM

Im seeing erronious details.. ^

:ohno: Di na nako sala lew...kasab-i ang writer :lol:

FrancisXavier

December 11th, 2006, 05:39 PM

:ohno: Di na nako sala lew...kasab-i ang writer :lol:

wa man tika gi basul..:bash: :jk::lol:

g0Rs

December 18th, 2006, 02:44 PM

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m300/gors_iligan/mindanao.jpg

Animo

December 22nd, 2006, 11:12 AM

TITAY, Zamboanga Sibugay -- The Spanish government, upon seeing the children's dismal performance in education, is pouring in one million euros over the next two years to help uplift the literacy rate in Mindanao, particularly in areas dominated by Muslims and lumads (tribesmen).

One million euros is equivalent to P66,121,700 at an exchange rate of P66.1217 per euro.

The two-year education program, implemented through the Agency for International Cooperation (AIC) and the Fundacion Humanismo y Democracia (H+D), aims to increase the access of children and youth to quality basic education, which would lead to productive and competitive students and graduates.

H+D representative Pilar Rodriguez said education is a way for children to become better citizens of the future and the sure way “to build a better world.”

Rodriguez, together with the representatives from the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the project proponent, led Tuesday the groundbreaking rites for the construction of the first school building under the two-year program in Barangay Kitabog in this town.

Officials from the local government and Department of Education (Deped) were also present during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Chosen as the first beneficiary of the program, Rodriguez said they are going to construct school buildings with a total 30 classrooms in 13 schools in this province.

Each of the school building will have two to three classrooms, depending on the needs of the school-beneficiary.

PBSP Regional Manager Marilyn Muncada said of the 13 school-beneficiaries, 11 are located in this town while the two are in Ipil, the province’s capital.

Rodriguez said 1,500 public elementary school children will enjoy scholarship in terms of free school supplies, uniforms, and transportation allowance since the Philippines has free public elementary and secondary education. Feeding is also included in the two-year program.

The total project cost for this town and Ipil is P17,722,867.20. As proponent of the project, PBSP will monitor its implementation.

Mindanao, particularly in areas dominated by Muslim and Lumad population, has the poorest education indicators, according to the PBSP.

Without citing specific figures, Titay Mayor Gil Rillera disclosed that lumads are a big percentage of this town’s population of more than 49,000.

A PBSP study in 2002 revealed that data on elementary completion rates alone showed Mindanao with a dismal performance rate of 54 percent compared to Luzon’s 74 percent and Visayas’ 64 percent. National average completion rate is pegged at 67 percent.

Aside from completion, Mindanao’s dropout rate almost doubles that of Luzon at 12 percent. Luzon and Visayas have 6.1 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively.

The PBSP said that results of a recent National Diagnostic Test of first year students in Zamboanga Sibugay province showed a very low average score of 38.27, way below the passing rate of 75 percent.

The low result of the School Readiness Test for grade six pupils at 30.45 percent indicated the poor level of preparation among public elementary school students to enter the secondary level.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/12/07/news/spain.pours.1.m.euro.education.program.in.mindanao.html

online_jhune

December 29th, 2006, 04:11 PM

:)
Totoo bang mag tatayo ang University of Santo Tomas (UST) ng campus sa gensan and mas malaki pa daw 'to sa UP Dil.?

DexterTexter

December 29th, 2006, 06:31 PM

If that's true, that would be great for gensan and the rest of southern mindanao region.:banana:

Sera

December 29th, 2006, 06:46 PM

:)
Totoo bang mag tatayo ang University of Santo Tomas (UST) ng campus sa gensan and mas malaki pa daw 'to sa UP Dil.?

That's TOO good to be true...but who knows:nuts:

g0Rs

January 6th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Mindanao needs P59.32-B for super region projects
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cagayan de Oro City (5 January) -- The Administration is taking the issue of "social payback" to another level through focused programs that uplift ordinary Filipinos from poverty and hunger and a continued call for unity and cooperation among all sectors.

"This is why the country, based on their natural comparative advantages, have been delineated into four super regions: North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines and Agribusiness Mindanao," Atty. Jesus Dureza, Secretary, Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP), said

Mindanao, however, needs at least Php59.32B to fund the various strategic projects that would promote the scale economies, enhance functional linkages and boost its market potentials under the super region (SR) concept.

"These projects which are within the 2007-2011 completion timeframes are ports and airports, Php11.035B, roads and bridges, Php13.596B and agricultural support, Php24.45B. In fact, some of them have already been started last year," Dureza said.

Considered a melting point of diverse cultures with almost 20 million people or an estimated one-fourth of the country's population, Mindanao which is composed of six (6) regions, 25 provinces, 27 cities, 412 towns and 10,050 barangays cites the following comparative advantages:

It is centrally located in the Asia Pacific and gateway to the ASEAN. It has fertile soil and typhoon-free climate for diverse agriculture, the whole year round. It also has rich inland and costal water resources, abundant mineral deposits and exquisite tourism assets.

Meanwhile, the SR projects and their amounts are: Cagayan de Oro Port, Php181M, Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental, Php5.386B, Dipolog Airport, 731M, Ozamiz Port, 86M, Butuan Airport, Php1.312B, Zamboanga Airport, 257M, Pagadian Airport, 517M and Cotabato Airport, Php2.565B.

Hawilian-Salug-Sinakungan Barangay Road, Agusan del Sur, 90M, Panguil Bay Bridge, Lanao del Norte-Misamis Occidental, Php2.7B, Sibuco-Sirawai-Siocon-Baliguian-Gutalac Road, Zamboanga del Sur, Php898M, Mindanao Road Improvement Project, P1.078B, Awang-Upi-Lebak-Kalamansig Road, Sultan Kudarat, Php2.065B, Dinagat Island Road Network, Php100M and Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, Php5.865B.

Irrigation projects, Php2.4B per year for four (4) years or Php9.6B, Farm-to- Market Roads, Php2.4 per year, also for 4 years or Php9.6B, Malaig Irrigation Project, Lanao del Sur, Php375M, Kabulnan Irrigation Project Phase II or Manganoy Dam 3, Sultan Kudarat. Php4.299B and Davao Food Exchange Complex, Php584M. (PIA 10)

PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p070105.htm&no=15)

g0Rs

January 6th, 2007, 03:04 PM

Mindanao's tourism assets await ASEAN Summit participants
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cagayan de Oro City (5 January) -- Mindanao, because of its exquisite tourism assets, will stand to benefit from the conduct of the 12th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu which will finally push through on Jan. 12-15, this year.

Supposed to have taken place last December but postponed due to Typhoon Seniang, this historic event is expected to buoy up the spirit of the people with Malacanang's declaration for non-working holidays in Cebu during the period.

"We expect some of the foreign delegates who will start arriving in the country as early as Jan. 9 to come and see not only the tourist areas near the summit venue but also of Mindanao even before, during and after the event will take place,â€ Atty. Jesus Dureza, Secretary, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process (OPAPP).

So far, we have the comparative advantage that might interest our foreign visitors considering our world-class vacations destinations, cultural attractions, colorful festivals, pristine beaches and excellent diving, he also said.

Meanwhile, Mindanao's strategic location as the gateway to the ASEAN has earned the support of the national government by granting tax exemptions until Sept. 2008 for those traveling to Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP EAGA) destinations.

"These travels, however, had to originate from any point in Mindanao and Palawan," Dureza said.

Aside from granting 50% discount on airport fees, discounted port tariff rates in the BIMP-EAGA equivalent to 50% will also be granted to ships carrying the Philippine and Malaysian flags, he added. (PIA 10)

PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p070105.htm&no=13)

papable

January 6th, 2007, 03:24 PM

:)
Totoo bang mag tatayo ang University of Santo Tomas (UST) ng campus sa gensan and mas malaki pa daw 'to sa UP Dil.?

There has been talks about UST putting a campus in Gen San for several years now. But I hope it would finally push through. South Cotabato, with its growing population needs good schools, especially universities.

FrancisXavier

January 11th, 2007, 09:31 AM

May all the bombers die.:gaah:

BOB-bXu

January 11th, 2007, 05:26 PM

Latest ACCU Weather Satelite of Mindanao with rain cloud cover
http://i.cnn.net/cnn/.element/img/1.0/weather/accu/asiasat.png

LordCarnal

January 13th, 2007, 07:11 PM

From the 12th ASEAN Summit Website
http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=news&newsid=568

PGMA cites Mindanao peace model for world to follow
1/13/2007

CEBU, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today cited the Mindanao peace model as something that the Philippines would like to share with the rest of the world.

In her statement during the formal opening this morning of the 12th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the President said that the peace model in Mindanao is "an example of how nations working together can make positive things happen."

The President thanked anew the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam for their full support to the peace process in the Southern Philippines.

"I want to reiterate my thanks to the ASEAN leaders who have been helping the success of the Philippine model for dealing with the flashpoint area in Mindanao," the President said.

She said that the Philippine government has been able to put up confidence building measures "grounded on strong interfaith dialogue and cultural awareness, investments in economic and basic infrastructure development and mutual security arrangements to keep the peace in Mindanao."

According to the President, aside from the three neighboring Muslim countries, there has also been a broad spectrum of international organizations and nations that have helped in restoring peace in Mindanao, such as Sweden, the European Union, Japan, the United States, Libya and the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

"The broad-based coalition is working to keep the peace, isolate general security threats and promote the economic well-being of Muslim and Christian residents in Mindanao," the President said.

FrancisXavier

January 13th, 2007, 07:12 PM

:okay:

LordCarnal

January 13th, 2007, 07:14 PM

PGMA urges private sector to take active role in BIMP-EAGA projects
1/13/2007

CEBU, Philippines--- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has urged the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) flagship programs and projects.

In her opening statement at the 3rd BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit held Friday at the Mactan Ballroom of the posh Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, the President also cited the importance of BIMP-EAGA's development partners in harnessing the full potential of the growth area.

"It is the private sector of the region that plays a crucial role in economic integration. And so, in this Summit, we hope that we can indeed urge the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of BIMP-EAGA flagship programs and projects," she said.

The President cited the sub-regional grouping's initiatives such as the halal poultry project, renewable energy, and environmental concerns.

"We are confident that with the support of the region's development partners, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), People's Republic of China, the Northern Territory of Australia, we shall be able to harness the region's potentials and create an environment conducive to further trade and investments," the President added.

The President also took the opportunity to thank the leaders of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia for their valuable support in the Philippine government's efforts in dealing with the security situation in Mindanao.

Malaysia was the facilitator of the peace process and head of the ceasefire monitoring team in Mindanao, while Indonesia is chair of the Committee of Eight. Brunei is a member of the ceasefire monitoring team and host to Madrasah scholars from Mindanao.

"We have been able to mend together confidence building measures grounded on strong faith dialogue and cultural awareness, invest in economic and basic infrastructure and development of mutual security arrangements to keep peace in Mindanao," the President said.

The BIMP-EAGA Summit was attended by Brunei Prime Minister Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

portludlow

January 15th, 2007, 03:45 AM

Major projects for Super Regions program bared
By Rose B. Palacio
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p070113.htm&no=1&date=
Davao City (13 January) -- In a bid to cut travel time between Tubod, Davao del Norte and Tangub City by 2 hours and 30 minutes, the Arroyo administration is now trying to fund with Php2.7-B the 2-kilometer bridge across Panguil Bay. This project shall be implemented through public-private partnership as the Super region program of the Arroyo Administration continues.

Heavy equipments of the Department of Public Works and Highways 9DPWH) are expected to start their massive activities by March this year especially on a 117.30 kilometer coastal road, which will connect the towns of Sibuco, Siraway, Siocon, Baliguian and Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte.

When completed in October 2009, this P1.326-B project is seen to improve the peace and order situation in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

To increase Northern Mindanao's capabilities on job generation, economic opportunities, socio-political stability and to ensure a better quality of life for its denizens, the construction of the Php5.386-B Laguindingan Airport Development Project in Misamis Oriental has been scheduled to commence in mid-May 2007.

This project would enable the regional to handle international flights by wide-bodied aircrafts. Financed with a combined National Government and Official Development Assistance (ODA) fund, a new runway of about 2.1 kilometers long and 45 meters wide shall be built along with a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building that could accommodate 1.2 million passengers annually.

Since land acquisition for the airport expansion site is at least 94% completed, the contract for the construction of an access road to the project site is set to be awarded anytime within the current month. Also within the current month, main civil works procurement is expected to commence.

At an estimated cost of Php115-M, some shoreline protection structures shall be built in the Dipolog City Airport starting in this January. At the time, fresh asphalt shall be over-laid on its widened 814-meter runway. This project shall be completed in May 2007.

Similar airport improvement projects shall also be carried in the cities of Pagadian, Cotabato, Zambaoanga, Butuan, Ozamis and Cagayan de Oro. The total cost of which would amount to some Php1.35-B. These projects are seen to increase the level of trade, tourism and investments within the sub-regional economic growth area (BIMP-EAGA). Some of airports will be able to improve their capabilities to handle night and extreme weather landings.

Physical improvements to be done by midyear 2007 at the seaport of Cagayan de Oro City have also been allocated some Php181-M. (PIA XI) [top]

FrancisXavier

January 25th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Friday, January 26, 2007
Mindanao has edge to compete globally
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

AN OFFICIAL of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (DCCCII) said Mindanao has a great advantage to compete globally with three aspects namely: services, agricultural production, and the information and communications technology (ICT).

DCCCII executive vice president Vicente Lao said Mindanao should maximize its competitiveness with these aspects.

"Mindanao has a good services field, we also have agricultural products na dito lang napu-produce, in terms of ICT naman, it is an advantage that our human resources here can easily be trained," Lao said during the Club 888 media convergence Thursday.

Services sector pre-dominated economic growth last year with a total of P111 billion output. The sector comprises the retail, the wholesale, and the communication industries.

Meanwhile, the agriculture sector gained a total of P56 billion.

On the other hand, there are three major projects to be pushed this year for agricultural production -- irrigation project, farm to market road project, and the nautical highways project by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The projects to be implemented for agricultural production this year is intended to reduce production and transportation costs.

Three top exporting agricultural products produced from Davao Region are banana, which remained to be in the top spot, coconut, and pineapple.

The three products constitute about 94 percent of the total export of the Region.

boju

January 30th, 2007, 02:59 AM

P29-B infrastructure facilities to boost Mindanao’s economy, chamber says

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

BUTUAN CITY – The Mindanao Super Region’s P29.1-billion infrastructure facilities spread all over the southern island will perk up the economy in 2007, a powerful chamber of commerce and industry said.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said construction boom will mean more employment and revenues, both for the local and national government coffers.

Mindanao Development Champion Secretary Jesus G. Dureza is now supervising the implementation of multi-billionpeso infrastructure projects spread all over the island region, the second largest island in the country with a land area of 102,043 square kilometers.

The chamber said the mushrooming of infrastructure facilities and various development projects will definitely pumpprime the economy.

Patrick Castro, executive director of Southern Mindanao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that one of the "plus factors" for the booming industris in the southern island is the strong performance of various sectors.

This has made it possible for the southern island, especially the Davao Region, to again prove its competitiveness as one of the most livable and economically viable destinations for investors in 2007 and the years ahead.

Castro also cited at least eight sectors that show strong and viable economic projections. These include wood and mining industry, agriculture, services sector, and banking and finance.

He said that improving peace and order situation also contributed to the booming of the tourism industry.

Big investments in banana production and exports are also seen in Davao and Compostela Valley, Central Mindanao and some areas in the Caraga Region.

The establishment of Mindanao’s medical transcription facilities (MT Academy) and call centers (Link2Support and PeopleSupport) also enhanced the economic situation on the southern island.

Also expected to be established soon are support establishments in the training and finishing institutions for business process outsourcing.

The establishment of the IT Park in Damosa and other IT centers (NCCC Mall) in the proposed Silicon Gulf will also boost the economy of Southern Mindanao, which will be the IT hub of Southern Philippines.

Filipino overseas workers are expected to invest in real estate, education and the pre need industry.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Development Co. (MEDco) also reported the entry of several banks and airline companies in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan and General Santos City in the last quarter of 2006 is an indication of the upward trend of the economic activities.

The arrival of more tourists, particularly Koreans, is expected with the opening of the Davao-Macau-Seoul route by Air Macau. Big airline companies are also eyeing the opening of the Davao-Nagoya route this year, MEDco said.

Source (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007013085864.html)

dinabaw

January 30th, 2007, 04:21 PM

one of sulus spectacular islet

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8995/panglimatahilsulu1ne6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

davaoeagle

January 31st, 2007, 07:37 AM

picked up the local papers (Pinoy!) today and this is what I got.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/scan0001-1.jpg

KulasKusgan

January 31st, 2007, 02:01 PM

one of sulus spectacular islet

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8995/panglimatahilsulu1ne6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

underconstruction pa man diay na no. inig mahuman ani ang itsura:

http://realestate.theemiratesnetwork.com/developments/dubai/images/palm_jumeirah.jpg

:lol:

boju

February 15th, 2007, 04:33 AM

Mindanao Super Region: THE FULFILLMENT OF PROMISE

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/Slide2.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/Slide1.jpg

BOB-bXu

February 15th, 2007, 08:20 AM

where is that freakin promise of building a railway huh?!:gaah:

FrancisXavier

February 15th, 2007, 08:52 AM

not in there coz they will still be doing the feseability study yet.

dinabaw

February 15th, 2007, 03:01 PM

underconstruction pa man diay na no. inig mahuman ani ang itsura:

http://realestate.theemiratesnetwork.com/developments/dubai/images/palm_jumeirah.jpg

:lol:

naa pa Kulas

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2025/img3940gv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The flight from Zamboanga City to Bongao, Tawi Tawi is really a pleasure, with so many beautiful things to see along the route. Here is just a typical view of an island below. It’s a flight I won’t be forgetting!

Source :www.Mindanao.com

KulasKusgan

February 15th, 2007, 03:05 PM

naa pa Kulas

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2025/img3940gv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The flight from Zamboanga City to Bongao, Tawi Tawi is really a pleasure, with so many beautiful things to see along the route. Here is just a typical view of an island below. It’s a flight I won’t be forgetting!

Source :www.Mindanao.com

pag mahuman na... mao pud ni siya.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050228/050228_dubai_island_hlg7a.hlarge.jpg

g0Rs

February 15th, 2007, 05:12 PM

ang ganda ng sulu at tawi tawi islets

DexterTexter

February 15th, 2007, 07:48 PM

^^ No wonder the datus and sultans of old sacrificed many a life or offered their daughters to the ruling sultan of Sulu. Too bad, the stigma of "chaotic mindanao" might have blocked the prospect of getting these islands, islets and atolls on the country's tourism map. Davao has been victim to this stigma to a certain extent, as well.

Rajah_Soliman

February 15th, 2007, 08:51 PM

imo lang ha....

they are now promising again, fulfillment daw... watch out for the word..... eh yoong mga ibang promises nakalimutan na:
:ohno: whatever happened to these promises, aver?????

1. mindanao railway connecting cdo-dvo-zambo
2. davao-samal bridge
3. please add from here

(and then let's slap these things back on the faces of those who authored this ..... mindanao super region :cheers:

Mindanao Super Region: THE FULFILLMENT OF PROMISE

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/Slide2.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/Slide1.jpg

boju

February 20th, 2007, 01:26 AM

Know the good bets from the bad ones
By Roderick T. de la Cruz

The government’s chief statistician has identified the best performing provinces in the country in terms of political and economic governance.

Secretary General Romulo Virola of the National Statistical Coordination Board said these data can help voters discriminate and discern the good candidates from the bad and the dirty.

“Statistical agencies can and should get involved in the measurement of democracy, human rights and governance. This is a challenge that official statisticians must address if we want to be relevant to society and respond to the aspirations of our people,” Virola said.

In guiding the voters, Virola presented a paper titled “The Best and Worst Provinces in the Philippines: What Happened to their Leaders in the 2004 Elections?”

The paper used a governance framework developed by the NSCB in 1998 which combines economic governance and administrative governance.

Economic governance is measured in terms of the following indicators: per capita financial resources generated, per capita tax and non-tax revenue, per capita bank deposits, per capita expenditure on social services, unemployment and underemployment rates, poverty incidence and poverty gap.

Administrative governance is measured in terms of the following: total health personnel per thousand population, percentage of live births weighing less than 250 grams, proportion of households with access to safe water, teacher to pupil ratio for elementary schools, number of elementary schools per thousand population, enrollment in government elementary schools per thousand population, cohort survival rate in elementary education, percentage of housing made of strong roofs, percentage of housing made of strong walls, length of national and local roads per thousand population, proportion of energized barangays and telephone density.

