This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
DAMAGED REEF The ancillary port constructed to unload heavy equipment for the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City connector bridge, as shown in this photo taken on June 8, is embedded on a living coral reef, according to marine biologist John Lacson. —PHOTO BY MARINE BIOLOGIST JOHN LACSON
By: Germelina Lacorte - @inquirerdotnet
Inquirer Mindanao / 05:02 AM July 08, 2023
DAVAO CITY—A marine biologist has raised the alarm over the destruction of corals in the offloading port constructed for the Samal Island-Davao City connector bridge.
Dr. John Lacson said a video has shown that the metal frames of the ancillary port recently built to offload heavy equipment for the construction of the bridge that will link Davao City and Samal Island actually embedded into the living corals of the reef.
“Although direct construction of the bridge is paused, an ancillary project of [the] DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), which is a seaport intended for offloading of heavy equipment, is being built within 25 meters of a reef adjacent to Paradise Reef,” he said.
Lacson the port construction violated the Philippine Fisheries Code which states that it is “unlawful for any person, entity, or corporation to perform activities that damage coral reefs.”
Lacson, a marine biologist with a doctorate on biological science in the University of Texas, said he had regularly visited the area to monitor the health of the reefs but when he first checked on the Paradise Reef on June 3, he noticed the metal structures of the newly constructed port.
Five days later, he decided to have a closer look and saw that the metal frames of the new structure were actually embedded on the corals.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, reached by phone on Friday, told the Inquirer he would look into the concern.
“We just have to investigate. Tingnan namin (Let us see),” he said.
He said he was made to understand that “the construction of the Samal bridge project is being closely monitored by a team composed of [officials of the] DPWH, the local government and other stakeholders every step of the way.”
He added: “We just have to find out if this has gone through their scrutiny,” he said.
This developed as the lawyers of the Lucas-Rodriguez family, who owned the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort and its adjacent Costa Marina resort on the island, petitioned the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to suspend or cancel the environment compliance certificate (ECC) of the bridge project because of the violations.
In a June 8 letter to Gilbert Gonzales, director of DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the lawyers cited the construction of the port as among the violations. The port was not one of the activities identified in the project’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report, the basis of the ECC issuance, they noted.
“[The construction of the port] was not listed in the preconstruction process nor was it included in the environment management plan,” the letter signed by lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan of the Batacan Montejo Vicencio and Valdez Law Firm read.
The law firm also cited the destruction of the corals, a violation of Section 96 of the Revised Philippine Fisheries Code: “Coral reefs have been damaged as a result of the construction and as the illegal construction continues in haste, there will be more damage. The activity being outside the identified and allowable [activities] under the EIA, its impacts including severe environmental risks and potential for pollution were not properly assessed. Due to the omissions, there are no mitigating measures in place.”
No action
The law firm said their petition was also sent to concerned agencies and officials, among them the Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao, the Environment Ombudsman Program of the Ombudman’s office in Diliman, Quezon City, to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Secretary Bonoan, but had not been acted until now.
But Bonoan said it was the first time for him to hear about the lawyers’ petition to the DENR.
Lacson, on the other hand, said he had notified former DENR-Davao Regional Director Bagani Fidel Evasco about the destruction of the corals and the latter had asked him for its exact geographic location so that his office could act on the complaint. Evasco, however, had been replaced by lawyer Mercedes Dumagan, who is currently on leave.
Maria Antonette Andolana, head executive assistant to the DENR-Davao director, said by phone on Friday they would look into the complaint.
DAVAO CITY – The Kidapawan City Tourism Office has defended the installation of concrete slabs on the existing damaged trail of Mount Apo, particularly that linking Lake Venado and the summit, after netizens criticized the city government’s effort to restore it for the safety of climbers.
Tourism officer Gillan Ray Lonzaga blamed the degradation of the trail to the influx of climbers as well as heavy rains.
“Aside from being damaged due to heavy rains, the trails have also widened to about three meters because of the influx of climbers going down to the Kidapawan side of Mount Apo,” she disclosed over the phone.
A CLIMBER navigates the muddy trail in Mount Apo. (Kidapawan Tourism Office)
The country's highest peak sits between the boundary of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
Recently, pictures and videos of concrete slabs on the trail of Mount Apo made rounds on social media. Some netizens slammed the city government, saying that the concrete steps, which are less than a meter long, are not the solution to the problem.
For some seasoned mountaineers, the solution is to let the mountain rest and let the trail recover by itself.
But the Kidapawan tourism officer said that since opening a new trail is not an option, the city government had no other means but to repair the existing damaged trail.
She disclosed that the installation of concrete steps have yet to be completed in five different portions of the trail. “In total, there are only about a hundred meters of trail that needs to be restored.”
The longest portion of the restored trail is about 30 meters only, Lonzaga added.
Environment advocate and former executive director of Mount Apo Foundation Inc. (IMAFI) Ermelo Libre commended the project as it could help ensure the safety of climbers.
However, Libre said that environmental and cultural architecture must be incorporated in project construction to reflect the spirit of the natural surrounding environment. “And as an expression of the cultural tradition and aspirations of the indigenous community that was there before us.”
“Why not use natural materials like logs? Or anything that’s natural should be considered so that it will not destroy its natural beauty,” Libre, a lawyer and a known advocate for the conservation of Mount Apo Natural Park, told Manila Bulletin over the phone.
Lonzaga said that while logs may look good on the trail, its longevity must be considered given the conditions in the mountain.
She belied reports that the project did not undergo consultation among the indigenous peoples living in the foothills of the country’s highest peak. “The city government has informed the Lumad leaders in the areas because we understand that Mount Apo is a sacred place for them. They even held a ritual prior to the start of the project.”
Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations not just in the region but also in the country.
For years, the influx of mountaineers during the climbing season had eventually damaged the trail, particularly the lone path that links Lake Venado and the summit.
Lonzaga appealed to her fellow tourism officers in Davao del Sur towns to help them regulate the climbers going down to the Kidapawan side of the mountain.
She disclosed that the carrying capacity of the Kidapawan trail is only 50 climbers at a time and 30 from each trail in towns of Santa Cruz, Bansalan, and Digos City in Davao del Sur.
“When these climbers would go down to Kidapawan trail, this would exceed the carrying capacity on our side. We are hoping that the other LGUs would help us in regulating the climbers.”
Fourteen areas in the Philippines sizzled with a dangerous heat index on Saturday, May 13, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) disclosed.
Public warned against heat stroke as heat index hits searing 41°c in Dagupan'
The humid weather condition prevails across the archipelago following the onset of warm and dry season in March. Amid this, several areas in the country continue to experience dangerous heat.
PAGASA on Saturday said 14 areas logged a dangerous heat index. These areas are the following: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (45°C); CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (42°C); Cotabato City, Maguindanao (42°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Davao City, Davao del Sur (43°C); Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (46°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental (42°C); Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (43°C); Maasin, Southern Leyte (42°C); NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila (42°C); Roxas City, Capiz (42°C); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C); and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (45°C).
Heat index refers to the apparent heat that humans perceive. The state weather bureau explained that heat indices between 42°C and 51°C are on the “dangerous” threshold as these could cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke with continued sun exposure.
A sizzling 48°C heat index was recorded in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte on Friday, April 21, marking the country’s highest heat index so far in 2023.
(Unsplash)
Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte on Friday recorded a heat index of 48°C, surpassing the previously-announced all-time high of 47°C in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 25.
The scorching heat was also felt in various parts of the country. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its latest bulletin, bared that 13 Philippine areas have also recorded a “dangerous” heat index on Friday.
These areas include Baler, Aurora (43°C); Catarman, Northern Samar (44°C); CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (42°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Davao City, Davao Del Sur (42°C); Iba Zambales (43°C); Legazpi, Albay (47°C); Maasin, Southern Leyte (42°C); Masbate City, Masbate (42°C), NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila (43°C), Tacloban City, Leyte (42°C); Tayabas City, Quezon (42°C); and Virac, Catanduanes (44°C).
Heat index or human discomfort index pertains to the apparent heat that humans perceive. PAGASA earlier explained that a heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered “dangerous” as it could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, adding that continued exposure to the sun at this rate could cause heat stroke.
Filipinos were strongly advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and refrain from doing exhausting activities during the hottest time of the day. According to the state weather bureau, drinking plenty of water may also prevent heat-related illnesses.
The country marked the onset of its warm and dry season on March 21.