Virola said that based on the NSCB Good Governance Index, the 10 best provinces in 2003 were Batanes, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, Bataan, Benguet, Siquijor, Apayao and Pampanga.

The 10 most improved provinces, in terms of their economic and administrative governance between 2000 and 2003, were Siquijor, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Aklan, Surigao del Norte, Eastern Samar and Basilan. Five provinces are in Mindanao, four in Visayas and one in Luzon.

“Congratulations to these provinces and to their leaders! Those not on the list, bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ay ’wag magagalit, grab every chance to catch up and improve,” Virola said.

But the NSCB chief said that based on the Voters’ Index, candidates whose provinces do well are most likely to be re-elected. But candidates whose provinces do badly in the good governance index get re-elected just the same.

“Good governance is the responsibility of the governed as much as it is of the governors,” he said. “Pinoy voters have not matured... we cannot and should not complain when our leaders desert us in our search for a better quality of life. We get what we deserve, don’t we?”

Source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics2_feb15_2007)

Rajah_Soliman

February 22nd, 2007, 08:36 PM

at last, someone dared to say this!!!

BIMP-EAGA wrong economic partner, says NEDA chief

Written by Walter I. Balane / MindaNews
Thursday, 22 February 2007 11 39 08

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/21 Feb) – The East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) is not Mindanao's natural economic partner with the grouping composed of the sub-region's "all-poor" areas, the chief government planner said Wednesday.

Secretary Romulo Neri, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief, said the sub-region -- composed of Brunei-Darrusalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines -- groups the four countries’ poor regions.

"It is good for public relations with the three other neighboring countries, but there is really not much for Mindanao in the BIMP-EAGA," he said.

"BIMP-EAGA is equally poor as we are. There is not much trade or investment we can expect," he said.

The sub-region growth area, launched in March 1994, was patterned after the success of the growth area concept in several sub-regions in Asia.

Around 13 areas were initially considered in the BIMP-EAGA economic cooperation scheme. According to a report from the Asian Development Bank, the fundamental goal of BIMP-EAGA is to realize equitable and sustainable economic development based on high value-added agro-industry, natural resources-based manufacturing, and high-grade tourism.

Based on a 2002 report of the ADB, the BIMP-EAGA was a dynamic and active sub-regional initiative during the early years of its inception.

The ADB made a study aimed to help mobilize the potential of sub-regional economic cooperation for the development of BIMP-EAGA, highlighting the EAGA profile, setting up short- and long-term development visions and strategies, and developing a framework for implementation and monitoring.

Along with other important findings, the study indicated that there were "significant investment opportunities based on latent economic complementation and other forms of regional economic cooperation." It also provided a list of investment and trade project proposals.

However, the report said, the implementation of the proposals in the study received a setback from the Asian economic crisis that began in 1997 and the El Niño phenomenon that hit most of the sub-region in 1998.

The report also cited changes in political leaderships and growing concerns of security, peace, and order in some of the BIMP-EAGA member countries.

Neri said there is no complementation in the BIMP-EAGA with the absence of a "model economy" where the other areas could draw investments.

He said that instead of the BIMP-EAGA, the focus should be with China, Korea, Japan and Australia where better air connectivity should be established to usher in more trading.

He said the country could ship products -- goods like agricultural commodities and fresh fish -- to the four countries.

The NEDA chief named the four countries as the "natural trading partners" of Davao and Mindanao.

He said he is inclined to push for regulatory reforms to ensure that hard infrastructure already put up in Mindanao will be used at the optimum.

He cited the need to liberalize the country's airline policy so airlines from other countries will come. He said "open-skies" policy should not be limited to the BIMP-EAGA players.

He cited Davao City's beautiful and spacious airport which only serves very few international flights.:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

Neri said side by side with the infrastructure investment is the need to reform the country's regulatory policies.

Opening Davao's airport to more international flights, he said, would mean one million additional tourists to the city and the rest of Mindanao.

He said products for export could also be more competitive with the upcoming upgrade of farm-to-market roads as outlined in President Arroyo's state of the nation address to convert Mindanao as an agri-business super region.

Neri attended with Australian Ambassador Tony Hely a forum of development partners of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) at the Waterfront Hotel here.

Councilor Peter Laviña, chair of the city council’s trade and commerce committee, said he was elated over Neri's pronouncement.

Laviña said the BIMP-EAGA areas are the poor sections of the four countries comprising the sub-region. He said not one of the areas is a "model economy" who plays as big brother.

Laviña said economies in other sub-region growth areas in East Asia grew fast because of the presence of a model economy.

He cited the case of Singapore for the growth area in Johore, Malaysia and Bitam, Indonesia; and the case of Hong Kong for the growth area in Southern China.

He said there is no such economy from which the BIMP-EAGA could draw investments and trade.

Laviña echoed Neri’s call to increase trade with the four more economically advanced countries.
He said economic integration should be at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) level where there are model economies like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 February 2007 16 35 36 )

KulasKusgan

March 3rd, 2007, 12:57 PM

Saturday, March 03, 2007
Mindanao will be treated as island economy: Palace adviser

MINDANAO should be treated as an island economy rather than an island made up of several regions.

In a paper "A Review of the Government's Mindanao Peace and Development Paradigms" presented by Fermin D. Adriana, Ph. D., senior adviser of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process (OPAPP), during the Mindanao Working Group meeting, he pointed out that whatever happens to one region would eventually have an impact on the other regions.

He said a decision from Metro Manila to pour more resources in one region would translate to depriving other regions of the much-needed resources for development.

Adriano said the formulation of an integrated plan for Mindanao would have the effect of surfacing the uneven development of the various regions in the island.

He said physically integrating the various Mindanao regions would facilitate travel and transport of goods and services within the region and between regions. This would create the internal markets for Mindanao's products and services.

"Integrating the island to the world market would lessen Mindanao dependence on Metro Manila and Cebu markets while at the same time promote the development of other products," he said.

But linking Mindanao to the international market requires improving particularly air and sea transports and the facilities servicing these ports, he said.

Adriano, however, said a major source of disincentive to investing in Mindanao was the unstable peace and order situation, which poses a risk to potential entrepreneur and to the firm's physical assets.

Under Mindanao 2000, it is strongly recommended that a just and lasting solution to the armed conflict be found. And finally, Mindanao 2000 stressed the need to engage the various Mindanao stakeholders and encourage them to participate in the goal of attaining an economically progressive Mindanao.

It coined the phrase "Team Mindanao" to emphasize that the people in the island have a collective stake to ensure that peace and development is attained. PIA

source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/03/03/bus/mindanao.will.be.treated.as.island.economy.palace.adviser.html)

Rajah_Soliman

March 3rd, 2007, 03:55 PM

^^ again full of proposals, lacking in action .... :cheers:

(musta na @ kulaskusgan ... i'm writing this with wide open eyes :lol: )

KulasKusgan

March 4th, 2007, 03:22 AM

^^ again full of proposals, lacking in action .... :cheers:

(musta na @ kulaskusgan ... i'm writing this with wide open eyes :lol: )

naghinamhinam nako diri... excited na sa imong pag-uli kay kabalo ko naa kay pasalubong para sa akoa. haha.

translation: indeed full of promises. after all, mindanao is the land of promise.

Rajah_Soliman

March 4th, 2007, 04:21 AM

^^ the thread title is indeed fitting ....... :lol: (unsa may imong gustong pasalubong? Translation: are there any more promises that await mindanao :D )

dinabaw

March 4th, 2007, 01:11 PM

^^ Land of Promised :D

KulasKusgan

March 5th, 2007, 01:25 PM

^^ the thread title is indeed fitting ....... :lol: (unsa may imong gustong pasalubong? Translation: are there any more promises that await mindanao :D )

since addict ko sa german music (rap/hiphop/rock/metal basta german), pacopyaha ko. daghan nako nadownload... pero daghan pa pud wala pa koy kopya.

translation: the gold deposit in diwalwal is god's gift to investors.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/02/28/news/.peaceful.entry.of.foreign.investors.in.diwalwal.seen.html

boju

March 9th, 2007, 03:06 AM

Mindanao trade mission eyes Saudi, OFW investors
03/08/2007 | 07:40 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us A 14-member trade and investment mission from Mindanao is in Saudi Arabia promoting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as an investment site, and a tourism destination for Arabian businessmen and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Philippine Consul General Pendosina Lomondot said the mission includes representatives of food and jewelry companies. They offered, among other things, Halal food products and joint venture prospects for investors.

The team met with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday after similar visit in Riyadh and Dammam.

In a report in Arab News, Lomondot explained that the business group has been promoting products from Mindanao and generating awareness of the southern Philippine region as a potential supplier of goods and services.

Arab News is also sponsoring on Friday, March 9, the First Mindanao Economic Forum with various Filipino community leaders and Saudi businessmen expected to participate.

Arab National Bank’s TeleMoney remittance service has confirmed its participation in the event as a co-sponsor. According to TeleMoney product manager, the bank will provide free PNB Global Money Card to all visitors, Arab News reported.

He is requesting participants to bring their Iqama copies as requirements to get instantly their PNB Global Money Card.

Qatar Airways, one of only four airlines in the world with a five-star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, has given a free round trip ticket to be raffled during the event.

Qatar Airways’ cabin crew was named as best in the Middle East for the fourth year running in 2006 and the second best worldwide following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide by Skytrax.

Saidali Malic, one of the presenters at the forum, will speak on the tourism potential of Mindanao.

Mindanao occupies one-third of the Philippine land area and is larger than some Asian countries including Taiwan and Singapore. It is strategically located within the east ASEAN region.

Its key geographic location around Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, underscores its potential as a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region.

The region grows most of the country’s major crops such as rubber, pineapple, cacao, banana, coffee, corn and coconut.

It also produces varieties of fruits. Its metal deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly 50 percent of the national gold reserves.

Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay and limestone. Saudis have been investing in banana farms and tourism projects in the region.

Various incentives are offered in the region for both overseas and national investors. The team is also campaigning among OFWs to buy at least SR25 worth Philippine products a month to help the Philippines boost its annual exports to $100 million by 2008.

“Agriculture is the driving force behind Mindanao’s economy," she Merly M. Cruz, assistant secretary at the Department of Trade and Industry and leader of the delegation.

She said Mindanao’s cultural diversity and natural beauty make the island one of Asia’s favored tourist destinations. White sand beaches, scenic volcanoes, vast orchid gardens and various ethnic festivals are some of its unique tourist attractions.

Paisal D. Abdullah, Philippine trade representative at the consulate, said there is a yawning gap between his country’s annual exports to the Kingdom totaling $49 million and import of $1billion worth of oil from the country. “We hope to narrow the trade gap through such trade missions."

Abdul Karim Yahya Munshi, a businessman and JCCI member, said he was keen on expanding his imports from Philippines including artificial jewelry, labor supply, ihram, towels, bedsheets and gift items.

The delegation included Edwin O. Banquerigo, deputy manager at National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center, Davao City; Rene Alfredo Banos, Jr. of Philbest Canning Corporation; Felipe R. Eleazar and Antonio Nanagas of Organix Solutions; Belinda Fernandez and Bonifacio P. Fernandes of BF Industries; Roger G. Gualberto of Vegetable Industries Council; Sitti Amina Jain of the Department of Trade and Industry; Vicente T. Lao of Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corp.; Ferdinand Y. Maranon of SGREX Foods Corporation; Sitti N. Onggo of Mindanao Pearl Center; Rodrigo C. Rivera, Jr. of RD Group of Companies and Teolulo T. Pasawa of DTI Davao City. - GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/33554/Mindanao-trade-mission-eyes-Saudi-OFW-investors)

Rajah_Soliman

March 10th, 2007, 03:04 AM

since addict ko sa german music (rap/hiphop/rock/metal basta german), pacopyaha ko. daghan nako nadownload... pero daghan pa pud wala pa koy kopya.

translation: the gold deposit in diwalwal is god's gift to investors.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/02/28/news/.peaceful.entry.of.foreign.investors.in.diwalwal.seen.html

i got ur PM.... :cheers:

any more Mindanao Promises from our "promising" politicos??? Mindanaons, this is what we are going to promise them for the 2007 elections......we promise not to vote them until all their promises have been fulfilled.

davaoeagle

March 10th, 2007, 03:53 AM

^^

eavesdropping here Jude, pass it on! (re: PM):)

dinabaw

March 10th, 2007, 02:43 PM

i got ur PM.... :cheers:

any more Mindanao Promises from our "promising" politicos??? Mindanaons, this is what we are going to promise them for the 2007 elections......we promise not to vote them until all their promises have been fulfilled.

Promises by Basia....ummmm :cheers:

KulasKusgan

March 11th, 2007, 12:49 AM

^^

eavesdropping here Jude, pass it on! (re: PM):)

:lol: abtik lagi kaayo mo ba basta tsismis.

Saudi traders see rich potentials of Mindanao
03/10/2007 | 06:33 PM

Businessmen from Saudi Arabia are beginning to realize the investment potential of resource-rich Mindanao, Philippine Ambassador Antonio Villamor said at the first Mindanao Economic Forum held in Riyadh on Friday night.

Villamor expressed gratitude for the media awareness campaigns that would help translate opportunities into business transactions.

Arab News, the leading English language daily in the Middle East, sponsored the business forum held at the Saudi Research and Publishing Co.

The newspaper reported in its online edition that the occasion served as a large gathering of Filipino expatriates from Mindanao and Saudi businessmen, including Waleed Al-Swaidan, chairman of the Saudi-Philippine Business Council, and prominent Saudi businessmen and investors Abdul Rahman Al-Rajhi, Abdullah Al-Qahtany and Mahdi Mohammed Al-Jabe.

The event, organized by the Mindanao Economic Forum, was co-sponsored by Telemoney (Arab National Bank) and Qatar Airways.

At the raffle draw held on the occasion, Abdul Karim Disino, an expatriate from Mindanao, won the round-trip ticket to the Philippines.

Villamor said the business forum could go a long way in promoting awareness about Mindanao’s business and investment potential.

He said a modest beginning had already been made in this direction with the import of bananas from that region, while the possibility of sourcing mangoes, rattan and wooden furniture from there was being explored.

He appealed to OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) to contribute their might by purchasing at least SR25 worth of Philippine products as part of their monthly shopping bill.

This could translate into imports worth SR300 million annually, given the fact that there were 1.2 million OFWs in the Kingdom.

Such a move on the part of the Filipino community could make a dent into the volume of bilateral trade which is heavily tilted in the Kingdom’s favor.

Of the total $2.22 billion two-way trade, Philippines’ export to the Kingdom stands at just $39 million, Villamor said.

Speaking on behalf of Arab News, Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena said Mindanao had good potential in terms of trade and investment opportunities. However, it had an image problem related to security concerns.

“I believe that the problem has to do with public relations. When they think of Mindanao, they think of kidnapping and of Abu Sayyaf," he said. “This is a minor problem. Let us talk about the good things of the Philippines."

Almaeena pointed out that even Saudi Arabia had faced terrorist attacks recently. However, its leadership had risen to the occasion by addressing the challenge.

The OFWs, he said, have made a sizable contribution to its economy in spite of the fact that they face problems created by their sponsors, such as nonpayment of salaries and other irritants.

He paid tribute to the OFWs without whose valuable support many of the Kingdom’s hospitals would not function. Their services in this regard have been highly appreciated both by the government and the Saudi people.

“I believe that the Philippines has a lot to offer. We have a lot to offer. There is the young businessmen’s forum and Saudi Entrepreneurs Forum. Your concerns should be directed to them," Arab News quoted Almaeena.

Earlier, Abdul Hannan Faisal Tago, interim president of the MEF, said the objective of the MEF was to introduce the resources and economic potential of Mindanao to Saudi businessmen who are looking for promising investment schemes.

It was also to revive the pioneering role of Arab merchants who had transformed the region into a civilized economic society.

The other objective was to bring together Saudi investors and their counterparts from Mindanao and the Philippines in general, he added.

In his presentation on the economic resources and investment potential of Mindanao, Omar Mababaya, senior economist at SABIC, said there was a great potential for the development of agri-industrial projects, since the region was endowed with mineral and agricultural resources.

Mindanao similarly boasts mineral deposits, such as lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its nonmetallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.

Together with its strategic location within the East ASEAN region, this key geographic location has a great potential to be a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region.

In a related development, Mindanao Economic Development Co. (MEDCo) said several programs and projects were being carried out to principally address major development initiatives, with a strong focus on areas affected by armed conflicts, particularly the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

As MEDCo chairman Usec. Virgilio L. Leyretana explained: “There is a strong correlation between poverty and armed struggle occurring in certain areas of Mindanao. This is one of the major considerations for government and donor-assisted interventions."

Leyretana said a number of these interventions involved communities of former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), many of whom have replaced arms with farm tools since becoming farmers and small entrepreneurs. He added that assistance was being provided to facilitate socio-economic transformation in conflict areas.

These include livelihood programs, education, health, small- and medium-scale infrastructure projects, energization and capacity-building activities.

In his presentation on the proposed manpower and livelihood-training center, Mohammad Elias Mua, explained how a number of projects could be developed on the basis of the region’s economic resources and market potential.

They include a mix of home-based and family-based enterprises, such as food and bakery products, handicrafts, jewelry, fashions, garments, and a number of small-scale industries.

The training program required for such ventures varies from five to 20 days consisting of a three-hour program on each day.

He called on the Saudi businessmen to invest in these projects because it would be a win-win situation for both sides.

It would help stimulate Mindanao’s economic development. At the same time, it could create job opportunities for Saudis either by employing them in an import agency, if the project was located in Mindanao.

On the subject of Mindanao’s tourism potential, Saidali Malik pointed out that tourist traffic to the region, which had declined by 2.9 percent during 2000-2003 bounced back the following year, when there was an 18.8 percent surge in tourist arrivals.

The tourism potential was enormous, especially in the fields of eco and agri tourism. - GMANews.TV

source: GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/33782/Saudi-traders-see-rich-potentials-of-Mindanao/_/1/)

Sinjin P.

March 14th, 2007, 10:19 AM

Lanao town sheds off fearsome image, now a progressive place

By BONG REBLANDO and ALI MACABALANG

MARAWI CITY — A town in Lanao del Sur which used to be infested by rebels has shed off its fearsome image and turned into a peaceful, progressive place with villagers becoming economically well off.

This dramatic turnaround of Masiu, which used to be a remote lair of bandits, kidnappers and Moro guerrillas, was made possible when villagers, mostly farmers, laid down their weapons and, instead, worked in the farms.

"Before, we used to chase our leaders and begged for money to buy rice. Now, everything has changed, we go and see our leaders to bring them two sacks of palay to say thank you," Iman Sulayman, a Muslim lay leader, said.

Rico Macapundar, a farmer, recalled the misery that plagued Masiu, which understandably prompted his townmates to turn to the side of the rebels with hopes of ending their seemingly endless suffering through rebellion.

Sulayman and Macapundar confirmed that "indeed, poverty breeds insurgency or crimes."

But the breakthrough in Masiu came when Mayor Aminullah Arimao was elected in 2004 in the hotly contested polls and, in just two years and nine months, he built or repaired infrastructure facilities at unprecedented pace.

The dilapidated 20-year-old Masiu irrigation project, which had been neglected for decades, has been miraculously revived through the "bayanihan" efforts of the farmers who rehabilitated its main and line canals.

"Using a measly half-million-peso fund, Mayor Arimao bought 10,000 sacks filled it with earth, 50 shovels, 40 bolos and other farm implements and built the dikes, and just like magic, our irrigation system has been resurrected," Engineer Alongan Macalani said.

The remaining fund, Macalani said, was used by the mayor to pay the wages of his constituents who re-built the irrigation system under the "food for work scheme."

Now, 1,600 hectares of grass lands have turned into rice fields for 5,000 farmers, making Masiu the rice granary of Lanao del Sur, said Macalani, municipal planning and development official.

The job of reviving the irrigation system seemed insurmountable with a small amount of R500,000 compared to the R50-million national allocation under yhr administration of past local executives.

A nephew of former ambassador and governor of the Autonomous Regional Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), 45-year-old Arimao implemented infrastructure projects that sparked economic growth and enhance peace and development in his town.

These projects included repair of town hall using his own fund, purchase of office furniture and supplies, construction of five farm-to-market roads, re-building of the President Diosdado Macapagal Bridge under President Arroyo’s "Tulay ng Pangulo Project" in cooperation with the British government.