DAVAO CITY: The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over P1 million to the local government unit (LGU) of Bansalan in Davao del Sur for the construction of a prefabricated coffee storage in Sitio Gagpang, Barangay Alegre in the town.
The project aims to ensure coffee quality and available supply for marketing.
In a turnover ceremony on Wednesday, January 18, in Davao City, DA 11 regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo said the project is part of the intensified support of the agency for coffee farmers in the Davao Region.
"Coffee beans from the foothills of Mt. Apo are regarded as one of the best in the country and even made headlines as they have won the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition since 2018," Monteagudo added.
With this project, according to him, the number of local and international buyers could increase and there is a need for postharvest facilities to help the coffee farmers meet the required quality and demand.
He said a postharvest facility determines the quality of coffee cherries as every step of postharvest activities can cause significant quality loss and lead to a lower market price.
DAVAO CITY: Regional police chief BGen. Benjamin Silo Jr. confirmed Monday there were no recorded stray bullet victims or any reported police personnel who fired celebratory shots during the celebration of the New Year.
Silo said no police personnel or even civilians who indiscriminately discharged their service firearm on New Year's Eve.
Silo had earlier ordered all police chiefs in the region to strictly monitor their team members to prevent any such incident.
"For the record, there were no reports of incidents involving indiscriminate firing or injuries due to stray bullets, and no fire injuries or casualties," he said.
Silo, however, reported a slight leg injury from a small firecracker incident in Davao del Sur.
The victim was identified as Adriane Caña Andao, 19, student, and a resident of Tubod, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
Based on the police report, the victim lit up a pyrotechnic when it suddenly fell towards him and exploded, injuring his right leg.
Silo, meanwhile, said despite the firecracker ban in Davao City, the police have arrested one person and rescued 11 minors for the illegal use of an improvised bamboo canon called "lantaka."
The Davao City Police Office said 98 lantaka and 20 kwitis had been confiscated. There were no firecracker-related incidents recorded since Christmas and New Year.
Silo commended the personnel and the people of the Davao Region for the safe and peaceful celebration of the Yuletide season.
"New Year's Eve was celebrated peacefully and safely with no major incidents," he said.
Silo thanked the public for their cooperation and participation in their efforts to ensure a safe and secure Yuletide celebration through its program "Ligtas Paskuhan at Bagong Taon 2023."
The regional police deployed 1,178 personnel for Ligtas Paskuhan at Bagong Taon 2023.
A low pressure area (LPA) has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but has less chance of turning into a tropical depression in the next 48 hours, the state-run weather agency said on Wednesday.
The LPA was spotted past 3 a.m. some 210 kilometers east-northeast of Davao City, according to weather forecaster Grace Castañeda of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
She said the weather disturbance was less likely to escalate into a storm over the next two days but it may bring rain over Visayas and Mindanao.
Pagasa said the shear line, the point where the cold and warm air converge, is affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon while the northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" is affecting the rest of Luzon.
The rest of the country, meanwhile, may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the trough of LPA and localized thunderstorms, the weather bureau said.
DAVAO CITY: The spokesman of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Maj. Catherine de la Rey, said the city has recorded zero incidents of crime since December 1.
According to her, this is surprising because crimes against persons and property usually increase during the Christmas season.
De la Rey said the people's heightened vigilance and the city's "culture of security" may have curbed the trend.
"There were a number of petty crimes but not that high to warrant concern because the people are also now aware that at this time they're very vigilant, they're very careful of their possessions," she said.
De la Rey, however, said the police are expecting an increase in drunk driving incidents and petty crimes in the next two weeks.
She said the DCPO has intensified its information campaign against drunk driving in the city amid the office parties and Christmas revelries this month.
"The DCPO is constantly reminding citizens to drink responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol," she said.
She is also advising people who intend to drink during parties and events to take a taxi or have someone drive them home.
The city's liquor ban and curfew on minors will remain throughout the yuletide season.
"Our curfew on minors and the liquor ban will not stop, there are still limits. If you want to drink, do it inside your homes," she said.
De la Rey assures the public that police officers and security personnel will continue patrolling public places and establishments even during Christmas and New Year's Eve to ensure the liquor ban and curfew are followed.
DAVAO CITY: The Bureau of Customs (BoC) here has partnered with the Philippine National Police-Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (PNP-RACU) in combating the prevalent "love scam" and minimizing further damage to the public.
The BoC in its report Saturday said the collaboration was in keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s economic agenda on public safety and security.
According to the BoC, more people fall victim to this online fraudulent scheme where foreigners befriend Filipinos and engage them in romantic relationships, especially this holiday season.
The foreign friend would then tell them that they have sent gifts. However, payment is needed to get the package that is allegedly being held by the BoC. The gifts, however, do not exist.
In a recent meeting by the BoC and RACU, both agencies discussed the volume of complaints received each month and how the Port's Public Information and Assistance Division deals with them.
The bureau also asked RACU-11 to assist in the information dissemination of the "love scam advisory" of the port to reinforce the public warning of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
The two agencies have exchanged and updated contact information to fast-track concerns and ease data sharing.
Col. Columbo Allan Aberia, RACU-11 director, admits that the scam has been happening for years and that a systematic investigation is a must.
Aberia assured that they will immediately act on the complaints forwarded to them by the BoC-Davao.
Any of the two, actually. Both cities are bustling metropolitans here in the Philippines; with constant economic growth and paradise-like sceneries. But to guide you better, check on some pointers laid down below. I’ve also attached some video highlights to entice you more to choose any of these two amazing cities! *winks*
Why choose Davao?
Listed as one of the safest cities in the world
An ideal place for start-up businesses and entrepreneurial ventures
Much fresher air and cleaner environment
Cheap cost of living
Not so much of a metropolitan as there is less skyscrapers and buildings
Why choose Cebu?
Have access to better quality of life and better standard of healthcare
Experience a metro lifestyle with a provincial rate
Considered as an economic hotspot (well or course, second to Manila)
More ideas for recreational activities
The entire island is laid with the best beaches, waterfalls, and mountain tops to make you feel like one with nature.
One might argue that these two cities are both heaven here on earth. I am not saying that it is but rather you’re more likely to achieve a relaxing, calming, and laidback way of living in these cities rather than in Metro Manila.
THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Friday that the low pressure area (LPA), formerly Tropical Storm "Queenie" continues to bring rain and thunderstorms over the Caraga and Davao Regions over the last 24 hours.
Weather forecaster Daniel James Villamil said the LPA was last spotted some 140 kilometers southeast of Davao City.
The weather disturbance is bringing rain and thunderstorms over Caraga and Davao.
Meanwhile, generally fair weather can be experienced over the next 24 hours in most parts of the country, the Pagasa forecaster said.
He said Pagasa has not monitored any other weather disturbances that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) until the weekend.
The state-run weather agency said localized thunderstorms are affecting Metro Manila and the rest of the country where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may be experienced
Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren Comia. PNA file photo
By Ruth Palo October 30, 2022
DAVAO CITY: Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia said on Friday, October 28, that there was no monitored direct security threat in Davao City during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Comia made the confirmation during the send-off ceremony of security and safety personnel who will be deployed to provide the maximum security coverage, including traffic and direction control, and public safety services in all private and public cemeteries beginning October 30.
Comia, however, said the security sector will not lower its guard down and must not be complacent. Instead, they will continue to be vigilant and alert.
Comia assures Task Force Davao is fully committed to performing its tasks in support of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to ensure the safety and security of the entire city.
He urged all units, all safety and cluster members to do their share in protecting the city against criminalities during Undas.
Thousands of personnel deployed on All Saints' Day.
Public Safety and Security Command Center head Angel Sumagaysay said the city is aiming for a zero crime incident during Undas.
Sumagaysay, who also read the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said that the city is expecting a strengthened collaboration among the security sector for top-quality security services for the Kalag-kalag.
"May you continue to empower your units and enhance their competencies in order to serve and better protect our constituents," Duterte said.
DCPO Deputy Director for Administration LtCol. Jed Clamor, meanwhile, said that he hopes the security plan for Undas will be followed to achieve the zero incidence.
THE Davao City Government through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has honored 32 Davaoeño centenarians in an event at the Grand Menseng Hotel here on Monday, October 3.
Each awardee, present or not, received a plaque and P100,000 cash.
Eligible for the award are those who turned 100 years old after Dec. 2, 2021, the day the Ordinance Honoring Centenarians was passed.