He also repaired and built day-care and rural health centers, constructed covered courts with the help of Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Rajah_Soliman

March 14th, 2007, 04:41 PM

^^ are you from lanao sinjin?

davaoeagle

March 15th, 2007, 12:17 AM

^^ are you from lanao sinjin?

:lol:

Alingatong

March 17th, 2007, 12:18 PM

WawaY[625]

March 18th, 2007, 07:57 PM

Artist: FREDDIE AGUILAR

Song Name: MINDANAO

Mula nang magka-isip ay nagisnan ko ang problema
Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, akin pang makita
Tuloy pa rin ang digmaan
Kalat na ang kaguluhan sa Mindanao
Mindanao, Mindanao

Mha mamamayan doon ay takot ang nadarama
Hindi malaman kung ano ang gagawin sa tuwi-tuwina
Mga taong walang malay
Madalas na nadadamay sa Mindanao
Mindanao, Mindanao

CHORUS
Pinoy kapwa Pinoy ang naglalaban doon sa Mindanao
Marami ng dugo ang dumanak sa lupa ng Mindanao
Mindanao, Mindanao

Hindi na ba maaawat, hindi na ba matatapos
Ang solusyon ba'y digmaan sa lupang pangako
Hindi na ba masasagip ang mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao
Hindi na ba masasagip ang mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao
Mindanao, Mindanao

[Repeat CHORUS]

CODA
Mindanao, Mindanao
[Repeat till fade]

davaoeagle

March 19th, 2007, 08:30 PM

Brighter trading with Saudi-M'danao trading seen
Published : 2007-03-19

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) - A recent trade mission to Saudi Arabia achieved at least nine breakthroughs that could improve the balance of trade between the two countries which is estimated this year at $2.77 billion in favor of the oil-rich kingdom, government and business leaders said in a press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel here this week.

Merly Cruz, DTI Assistant Secretary and mission head, said they were able to do it through market matching, investment promotion, market sensing, and business meetings with overseas Filipino workers. But the achievements need to be backed with more support to ensure actual trading, Cruz said. The Department of Trade and Industry estimated Philippine exports to Saudi Arabia at US$47 million in the same year.

The 14-member trade mission also met with three of the biggest Arab chambers of commerce and industry. The mission considers Saudi Arabia, one of the Top 20 economies of the world and the largest in the Middle East, as a huge market just waiting to be tapped. Cruz identified the market to be not just the Arabs but also the 1.4 million OFWs in Saudi Arabia.

The mission, she said, took on a Philippine product patronage campaign among OFWs and conducted bilateral linkages with Saudi businessmen to hasten penetration of Mindanao products to the Arab nation. She said they were able to initiate the "Magic 25" project encouraging the OFWs to buy at least 25 Saudi Riyals of Philippine-made products every month.

She said it would generate an estimated US$112 million of additional exports per year. She said Philippine government agencies in Saudi like the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center will coordinate the project with Filipino communities and OFW organizations. T

he businessmen among the mission decided to establish a trading company in Saudi Arabia to handle not only their products but also other Philippine products with good market potentials there. The mission reported it established linkage with the chambers of commerce and industry in Saudi Arabia and Mindanao's business community. The mission met with Arab business groups in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.

The mission was a joint effort of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao Economic Development Council, Mindanao Business Council, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and DTI Cruz also cited that the mission offered an opportunity for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to convert from being workers into investors through a Virtual Poultry Farming Project making them overseas Filipino investors (OFIs).

She also cited the go signal for the trial shipment of fresh vegetables from the Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao (VICSMin) with Safefreight company. She said the mission succeeded in positioning Mindanao as an investor-friendly destination. She said they were able to clarify on Saudi Arabia's Halal certification requirements, allowing entry of Philippine canned tuna, which does not require Halal certification.

She said they were also able to offer joint venture to Maharlika AgroMine Venture to set up a poultry project in Saudi with Abbar and Zainy Group. The mission's report cited 10 recommendations to support the gains of the visit, including the fast tracking of the establishment of the Philippine Halal Accreditation Body, and its recognition by Arabian authorities.

The group saw the need to sustain trade and investment promotion in the area and pushed for follow-up activities focused not only on the Saudi market but also on the Gulf countries of Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

It also proposed more competitive shipping facilities and to work for lower shipping costs. Another recommendation is to explore the export of products where the Philippines has competitive advantage and come up with new packaging such as Arabic translations.

They also pushed for the Philippine Embassy to designate a trade analyst or assistant in Riyadh and in Dammam to cover the country's eastern province, which could assist exporters and businessmen in these areas. The Philippine Trade and Investment Office is based in Jeddah.

Another recommendation includes the provision of updated and accurate market information such as landed cost and selling price to guide Philippine exporters in price determination. The trade mission was initiated following a call from the Saudi Arabian government to explore business opportunities there.

davaoeagle

March 19th, 2007, 09:08 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/03/20

Medco chair cites council’s role in Mindanao development
by RG Alama

Davao City (20 March) -- Mindanao Economic and Development Council chairman (Medco) Undersecretary Gil Leyretanan cited the role of Medco in bringing development to the island ever since it was created in 1992.

Medco was officialy created in March 19,1992 by then President Corazon Aquino through Executive Order 512, to coordinate the multi-sectoral socio-economic efforts in the island through an integrated and holistic approach.

“Compared to 15 years ago, it is much different now.” Said Usec. Leyretana. He cited how Mindanao was taken for granted and last prioritized in the hierarchy of development as the focus centered in Luzon and in Visayas.

Leyretana cited Medco’s role as a consolidator, implementor and integrator and also a monitor for various socio-economic programs in Mindanao.

“We now have a convergence of ideas and similar directions on how to bring forward the development of Mindanao,” Leyretana said.

The Undersecretary who was the guest during the recent Kapihan sa Dabaw held last Monday (March 19) at Pizza Hut SM. Stressed the sincerity of the present administration under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in bringing peace and development in Mindanao.

“She (Pres. Arroyo) said that building this archipelago into a nation cannot be done if it excludes any part thereof,” Leyretana said.

Medco has been the vehicle in bringing the renewed focus and priority of the Government in Mindanao. Aside from socio-economic programs, various infrastructure projects are also earmarked for Mindanao like airports, seaports and highways.

Leyretana also said that Medco will also reach out to vulnerable areas in the island like Caraga aside from the peace and development initiatives being done in Central Mindanao. (PIA XI) [top

tough

March 20th, 2007, 03:53 PM

Regional cluster benefits Mindanao
By Mai Gevera

Davao City (21 March) -- Amidst the criticisms thrown against the 13-year old Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) stood by the vision of the regional cluster and how it benefited Mindanao.

MEDCO chair Virgilio Leyretana bared during the re-launching of the Talk Mindanao held yesterday that recent misimpressions on the said cluster had even strengthened the ties between the four-member countries.

Recent criticisms claimed that the BIMP-EAGA has done less good for the economies of the member countries and that it follows no model economy that could spell growth to the members.

Leyretana, clarified that the said clustering did materialize to accelerate the socio-economic development of poor regions in those member-countries.

“These countries have exhibited mutuality of needs, culture, and trade. Through these years BIMP-EAGA has paved way for complementation which has proven to have served good to the poor regions in these countries," he said.

An example cited is how Philippines make use of Brunei and Malaysia capacity of hosting 2.6 million tourists per annum.

At the moment, the BIMP EAGA has provided venues where local government units of each of the member countries to directly negotiate with one another for business opportunities.

Moreover, its support team on Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) has provided services from port to port to harmonize and settle issues on customs, immigration, and quarantine for easy flow of goods between countries without violating any of the existing laws in the country.

Project director of BIMP EAGA CIQS Ronald Sison said that the CIQS has simplified matters for investors in doing business between member countries.

“We have put in place one stop action center that has cut expenses of private investors. We also make sure that this opportunity will not be used as opportunity for illegal trading to occur," Sison bared.

For this year, the CIQS team targets to provide service and assistance to six ports within the BIMP-EAGA which includes 3 ports in the Philippines namely Palawan, Glan, and Zamboanga. (PIA XI)

Source: (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p070321.htm&no=3&date=)

davaoeagle

March 20th, 2007, 08:08 PM

Higher budget eyed for Mindanao in ‘10
By Rizalene P. Acac Published : 2007-03-20

MINDANAO will have a higher budget if the national government is able to balance its budget by 2010, Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) Chair Virgilio Leyratana said yesterday. Speaking at the “Kapehan sa Dabaw” held at Pizza Hut at SM City Davao, Leyretana said Mindanao will naturally get a bigger part if the national government is able to increase its budget by 2010.

He said about 30 percent of the annual budget goes to debt servicing. In the reenacted budget this year, Mindanao’s share is only 29 percent. Leyterana said foreign donors are focusing their funds in developing Mindanao as about 60 percent of the funding from European Union, Japanese government, Australian government, World Bank and other international donor government agencies are channeled to Mindanao.

Based on the recent Philippine Donor Forum in Cebu City this month, donor agencies bared their plan of increasing their financial help to the country. He said the Australian Assistance for International Development would pour more money in the customs, immigration, quarantine, and security (CIQS), to improve the cross-border patrols within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area and mitigate entry of illegal shipments and prevent transnational crimes.

Leyretana said Japan might also raise its funding support. “The government would continue assisting the vulnerable communities like Jolo, Lanao provinces and Tawi-tawi where poverty remains a problem and also Caraga since it is included among the most depressed areas,” he said. But Leyretana urged the Mindanaons to unite efforts and not just rely upon the assistance of the national government or even the international community. “Compare to 15 years ago we are much-much better now,” he said, referring to the growth Mindanao has achieved since 15 years ago when Medco was established.

KulasKusgan

March 23rd, 2007, 08:18 PM

Saturday, March 24, 2007
Saudi Arabia to import chicken from Mindanao
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

CHICKEN importers in Saudi Arabia are interested in importing chicken from Mindanao, a report from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Southern Mindanao said.

According to the report, Distributors and importers of chicken in the same country mull importing chicken for as long as the price and quality are acceptable and food safety requirements, particularly Halal certification, are met.

DTI said efforts should be made to lower the cost of local chicken to make it more competitive. The buying price of chicken now in Saudi Arabia is pegged at 15 Saudi Rials.

Most chickens sold in Saudi Arabia are imported from Brazil and France.

Meanwhile, DTI is proposing to export "hatchling egg" as an alternative to exporting chicken to lower import cost. Hatchling egg will be exported to Saudi Arabia, and the chicken to be grown in partnership with local poultry farmer operators.

On the other hand, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) said that in Davao Region, Davao City is able to produce 50 to 60 million of chicken eggs in a quarter.

More than 20 million of this is intended for local consumption, while more than 30 million is disposed and delivered to other neighboring provinces.

However, it was not known whether Davao Region is into export of chicken eggs to other countries.

source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/03/24/bus/saudi.arabia.to.import.chicken.from.mindanao.html

Rajah_Soliman

March 23rd, 2007, 08:23 PM

^^ bwok bwok bwok.... our chicken are going global :lol: :cheers: to that

KulasKusgan

March 23rd, 2007, 08:53 PM

^^ ...and FRM (Federal Republic of Mindanao) will stop exporting chickens to RP.

Rajah_Soliman

March 23rd, 2007, 09:23 PM

^^ only those rejects (e.g. infected with avian flu virus) can be exported north of FRM :lol:

boju

March 24th, 2007, 02:08 AM

Pwera sa avian flu virus....:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

davaoeagle

March 24th, 2007, 02:54 AM

KLM-Air France partners with MinBC
Published : 2007-03-23

The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently partnered with the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) by offering its members a special and exclusive arrangement under the former’s BlueBiz Program. Bluebiz is KLM’s corporate loyalty program which allows business travellers to save for airline tickets everytime they fly on KLM. As a BlueBiz member, a company earns Blue Credits each time they travel on KLM.

They can earn from 50 up to 300 Credits for every roundtrip flown on KLM or its program partner airlines. It’s like saving as much as US$300 in each travel. Saving US$50 is still better than none. Saving enough credits will enable the traveller or the company itself to redeem a ticket for anyone in the company, be it for a business trip or leisure, or both.

Under the partnership, MinBC members shall get 100 bonus Blue Credits upon their enrolment to BlueBiz before April 30, 2007. Travelling within 6 months from the point of enrolment will also give the company another 100 bonus Blue Credits. The program is part of MinBC’s efforts to further offer quality service and benefits to its corporate and affiliate members.

Enrolment is absolutely free. For more detailed information, please feel free to get in touch with MinBC at (082) 224-2581/225-0763.

davaoeagle

March 24th, 2007, 11:59 PM

Sunday, March 25, 2007
RP is 2nd in Asia, 4th in world tuna production

THE Philippines ranks second to Taiwan among Asian countries, and fourth in the world in tuna production, said Domingo Teng, president of the TSP Marine Industries during the launching Tuesday of "Talk Mindanao" at the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) here.

He noted that in terms of value-adding to tuna production, Mindanao is the capital of the tuna-sardines industry in the Philippines.

He said of the eight fish canneries in the country, six are located in Mindanao with four in General Santos City and two in Zamboanga.

The Philippines' tuna production amounted to 500,000 tons in 2006, about 10 per cent of the world's total production.

The world catch was pegged at 4 million tons.

Teng also said half of the total tuna fish production of General Santos City went to the European Union (EU) market.

He said their produce are assured entry to the EU market after their product passed assessment by a European team that flew to General Santos City to analyze the quality of the fish and the facilities they used.

"Talk Mindanao" is a forum spearheaded by Medco aired in key cities of Mindanao namely Davao, Zamboanga, General Santos and produced twice monthly every other Tuesday.

source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/03/25/bus/rp.is.2nd.in.asia.4th.in.world.tuna.production.html

davaoeagle

March 25th, 2007, 12:02 AM

Sunday, March 25, 2007
Dugong watch
By Stella A. Estremera

OUT there in Malita, Davao del Sur are families of dugongs (Dugon dugong) swimming by the beach while residents swim, fish, and collect shells. The slow-moving sea cows wave their mermaid-like tails as they move to deeper waters or flash their ocher-brown skins as they ride the waves, unperturbed by the presence of the people in the water and on the beach, maintaining a distance akin to what you keep between people in your neighborhood who are not among your circle of friends: close, but not so close.

They should too, because these dugongs live in the waters of barangay New Argao; a source of fascination for their visitors and a regular sight for residents.

Last March 15, visitors and residents alike can get a better view of these endangered marin mammals as the local government of Malita with the barangay council of New Argao, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (Spamast) with the Akkeshi Marine Station of the Hokkaido University and the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation of Tokyo, Japan inaugurated a dugong watchtower as part of a collaborative research project.

With the watchtower in place, both residents and visitors can observe the dugongs at a vantage point without disturbing the marine creatures.
The project is aimed to bring more interest on the endangered species and the biodiversity of the marine environment necessary to sustain these gentle giants.

The Akkeshi Marine Station of the Hokkaido University is on the shore of Akkeshi Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1931 for biological researches on marine organisms.

Nagao Natural Environment Foundation, on the other hand, is a non-government organization promoting nature conservation in developing countries, which has shown keen interest on researches on ecology of seagrass bed communities and other marine and brackish plants and animals.

For now, it's just a watchtower. But for a species that is continuously threatened by human activities, the watchtower is a tool for the dugong's survival.

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2007, 04:54 AM

PIA Press Release
2007/03/31

DBP sets P5-billion window for Mindanao
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (31 March) -- The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is putting in initial window facility of P5 billion for Mindanao.

DBP board of director Rey Magno Teves said there is money for financial assistance to projects that would be located in Mindanao.

"With this window facility available there is investment possibilities, however, many do not know about it. Series of roadshows will be undertaken to generate more awareness," he said.

He said DBP is really into assisting development projects in the different parts of the country.

"The bank really is interested in supporting projects that would link the island to the market," he said.

He said they are supporting the government's nautical highway project and the "Ro-Ro" that the present administration is pushing strongly.

Meanwhile DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David in his report said that the bank has approved 212 projects amounting to P12.22 billion under the Sustainable Logistics Development Program (SLDP).

These projects include general cargo, lighterage, maritime education, pilotage, port development/facilities, refer fish carriers, shipyard/slipway, and tanker ships.

David also bared that 20 missionary routes will be established this year to complete the 49 road roll on-roll off (RORO) routes under the government's Strong Republic Nautical Highway project.

The DBP, he said, will be more liberal with its credit terms to make its facilities more accessible to ship owners. Interest rate is seven percent per annum for the first two years, while the succeeding rates can be negotiated. (PIA XI) [top

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2007, 11:33 PM

Sunday, April 01, 2007
Japanese bizmen push Mindanao development
By Grace L. Plata

WITH the establishment of a Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Mindanao (JCCM), the island can expect an eventual lifting of negative travel advisories that will boost development, said Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president Domingo Duerme.

In an interview before Saturday's launching of the Japanese chamber, Duerme, who is also vice president for Mindanao of the Philippine Airlines (PAL), said the setting up of JCCM in Davao City means an increased degree of confidence in the economic potential and the peace and order situation of Mindanao.

JCCM president Sumihiro Nakao, in a press conference, said JCCM was hatched 10 years ago but this was delayed by the weakness of the presence of Japanese enterprises in Mindanao and the unstable peace and order situation.

But Nakao said studies have been conducted as to the viability of such move.
"With the big improvement of the political, peace and order and the economic situation of Mindanao, we have decided this is the best time to start," Nakao said.

Aside from strengthening the diplomatic relationship between Mindanao and Japan, JCCM aims to help Mindanao development by pouring in more investments.

According to JCCM vice president Yoichi Amano, they will make sure that Japan will cooperate with local companies and local government units to draft policies that will be beneficial to both Japan and Mindanao.

"We will initially get involved in agri-business endeavors," Amano said as they see a huge potential in Mindanao's vast agricultural lands.

davaoeagle

March 31st, 2007, 11:33 PM

Sunday, April 01, 2007
Dep't seeks to keep Mindanao as top coffee producer

THE Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking aggressive moves to keep Mindanao as the country's top producer of coffee.

Enriqueto Natividad, DA cluster officer for Mindanao, said contrary to common beliefs that coffee is produced in Batangas, Cavite or Bulacan, Sultan Kudarat is the Philippines' largest coffee producer.

He said Mindanao's annual coffee production is over 60 per cent of the country's total output.

In Davao Region, Laak, Davao del Norte is the biggest coffee producer.

Because of the large annual coffee output of the region, one of the country's biggest coffee manufacturers has put up a research farm in Davao del Norte.

Another large coffee producer in Mindanao is Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur where large coffee production is recorded annually. Both coffee producing provinces cultivate high-grade coffee varieties that include Arabica, Robusta and Excelsa.

Moreover, Natividad said the DA is gearing for the self-sufficiency of the Philippine coffee industry by 2010.

He added despite of Mindanao's coffee production, the country currently continues to import over 50 per cent of its coffee consumption.

One of the aggressive actions being undertaken by the DA is to propagate coffee plants.

In the previous year, the DA has released over 400,000 planting materials to various farms in Mindanao, as it expanded the area planted to coffee by over 1,200 hectares.

Aside from being self sufficient, DA also hopes to establish Mindanao as the dominant coffee producing area in the country.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos.

davaoeagle

April 1st, 2007, 08:54 PM

Monday, April 02, 2007
US to pour $145M for Mindanao dev't in next 5 years

THE Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) will be extended for another five years at a tune of between $125 million to $145 million to further spur development in the island.

Raymond L. Edler, USAid supervisory regional contracting officers, said they are looking for a contractor to implement the program across Mindanao.

Interested contractors are given until April 27 to submit their proposals for GEM's phase III program.

The extended program will focus on infrastructure development, with each project cost in the barangay level pegged between $5,000 to $50,000.

Regional impact projects will have construction cost exceeding $50,000 up to $4 million.

The GEM Phase II program, which focused on livelihood development, is winding up this year. Its contractor is Louis Berger Group Phils., Inc.

Aside from the basic contract of up to $145 million, the new five-year program is allocating $12 million to $16 million for optional components.

Edler said they have set a pre-proposal conference on March 23 at USAid's office in Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City to allow interested contractors opportunity to ask questions.

The GEM program has been USAid's "flagship" activity in Mindanao since 1996, the development agency said in a briefer.

It is the largest and best known of all the various USAID programs and activities in Mindanao. It is an "umbrella" program under which USAid is able to support a wide range of different activities in Mindanao, all intended to contribute to peace and development in Mindanao.

Initially conceived as a five-year program which would run from 1996 through 2001, USAid subsequently decided that the GEM program was such a useful and effective effort that it would continue the program through to the end of 2007.

At this point, because the GEM program has continued to be useful and effective, USAid has decided to support a GEM-III program.