The event had 11 centenarians who were able to personally attend and receive their award. The 22 other centenarians were represented by family members.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte went from table to table to hand over the plaques and cash award alongside Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain, and City Councilors Wilberto Al-ag, Tek Ocampo and Myrna Dalodo Ortiz.
"Once you reach 100 years old, this often includes having a healthy lifestyle. It was also revealed that these centenarians have family members who really take good care of them," CSWDO head lawyer Marlisa Gallo said.
Aside from the cash assistance, the centenarians who came from far-flung areas like Marilog District were also given hotel room accommodations in the morning before the event.
Families of the centenarians said they were elated that their parents were recognized during the event.
Reuben Corro, son of 102-year-old Emma Corro, said "this is really a great help and inspiration for all because according to our neighbors and relatives, they were encouraged to keep themselves healthy so that they could get the promised incentives."
GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI) showcases its portfolio of bespoke software solutions and platforms at the “GMA New Media Goes to Davao” event at the Sinamay 2 function room in Seda, Abreeza in Davao this Sept. 28.
In partnership with Microsoft Philippines and Westcon Comstor, GMA NMI, as GMA Network’s subsidiary and digital arm, continues its mission to fuel and accelerate the country’s digital transformation by offering its expertise to MSMEs in need of a digital boost.
With more than 20 years of experience in systems integration, software development, and IT solutions, GMA NMI has been providing services to several companies in Mega Manila. The group is now poised to penetrate the VisMin market, starting with the industry hub of Mindanao, Davao City.
For entrepreneurs who are interested in taking their business to the next digital level, register now at https://tinyurl.com/4v9ened4.
Davao is known for two crops: durian and cacao. At Belviz Farms, both take center stage.
Husband and wife Emmanuel “Nel”and Mary Grace “Eyeth” Belviz is the couple behind Belviza Farms and Rosario’s Delicacies. (Belviz Farms)
Belviz Farm is a family-owned farm in Calinan District, Davao City. It is currently run by husband and wife Emmanuel “Nel”and Mary Grace “Eyeth” Belviz, who met while studying agriculture in University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB). Nel is in charge of farm operations while Eyeth, who hails from Quezon, is in charge of production and processing for Rosario’s Delicacies, the farm’s brand. Aside from their two main crops, they also produce jackfruit, mangosteen, and lanzones, as well as seasonal crops like sunflowers.
The farm, which currently spans around 30 hectares of both owned and leased land, was originally established by Nel’s father, acclaimed durian farmer Severino Belviz. The couple had been helping the senior Belviz run the farm since they got married in 2000, taking over after Nel’s dad passed away in 2016.
“Our biggest challenge is what in Bisaya is called ‘inato,’ which loosely translates to traditional farming where you produce, you find a middleman, and you sell,” Nel explained in Taglish. “When my wife and I took over, we saw gaps in the marketing, so we looked for ways to value-add products so that we can get a higher price on our harvest.”
Though the farm had been producing value-added products like frozen durian, durian candy, and durian jam since 2001, they increased their product line, adding unique items like jackfruit jam. They also revived their tablea production, which had halted in the 1980s, and ventured into bean-to-bar artisanal chocolates after Eyeth was accepted as a scholar to a cocoa and chocolate processing workshop in Ghent, Belgium. Their venture into artisanal chocolates coincided with the local bean-to-bar boom in 2015, when Filipinos were becoming more interested in local cacao.
It was also a dream come true for Nel, whose childhood dream was to make chocolate candy. Growing up, his dad had explained that the cacao they grew for tablea was the main ingredient of the imported chocolate bars he loved so much, but with added ingredients like milk and sugar. When young Nel failed to make a bar, he promised himself that he would learn to produce chocolate candies one day. “At least now we get to fulfill his childhood dream,” Eyeth said in Tagalog.
Some of the fruits cultivated on the farm. (Belviz Farms)
Belviz Farms
Cacao and durian are actually related, both belonging to the family Malvaceae, which also includes cotton and okra. The two used to be intercropped, until the Belvizes realized that they flourish better when planted separately, as the microclimate produced from the intercropping hinders the growth of both plants. “Cacao and durian, when consumed, also give people a happy feeling because they produce serotonin and tryptophan,” Nel added.
The farm grows 11 durian varieties but is planning to focus on Puyat and Duyaya varieties because these are what’s popular internationally. “The international market only knows Thailand durian, and Puyat is comparable to the Thai variety,” Nel said. “Puyat is highly-resistant to pests and diseases. It has a smaller canopy [than most varieties], [so] you can plant more per hectare. The taste is very good and it has a longer shelf life than other varieties… but you have to care for it or else you won’t have an abundant harvest.”
Though durian can be lucrative, it can also be intensive to cultivate. “You need at least the basic technical know-how,” Nel said. “It’s not a tree you can plant and forget. They need constant care until about three years old.”
The Puyat variety can be planted in 8×8 formation, for a total of about 158 trees a hectare. It is also possible to plant in 10×10 for a less intensive farm. The Belvizes advise planting nurse plants like bananas for the first three to five years as young durian trees flourish in the shade. The harvested bananas will also serve as a source of income while waiting for the durian trees to mature.
The durian trees will start flowering in about four years, though it’s suggested to wait until five or six years to begin harvesting to ensure good harvests. Around the fourth year, the banana trees can slowly be pared away to give the durian trees much-needed sun. “After six years, you can eliminate bananas and you can start harvesting from your durian,” Nel said.
If cared for properly, a healthy durian tree can produce fruits for up to 50 years, though the practice is to keep them up to 35-43 years to maintain a quality harvest. The farm also houses native varieties which are said to be around 135 years old. “As long as you fertilize properly, don’t overfruit your trees, practice fruit thinning, proper drainage, and proper care, I think your durian can last 50 years or more.”
The couple is currently focusing on durian because of the huge local demand and the growing interest in it internationally, with countries like Japan, US, China, and even Thailand looking to import. When asked if the Philippines can meet the global demand for durian, Nel was quick to say, “No, we need to plant more.”
The areas not planted to durian are used to grow cacao. They also source wet beans from nearby farmers and cooperatives, opting to process them themselves. “We ferment them ourselves so we can ensure their quality,” Nel said. “Flavor consistency is an important factor for good chocolate, and it starts in the fermentation process.”
Durian jam, one of the many value-added products from Belviz Farm that is sold under Rosario’s Delicacies. (Belviz Farms)
Rosario’s Delicacies
Working in tandem with Belviz Farms is Rosario’s Delicacies, its value-adding arm, which Eyeth manages. “We didn’t have a background in marketing and trends when we started,” Eyeth shared. “We started developing products because there was a need to use farm surplus. The benchmarking came after.”
Their first customers were folks studying farming in the farm, which is an Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) learning site. “We saw that there was a market, and from there, we created products like frozen durian, durian Jam, and durian candy.”
“We weren’t thinking about profit at first,” Nel added. “Fresh durian has a very short shelf life, so we needed to find a way to extend their selling time. That was why we ventured into processing.”
They were able to expand the availability of their products through the help of several government agencies. “They invited us to trade fairs, local bazaars, even international trade fairs,” Eyeth said, adding that though travel expense was a challenge, the government agencies tried to augment it by giving them free booth space. “The experience exposed us to different kinds of products and marketing. We learned how to deal with buyers and how to develop and improve our products.”
Their clientele began to expand by word of mouth. “Actually, our government is very supportive of SMEs and farmers. We just have to (avail of it).”
The couple stressed the importance of value-added products in adding to a farm’s revenue. They equally stress that value-adding and marketing requires a different approach and mindset, and ideally, a separate team altogether. This is exactly why Nel manages Belviz Farms and Eyeth manages Rosarios’ Delicacies: they’re both managing different businesses.
Eyeth addressed the unintentionally dismissive response many of the public have towards farmers who complain about having surplus harvests with, “just turn it into something else:” “A lot of people misinterpret value-adding as a way for a farm to make money, when it should be that the farm is already making money before going into value-adding.”
Another thing to consider when going into production is to expand beyond one’s farm by working with supplies from other farmers and processors. “We work with other farmers and processors,” Nel says. “We don’t think of them as competitors but as collaborators. That’s how we increase our market.”
Working with other small farmers allows SMEs like Belviz Farms, Rosarios’ Delicacies, and their collaborators to compete with bigger industry players. “We should work as an industry, from farming to processing to working with suppliers and networking with logistics and government agencies,” eyeth says. “We need to group together to achieve economies of scale.”