The new GEM-III program will have many of the attributes and follow many of the same practices that have contributed to the success of the GEM-I and GEM-II programs.

As was the case with the earlier programs, it will have a substantial “on the ground” presence throughout Mindanao, and thus will be in position to learn about emerging opportunities and emerging problems that may be addressed by GEM- III.

Mindanao, home to about 22 million people, has been the site of Islamic rebellion for more than three decades now. (BSS)

KulasKusgan

April 3rd, 2007, 03:09 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/03/31

DBP sets P5-billion window for Mindanao
by Prix D Banzon

window lang... sa landbank apil ang door.:lol:

tough

April 3rd, 2007, 06:30 PM

New Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Mindanao hailed
by RG Alama

Davao City (3 April) -- "An important milestone in the economic development in Mindanao." These were the words of businessman Sumihiro Nakao during the inauguration of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Mindanao (JCCM).

Nakao is the President of the new Chamber, which was formally inaugurated in a formal ceremony last March 31 at the Davao Trade and Convention Center.

More than 200 participants led by Davao City First District Representative and House Majority Floor Leader Hon. Prospero Nograles along with top government and business officials attended the historic event.

Prior to the inauguration a special assembly was called for the selection of the JCCM officers which saw Mr. Nakao being elected as Chamber President. During the inauguration the Chamber's historic newly-elected first officials were inducted in which a cocktail reception also followed at the nearby Zakoya restaurant.

Nakao, said that the much improved political and peace and order situation in Mindanao as well as the many positive developments between Japan and Mindanao relations prompted them to push through with the long-delayed establishment of a Japanese Chamber of Commerce here in Mindanao.

"We believe now is the best time to form the Chamber so that we can cooperate with other business groups to make Mindanao more competitive and make the island an attractive investment destination for Japanese as well as other foreign investors," Nakao said.

According to JCCM treasurer Noriyuki Katayama, all the JCCM members are hopeful that the chamber will achieve its goals for Mindanao and its people and that the inauguration will have a great impact not just on business but in all other aspects of Japan-Mindanao relations. (PIA XI)

Source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p070403.htm&no=4&date=)

davaoeagle

April 3rd, 2007, 07:10 PM

window lang... sa landbank apil ang door.:lol:

funny!!:lol:

boju

April 4th, 2007, 01:42 AM

Mafcon ’07 to promote Mindanao’s agri-food industry

by Babes J. Rebultan

Cagayan de Oro City (3 April) -- THE First Mindanao Agriculture and Food Convention (MAFCON) 2007 comes at a very opportune time in the light of President Arroyo’s heightened focus on Mindanao, this time being the agribusiness Super Region of the South.

This statement was made by convention chairman Edwin B. Andot of the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries of the Northern Miudanao (CAFFINORMIN) during the recent “Talakayan sa PIA” media forum at the Philippine Information Agency in Cagayan de Oro City.

Slated April 23-25, 2007 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro, Andot said they are expecting more than 600 participants/leaders of producers and agribusiness organizations representing the millions of members mostly coming from the various sectors such as farmers, farming households, food processors and agri-entrepreneurs or 54% of Mindanao’s total labor force who depend on Mindanao agriculture for their daily sustenance and overall economic future.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will keynote the convention on April 24, 10:00AM as confirmed by the Office of the Appointments Secretary in Malacanang, he said.

The president, Andot said, might make pronouncements on the various resolutions that were submitted to her office during the first up to the sixth Mindanao Food Congress.

One of the vital parts of this convention is the rendering of reports by foreign donors or partners in Mindanao in support of the agri-business growth like the United States Department of agriculture, AusAID, GEM-USAID, and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among others.

In one of the plenary sessions, where Executive Director Jerry E. Pacturan of the Philippine Development Assistance Programme, Inc. (PDAP) will be the resource person on organic agriculture, issues and other concerns will be discussed by the various sectors in the fruits, feeds and grains, livestock and poultry, inland fisheries with focus on the marine fish capture and culture, and the food processing industry, he also said.

He reported that of the six industries, Mindanao has enough or surplus supply of fruits, vegetables, livestock and poultry, fisheries and the food processing, but still lack the needed supply for rice.

We still have to promote rice farming to secure the needs of the Filipinos, he further said.

Focused on this year’s theme “Mindanao Agribusiness for the Philippines and the World Market,” biofuels as answer to Mindanao’s need for alternate supply of oil or energy will be discussed by Col. AlejandroAlejando Teves Escano, president of the Philipine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc., Andot also reported.

The leaders of the food and agriculture industry have to address as one, the problems and issues affecting their industry and at the end of the event, stakeholders can come up with continuing platforms, projects, programs, plans and strategies that would complement the agri-business super region program of the administration, Andot stressed.

To have one voice for the Mindanao’s agri and food industry and to advocate opportunity for farmers, a commodity cluster or a coalition of Mindanao agri-industry has to be formed during the convention, he further emphasized.

During the same forum, President Resurreccion de Pano of the Food Processing Association in Northern Mindanao (F0PANORMIN) said their group is aiming to be a “super region” in terms of fruits and foods.

Their sector, she said, is promoting the processing of cassava, fruits like mango and pineapple, meat processing like chicharon, and quality ham for export.

She revealed that their sector had been processing mangoes and already exported to other countries and she challenged mango producers to produce more to answer the demand of processed mangoes at the local, national and international levels.

On his part, President Jimmy Nacua of the mango industry said the convention is a venue to inform concerned stakeholders of mangoes that “this is a big industry” that would increase the income of mango producers, farmers and processors if their concerns would be properly addressed.

He also revealed that in Mindanao, they are adopting the off-season mango growing and production wherein the mango producers change the schedule for fruit production, not following the traditional season, so that farmers will continue to earn income.

On the ornamental sector, Floro V. Dalapag, president of the Northern Mindanao Ornamental Horticulture, said organic agriculture and problems of pollution and energy will also be discussed and promoted during the convention.

He said biofuels will also be discussed, especially tuba-tuba, a potential source of energy.

During the three-day convention, special events will also take place such as the exhibits by service providers, technology providers, support organizations, agri and food producers/processors; business matching with buyers and agri and food processors, suppliers, processors and users of agri products and food, services, inputs, machineries, equipment and others; breakout technical sessions for vegetables, fruits, feeds and grains, livestock and poultry, inland fisheries, processed food, and biofuels. There will be farm and plant tours in identified areas. (MisOrOccCam i-Net)

PIA

davaoeagle

April 4th, 2007, 02:20 AM

Japanese agency to assist Mindanao rehab - SPDA
By Carmelito Q. Francisco Published : 2007-04-03

The Japanese International Development Agency (JICA) and the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) are pooling resources to implement programs for the rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. A JICA study team visited the SPDA last week to ask for data on Mindanao, particularly on the development programs in conflict-affected areas, said lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, SPDA deputy administrator.

Although the JICA team is studying programs for reconstruction and rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas, Sinarimbo said they also discussed initial areas of cooperation. One area, he said, is farm equipment which the JICA could provide to the agricultural sector to be managed by the SPDA. This is to address the need of farmers who lack farm equipment to enable their farms to be more productive.

Sinarimbo clarified that this proposal is not yet final. Another area of cooperation that the two agencies are working on is the marketing of seaweeds, considering that Japan is the top producer of seaweeds in the world with the Philippines not far behind. At present, Sinarimbo explained, seaweeds produced particularly in the island-provinces of Western Mindanao are sold to middlemen who in turn sell them to processing plants in Cebu and to Chinese buyers.

The SPDA wants to set up processing plants in areas near the sources of raw seaweeds to be able to start the industry in the island. Market development for seaweeds is among the priority programs of SPDA considering that this is the main source of income for residents of the island provinces in Western Mindanao.

They are eyeing Zamboanga City for this project as Tawi-tawi lacks potable water while Sulu has an energy problem that might make it difficult to sustain operations. An investor needs at least P25 million to set up a processing plant for seaweeds. SPDA, which was first named as Mindanao Development Authority in the 1970s, has been the main agency tasked to formulate development programs for Mindanao.

Last year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reactivated the agency, four years after it was closed in 2002, to look into the gaps in the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front. The JICA study team is headed by Tsuneo Bekki, chair of the Katahira and Engineers International. The team also met with officials of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, a non-government organization affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

boju

April 4th, 2007, 02:25 AM

Mindanao suited for technology firm’s expansion
03/27/2007 | 09:56 PM
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BY GEEFE P. ALBA, BusinessWorld Correspondent

Cagayan de Oro City — Mindanao’s urban centers provide a good market for technology instructional materials that introduce computer-based learning among elementary and high school students.

Techfactors, Inc., a company into technology education materials, is eyeing two major cities in Mindanao for expansion in the near term.

"We initially plan to venture in Cagayan de Oro and Davao because we see opportunities in these cities," said Armando Codera, Jr., Techfactors’ chief executive officer.

He noted these cities host major information and communications technology (ICT)-related businesses. Private schools are also updated on new technological developments and make it easier for the company to propose technology learning option to schools, he said.

Edutainment, or the combination of education and entertainment, defines this unconventional instruction to students. "This allows differentiated teaching and learning and should ultimately improve students’ performances," Mr. Codera said. The textbooks cater to children in the preparatory, kindergarten and elementary levels up to fourth year high school.

The curriculum is adapted to the Philippine setting and uses ICT for problem solving and creating products.

"It makes a world of difference for children," said Mr. Codera.

For elementary pupils, role-playing is one practice used. The learning manuals and interactive CDs are made to have lots of colors, pictures and stories about children applying the things they were learning.

"We try to articulate the lessons that children will relate and understand," Mr. Codera said.

Children are attracted to the colors of Tekkids, a kit for elementary pupils that stimulates creativity and makes learning more engaging.

"These learning manuals are also updated twice a year," said Mr. Codera. The manuals are worked in volumes and are up to date with the lessons in basic subjects like Math, English and for some institutions, Values Education.

Mr. Codera said Tekhigh kit for high school also makes it easier for young students to learn since demonstrations are integrated in every syllabus.

The Teachers’ kit, which includes an interactive compact disc, a teacher’s guide and Web site for training and support, helps the teachers in curriculum planning and delivery of lessons.

Richelle Lumayno, an elementary Math teacher in this city’s Kong Hua Chinese School, said it is good for technology textbooks to be introduced to pupils since technology-related education is now progressively applied worldwide.

"Pupils are more of visual learners," she added.

Chevy Contreras, an English course teacher in Xavier University, said Tekkids and Tekhigh maybe too advanced for the students that it needs to be taught gradually.

"It may be a bit difficult for schools in Cagayan de Oro to adapt to the system, especially for public schools," she added.

Out of 34 public secondary schools in the city, 11 have no personal computers. Only 70% of 214 schools in the region have personal computers.

"We are encouraging our public schools to have personal computers so students can utilize them even without an Internet connection," said Rodolfo Bayeta of the Cagayan de Oro City planning division of the Department of Education. He said many sponsors, companies and foundations have already donated personal computers since last year.

"Because they were not taught how to use personal computers in elementary or high school, students will be left behind in their classes in college," Mr. Bayeta said pertaining to public schools in municipalities that don’t have electricity because of distance.

Nonetheless, Mr. Bayeta said schools that already have personal computers for students’ use are ready for computer-based learning. "Even elementary pupils now have computer classes," he said.

Now with over 40 full-time consultants and 140 partner campuses nationwide, Mr. Codera said they plan to venture to neighboring countries should they succeed in the local market. "Our major asset is our people; we do whatever we can to contribute to this country, in our human resources for them to be technologically competitive," he said.

Source (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/35984/Mindanao-suited-for-technology-firms-expansion)

boju

April 4th, 2007, 02:33 AM

-dp-

BOB-bXu

April 9th, 2007, 05:17 AM

Sunday, April 08, 2007, Business Mirror
Solving the "Mindanao problem"

IT is good to hear that the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is preparing an “islandwide” development plan for Mindanao. The aim is supposedly to “narrow the gap between the Philippine baseline indicators and those areas affected by the decades-long conflict in Mindanao.”

That is good because for far too long, many provinces in Mindanao have been suffering from the absence of basic social infrastructure like drinking water, health and sanitation, education, good roads and bridges. If the supposed plan could really achieve its objective, it would make a lot of difference.

But if we are interested in long-term solutions to the “Mindanao problem,” Jica and the government should go beyond filling the gaps in economic indicators. It should move toward ensuring connectivity with the rest of the world. By connectivity here, we mean two things—physical and economic, as well as social.

By physical and economic connectivity, we mean the functional integration of Mindanao with the mainstream Philippine economy and the rest of the world. We often hear people from Mindanao complain of “imperial Manila” and policymakers based here in the metropolis simply view it with amusement. But these complaints about “internal colonialism” do have some historical and empirical basis.

If one stays long enough in Mindanao, one could easily notice that the cities or centers of economic activity on the island don’t seem to be linked functionally with each other.

For instance, there seems to be less economic interaction between General Santos and Davao City, or Davao City with Butuan, or Butuan with Cagayan de Oro or Cagayan de Oro with Zamboanga City.

Instead, these cities—all of them port cities—have ports where raw materials (rubber, gold, copper, tuna, seaweeds, pineapples, asparagus, timber, milkfish, rattan, among many others) are shipped away via Cebu toward Manila from which they are either processed or shipped to Japan, Europe and America. A classic colonial setup.

This problem arises from three factors. First, there are no world-class or decent road infrastructure between and among Mindanao cities and regions, thus discouraging intraregional trade and commerce. Second, road infrastructure within Mindanao cities and regions are themselves miserable, thus discouraging productivity. And third, government policy that tends to encourage monopoly and oligopoly in port operations and interisland shipping have been penalizing the Mindanao economy, thus preventing it from economically levelling up with the national economy.

The solution, therefore, is obvious: connectivity, connectivity, connectivity. The government actually tried to address it by coming with the Mindanao 2000 Framework Plan and had started implementing this earnestly with some funding from different donors like the United States Agency for International Development. Implementation of this plan, however, immediately bogged down when hostilities between government forces and the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted. The firefights lasted for months, displacing more than a million “internally displaced persons” or refugees.

The government scrambled to rehabilitate the towns and provinces (specifically North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao) affected by these hostilities. But in 2003, the military’s efforts to take Buliok Complex (the new MILF headquarters after the fall of Camp Abubakar in 2000) again disrupted the fragile peace. All these events simply highlight the need for a social connectivity that should complement economic solutions.

By social connectivity here we mean the need to build what social scientist Robert Putnam calls “social capital” or that aspect of our sociopolitical lives that promotes trusts, reciprocity and social cohesion.

According to the World Bank, social capital refers “to the institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society’s social interactions. Social capital is not just the sum of the institutions which underpin a society—it is the glue that holds them together.”

Building social capital should be done at two levels. First, there is a need to build greater trust and understanding across the different ethnicities in Mindanao. Obviously, the century-long conflict may have bred hatred and biases among groups, ethnicities and cultures. This problem can only be addressed through greater dialogue and tangible reforms, including what Jica is contemplating.

And second, there is also a need to build “vertical social capital” of the relationship between the Mindanao communities and cultures and the State. Somehow, the government may have to address the Mindanaoan’s perception of being neglected. Mindanao accounts for 40 percent of the country’s total food trade and yet receives a small share of the government budget.

About 60 percent of the country’s indigenous peoples are in Mindanao. Hence, any long-term solution should include an effective or credible implementation of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act that aims to restore indigenous people’s control over their ancestral domains. The government may really have to engage communities through participatory planning, ensuring that economic or infrastructure projects being implemented are not disruptive or have the risk of creating more displacement and alienation.

Doing all these things would require greater investments from both the government and the international community. But it’s an investment worth doing because planners could never isolate Mindanao from the larger context of development.

The Philippines has a very good human and natural resources, strategic location, and excellent telecommunications infrastructure. And yet we wonder why we are not getting all those investments that are flowing into the economies of our neighbors.

The reason here is Mindanao. Unless we come up with a long-term solution, the troubles that continuously brew and occasionally erupt on the island would always paint the entire Philippines as a politically unstable country. It’s so easy to dismiss this as a perception problem but it’s exactly this perception problem that weighs us down every time we attempt an economic takeoff.

The Jica project is great but we should broaden our ambition to include a long-term solution to the “Mindanao problem.” (Originally written as editorial for the BusinessMirror, April 5-7, 2007).

Rajah_Soliman

April 9th, 2007, 11:04 PM

^^ nice article :okay:

magandang ipakain itong article na ito sa mga manila technocrats at mga politikong walang ginawa kung hindi mag-promise!!!

boju

April 10th, 2007, 03:30 AM

^^ Nice article too!

boju

April 10th, 2007, 03:31 AM

Mindanao Agribusiness Eyes Global Market

By Mike Baños

Mindanao's place in the Philippines and the World Food Market will be the focus of the Mindanao Agri and Food Convention (MAFCON 2007) slated for April 23-25, 2007 at the Limketkai Center, this city.

"We are expecting 600-700 leaders of producer and business organizations to attend," said Edwin Andot, president of the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries of Northern Mindanao (Caffinormin) which is hosting the event. "With the theme, Mindanao Agribusiness for the Philippine and the World Market, MAFCON 2007 should highlight Mindanao's appointed role under the remaining years of the Arroyo administration as the "Agribusiness Super Region of the South."

Mr. Andot disclosed that the Office of the Appointments Secretary in Malacanang has confirmed President Gloria Arroyo's acceptance of their invitation to be the convention's keynote speaker on April 24. Mr. Andot said they are hoping to hear from the president updates on various resolutions previously submitted to her office during the sixth Mindanao Food Congress.

"We also aim to organize farmers into commodity clusters which shall form a Mindanao-wide agro-industry coalition which can speak as one voice for Mindanao's agriculture and food industry," Mr. Andot added.

The three-day congress will have a co-located event, the PhilSouth AgriBiz Exhibits and Seminars which will feature exhibits by service providers, technology providers, support organizations, agri and food producers/processors; business matching with buyers and agri and food processors, suppliers, processors and users of agri products and food, services, inputs, machineries, equipment and others; breakout technical sessions for vegetables, fruits, feeds and grains, livestock and poultry, inland fisheries, processed food, and biofuels. Farm and plant tours to successful agri enterprises are also included.

Joji-Iligan-Bian, former chair of the Mindanao Business Council, recently underscored Mindanao's key role as the country's Southern Food Basket.

"Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines with a land area of 102,043 square kilometers, occupies one-third of the country's total land area and is larger than other Asian countries like Taiwan or Singapore," Ms. Bian said. "We contribute over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and more than 30 percent to the national food trade."

Ms. Bian said a third of the island is planted to the country's major crops: 91 percent of its pineapples, 90% of its cacao and over 50 percent of coconut, coffee and corn.

It also produces tropical fruits like pomelo, mangosteen , rambutan , lanzones and a growing share of temperate vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflowers and cabbages.

"Our fruit basket of bananas account for $79.5 million of our exports; fresh pineapples $33.5 million and the tuna $22.3 million," she added.

Investments in processed foods and beverages' sector remain strong, growing 20 percent to P256 million from January to April this year from P213 million during the same period last year. Investments in the livestock, poultry and feeds sector tripled to P203 million from P69-M last year.

"We have a total labor force of 8.2 million; 95 percent are working or gainfully employed while the remaining 5 percent or 430,000 are unemployed. These are the seasonal workers in the farms and the plantations who make up the majority of our workers in Mindanao. Due to our robust agriculture based economy, our employment rate is higher by two percentage points compared to the country's 92.7 percent," she added.

MAFCON 2007 is hosted by Caffinormin with the support of the Department of Agriculture, the Mindanao Economic Development Council, City Government of Cagayan de Oro, Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, Regional Development Council-X, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for MIKE BA�OS\u003cbr\>501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,\u003cbr\>Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City\u003cbr\>Philippines\u003cbr\>Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)\u003cbr\>Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)\n\u003cbr\>IM�� \u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr\>alternate email : \u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:mike_banos@walla.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\nmike_banos@walla.com\u003c/a\>\n",0] ); //-->Northern Mindanao and the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Councils of Mindanao . The MAFCON 2007 is scheduled on April 23-25, 2007 at Grand Caprice Restaurant & Convention Center, LimKetKai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

www.kagay-an.com

KulasKusgan

April 10th, 2007, 04:38 PM

[I] Sunday, April 08, 2007, Business Mirror
Solving the "Mindanao problem"

The solution, therefore, is obvious: connectivity, connectivity, connectivity.

true. we need to connect... not only thru infra but also connect thru interaction among us mindanaoans.

davaoeagle

April 10th, 2007, 08:59 PM

PIA Daily News Reader

PIA Press Release
2007/04/11

Halal certifying body for Region 12 opened
by A Zonio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April) -- Two local executives in Central Mindanao lauded the setting up of Mindanao Halal Authority (Minha), Inc. here Wednesday.

Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. was optimistic the establishment of Halal certifying body in the city would further boost the local economy, particularly fishing industry and other firms involved in food processing.

"With MINHA around, I expect the market expansion of our tuna industry particularly in Middle East countries," Acharon said.

Sarangani governor Miguel Dominguez pledged support in promoting halal industry in the province.

"I encourage local government-private sector partnerships in developing our halal industry," Dominguez said.

Dominguez urged the local firms to apply for certification with Minha for them to access the huge global halal markets.

With the prevailing apathy of the national government in promoting halal trade in the country, Dominguez said "We cannot afford to continue waiting for the national government."

National government's inaction has delayed the issuance of national halal standards and the creation of the country's accreditation agency, prompting stakeholders to seek recognition from international halal certifying bodies to gain credibility and competence.

Mohammad K. Ali Suib, chair of the Muslim Business Forum (MBF) here, said halal trade has been existing for years but the national government is not exerting serious efforts to further boost it.

"The irony is, despite having a large Muslim communities, the Philippines is not a major player in the halal trade," Suib lamented.

Quoting an MBF report, Suib claimed that Thailand, a Buddhist-dominated country, posted an annual average of more than US$6 billion halal exports since 2001.

President Gloria Arroyo issued memorandum order 201 last December directing the Department of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Health, Tourism and the Office on Muslim Affairs to get their acts together and harmonize all halal export development programs of the national government.

Apparently, Suib said, this move was aimed at strengthening the country's halal industry.

Suib, succeeded in getting international recognition for Minha from Halal Certification Authority of Australia, Halal Certification Authority International, Halal Certification Authority of Europe and Halal Certification Authority of the Pacific Islands.

MBF is a USAID-Gem assisted business support organization and a member of the small and medium enterprises development council of the city.

Minha, which share an office space with MBF here, would serve as halal certifying body for Central Mindanao.

Mohamed El-Mouelhy, chair of Halal Certification Authority of Australia, said the creation of Minha here opened up opportunities for local firms to access the 1.9 billion potential global halal markets estimated at US$ 150 billion world trade annually.

El-Mouelhy came over here as guest of honor and speaker during the Minha launching ceremony. (PIA 12) [top]

davaoeagle

April 11th, 2007, 08:11 PM

Thursday, April 12, 2007
HSBC to invest more in Mindanao: Watkinson
By Antonio M. Ajero

THE Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. (HSBC) will expand its presence in Mindanao in addition to new projects in Manila.

"If we can continue the performance and the excitement that we are getting of the Davao branch at the moment, we would further invest in Mindanao," said Mark Watkinson, HSBC Philippines president and chief executive officer, in a recent interview with Sun.Star Davao in the Island Garden City of Samal.

Watkinson was accompanied by Patrick Cheng, senior vice president and head of HSBC Wealth Management, who said the bank is opening soon in Manila a second call center which will initially hire 4,000 employees.

On the banking side, Cheng said, HSBC's current staffing in its Manila, Cebu, and Davao branches involves 1,700 employees.

Due to the initial success of the Davao branch which opened last December, Watkinson said "you will be seeing more of HSBC in Mindanao."

He admitted being "very impressed with what has been happening over the last 12 to 18 months in the Philippines" referring to the country's shrinking deficit, strong peso and much improved tax collections.

"From my perspective, this is the best time to invest in the Philippines," Watkinson said, describing the country's current economic fundamentals as "amazing."

The four-month-old Davao bank is a full-service branch, according to Cheng, saying "the services range anywhere from retail banking to corporate banking with the branch taking in deposits, taking in investments and giving out personal loans."

"We also have a corporate desk that also meets the needs of corporate clients," Cheng said, "we're here also with the credit cards."

HSBC, which has been in the Philippines for 131 years, also wants to be an OFW (overseas Filipino workers)-friendly bank, Watkinson said, adding that with 10,000 branches all over the world, HSBC, also dubbed as "the world's local bank," OFWs in America, Europe, the Middle East and other parts of Asia can easily remit dollars to their relatives in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Due to its extensive network of branches in Asia, HSBC is a logical player in the BIMP (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines)-Eaga (East Asean Growth Area), Watkinson said.

boju

April 13th, 2007, 06:56 AM

Friday, April 13, 2007
Coop federation turns 40

MINDANAO Alliance for Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC), the premier federation of cooperatives in the Philippines will celebrate its 40 years on April 14, 2007 at Pryce Plaza, Cagayan de Oro City.

The 40th year anniversary will coincide with the 33rd Annual General Assembly and 38th Mindanao Leaders' Congress on April 12 to 14, 2007.

More than 200 cooperative leaders and officers from MASS-SPECC's affiliates all throughout Mindanao will participate in these grand events. A tribute to MASS-SPECC pioneers will be given on the 14th.

Cooperative leaders and supporters such as Congressman Guillermo P. Cua from the COOP- NATCCO Party List, Undersecretary Lecira V. Juarez, CDA Chairperson, and Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., are expected to grace the events.

With the theme, "40 Years of Cooperation for Mindanao Peace and Development," MASS-SPECC hopes to contribute to improved Mindanao condition through the strengthening of its primary affiliates located in the six regions of Mindanao.

A book entitled "My Cooperative Journey" authored by lawyer Mordino Cua, a MASS- SPECC founder and pioneer, will be launched during the MASS-SPECC celebration Saturday.

Over the years, MASS-SPECC has proven its leadership in the cooperative movement by providing services to its members such as training, education, consultancy, central fund system, hostel services, and information technology.

MASS-SPECC has been successful in providing coops with MSRTE (MASS-SPECC Standard Run-Time Edition) accounting software, which is now running live in 134 sites all over Mindanao.

The federation has also introduced ATM (Automated Teller Machine) service to its affiliates.

At present, two coops are using the ATM, Oro Integrated Cooperative in Cagayan de Oro City and Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cotabato Province.

More coops will have ATM installations in 2007. The Megalink connectivity is explored and will hopefully be materialized this year.

The events on April 12 to 14, 2007 are open to all affiliates and non-affiliates of MASS-SPECC. (Press release)

Sunstar

boju

April 13th, 2007, 07:07 AM

No looming power crisis in Mindanao- Lotilla
03/05/2007 | 04:35 PM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us

Mindanao will continue to have an adequate supply of power as the government, with support from the private sector, makes sure the capacity needed in the island continues to be met, the Department of Energy said Monday.

“I wish to allay any misapprehensions that power shortage is happening soon in Mindanao. Together with the private sector, we are putting in place the needed capacity requirements", Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement released to the media on Monday.

A report which came out in national dailies early Monday quoted Lotilla saying a power crisis is looming in Mindanao. In the report, Lotilla said the crisis will probably hit the island in 2009.

The Energy department statement said the government, together with some private investors, has already committed to put additional capacity to meet the growing demand in Mindanao by repairing the Balo-i Flood Control Project of the National Power Corporation. This is expected to generate 60 megawatts by 2008, and optimize the capacity of Agus II hydro electric plant.

The department said the Aboitiz group is also planning to put up a 60 MW hydro power plant in Southern Mindanao, which is expected to come on stream by 2009.

Another consortium, led by Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. and the Electricity Generating Public Company of Thailand recently announced that they will build a 200 MW coal-fired power plant in Mindanao before the end of the year, the department added.-GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/33076/No-looming-power-crisis-in-Mindanao--Lotilla)

davaoeagle

April 15th, 2007, 10:23 PM

PIA Press Release
2007/04/13

Korean firm to install, supply Mindanao Substation Expansion Project
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (13 April) -- The government has awarded a contract to an international company that will install and supply the Mindanao Substation Expansion Project.

In a press statement furnished by National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) corporate communications officer for southeastern Mindanao Milfrance Capulong to the Davao business reporters it stated that contracts had been signed between them and a South Korean company.

With $10.756 million fund sourced out from the Asian Development Bank, the Iljin Heavy Industries Company will supply substation equipment for the major transmission substations in Mindanao.

The project will cover the major substations in Sta. Clara, Zamboanga Sibugay; Kibawe, Bukidnon; the cities in Bislig, Butuan, Davao and Tindalo, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

It will also include the installation of additional power transformers, including switching and protection equipment to avert overloading.

Another contract was signed by TransCo for the restoration of the transmission lines destroyed by typhoon Reming with Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd.

With assurance from the Korean company and its local partner Tan Delta Electric Corp. and as indicated in the contracts, it will complete the project within 330 days.

TransCo president Arthur Aguilar stated that the expansion will allow the state-owned power company to maintain the efficient and reliable delivery of power to its customers including distribution utilities, electric cooperatives and industries.

TransCo in its pronouncement two years ago during a business conference held in Davao City, assured the business sector to fast track implementation of power projects in the island as the demand for more power supply continue to increase. (PIA XI) [top]

dinabaw

April 16th, 2007, 04:11 AM

Monday, April 16, 2007
Anti-poverty body to launch dev't projects in Mindanao
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

SECRETARY Domingo F. Panganiban, the lead convenor of the National-Anti Poverty Commission, claimed that they are lining up socio-economic development projects that will be implemented in Mindanao.

"We are actually working with organizers to identify the needs of the people in the area, the 14 agencies of the government will try to do something to determine what is lacking with the programs in the municipality level," Panganiban said.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

He said several projects will be initiated in Mindanao regions, depending on available resources of each area.

"Iba't iba ang programs sa bawat lugar because it will depend on the available resources of the area, like for example in Tawi-tawi, seaweed production ang magandang i-develop, in Caraga, papaya naman ang may malaking potential," he explained.

Panganiban said the poorest provinces in Mindanao that need immediate assistance and support from the government should first be identified before preparing for the implementation of the programs.

Earlier, Panganiban urged the nation's microfinance institutions to help reduce poverty in Mindanao by expanding their operations in the countryside.

He also said seven out of ten poor provinces in the country now are located in Mindanao. These provinces are Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Sarangani, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Lanao del Norte.

He claimed that microfinance institutions should widen the access of the poor to credit and rally support for the ratification of Credit Information Bureau, which is according to him, expected to create some six million new jobs by 2010.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/04/16/bus/anti.poverty.body.to.launch.dev.t.projects.in.mindanao.html

boju

April 17th, 2007, 04:36 AM

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boju

April 17th, 2007, 04:40 AM

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boju

April 17th, 2007, 04:42 AM

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boju

April 17th, 2007, 04:44 AM

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boju

April 17th, 2007, 04:50 AM

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END

davaoeagle

April 17th, 2007, 08:31 PM

Mining firm wants to become model
Published : 2007-04-17

Mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) plans to launch a new round of consultation-dialogues with the communities covered by its copper and gold mining project in the hinterlands of Tampakan, South Cotabato as part of its preparations for the proposed large-scale mining operations in the area.

Raul Farfan, SMI's general manager for community affairs, told a gathering of business and local government leaders in Koronadal City that the company wants “everyone in the local community to work with us to make the Tampakan project a model for sustainable mining in the Philippines." Farfan said the holding of consultation-dialogues is one of the priorities set by a new management team that took over the company's overall operations earlier this month.

The Brisbane, Australia-based Xstrata Copper formally took over SMI's management from Indophil Resources NL on March 30 after it acquired the controlling 62.5 percent interest of the company based on an earlier option agreement. Indophil, which earlier bought out partner Alsons Corporation's five percent interest in SMI, controls the remaining 37.5 percent interest of the company.

Farfan, who is part of the Xstrata team, said they will initiate dialogues with leaders of local communities, government officials, local authorities and non-government organizations in the area. He said the dialogues would center on determining how local stakeholders would want the company to engage and communicate with them as they make a push for the opening of the mining operations in the area.

"The essential part of our dialogue would focus on the forging of a long-lasting partnership with the local communities and to encourage more local participation in our activities," he said.

SMI's proposed copper and gold mining project area, dubbed the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposit in South East Asia, covers at least five barangays in the mountainous tri-boundaries of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat. Based on the company's estimates, the area's resource may reach at least two billion tons, with a potential to increase.

At a 0.3 percent copper cut-off grade, the Tampakan resource contains 11.6 million ton of copper and 14.6 million ounces of gold. "If Tampakan is producing at the pre-feasibility study milling rate of 30 million tons per annum, it would rank in the top 20 copper producers in the world today," a company statement noted.

Peter Forrestal, SMI's new president, said the Tampakan project is not yet ready for the construction phase but noted that the management is committed to fast track the development of the project. "The project is still in study mode and we are evaluating various key points that would be the basis for making further decisions," he said.

MtApoStandard

April 18th, 2007, 09:13 AM

in may 2007

butuan city will be put in the limelight as they celebrate inaugural rites of one of the most important infrastructures in mindanao. congratulations butuan city

steel cable bridge of butuan city

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davaoeagle

April 18th, 2007, 09:21 AM

^^

Excellent!!

junax

April 18th, 2007, 10:19 AM

wow!!! i'd like to do 140kph on this bridge. joke only hehe. a mindanao landmark. hopefully samal-davao will push tru para meron na naman.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/IMG_6349.jpg

davaoeagle

April 18th, 2007, 10:19 AM

deleted

Sizaryan

April 18th, 2007, 03:24 PM

sana nga magkaroon na ng samal-davao bridge...

Rajah_Soliman

April 18th, 2007, 05:26 PM

^^ welcome @sizaryan... at last we have someone from Samal here... :cheers:

wow!!! i'd like to do 140kph on this bridge. joke only hehe. a mindanao landmark. hopefully samal-davao will push tru para meron na naman.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/IMG_6349.jpg

indeed, this is how I envision the Davao-Samal bridge to be... coming from Davao side you'll be greeted by the low lying mountains... beautiful....

dinabaw

April 18th, 2007, 05:43 PM

^ not for long ....20 yrs from now you can see skyline of smoke stacks and buildings :lol:

davaoeagle

April 19th, 2007, 04:49 AM

Sumitomo Mining starts feasibility study for cobalt, nickel projects
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
The Philippine Star 04/19/2007

Japanese mining firm Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. said they have started their feasibility study which will determine if they will invest more than $1 billion for cobalt and nickel smelter projects in Mindanao.

"We are encouraged by the prospect of Sumitomo to expand its venture in the country. Mining firms are very welcome to do business in the country as long as they comply with our various laws such our environmental requirements," Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila said.

The new venture of Sumitomo is in recognition of the efforts of the government to promote investments, specifically in the mining sector, Favila added.

The Mindanao plant forms part of the plan of Sumitomo to eventually produce 100,000 tons of nickel annually.

Sumitomo said it would set up a joint venture with Taganito Mining Corp., a firm owned by the Zamora group. The proposed location of the project is in the same area where Taganito in Northeastern Mindanao is located.

The project involves constructing a new refinery using high-pressure acid leaching method, a technique used to recover nickels and cobalt from limonite, or low-grade nickel iron monoxide, at a site near the Taganito mines in Mindanao.

The plant is envisioned to produce nickel/cobalt mixed sulfide at a rate of 30,000 tons a year

Should the venture push through, it will be initiated next year and will start producing cobalt and nickel by 2012. The mining activity is projected to continue for the next 30 years.

Presently, Sumitomo said they are in the process of completing the expansion of its Coral Bay nickel mining and processing project in Palawan. The expansion project, worth $300 million is expected to double the project’s 10,000 capacity by 2009.

Favila, who is also the chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), said mining ventures are big ticket projects which are eligible for incentives under the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).

The secretary said the government is encouraging mining ventures because it helps develop the countryside by employing a lot of labor, constructing roads, and developing communities that are near the mining site.

Sinjin P.

April 27th, 2007, 06:40 AM

Canada pledges P40-M aid for Mindanao (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007042792724.html)

As part of its contribution to the Philippines’ peacekeeping efforts in Southern Philippines, the Canadian government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), committed yesterday additional R40 million (Cad million) to the Mindanao Trust Fund.

Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland pledged the assistance, which he described as Canada’s continued support for the peace and development efforts in Mindanao while the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are under way.

He announced the R40-million fund support during a press conference held in Davao City and attended by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, and World Bank Mindanao Coordinator Mary Judd.

"Mindanao is a major focus for CIDA’s program in the Philippines. Our emphasis on governance, support for small business and conflict-affected areas reflect the importance we attach to these integral components of the government’s strategy for peace and development in Mindanao," he said.

The additional assistance from Canada will benefit conflict affected areas and will be used to fund various undertakings such as mainstreaming gender in peace-building work, community-level emergency response, advocacy campaigns, and enhanced coordination with other projects in the conflict areas, the Canadian embassy said.

The Phase 1 of the Mindanao Trust Fund is at present providing resources for the capacity-building of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

It focuses on capacity-building and implementation of reconstruction and development projects in conflict-affected areas while the peace process is in progress.

Last year, Canada gave R30 million as its initial contribution to the Mindanao Trust Fund. Aside from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden are also contributors to the fund.

Animo

April 27th, 2007, 09:45 PM

Priscilla Tacujan, Apr 25, 2007

The Philippines has been battling Muslim secessionist movements in the southern part of the country for over 30 years. Indeed, the country has emerged as a key player in America’s fight against terrorism because one of its Muslim separatist groups, the Abu Sayyaf, is believed to have links with al Qaeda.

Last month, (March 24th to be exact), was the sixth year to the day when the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed in Malaysia to engage in peace talks. After a series of peace talks held in the past, such efforts have yet to yield concrete results.

Nearly one-fourth of the population of the Philippines, about 20 million, live in the southern islands of Mindanao. Of these, approximately 5 million, comprising at least 13 ethnolinguistic groups, profess Islam.

Introduced to the Philippines by Arab traders and Islamic missionaries in 1310, Islam rapidly spread throughout the archipelago. However, the arrival of the Spaniards in 1565 checked and rolled back its further advance. The Spanish colonizers never succeeded in subjugating the Muslim natives, although they succeeded in creating a notion of “otherness,” since majority of the Muslims refused to be converted to Christianity.

At the crux of these peace talks is the demand of the MILF to grant the Filipino Muslims the right to self-determination, to their own Bangsamoro identity and a homeland. The chairman of MILF so declares that his group “. . . would never compromise the right of the Bangsamoro people to self-determination.” The MILF further argue that all lands, including natural resources, occupied by Filipino Muslims since time immemorial by cultural bond, customary law, and historic rights be declared as rightfully belonging to the Bangsamoros.

There seems to be a strong consensus among scholars that the only practical and just solution to the ethnic problem in Mindanao is to grant Muslims exclusive right to these lands based on the principles of self-determination and cultural separatism. On the surface, this looks like a reasonable and just policy. But it is not. Proof? The problem of ethnic conflict continues to exist and would not go away.

For one, culturalism is inherently parochial, hence, divisive. Culture - which is good in itself as all human beings belong to a culture and are shaped by it - tends to promote the ethnic and the particular at the expense of the universal. It cannot see beyond itself and is only self-interested. According to Charles Kesler, professor of government at Claremont McKen-na College, it is unlikely to look outside for solutions to its problems “much less discern them through the filters of other cultures in light of disinterested reason.” Hence, culturalism’s notion of what is good for society is myopic because it is grounded on contentious factors such as ethnicity, religion, race, and gender. Not only do these factors sharpen group differences, they fuel ethnic wars.

Two, culturalism confers rights upon people as groups and not as individuals. Promoting group rights cannot serve the interests of the individual as he is not free to exercise his rights apart from his group. It inculcates and perpetuates a “victimhood mentality,” preventing individuals to break free and map the directions of his life. Also, leaving “ancestral lands” in the hands of the Muslim community does not guarantee individual prosperity as they may end up under the ownership of the datus and the elite of the community. The problem of factionalism is a real possibility.

Three, culturalism impedes the exercise of civil and religious liberties. Culturalism makes the pursuit of religion even more contentious as it usually advocates the religion of the dominant culture at the expense of the religion of the minority.

Rather, what is needed in order to resolve ethnic conflict are principles that promote the common good of all while upholding the rights of every individual, regardless of his religion, race, ethnicity, and gender. Republicanism allows a reasonable regime to rule according to the will of the majority, yet secures the rights of the minority. Through equal and fair representation, republicanism encourages the deliberation of competing interests in order to arrive at what is good and beneficial for all.

In the area of economics, opening up the region’s economy to free-market activities - with provisions for competition and individual responsibility, open investments and foreign trade, hence, more jobs - can lead to individual well-being and prosperity.

For the attainment of genuine peace and resolution of ethnic conflict in Mindanao, the right principles must apply.