An example of this was during the first lock down in 2020, Davao durian farmers had no customers because tourism had been halted. The group coordinated with the DA’s High Value Crops (department), who helped find clients outside Davao. “The cost of logistics were high, so everyone helped each other,” Nel said. “We were able to get a lower price working together than if we had done it alone.”
“We have to be resilient,” Eyeth added. “Resilience is an important characteristic of a farmer.”
Rosario’s Delicacies counts artisanal chocolate as one of its best sellers. (Belviz Farms)
The power of marketing
The couple credits treating both farm and value-adding as businesses as part of the formula to their success after taking over. “Marketing is important,” Eyeth said. “If you don’t know your target audience, you’ll lose interest in farming… You need proper marketing, networking, and coordination with your target market.”
A recognizable brand and consistently high quality products are important as well, since the brand is the first thing customers see and of course, good products are what will keep them coming back.
It’s also important, especially for SMEs (Small and Mid-sized Enterprises), to constantly be on their toes. This is why it will shock customers to find out that the Belvizes don’t consider themselves “successful” yet. “For us, success is a journey, not a destination,” Eyeth explained. “It’s how you survive. You consider yourself successful because you’ve weathered a challenge… you’ve innovated, you’ve helped other farmers, and you’ve helped build your industry. For us, it’s… part of being a successful farmer.
Nel and Eyeth Belviz are very happy in their chosen profession. “I love planning. There’s a cycle… If you plan (properly), when the durian flowers bloom, your farm will look like a winter wonderland because even the ground will look white because of all the falling petals. For me, that’s one of the most magical times in durian farming because from there, you can estimate if you’ll have a good harvest that year.”
“Farming is a good investment because farming is life,” Eyeth said. “No matter what happens, you won’t starve if you have a farm.”
Nel added, “There’s a saying that goes, ‘You will need a doctor once, twice, or ten times in your lifetime, but you will need a farmer every day.’”
The couple hope that more people, especially the youth, will consider a career in agriculture. “For those who want to farm or are already farming, please keep doing so because farming is forever,” Eyeth said. “You’ll be able to sustain not just your family, but also your community.”
DAVAO CITY – A total of 2,541 vacancies are available to job applicants during the two-day Tourism Job Fair from Sept. 22 to 23 at the Abreeza Mall, an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Davao said Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Paul Cruz, chief of technical services and support division of DOLE-Davao, said during an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that the job fair would be participated by 35 companies, including hotels and other tourism-related establishments.
The two-day event dubbed “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso” is a nationwide simultaneous event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao organized by the DOLE, Department of Tourism, and Public Employment Service Office to help workers find employment after being displaced by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Cruz said that all vacancies in the two-day job fair are for local employment, particularly within the region, as the newly-established Department of Migrant Workers will take charge of the recruitment for overseas employment.
He said job offerings include, among others, housekeepers, butlers, front office personnel, kitchen staff, customer service representatives, planning personnel, and warehouse helpers.
Cruz said they target at least 10 to 15 percent of the job applicants to be hired on the spot.
He said onsite pre-registration is available for applicants starting Wednesday, Sept. 21. Online preregistration is also available via the Facebook pages of the regional offices of DOLE and DOT.
Ryan D. Roldan, regional employment focal person of DOLE-Davao, encouraged applicants to avail of the preregistration to preselect the jobs they wish to apply to enable them to skip long queues for walk-in applicants.
“We have invited a lot of hotels to join the fair because this job fair is all about tourism. The hotels and restaurants were severely affected by the pandemic,” he said.
He said the event is intended to fill the job losses as a result of permanent and temporary closures due to the pandemic.
DAVAO CITY: The city government here opened double-A halal and non-halal slaughterhouses with cold storage and meat-cutting facilities on Friday.
These facilities, Economic Enterprise Officer in Charge Maximo Macalipes Jr. said, were part of the project plans of the city to put up a facility that caters to the pressing need of prospective customers for an excellent slaughtering that conforms to the standard set by the National Meat Inspection Services.
Macalipes said that his office is truly grateful for the approval of the project and the necessary support such as the financial aspect of the "world-class" slaughterhouse that will be operating soon.
He said that the Manual of Operations for the two slaughterhouses is already finished and is pending official approval from the Malagos Slaughterhouse Management Board.
The project was funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its National Livestock Program, DA 11 Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) Program, and Davao City Government.