*The author is a Ph.D. graduate of Claremont Graduate School in Claremont, California

http://www.philippinenews.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8937c1adc4dad50e939be8d9b9168a13

boju

April 28th, 2007, 06:16 AM

^^ Nice article. Hope the government read and internalize this.

Rajah_Soliman

May 3rd, 2007, 02:16 AM

Davao tops it again.... :okay: laban kayo? paramihan ng talong :lol: :cheers:

Thursday, May 03, 2007
Davao City is R-11's top eggplant producer

EGGPLANT volume of production in Davao Region grew by 3.28 percent last year even if three out of the five eggplant producers in the region decreased their production.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Davao Region produced a total of 6,877.71 metric tons of eggplant in 2006, 4,361.91 metric tons of which were produced in Davao City.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

The city increased its production by 5.22 percent last year compared to the 2005 figure of 4,145.49 metric tons.

Davao City was identified as the top leading eggplant producer in the region.

The third top eggplant producer, Davao del Norte, also increased its volume of production by 6.02 percent. The province produced 643.74 metric tons of the vegetable crop last year, higher than the 2005 figure which is only 607.16 metric tons.

Meanwhile, Compostela Valley Province, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental posted a downward trend in the volume of production by 1.04 percent, 4.14 percent, and 1.13 percent, respectively.

Compostela Valley, the second top eggplant producer in the region only produced 1,201.70 metric tons of eggplant last year, compared to 1,214.28 metric tons in 2005.

Davao del Sur had a total of 458.05 metric tons of eggplant in 2006, while a total of 212.31 metric tons was produced in Davao Oriental. (JGRS)

boju

May 5th, 2007, 02:43 AM

World Vision to spearhead Mindanao children’s gab this May

MORE than 100 child-participants coming from the 14 Area Development Programs (ADPs) of the World Vision in Mindanao are expected to attend the 3rd Mindanao Children’s Congress slated on May 22-24 in Cagayan de Oro City.

This was announced by Chairman Remel M. Alum of the World Vision National Childrens Federation (WVNCF) during the recently held “Talakayan sa PIA” media forum at the Philippine Information Agency.

Conducted yearly, the Congress is a venue for children to practice their rights and for them to build strong camaraderie among themselves, he said.

With the main purpose of creating awareness of children on their rights, children will be encouraged to participate in the planning, identifying issues and concerns in their community or Barangays, and will be encouraged also to response to issues concerning them, he explained.

As part of their training, a clean and child-friendly election of officers will be conducted, to be run by child leaders themselves mostly coming from the Provincial and Barangay Children Associations within the 14 ADPs of World Vision, he also explained.

Once organized, the children may bring their voice at the national level in the country, he said.

Alum also announced their vision for every child is “Life in all its fullness, our prayer for every heart.”

This is another challenge for child-leaders not only in Cagayan de Oro, but also in the entire Area Development Programs (ADPs) in Mindanao to join and participate in the democratic processes of the congress, Chairman Alum also explained.

This year’s congress theme is “Batang Taga-Mindanao Magsama-sama, Gamitin ang Galing Iisang Layunin ating Abutin.”

This three-day activity will be conducted by the World Vision National Children Federation, National Coalition of Children Associations in the Philippines (NACCAP) and the Mindanao Coalition of Children’s Associations in the Philippines, under the umbrella of the National Anti-Poverty Commission Children Basic Sector (NAPCCBS) of the national government.

The congress is a yearly activity of the World Vision Development Foundation Inc., in coordination with the Malamboong Katilingban Sa Katawhan sa Misamis Oriental (Makasaka Mo. Inc), a non-government organization composed of parents of the sponsored children of World Vision.(Babes J. Rebultan/PIA-MisOrOccCam i-Net)

Rajah_Soliman

May 5th, 2007, 10:05 PM

TRIVIA: do you know that Mindanao was represented by "Mindanaoan Delegates*" in the 1898 Malolos Convention... here are their names:

Layog, Pedro (Davao)
Lerma, Jose M. (Davao)
Mercado, Apolonio (Zamboanga)
Mesina, Marcelo (Misamis)
Gonzaga, Gracio (Misamis)
Pantoja, Ceferino (Surigao)
Guerrero, Leon (Surigao)
Papa, Victor (Jolo)
Sandico, Teodoro (Zamboanga)
Tañnedo, Lazaro (Zamboanga)
Tuason, Juan (Cotabato)
Bautista, Juanario (Cotabato)
Colmenar, Domingo (Dapitan y Lal-lo)

*question: are these people known in their respective "areas"???? o baka naman mga appointed lang sila??? :dunno:

source: http://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/delegates.html

Sinjin P.

May 9th, 2007, 07:04 AM

P18-B super-region projects ready
for implementation in Mindanao (http://businessmirror.com.ph/05092007/economy02.html)
By Bong Garcia Jr.
Correspondent

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced that seven major infrastructure projects worth P18 billion under President Arroyo’s Mindanao super-region strategy are now ready for implementation.

Dureza, who is the development champion for Mindanao super-region, said the infrastructure projects include roads, bridges, irrigation with power generation, and a food complex, which he said have greater economic viability and with high impact on peace.

Dureza said the projects are meant to provide much-needed jobs and income sources, particularly for families in the conflict-affected and poor communities.

“While standard economic measurements estimate positive dividends for these projects, their actual social and political benefits will simply outweigh the economic gains because of the beneficial impact on peace and security,” he said.

Topping the list of projects is the Kabulnan-II Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project located in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, which involves the construction of 80-meter-high-zoned earthfill dam that would irrigate a 19,300-hectare service area, according to Dureza.

He said the project will provide supplemental irrigation requirements for 11,000 hectares in the existing Kabulnan-I irrigation system during dry season, and generate 110 megawatts of hydroelectric power to help stabilize power supply in the area.

An estimated 9,253 farming families are expected to benefit from this project, Dureza said.

Costing more than P12 billion, the Kabulnan-II Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project is the largest under the Mindanao super-region in terms of amount and is being proposed for funding through official development assistance (ODA) and under build-operate-transfer (BOT) or build-transfer (BT) schemes, Dureza said.

Next on the list is the P2.6-billion Panguil Bay Bridge Project to connect and significantly cut travel time to cross Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and Tangub, Misamis Occidental.

One of the priority projects cited by the President in her State of the Nation Address last year, the Panguil Bay Bridge Project is proposed for funding through BOT and will be implemented from 2008 to 2011.

Dureza said that another proposed project is the Davao Food Exchange Complex, which would set up a distribution center for consolidating, processing, packaging and storing agricultural products in Mindanao.

The P1-billion Davao food complex project is proposed for financing through commercial loan, venture capital or ODA.

Dureza said the National Development Co., city government of Davao and the Department of Trade and Industry XI will join hands in the implementation of this project, which is slated for implementation from 2007 to 2012.

He said other projects on the list include the Saug River Multipurpose Project Phase I in New Corella in Davao del Norte; Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid-Saldang-Bato-Bato Road and Bridge Project in Tawi-Tawi; Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum Road Project in South Cotabato and Sarangani; and the Lower Sibuguey Valley Irrigation Project in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Rajah_Soliman

May 17th, 2007, 12:21 AM

GSC voters are intelligent .... :applause:
watch out... if Pacman runs for Senator.... you know who would vote for him and in which city* he would win ;)

Darlene ‘knocks out’ Pacquiao

By Aquiles Zonio
Inquirer
Last updated 04:24am (Mla time) 05/16/2007

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—It was the kind of fight where not even his world renowned American trainer, Freddie Roach, would have been much help.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, reelectionist Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio was leading Manny Pacquiao by nearly 10,000 votes—20,818 to 11,227—with less than a quarter of total precincts accounted for, according to an unofficial tally by the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).

The contest for the first congressional district of South Cotabato pitted the 130-pound terror of world boxing’s superfeatherweights against the 90-pound warrior who was backed by the powerful political machinery of her clan.

A political neophyte, Pacquiao had bulldozed his way into local politics relying mainly on his popularity in the ring and the ragtag machinery of former Mayor Rosalita Nuñez.

Custodio’s mayoral and vice mayoral candidates were also leading in their respective races, holding a wide margin over their opponents.

As it appears, the Antoninos’ Achievement with Integrity Movement could again be headed for a sweep.

Educator Bro. Manny de Leon said the emerging poll results would indicate that popularity alone would not spell victory in an election.

He said that Custodio was no match to Pacquiao in popularity but she compensated for that weakness by using her solid machinery.

“The political machinery of the Antoninos is still strong. They had a well-organized campaign down to the purok level and they sustained it up to the finish line,” De Leon said.

*NCR

dinabaw

May 18th, 2007, 05:01 AM

^^ kulang kasi tayo sa kalabasa tingnan mo kalabasa awawd siya :lol:

Friday, May 18, 2007
Revenues from crops production reach P130-B in 1st quarter
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

GROSS revenue from the country's crops production reached a total of P130 billion for the first quarter of this year, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

BAS report said gross revenue from crops production is 22.2 percent higher the same period last year.

It was learned that the volume of production recorded a 3.55 increase. The crops sub sector accounted for 48.84 percent of the total agriculture output this year. The volume of production from the crop sub sector grew by 2.01 percent as compared to the same period last year.

Palay production in the country was pegged at 3.68 million metric tons, higher by 1.69 percent as compared to the same period last year.

BAS said the increased palay harvests were reported in the Autonomous in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), Socsksargen, Cagayan Valley, and in Eastern Visayas.

These regions, BAS said, had early plantings in October to December last year as a result of sufficient rain water and from irrigation systems and available support from the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) Rice Program.

In Socsksargen, farmers decided to advance the cropping in anticipation of the El Niño.

There was also increase in corn production in Caraga Region and in Eastern Visayas due to availability of good and hybrid seeds. Also, the availability of good quality seeds and the GMA Corn Program interventions in Zamboanga Peninsula contributed to the increase in corn output of the country.

BAS added that there were also increased plantings of corn along Liguasan Marsh in Armm.

It was learned that the country produced a total of 1.70 million metric tons of corn during the first quarter of this year. The figure is higher by 11.43 percent compared to the same period last year.

Other major gainers in the crop subsector are banana which increased its production by 5.43 percent, pineapple by 3.71 percent, mango by 4.46 percent, and tobacco which grew its volume of production by 17.84 percent.

MtApoStandard

May 19th, 2007, 11:09 AM

18 - DA eyes Mindanao as meat export hub
Friday, May 18 2007 @ 06:17 PM BST

Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing Mindanao to become an export hub for Philippine pork and processed meat products since it is the country's top animal feed producer and is free of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

"With its distinct comparative advantages as being FMD-free, and with the establishment of breeder farms and meat processing plants, we look forward to the transformation of Mindanao into the 'export hub' of Philippine pork and processed meat products," said Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap during the launching of Hyping Genetics at The Marco Polo, Davao.

He said Hyping Genetics is a breeding facility based in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

While in Davao City, Yap also visited the facilities of the Southern Philippine Development Authority (SPDA) in Mintal this city.

Yap revealed that DA is bent on stepping up programs to pump prime swine production and meat processing after the hog industry posted P126.5 billion in gross revenue last year or a growth of 3.9 percent, making it the biggest trade product next to palay.

He attributed the huge growth to the increasing number of quality breeders and government's efforts to keep the country's stocks FMD-free.

Yap said the country was declared entirely FMD-free since January last year.

The FMD Task Force led by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) reported a 67 percent reduction rate in outbreaks in December 2005 compared to 2004 levels following an intensive campaign through zoning in localities.

Yap said he is confident the country will be declared FMD-free anew with zero report of FMD cases since last year. (PNA)

dinabaw

May 22nd, 2007, 04:30 AM

Mindanao has 90,000 ha committed to biofuel production.

Posted in Biodiesel, Ethanol | Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 | Trackback

The Department of Agriculture announced that Mindanao had committed 90,000 ha for biofuel feedstock production. Chiefly to be used for the planting of sugarcane, sweet sorghum and cassava. 2/3rd of the 90,000 ha is said to be found in South Cotobato alone. In line with this they have also started a massive fertilization project to beef up the coconut stocks in the island (accounts to 50% of the total Philippine production.)

Next to the Negros Region, Bukidnon (Region X) is the second largest producing area for sugarcane.

Cassava production tops at the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, primarily because they use it as a staple in place of rice. Next to that we have Region X again and trailing slightly behind is the CARAGA region. The main use of cassava in Region X however is as a feedstock for starch production.

Mindanao is a good choice for the production of feedstock primarily because of the rich volcanic soil and the fact that it rarely gets hit by typhoons. The only part of the island that is prone to typhoons is CARAGA, primarily because of its closeness to the Eastern Visayas which is known as the front door of all typhoons entering the Philippines. One problem however, is that because of its ideal geographic location, a lot of farms producing food crops are already established here. Year long good weather with good sunlight coverage makes for a very productive and stable crop harvest.

There is a debate ensuing, on whether biofuel feed stock production could affect food supply. Definitely, if the price is that good that farmers rush to convert their land to the production of biofuel feedstock. However, do we really want to prevent this? I mean we already import a lot of our rice from Vietnam, not to mention we hear of vegetables being smuggled into the Philippines from China. I’m curious with the idea of converting Mindanao into a biofuel production power house, who knows, we could even start exporting Biofuels when production exceeds demand.

Original Article here

Source of Data Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

davaoeagle

May 24th, 2007, 03:22 AM

PIA Press Release
2007/05/24

Sec. Yap assures more funds, projects for Mindanao

Davao City (24 May) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap reiterated the availability of more funds and projects for Mindanao while talking to local government officials during the launching ceremony of the Mindanao Rural Development Program-Adaptable Program Loan (MRDP-APL2) in Davao City on Wednesday (May 23).

However he challenged the lgus to put their acts together and show them (DA) where to put the resources.

“You must tell us where to put them and show us your plans because we have the money,” he said.

Although Yap did not give figure as to how much is earmarked for Mindanao he said President Arroyo initially approved P3 billion for irrigation repair and rehabilitation.

This is the biggest fund approval in recent years where before the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) only gets a budget of P200 million and the bulk of it goes to salaries of workers, he said.

He also said that the National Food Authority has received orders to go out early and buy rice early. There is money for that including the refurbishing of the warehouses.

Meanwhile, he said the MRDP is only one of the projects that will be focused on Mindanao and a lot more is earmarked for the island, he said.

Although he said that MRDP will put more weight on infrastructure programs what is critical is building the human resource component of the lgus.

He said they must improve on resource management and service delivery system.

“MRDP is participatory and DA does not initiate it but we are here to assist the stakeholders improve their capacity,” he said.

He stressed that MRDP is not dole out as costing is 50-50 sharing among parties involved.

As projects under MRDP are directed more on infrastructure it has to cut across the sectors even as Yap said they are there to create the environment for profit.

“The needed support facilities like irrigation, farm to market road, bridges, etc. must be made available to help the communities improve on their income,” he said.

The availability of such facilities in the area would improve revenues within the area as well as the income of people, he added. (PIA XI/Prix D Banzon) [top]

Rajah_Soliman

May 26th, 2007, 12:07 AM

Saturday, May 26, 2007
Ledesma: We deserve the curse
By Jun Ledesma
Sunbursts

THERE IS a curse which we Mindanawans have to bear. We have four candidates for the Senate. Except for Sultan Kiram whose exposure to politics is confined to his sultanate, the three others are not that lightweight.

Miguel Zubiri is the principal author of the bio-fuels act which is a landmark legislation that can save us billions of dollars in fuel imports and he authored and co-authored other bills of significant impact on our lives.

We have Prospero Pichay. He authored and co-authored over a hundred bills and is not a pushover in congressional debates. Koko Pimentel, a bar topnotcher who looks like a better edition of his father. He is tethering on the edge in the latest Comelec count.

Just a majority of the Mindanao 8-million plus votes could have made all three and even four of them win. All four could have made a difference for Mindanao.

But Mindanao electorates are not akin to some religious enclaves that go by the dictates of their ministers. We whine and even threaten to secede or revolt but even in the simple act of a united vote for candidates for Mindanao in the Senate, we would rather go for candidates from Luzon and Metro Manila.

I lament our incomprehensible indifference to our fellow Mindanawans. If we measure the performance of the candidates in terms of their output, our guys have definitely excellent performance than most.

Surely, Zubiri and Pichay outshine the likes of Escudero, Lacson, Cayetano, Honasan and even Legarda. They are maybe outtalked but in terms of legislative accomplishments our boys have overshadowed them.

It's about time we, including this corner, stop complaining about "Imperial Manila." We deserve our fate, we should suffer the curse we brought upon ourselves. We lost our chance to have a bigger voice in the senate. Let us not cajole ourselves into believing that Legarda, Villar, Angara, Escudero, Pangilinan, Cayetano and the rest of the front runners will ever fight for our cause.

These politicians only visit Mindanao during campaign season. They are more often abroad for legislative forums than in Mindanao consulting with our local leaders. How can they work for Mindanao when they do not know our problems and our potentialities?

The first and the last time I posed a question to Manny Villar on the disparity of government budget for infrastructures in Metro Manila and Mindanao, he gave a bland answer which shocked me because it revealed that even a presidential timber like Villar has very little grasp of why Mindanao is so backward.

He thinks that our problem is peace and order and that we need to modernize our AFP to address the problem of peace and order.

Wala na ako say. Actually, for lack of better choice my wife and I agreed to vote for Villar just the same hoping he can give Mindanao a second look. That is in addition to my Mindanao bets. Oh well.

boju

May 26th, 2007, 04:05 AM

^^ Tama, hindi tuloy nakapasok si Pichay sa magic 12 dahil hindi solid ang Mindanaoan sa pagboto sa kapwa Mindanaoan. Pati si Zubiri alanganin na makapasok sa magic 12, kahit pang 13 nalang para kung sakali pamalit kay Lim na mayor na ng Maynila. huh...!!!

dinabaw

May 26th, 2007, 04:52 AM

dinabaw

May 26th, 2007, 08:54 AM

Feature: Positive developments show vast prospects for Mindanao
by Bob @ 7:52 am. Filed under News, Life in Mindanao

Zamboanga City (May 24) — With the peaceful and orderly conduct of the recently held mid-year elections, Zamboanga continues to enjoy the “small bundles of joy” it is used to in terms of development and progress.

Human resource development

Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, now Congresswoman for District 2 vigorously pursues the city’s program on Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point.

As head of the GAD Focal Point, a group tasked to implement the GAD plan for promotion of gender equality, Climaco ensures the employees training of the Department of education teachers from Pagadian, Dipolog, Dapitan, Isabela, Zamboanga City and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Sibugay and del Sur.

The training encourages the teachers to uphold their role-model image to the youths.

Beyond the Zamboanga shores is another institution, capability building support is also undertaken; and this is for the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines- East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

The German Technical Cooperation (GTC), another development partner of EAGA will be providing institutional strengthening and capability-building support institutions and will assist the implementation of cross boarder pilot projects in trade, investment and tourism.

Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) Chair, Usec Virgilio Leyretana said he noted the strengthened cooperation among Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security agencies in EAGA.

Meat export ‘hub’

Swine raisers in Mindanao, specially those nearby Lantapan, Bukidnon, are expected to feel some economic boost after the hog industry posted P126.5 billion in gross revenue last year, Secretary Arthur Yap says the Department of Agriculture (DA) is bent on stepping up programs to pump prime swine production and meat processing.

During the launching of Hyping Genetics at the Marco Polo in Davao, DA Secretary Arthur Yap said “we can look forward to the transformation of Mindanao into the ‘exporting hub’ with the establishment of these breeder farms and meat processing plants.”

Yap added that Hyping Genetics is a breeding facility based in Lantapan, Bukidnon but the economic activity brought by the facility will surely reverberate in the whole of Mindanao and nearby growth areas.

The Department of Agriculture is eyeing Mindanao to become an export hub for Philippine pork, processed meat products since it is the country’s top animal feed producer, and is free of food and mouth disease (FMD).

Infra-and transportation support

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s commitment to accelerate infrastructure development in Mindanao to fast-tract the island’s development is very inspiring to note.

A product of the nautical highway project of the Arroyo administration is the new route of Ceres Bus Company plying the Zamboanga-Cubao route, which had its first trip on May 9.

Passengers, especially businessmen buying and selling goods from Mindanao to Manila and vice versa, now have the option of bringing their goods by land than sea, since the road project actually cuts the travel time to and from destination. This means lesser spoiled goods and higher margin of profit to farmer-businessmen.

Out of the 21 priority road and bridge projects the government is fast tracking for completion by 2010; two of these are allotted for Region IX.

The people will feel the benefits of improved agribusiness, tourism, economic and job development soon where the road project will traverse, according to Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Chief Cerge Remonde.

A call for country’s sake

To sustain the budding development in Mindanao, the call for country’s sake should not be ignored.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that after the “vigorous elections” a week ago, it’s time that all political parties and leaders come together in a common pursuit of the people’s welfare and national well-being.

In a brief statement after she rang the bell to signal the start of the day’s trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in Makati City yesterday, the President said: “Philippine democracy has been renewed after a vigorous elections. Even as the results of the national elections have yet to be canvassed, the outcome of the local elections pushes our collective resolve to push forward a modern, booming society through pro-growth, pro-poor and pro-modern policies.”

“Now it’s time to come together to pursue a common path forward among all political parties and leaders,” the President added, as she noted the easing of the election fever. (PIA-ZC)

http://mindanao.com/blog/?p=2043

Sera

May 27th, 2007, 04:07 AM

naku @boju yung bulk ng votes eh nasa Imperial Manila kaya wala tayong say talaga :runaway:

There are still 5 million votes to be canvassed and most of them are in areas in Mindanao. Hopefully Miguel Zubiri and Koko Pimentel can land a spot in the magic 12.:)

diehardbisdak

May 27th, 2007, 06:15 PM

Cebu votes ‘save’ Zubiri
Sun-Star Online
27 May 2007

REP. Miguel Zubiri jumped two slots to grab the 12th and last seat in the official tally yesterday afternoon after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila canvassed the votes from Cebu City and Province.

The Team Unity candidate dislodged lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III of the Genuine Opposition (GO), who fell to 14th place, with about five million votes still to be canvassed from other parts of the country.

As of Friday night, Pimentel was ahead of Zubiri, who was in 14th place, by 102,068 votes. After the Cebu votes were factored in, however, the two switched places and Zubiri led Pimentel by 128,607 votes.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

One other Team Unity candidate benefited from the so-called Cebu effect: Joker Arroyo went from ninth place on Friday to eighth place, overtaking Allan Peter Cayetano of GO. Arroyo landed in the first two spots in Cebu City and Province’s official tallies.

His “Wednesday group” teammate Manuel Villar, who ran as a guest candidate of GO, also rose by one step to third place, overtaking Panfilo Lacson. (With 91.29 percent of votes counted, the unofficial C-Cimpel count placed Villar in eighth place in Cebu, while Lacson was in 13th place. About 159,990 votes stood between them.)

“Formal defects” were noted in the certificates of canvass (COCs) and statements of votes from Cebu City and Province.

But since these were not enough to invalidate the election results, the National Board of Canvassers finished going over the forms yesterday afternoon.

As of 5 p.m., the board was already through canvassing the results from Cebu. About 1.2 million registered voters actually voted in Cebu last May 14.

Impact

Although he could not cite figures yet, Cebu City Election Officer Marchel Sarno, interviewed by phone from Manila, confirmed the Cebu vote had a big impact in the ranking.

Sarno said that apart from Zubiri, Mike Defensor also benefited from the Cebu vote, but it was not enough for him to barge into the top 12.

GO’s Antonio Trillanes remained in 11th place even after the Cebu results were tallied.

Representatives of mostly militant party-list groups were the ones who raised objections on the Cebu statement of votes and COCs, Sarno said.

But what were noted were not material defects but formal ones, like the failure on the tabulator’s part to properly write the equivalent words for each figure.

Objections

“Pareha sa 7,760 man siguro to. Sakto ang figures pero ang pagkasulat nalimtan og butang ang word nga ‘thousand.’ Nya dali ra man na ma-trace nimo kung asay sakto (In one case, the figure was 7,760, but the word `thousand’ was omitted from the final column. But defects like that are easy to trace and correct,” he said.

In another COC, there was an erasure in one tabulator’s name, but that wasn’t considered enough ground to invalidate the document.

“Pasagad na man lang to sila’g object. Maglibog ka’g abogado ba to sila o dili ang mga representante atong militant groups.

Hasto gud result nga dako ang ilaha na-object-kan pa nila (They just kept objecting. Makes one wonder if they were lawyers or not. Even those documents that showed a large number of votes for them, they objected to),” Sarno added.

While Zubiri and fellow Team Unity candidate Ralph Recto did well in Cebu City, placing eighth and 11th, respectively, Trillanes and Pimentel did not figure in the top 12 here.

In the unofficial C-Cimpel count, with 91.29 percent of all precincts in Cebu Province counted, Defensor was fifth, and Zubiri, sixth.

Trillanes placed 23rd and Pimentel took 16th place. (RHM/With IDA)

habagatcentral1

May 29th, 2007, 04:05 PM

The Road less Traveled: Passing by Maguindanao
by berniemack/habagatcentral (Bernardo Arellano III)

http://habagat.i.ph/photo/calliope.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=98
(http://www.habagat.i.ph/photo/89/98)Two years ago, I couldn't believe that I crossed for what they say, one of the most treacherous highways in the country. Only a few years ago, during the Estrada Administration, the only thing that you see here are bombshells, mortars, evacuating people and guns, guns and more guns. Crossfire was everywhere, and media blows it all up in Manila.

That was several years ago. The waring factions agreed upon a ceasefire while two bodies of negotiators tried to resolve this centuries-old conflict. Me, I'm busy with my thesis, and will trace the path that most of my thesis respondents' took to the Land of Promise, and it was through that path that they took the road, or maybe a way less traveled.
And now, on the headlines again, this side of this tropical state in the Philippines has a lot of potential when it comes to resources and tourism. A lot of things that are still untapped because of unreliable peace and order and poltical suitation in Maguindanao.
I believe that this highway is one of the most well-paved in the country. The shuttle van zoomed effortlessly through the fields and the hills of Sultan Kudarat, then to Maguindanao all the way to Cotabato City within just less than 2 hours.
One October morning, it was Ramadan for our Muslim brethen. I've been wanting to see the entrepot of my subjects in my thesis: Cotabato City, almost a hundred kilometers away from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat Province. And boy the van in Tacurong terminal was waiting to be filled up. I have to be there early, or else I'll be stranded in Cotabato City without any idea where to sleep over. So, I went up to Isulan, the capital of the province, passing through palm oil plantations that are owned by Negrense hacienderos. Isulan is where most of Cotabato bound buses and vans pass by. One of the largest Christian settlements in Central Cotabato.

As we zoomed ourselves from Isulan by around 8AM, we were passing by ricefields, in full vista of the Teduray Mountains in the west. Surprisingly Mount Apo in the eastern side with its silhouette basked in morning sun and Mount Matutum in the south, somewhat like her sister in Bicol. We passed by Allah River, the lifeline of Allah Valley and Isulan-Esperanza area, and was also remembered as a rampaging white wall of water that claimed lives in 1995 after its headwaters in Lake Maughan bursted, blaming to mining activities.
As we crossed the border between Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, I got excited that for the first time, I was in the heart of the Bangsamoro. The landscape started to change. Barrios dotted with mosques and ricefields were getting less the farther we go inland. Still, the van was speeding up like a bullet train, we whisked ourselves passing by the town of Ampatuan.
http://habagat.i.ph/photo/calliope.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=164
(http://www.habagat.i.ph/photo/89/164)But what brought me the shock and awe was when I passed by Sharrif Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao Province (which by the way, in 2006 Maguindanao was divided into two provinces and the newly formed province was named Sharrif Kabunsungan) when this magnificent palace of the Ampatuans (who ruled Maguindanao as a modern sultan) rose among the plain nipa huts of the ordinary people. The magnificent palace was accompanied by the golden mosque inside the compound. A few meters from it is the new capitol of Maguindanao, like an intricate jewelbox in the hills, it manifests Moro architecture.

We went further deep into the Maguindanaoan heartland and the road went uphill with military posts and checkpoints of both AFP and MILF dotted along the road. Along the hillsides, ricefields were replaced by coconut groves and unused land. Population became sparse as we apprached Talitay and Talayan, two hilltop towns, and we are still 40 minutes away from Cotabato City.
Several kilometers onward, we approached a very busy town and noticed flagpoles with colors flying in their town. Busy streets with a lot of people selling goods. I think it was market day in Datu Odin Sinsuat (as referred locally as DOS) at that time, Seeing the town hall that as majestic as her sister in Cotabato City, manifesting the intricate art of the Maguindanaoan people. The crowd was a relif from desolation between the cabisera and DOS. I thought that within 10 minutes, we will be in the city, but I was wrong.
Zooming away past DOS, settlements along the roadside increases as we approach Awang, the site of Cotabato City's airport and a barangay of the said town. The The homeland of the Tedurays in your left, steep and cogon-laid hills, while on the right were the marshes of Liguasan. Majority of Cotabato is somewhat like a lake, especaially in Maguindanao and the present day Sharrif Kabunsungan province. Due to the Pulangi River or Rio Grande de Mindanao, the plains are flooded and vast amounts of fish, flora and fauna and rumored oil reserves abound here. It was here that the people of Maguindanao derived their name, "Ranao"
Finally, we were in Awang, a crossroad community north of DOS. The location of Cotabato City's airport and the gateway to the Teduray Highlands of Upi and the coastal towns of Sultan Kudarat province. As our van squeezes in on its narrow and crowded street, we were getting the feeling that we were near the city. As we get the glance of Awang airport in the left, we went uphill and finally descend to cross the southern branch of Rio Pulangi, Tamontaka, marking the entrance of the Bangsamoro cabisera that is also known as the Stone Fortress City.http://habagat.i.ph/photo/calliope.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=177 (http://www.habagat.i.ph/photo/89/176)
That morning, in less than two hours time, my excitement of exploring new vista and terra gave me so much that it overwhelmed me. It was my first time that I crossed the comforts of my home down south. I wondered how the pioneers felt when they went here for the first time.
There are so many things other than passing by the highway or reading or seeing it thru the eyes of sensationalized national media. A culture and a place vastly unexplored and misunderstood. Maguindanao has a lot to offer.

Some tips in going to Cotabato City and the surrounding places:

Check with the local DOT or Provincial/Local Information Centers for updates or local situationers.
If you are coming from General Santos or Southern Cotabato and wanted to go to Cotabato City, the only bus liner that serves this line is Husky and the rest are van for hire. The earliest possible time to leave South Cotabato or Sultan Kudarat is 6AM and the last trip is at 4PM either going through Tacurong City or Surallah. http://habagat.i.ph/photo/calliope.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=102 (http://www.habagat.i.ph/photo/89/101)
In case that you have the feeling that you cant go home immediately, contact anyone you know from the place or go to the City Hall for the list of hotels and accommodations.
Set your appointments. If there are no importnant appointments then better postpone or cancel it. If you still want to move on, go to the local authorities to consult.
There are three possible ways to get to Cotabato City or the rest of Maguindanao. One is through direct flights from Manila and Cebu. The second one is through the sea via Zamboanga and the third is through land either coming from Zamboanga, GenSan, Cagayan or Davao.
Bring your spartan self and the respect for other cultures.
Have fun! Relax. Don't get paranoid over news and heresays.Posted in:
www.habagat.i.ph (http://www.habagat.i.ph/) and www.pinoytravelblog.com (http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/)

davaoeagle

May 30th, 2007, 01:11 AM

DBP earmarks P2 billion for Mindanao
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (29 May) -- The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is aiming to do more in Southern Mindanao where it earmarked close to P2 billion for investors this year in the area.

DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David who met with the Davao Region businessmen including those from other parts of Mindanao during an investor’s presentation in coordination with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCI) said they want to be part on more development projects that would guarantee more jobs.

He said the bank’s thrust focuses on priority programs namely micro, small and medium enterprises, environment, social services and logistics and infrastructure.

He also said that DBP is encouraging more investments for its flagship project; Sustainable Logistics and Development Program (SLDP) that aims to modernize the processing, storage, delivery and distribution of grains harvests and perishable goods of traders and farmers from Mindanao to Luzon. The SLDP has three components: the Ro-Ro Terminal System (RRTS), Cold Chain and Grains Highway.

But despite the availability of funding, David admitted there are still low takers but hopefully investments would peak up especially in the Southern part.

“I don’t know what is happening to Davao that is why we wanted to do more as we want to work with you together,” he said.

David said they hope that after the roadshow with businessmen having a clear view of DBP’s direction there would be more projects.

“The Philippines is having good economic stand and that can’t be stopped, it is there and we are willing to support projects especially in Mindanao,” he said.

David cited for instance that for the P7.7 billion loan issuances in 2007, P910 million goes to Mindanao but only P108 million with 133 projects are from Davao.

He said what they are pushing for SLDP projects is the Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) system and it has liberalized its credit terms to make its facilities more accessible to ship owners. Interest rate for loans for acquisition of RORO vessels in the missionary connections is seven percent per annum for the first two years, while the succeeding rates will be based on Philippine Dealing System Treasury Rates. Collateral will be the vessel itself.

He said that in the Visayas two years ago, no one wanted to take the Roxas-Caticlan as possible investment but because of the increase in tourist investors towards Boracay, investors are now fighting for slots.

He said there is a market for passage and freight, and there is huge potential for growth in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and tourism and what is needed is the vessel to open the nautical bridge.

The missionary routes he said will complement the existing nautical highways, namely, the central, western, and eastern seaboards. The western highway runs from Manila in the north to Dapitan in the south. The eastern highway runs from Manila all way to Davao, while the Central seaboard cuts from Manila to major destinations like Masbate, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. (PIA XI)

MtApoStandard

May 31st, 2007, 08:53 AM

Mindanao Times - 1 hour, 10 minutes ago
Shippers want abolition of terminal handling charges
By Carmelito Q. Francisco

THE NATIONAL government must abolish or at least reduce terminal handling charges on export shipments to make local products competitive in the global market, a shipping organization said.

This will be among the points that Mindanao shippers will push when they meet on June 21 to 22 at the Grand Mercure Hotel to discuss the future of the industry.

The Mindanao Federation of Shippers Association said it will vigorously push for the abolition of the terminal handling charges because it has become detrimental to their operations.

“Mindanao shippers for many years have bear the brunt of paying higher shipping costs to and from Manila and overseas destinations. Increased shipping costs have reduced the competitiveness of Mindanao products in the domestic and international markets,” it said in a draft resolution that will be presented during the conference.

It pointed out that the charges “will further erode the competitiveness of Mindanao exports as well as of the Philippines.” The charge level was $70 per twenty-foot equivalent units for Philippines-American trade route, but was raised to $104 last year.

The abolition of the charges is necessary as based on the Philippines Shipper’s Bureau study some of its components are “either redundant or `double-charged and hence, should not be charged at all to the shippers,” the position paper added.

The shippers added that shipping lines imposed the charges even without prior consultations with them even if they had demanded that consultations be conducted on the issue.

It added that the Department of Trade and Industry, which is authorized to implement programs for export development, has the authority to also abolish or reduce the charges.

The shippers will also ask the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to provide shipping companies with credit lines for payment of weigh bridge services.

Because shipping lines are required to pay weigh bridge services in cash, particularly at the port of Davao, delays have been monitored, the draft resolution pointed out.

The shippers will also push the PPA to include the ports of Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga in Asian Development Bank-Assisted Intermodal project or any available Official Development Assistance program.

The draft resolution pointed out that expansion of the ports of Davao and General Santos was “long overdue” as these orts were included in the Philippine Port Development Package project funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation during the time of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Under the plan, the project cost for the port of Davao was $66 million, $85.14 million for General Santos and $58.82 million for Zamboanga. “The deadlock between JBIC and PPA on the issue of cargo handling delayed the implementation of the expansion program and was eventually dropped from the package. Instead, the PPA committed to fund the port expansion using its corporate funds,” it added.

At present, only the port of Zamboanga has a 122-linear meter berth which was completed early this year, while the other two ports have not been touched.

Other issues that the shippers will discuss during the conference are:

absence of quay crane for the ports of Davao and General Santos

high cost of cargo handling in the port of Zamboanga especially break-bulk cargoes extension of promotional discount of PPA on wharfage fee for foreign cargoes arbitrary increase of PPA port fees no Mindanao representation in the National Ports Advisory Council no clear PPA policy on the developments of private ports stoppage of collection of PPA fees from private fish ports amendment of the PPA charter high cost of domestic freight rate asking shipping companies to deploy bigger vessels for Mindanao and Manila domestic routes proposed sea linkage between Mindanao and Palaun empty container vans from Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City no mechanism for a dialogue between shippers and shipping lines no foreign containerized vessel calling at the port of Zamboanga development of the Davao-Cagayan de Oro Logistics Corridor congested roads leading to the ports expansion of major airports like those in Awang, Zamboanga and Laguindingan and the setting up of cargo terminals in these airports and relocation of container yards particularly in Zamboanga City.

MtApoStandard

May 31st, 2007, 08:54 AM

Biofuel: Spark of life for Mindanao
By Ms. Joji Ilagan Bian

OUR estimated consumption for oil is estimated to grow from 128 million barrels in 2000 to 224 million barrels in 2009. The implementation of the Bio fuel law requiring ethanol and biodegradable diesel in fuel mix will eventually result to a savings of almost $800 million worth of oil imports.

Brazil, the world’s top exporter and leader in renewable energy uses sugar cane as raw material. It has produced 15.9 billion liters of bio-ethanol in 2005 of which 90 percent went to the domestic market. While the United States Uses corn and produces 18.9 billion liters of bio ethanol each year. It needs 132 billion liters to reach its goal of 20 percent reduction in oil consumption by 2017. With a third of its own corn production being used to produce bio ethanol, corn prices are continuously rising in the US. They are set to plant 90.5 million acres of corn this year or a 15 percent increase over 2006.

Corn and Sugar Cane Production

Corn and sugar cane are abundant in many regions in Mindanao. Corn production performed significantly with a 11.5 percent growth brought about by the 3.0 percent expansion in the harvest areas. This was further boosted through the availability of quality seeds coupled with better market prices which encouraged farmers to plant corn.

Corn output increments were noted in most regions particularly in Regions XIII, X and XII. In Northern Mindanao, for instance, the robust performance in corn production was brought about by the farmers' availment of loans extended by the local government units, as well as the shifting to corn from sugarcane owing to the former's higher price.

However, a slowdown in output was reported in ARMM due to slight worm infestation in Basilan, floodings in Maguindanao, landslide in Lanao del Sur and dry spell in Tawi-Tawi.

The total corn production was 3,153.64 MT in 2004; and 3,143.61 MT in 2005 and 1,183.73 MT for the first six months (January-June) of 2006.

Whereas sugar production was recorded at 4863.97 MT in 2004 and 3764.10 MT in 2005 and 2925.78 MT in the first six months of 2006.

The corn variety in Mindanao is most often used as feed grains by the livestock sector. When I was still seating in the National Corn Board, I learned that the corn farmers from the region was besieged with so many problems that calls for policy reforms or modifications - policies to build infrastructure, improve market information services, and institute relevant standards for corn grading could enhance market competition and facilitate an efficient market exchange. Infrastructure improvements should include better inter island shipping vessels and upgrading of roads to reduce the high cost of transportation. Regular shipping schedules between major producing and consuming areas would help ensure that corn can be transported when needed. The availability of better storage and marketing facilities both in towns and villages and on-farm would make it possible for farmers to hold corn, rather than dumping it on the market immediately after harvest.

Future uses of Corn

The alternative use for corn as a raw material for ethanol can provide our thousands of corn farmers an alternative market for their crops. This may lead to an accelerated growth in the demand for corm which can result in better and higher pricing schemes in trading. Direct investments may also be a major result which would mean more opportunities for livelihood for the farmers. Perhaps, even policy reforms will be at a faster pace since the government has no other choice but to address the problems so as to increase production.

I could not help but remember the happy faces of the hundreds of corn farmers who attended the recently concluded 1st Mindanao Corn Congress held in South Cotabato, where a P22.8 million worth of corn post harvest, processing and trading center was launched. All of them are pinning their hopes on this new development.

(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the island. She is chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation , Phil. Call Centers Alliance, Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)

boju

May 31st, 2007, 04:04 PM

There are still 5 million votes to be canvassed and most of them are in areas in Mindanao. Hopefully Miguel Zubiri and Koko Pimentel can land a spot in the magic 12.:)

Sinagot na ang panalangin mo, sana tuloy tuloy na 'to.

Pimentel pads lead vs Zubiri to 150,000 votes; 8-2-2 for GO
05/31/2007 | 05:26 PM
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Genuine Opposition candidate Aquilino “Koko" Pimentel III held on to the last spot in the senatorial race, widening his lead to 150,000 votes over Team Unity’s Juan Miguel Zubiri, in the Commission on Elections’ partial official tally as of Thursday, 4:30 p.m. GO kept eight of the top 12 slots, against two held by TU and two by independents.