The P80 million budget for the completion of the non-halal abattoir was sourced from the DA National Livestock Program, and P5 million came from DA 11 BUB.
The city has also allocated P1 million for the completion of the halal abattoir, and another P7.7 was allocated from the supplemental budget 2022 for the additional equipment.
Slaughter House Master 4 Joseph Gabut, in a previous interview, said that the operation of the slaughterhouses would be to the advantage of the poultry and livestock raisers in Calinan, Mintal, and the Toril public markets, the areas near the slaughterhouse.
The halal slaughterhouse will also provide an additional market for vendors because even Muslim clients will patronize them once their meat is certified Halal, he said.
The cold storage, the blast freezers and the meat processing plant which are the additional features of the non-halal slaughterhouse will be to the advantage of clients because these will help them easily process and preserve food for a wider market reach. The meat processing facility with meat grinders can also cater to a commercial size output.
A cold storage facility is also attached to the slaughterhouses and because of these features, the clients can market their products outside Davao City and throughout the Philippines.
The rates and charges for the slaughter and corral fees for the slaughterhouses will be based on Article 12, Section 383, Ordinance 0291-17 Series of 2017 or "An Ordinance Amending the 2005 Revenue Code of the City otherwise known as the 2017 Revenue Code of Davao," and the charges for meat processing (cutting, blast freezing, cold storage, etc) are still subject to final review before endorsement to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for inclusion with the existing ordinance.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the inauguration of the slaughterhouses.
DAVAO CITY: Col. Alberto Lupaz, chief of the Davao City Police Office, said the DCPO will intensify the implementation of curfew hours for minors in the city to ensure their safety and protection.
Lupaz has already directed all chiefs of police in the city to strictly impose the curfew which prohibits unescorted minors from loitering outside their houses between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The directive came after a 14-year-old female from Toril District was rescued by the police in General Santos City on Sunday afternoon, August 28, after she was initially reported missing on Saturday evening, August 27.
Lupaz said the police will "rescue" minors who are found to be loitering outside their homes in the city and will be turned over at the Women and Children Protection Desk of police stations for temporary custody.
He also advised parents to ensure that their children are inside their residences before 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, Lupaz dismissed reports of rampant kidnapping incidents despite the recent news that went viral on social media about two minors who were allegedly abducted in the city.
"It was fake news," Lupaz said.
The said minors personally appeared at Davao City Police Office on Monday afternoon, August 29, with their parents.
The minors and their parents denied the allegation of kidnapping, claiming that they ran away from home because of personal problems.
THE Davao City government has intensified its school-based vaccinations as face-to-face classes have started in most schools in the city.
Covid-19 Task Force spokeswoman Dr. Michelle Schlosser, however, admitted that the vaccination rollout for 5 to 11 years old could turn out to be the most challenging should parents refuse to have their children vaccinated.
"We are intensifying the school-based vaccinations but the dilemma of our vaccination team is if parents refuse to have their children vaccinated. At the end of the day, no vaccinations will happen if there is no consent from the parents," Schlosser said in a radio program over Davao City Disaster Radio.
She urged parents to instill the importance of wearing masks in their children to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.
Personnel from the Safety and Security Cluster, she said, are deployed to the city's schools and are strictly implementing the wearing of masks as they continue to heighten monitoring of Covid-19 cases in the city.
Schlosser has continuously appealed to the parents of 5 to 11 years old to have their children vaccinated since infection among this age group is inevitably spread because most kids are not keen on adhering to minimum public health standards.
"We are still emphasizing the wearing of masks. You can teach your children to wear their masks every single time that they are in school. Have them vaccinated because we don't want them to suffer from the severity of the disease if they do get infected," she said.
Schlosser also urged teaching and nonteaching personnel to make sure their learners or students wear masks inside their classrooms and schools.
A low pressure area was spotted off Davao City by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
At the same time, the weather bureau is monitoring an active tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The LPA was last seen some 530 kilometers east of the city.
Meanwhile, the tropical depression outside PAR was 550 kms north-northwest of Kalayaan Island, Palawan and is almost stationary, Pagasa said.
It had maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph, the weather bureau said.
The LPA is affecting Caraga and Davao Region while the southwest monsoon, is affecting Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
The southwest monsoon also brought cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and localized thunderstorms in the next 24 hours, Pagasa said.
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