In Thursday's canvassing, South Cotabato voters gave the opposition another boost, with nine GO candidates in the top 12 in the province against only one TU and two independents. The Comelec said 413,808 people in South Cotabato voted.

Overall, Pimentel (10,055,051 votes) led Zubiri (9,905,034), who was at 13th, by 150,017 votes. In the end-Wednesday tally, the GO bet’s lead was 99,335 votes.

Pimentel also increased his lead over 14th-ranked Ralph Recto (9,745,485) of TU to 309,566 votes.

GO’s Antonio Trillanes IV (10,270,365) also tightened his grip on the 11th spot, distancing himself by 365,331 votes from Zubiri and 524,880 from Recto.

In South Cotabato, Trillanes performed strongly, ranking 4th in the province and racking up 257,697 votes, with Pimentel at 10th adding 192,396 votes. Zubiri was 14th with 141,674 votes and Recto 16th with 94,758 votes.

In the national total, GO’s Loren Legarda (17,106,817) remained ahead of the pack, passing the 17-million-vote mark, still closely followed by fellow GO bet Francis “Chiz" Escudero (16,934,982).

GO’s Panfilo “Ping" Lacson (14,391,494) held on to the third spot, still shadowed by another GO candidate, Manuel Villar (14,225,533).

Independent Francis “Kiko" Pangilinan (13,570,178) was fifth, trailed by GO’s Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III (13,358,905).

Edgardo Angara (11,453,242) remained the highest-ranked TU bet at seventh.

GO’s Alan Peter Cayetano (10,912,680) went up a notch to eighth, dropping TU’s Joker Arroyo (10,853,157) to ninth.

Independent Gregorio “Gringo" Honasan (10,642,467) was 10th.

Twelve of 24 Senate seats are at stake in the elections.

About 75 percent of the country's more than 45 million registered voters are believed to have cast their ballots. -GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/44557/Pimentel-pads-lead-vs-Zubiri-to-150000-votes-8-2-2-for-GO)

boju

June 7th, 2007, 06:55 AM

Mindanao Super Region Projects should be bidded out ASAP: MEDCo Chief

By Mike Baños

The head of Mindanao’s highest policy oversight body is convinced only the soonest bidding out and awarding of the island’s super region projects can ensure their ultimate implementation.

“The President has made three things clear about Super Region projects,” said Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, Sr., chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) during a press conference at a local hotel following the 5th Mindanao Super Region Inter-Agency Meeting.

“First, we should focus on completing our Super Region projects already on the pipeline. Second, proposals for additional Super Region Projects would be considered at this time, and third, complete listed projects in the Medium Term Philippine Investment Plan.”

The MEDCo chief said the Dept. of Budget and Management has allocated P372.2-billion for Super Region projects including P181.15-B for railways, P101.08-B for roads and bridges, P43.1-B for the development of airports and P15.85 for seaports.

Mr. Leyretana identified eight infrastructure projects in Northern Mindanao totaling P10.05-billion which have been listed under the Mindanao Super Region: Laguindingan airport (P5.385-B) the Panguil Bay bridge (P2.7-B), Talaguid-Kapalong Road (P1.150-B), Cagayan de Oro Port improvement (P559-million), Ozamiz Port improvement (P94-M), Balibagon Port (P88-M), Maribago Port (P20-M) and Guinsiliban Port (P10-M).

“We need infrastructure if we are to give substance to the inclusion of Mindanao to national development,” Mr. Leyretana said. “Increased productivity cannot be realized as the “Service Center of the Philippines” unless the needed infrastructure are in place as drivers of economic development and arteries of progress.”

“Only when these projects have been awarded and the contracts signed can we be ensured they will be implemented and not set aside in case a new dispensation comes aboard in 2010.”

The 6th Mindanao Super Region Inter-Agency Meeting will be hosted by Surigao City next month.

Source (http://www.kagay-an.com/articles.php?art_id=1593&sec_id=4&cat_id=14)

dinabaw

June 7th, 2007, 09:59 AM

Animo

June 7th, 2007, 07:17 PM

^^ Yeah, but hopefully they will be able to do in the far future. I believe Northern Mindanao will be an ideal starting point of having railroads since they are closer to Visayas and can cater to tourism and industrialization more compared with Southern Mindanao. If only they can start it as a mass trasit for a Mindanao province first.

Rajah_Soliman

June 7th, 2007, 09:14 PM

^^ agree sir dinabaw...

promise na pod..... :ohno: balita ito sa internet mid 90's pa.. wala pang financial crisis.... sino na naman kaya ang pinapangakuan nila ... yoong cagayan airport nga eh hindi pa yata inuumpisahan, ito pa kayang railway....

Mindanao Super Region Projects should be bidded out ASAP: MEDCo Chief

By Mike Baños

The head of Mindanao’s highest policy oversight body is convinced only the soonest bidding out and awarding of the island’s super region projects can ensure their ultimate implementation.

“The President has made three things clear about Super Region projects,” said Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, Sr., chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) during a press conference at a local hotel following the 5th Mindanao Super Region Inter-Agency Meeting.

“First, we should focus on completing our Super Region projects already on the pipeline. Second, proposals for additional Super Region Projects would be considered at this time, and third, complete listed projects in the Medium Term Philippine Investment Plan.”

The MEDCo chief said the Dept. of Budget and Management has allocated P372.2-billion for Super Region projects including P181.15-B for railways, P101.08-B for roads and bridges, P43.1-B for the development of airports and P15.85 for seaports.

Mr. Leyretana identified eight infrastructure projects in Northern Mindanao totaling P10.05-billion which have been listed under the Mindanao Super Region: Laguindingan airport (P5.385-B) the Panguil Bay bridge (P2.7-B), Talaguid-Kapalong Road (P1.150-B), Cagayan de Oro Port improvement (P559-million), Ozamiz Port improvement (P94-M), Balibagon Port (P88-M), Maribago Port (P20-M) and Guinsiliban Port (P10-M).

“We need infrastructure if we are to give substance to the inclusion of Mindanao to national development,” Mr. Leyretana said. “Increased productivity cannot be realized as the “Service Center of the Philippines” unless the needed infrastructure are in place as drivers of economic development and arteries of progress.”

“Only when these projects have been awarded and the contracts signed can we be ensured they will be implemented and not set aside in case a new dispensation comes aboard in 2010.”

The 6th Mindanao Super Region Inter-Agency Meeting will be hosted by Surigao City next month.

Source (http://www.kagay-an.com/articles.php?art_id=1593&sec_id=4&cat_id=14)

Sinjin P.

June 8th, 2007, 02:06 PM

Iran eyes building 110-km railway in South (http://businessmirror.com.ph/0608&092007/economy03.html)

IRAN is considering building a railway system in Mindanao that would link Christian and Muslim communities, bring peace and open the insurgency-rocked island to greater economic development.

In a joint press briefing after two hours of bilateral talks at the Manila Hotel, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and visiting Iranian Speaker of Parliament Gholam Ali Haddad Adel confirmed the interest of the Tehran government in the project and a new petrochemical plant also in Mindanao.

The talks followed de Venecia’s official visit late last year to Tehran, where he attended the AAPP (Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace) general assembly that took a major step in transforming the association into the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

The new railway would link Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City and open the nearby Laguindingan airport to greater air traffic and lead to increased commercial activity at the container terminal and an international seaport.

The two leaders also confirmed the Iranian government’s interest in building an oil refinery in Mindanao. The Iranian speaker said the Iranian government has already started looking into the possibility of establishing this refinery in Mindanao.

The railway system would stretch for 110 kilometers and could be built in three years at a cost of $561 million, according Gene Mamondiong, undersecretary for railways at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

The Iranian leader said the current bilateral efforts between the Philippine and Iranian parliaments could culminate in projects to build peace and prosperity in Mindanao and in the region.

Speaker Ali Haddad Adel heads a delegation from Iran invited by de Venecia to attend a session on Thursday marking the centennial of the Philippine Assembly, the first national legislature and the first in Asia from which the House of Representatives traces its roots.

De Venecia and the Iranian Speaker also confirmed that during de Venecia’s call on Iranian President Ahmedenijad in Teheran last year, the Philippine leader proposed the beginnings of direct talks between the United States and Iran.

“The Iranian leader said he’d be agreeable to direct talks between Iran and the US,” de Venecia said.

A day later, Ahmedenijad announced on television the initiative that led to the US-Iranian talks in Baghdad. The talks are considered vital because of Iran’s strategic position of making a significant and decisive influence in the Middle East and Iraq.

“We’re thankful that we could make a small contribution to peace in the Middle East,” de Venecia said.

“With these talks, we can see the beginnings of peace among the brave, a peace of honor and a peace of dignity among the warring groups in the Middle East,” de Venecia said.

Sera

June 8th, 2007, 03:57 PM

boju

June 9th, 2007, 03:15 AM

^^ Nice news:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

FrancisXavier

June 9th, 2007, 01:52 PM

Before, Thailand. Then, Germany. Now Iran? Ano ba talaga kuya?

dinabaw

June 9th, 2007, 02:38 PM

baka abot pa Iraq niyan Lew :D

FrancisXavier

June 9th, 2007, 02:42 PM

baka nga next month Vietnam Government na..:D

Rajah_Soliman

June 9th, 2007, 09:27 PM

Watch out Mindanao People!!!!! this is not good news... The Manila government is again putting the lives of the Mindanaons in DANGER!!!! :ohno:

10 nuke plant sites identified
By Helen Flores
Sunday, June 10, 2007

The government has identified 10 areas in the Philippines where nuclear power plants could be built and has begun a program to train nuclear scientists to man such facilities.

Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), however, refused to name all the 10 sites identified by the National Power Steering Committee (NPSC), saying a more thorough study is needed.

Among the areas Dela Rosa mentioned though are Batangas, Cagayan and somewhere in Mindanao. The PNRI is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

In the early 1990s, Dela Rosa said, the Philippines experienced severe power interruptions that caused massive losses in productivity and jobs, prompting then President Fidel Ramos to create the NPSC.

Dela Rosa also refused to disclose the budget for the study and when it would be finished.

le Reine

June 9th, 2007, 10:18 PM

^I don't think that's quite a good statement there. You're pitting Manila against Mindanao when clearly, the article says that there would also be sites in Cagayan and Batangas which is far more closer to MM. It's as if Mindanao is a separate entity, acting as a protectorate of the "Manila government."

Rajah_Soliman

June 10th, 2007, 01:50 AM

what makes my statement bad then? do you know the consequences of putting a nuke plant in a politically and socially unstable region? do you know for whom it will be built? Mindanaons will not benefit from that, you know where the industries are currently located right now... do I have to spell it to you...

Mindanao has geothermal plants, add to that the Maria Christina falls.. energy is not a problem in Mindanao, it's the unequal distribution of wealth, the lack of basic infrastructure, the flip flopping of the Manila government in terms of its policy with the moslems and the npa's....kahit air rights nga hindi nila magrant eh etc..

build the basics first and achieve lasting peace... then you can put up three nuclear power plants, von mir aus, in mindanao - one in Zamboanga, one in Sulu and one in Lanao, Sinjin's hometown... :cheers:

dinabaw

June 11th, 2007, 08:43 AM

KRIS-CROSSING MINDANAO
Here we go profiling again

By Antonio J. Montalvan II
Inquirer
Last updated 01:53am (Mla time) 06/11/2007

MANILA, Philippines - There was cheating in Maguindanao and Lanao. Ergo, all voters in Maguindanao and Lanao are cheats. It goes without saying that Filipino Muslims are cheats.

That seems to be what Manila analysts and Manila-based media are all saying, not realizing the gravity of their armchair analysis. If I were a Filipino Muslim, I would consider that a provocation. These are dangerous statements which our Manila-centric culture is so easily predisposed that we hear them over and over on television talk shows and media interviews. The script is sensational and it certainly sells. There is commerce behind it.

These are times that may remind us of another profile we have of Filipino Muslims, that they were the pirates and marauders of history, looting many Christian settlements, kidnapping the women and children to sell as slaves.

While there indeed was piracy, what we know about it is only a part of it. In truth, the piracy that happened during the Hispanic times was part of the world of Southeast Asian mercantilism whose dominant players were largely outsiders and, who for the most part, held the reins of the slave industry.

It was the Dutch stationed in what was then Batavia, today's Jakarta, who encouraged the slave trade of Southeast Asia. The buck certainly and literally stopped with them. But the dirty job was not theirs. To let the slave trade flourish from the hub that was the Dutch East Indies, there was a need for middlemen to handle the piracy part. That was the role they gave to the southern Moro people of the Philippine archipelago.

Perhaps, this "middleman role" fitted the early Moro well. Pre-Hispanic Moro communities were largely mercantile societies then, even as the rest of the archipelago was still basically pastoral. Trading around the Southeast Asian islands was a thriving activity. That is why there is so much congruence of cultural materials among our regional cultures because of the opportunities for exchange that were woven into their daily lives; which included language.

But in that slave trade, the Filipino Moro was neither the brains nor the moneymaker. He was simply used.

Much of the Filipino Christian's contempt for the Moro is veiled in our historical texts. Perhaps, it has become ingrained, an unconscious desire, perhaps, to see the Moro literally go down in history. Our present-day pronouncements are not much of a difference.

If the Muslim Manila of Rajah Soliman and the Muslim Tondo of Rajah Lakandula were eliminated by Spanish conquest and colonization, in almost the same way do we treat our Moro brethren, as though they will forever be the vanquished and we Christians the victors. It is so very Hispanic. It is so very outdated.

A former senator from a prominent Cebu family, who now counts among the also-rans in the last elections, thank God!, was almost seething with disdain when the Maguindanao topic was brought up by a talk show anchor: "Sultanates are not part of democracy!" he roiled. It may be true, but so is ethnocentrism.

The problem Manila has with the Moro south will always be there if it insists on understanding the Moro only from its own point of view of governance. This nation was built along a system of governance that conforms only to the interests and nuances of the largely lowland Christian population. Worse, it is Americanized.

I grew up in a family where the favorite bogeyman was the Moro. When we misbehaved, it was easy to scare us out of our wits by simply telling us that the next Moro will come to "pirate" us to Marawi. But I had thought that was only during our generation. I was thus astonished to find out from my Christian students that today that is the same "mind control" their parents use on them.

The script of today has not changed: there is cheating in the ARMM elections; ergo, Filipino Muslims are cheats; so watch out for the ARMM elections, because that is where the bogeyman is.

Many of our pundits, analysts and so-called sages still live in medieval times. A lot of them are in Manila. In fact, the bogeyman is everywhere, and is mostly in Manila.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=70566

Jarenz

June 14th, 2007, 06:28 AM

^^Its nice that the first phase of the Mindanao Railway will be initiated in the Cagayan de Oro - Iligan Corridor. It will be the pioneering dev't that will bring unparalleled in the Int'l Container Ports of CDO and the Laguindingan Int'l Airport. :bow:

i hope they will materialize the RAILWAY PROJECT IN VISMIN,, because i heard this news for long long time ago

CDOKAY

June 18th, 2007, 03:51 PM

In mindanao land we make 'sense and sensibilities' ...we'll be dropping by here, often -- we hope!

From Cagayan de Oro City... we are www.cdokay.com. CDO's most happening e-magazine. Check us out Mindanao!

davaoeagle

June 18th, 2007, 11:06 PM

The other face of Mindanao
By Gina Mission

Mindanao is booming.

War zone. This is how Mindanao has been portrayed. For the uninitiated, it is easier to visualize an island at war than go to the place and see for one’s self the validity of such a description.

Since the so-called "war in Mindanao" started, the island has caught the media’s attention. It has consistently been in the headlines. Banner reports range from kidnapping incidents, robbery, hostage taking, military ambushes, shootouts, "war," to the more sober "failed ceasefire" and peace talks. Headline photos also show the fatalities of "war", military and insurgents in full battle gear and in combat position, and women and children taking up arms.

Such media coverage gives the impression that there is a full-blown "war" going on in Mindanao. Marcelo Monteron, a carpenter in Kalookan City, admitted to CyberDyaryo that he turned down a construction job in Mindanao because, "I don’t want to gamble my life in ‘war-torn’ Mindanao."

"This is unfair because the peace and order problem in Mindanao only happens in three places in Sulu," said Jess Dureza, former Davao solon and later President Ramos’ representative in Mindanao, during a forum at Ciudad Fernandina organized by Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM). GEM is an NGO working towards accelerated economic growth in Mindanao, and ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely distributed among the people of Mindanao.

According to GEM, a lot of development activities are happening in Mindanao, yet it is only the insurgency problem that gets reported. It is for this reason that the organization decided to bring business people from Mindanao to Manila to speak on their respective experiences in the area. "By holding this kind of activity, we hope that people get an accurate view of the place," said Penny Poole, GEM Comunication Program Advisor, adding that the forum was just the first among a series of fora the organization intends to host.

Mindanao, the country’s second largest island located in the southern part of the Philippines, is home to some 16 million people. It contributes 34 per cent of the country’s total agricultural production; 44 per cent of domestic food trade; and 13 per cent of its total manufacturing output.

Data released by GEM show that Mindanao is booming. For instance, from 1992 to 1996, the number of telephone lines increased by 60 per cent per year. The gross regional domestic product (GRDP) bounced from a negative in 1992 to 4.07 per cent growth in 1996. Investments posted a 43 per cent growth in 1996. Energy consumption increases 13 per cent per year, and construction, by 28 per cent per year. As GEM reported, there are a lot of investment potential and opportunities in the area.

But these data are unknown to most people. And representatives from the island’s banking, finance, tourism, and property sectors of the place, are out to refute the distorted notion that people have about the place, and show the "other side of Mindanao."

Cynthia Subijano, executive vice president of Pryce Properties Corporation (PPC) said that her company succeeded in its various ventures in the place because her boss, first and foremost, believes in Mindanao. PPC, according to Subijano, grew ten times since its operation in the area. "This just shows the potential of the area, and that there are indeed economic opportunities in Mindanao," she said at the forum.

But Subijano also revealed: "During my first few visits in Mindanao, I wouldn’t even step out of the airport until I saw my escort. But not anymore. Now I feel safer walking the streets of Cagayan de Oro than Makati where my residence is located."

Vangie Escubillo of Anchor Savings Bank (ASB) said that ASB is doing well in General Santos City. She added that the bank is even planning to expand in other places in Mindanao. Like Subijano, she had misconceptions about Mindanao at the outset but quickly changed her view as soon as she saw the place.

Speaking for the business sector, Guido Alfredo Delgado said: "The current business situation in Mindanao is not affected, in any way, by the peace and order problem in some areas. First, because most business establishments are in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Butuan, and General Santos – which are hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away from places where this so-called ‘war’ happens." If there is a business downtrend, Delgado added, it is not because of the peace and order situation in Mindanao but because of the financial crisis which is happening not just in the area but throughout the country and the Asian region.

Escubillo agreed with Delgado, adding, "There’s never been a business establishment that left Mindanao because of the peace and order situation." However,Escubillo said that there are business venture plans that have been put on hold because some investors have gotten scared of media reports on Mindanao.

As Dureza quipped, "It is not true that there is war in Mindanao. The insurgency problem in Sulu is very contained. Just go around Davao, or Cagayan de Oro, or even Iligan, which is closer to the Muslim areas, and you’ll find out how normal life is in the place."

Former Davao City tourism head Margie Moran said that the problem in Mindanao is mostly economic and political, and not religious as some people want to think. "If government will focus on developing Mindanao, provide resources to the economically-depressed places, I guess peace and order will prevail," she said.

Media’s portrayal of Mindanao, Moran said, "has prevented developers and investors to step forward. They get scared by what they read in the papers."

Dureza appealed to media practitioners to dateline their stories in the place where the events actually took place. "If you are reporting an incident in a barrio in Maguindanao, please dateline it as such, and not Davao City or Iligan City or Cotabato City," he said. "By inaccurate datelining, people think that it is the whole of Mindanao that experiences such insurgencies."

Asked how much profit they would project if the peace and order situation in Mindanao improves, Delgado said that the more relevant issue would be "how much more profit we will make if the government provides the needed infrastructure to open Mindanao to the world." But he later said, "We don’t want to belabor this age-old issue of Mindanao not getting enough support from the government vis-à-vis its economic contribution to the country. There is always an investment aimed beyond the political issue. People invest in Mindanao not exclusively for monetary considerations."

People invest in Mindanao, he added, because they believe in it and its promise.

With or without government support, Delgado said, "We will work on our own and prove that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Mindanao."