𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐠𝐚: “𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩…𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠,” 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐝𝐎’𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

Davao de Oro— “It’s the boat, it’s the ship, the very vehicle nga sakyan natong tanan ug asa ta padung... we need your utmost cooperation, we need your prayers nga magkahiusa gyud ta nga mapadayun natong smooth-sailing ang pagpadagan sa atong barko hangtud muabot ta didtu sa 2025,” Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga Gonzaga said as she led the ceremonial launching and signing of the pledge and commitment of support for the 2023–2025 Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) on October 10, 2022.

The ELA 2023-2025 is a term-based strategic plan of the executive-legislative department for the next three years that would bring significant changes to the lives of the people of Davao de Oro. It is the blueprint or guide toward the direction of progress and development in the province. This consisted of the proposed programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for the province focusing on five (5) governance sectors such as social services, economic development and poverty reduction, physical and infrastructure development, environmental management, and local administration and financial management.

"The ELA is the very document containing sa mga nasabutan nga pagplastar ug implementar nga mga proyekto ug serbisyo sa probinsya. This is our very document to you, dear people, kung asa mo dal-on ni Gov Dot-dot ug Vice Gov Tyron apil ang mga board members ug atong department heads," Gov. Gonzaga said.

Governor Gonzaga congratulated the technical working group and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Uy, who lent their time and efforts in scrutinizing the prioritized programs even with the limited funds and resources to come. She also extended gratitude to the employees and the people of Davao de Oro for sending their sentiments that led to the realization of ELA.

“Kani napahitabo tungod kamo mismo nagpakabana, nitingog mo nga mao ni ato atimanon. Mag-ampo mi nga atoa gyud ning masunod, magampo pud mi nga kamo magpabiling magbinantayon,” Gov. Gonzaga said.

Vice Governor Uy, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, department heads, national government agencies (NGAs), and employees joined the governor in fully supporting the vision, mission, and goals of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, DILG Provincial Director Noel C. Duarte said that every public servant should serve the people with integrity, trust, and a sense of commitment.

“Today, we will be forging our commitment as government public servants. We must live with the vision of the province... responsive to the needs of every Dabawenyos," PD Duarte said. (𝐽. 𝐹𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑧, 𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝐴 . 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑜)

Davao de Oro vies awards in ATOP-DOT 2022 Pearl Awards

Five entries from Davao de Oro made it to the final list of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines- Department of Tourism 2022 Pearl Awards (ATOP-DOT) Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines right after the preliminary round on September 17, 2022, at the University of Sto. Tomas.

In a letter sent by DOT to Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, the organization congratulated the provincial government for having been listed as one of the finalists for the prestigious awards. 

The following entries from DdO made it to the finals: Best Practices in Responsible Tourism-Community Based Heritage Conservation Project/Program (Including LGU Assisted Programs on Heritage Tourism Indigenous Cultural Tourism, Best Tourism Week/ Month Celebration Best Tourism Promotions Video from PLGU-DdO Tourism, and LGU Nabunturan’s Best Tourism Event-Festival, and the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer. 

Senior Tourism Officer Christine Dompor, along with Municipal Tourism Officer of Nabunturan Leah Calamaba joins the final presentation of the entries at the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, University of Sto. Tomas yesterday, September 23, 2022.

According to ATOP, the 17th Pearl Awards Night will be held on October 27, 2022 during the 23rd ATOP National Convention in Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

Meanwhile, DdO’s Technical Working Group and Management Board of Davao de Oro Farm with Acting Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo visited the province of  Misamis Oriental for a learning visit and exploration of possible potentials for agri-tourism in DdO.

The group benchmarked various agri-processing centers: MisOr Agri Development Complex, Silkwork Facility of PTRI DOST, LGU-operated tourism facilities in Claveria and Gingoog, and Oolong Tea Processing Facility.

According to Dompor, the group visited various agri-processing centers to redirect priorities and improve the value chain of agriculture and agri-business management in Davao de Oro. (JA. PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by C. Dompor)

𝐏𝐋𝐆𝐔-𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨'𝐬 "𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬" 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬

 

More or less one-hundred employees from the provincial government of Davao de Oro availed the "Capitours," a two-day free tour to the three (3) tourism loops in the province initiated by the provincial government's tourism office headed by Senior Tourism Office Christine Dompor.

The initiative is part of the province's celebration of Tourism Month 2022, in partnership with various tourism sites in the locality and with the support of Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga. The 2-day tour covered three tourism loops in Davao de Oro: Wellness Loop, Highlands to Valley Loop, and the Coastal Loop.

According to Tourism Head Christine Dompor, the capitours aim to market quality experience and services that travel destinations offer province-wide. The initiative initially marked the launching of Davao de Oro's tourism loops, which resulted in multiple positive outcomes in terms of tourism promotions and the generation of jobs for the locals.

Among the destinations covered by the tour were D' Fortees Nature and Adventure Park, Febrish Cold Spring Resort, J&N Cabunas View Deck and Spring Resort for the Highland to Valley Loop; Bilawa Hot Waterfalls, Lake Leonard, Tambo Cafe, and Tagbibinta Falls for the Wellness Loop; and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, Seaworld Oasis and Waterworld for the Coastal Loop.

According to the tourism office, the tour promotions are an avenue toward more tourism returns to the province. Further, in partnership with the national government agencies, the office will soon hold pieces of training to capacitate locals whose areas have potential tourism spots. (𝐽𝐴, 𝑃𝐴𝑂-𝐼𝑃𝑅𝐷 𝐷𝑑𝑂, 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝐴. 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒)

𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨

A significant step up in the agriculture sector in Davao de Oro came into light right after the successful harvest of the Community Hybrid Rice Model Farm: a community model of hybrid rice variety established in selected barangays in the municipalities of Compostela and Nabunturan ranging up to 200 hectares of land area.

The model farms are an initiative through the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture Region XI, Provincial Government of Davao de Oro headed by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga,  Provincial Agriculturist's Office of DdO, Municipal Agriculture Offices of Compostela and Nabuturan, and private seed companies; Syngenta Philippines, Inc., SL Agritech Corporation, and Bayer Crop Science.

The project yields a significant rack-up in the province's rice sector by using four (4) hybrid rice varieties: Bigante Plus, NK5017, SL 20H, and M20. These hybrid rice varieties showed the potential to adapt to climate changes and generate a higher income for the local farmers.

The involved agencies and private partners also pushed for the concept of farm clustering, a method utilizing two cropping seasons, both wet and dry cropping irrigated areas, to fully maximize space, time, and effort. In total, the municipality of Compostela involves Brgy. Gabi, Tamia, Lagab, San, Jose, and Siocon has 100 hectares of rice model farm site with 66 farmer-cooperators, while Brgy. Magading, Libasan (LIPRIMCO), Libasan (PNIA), and Pangutusan comprised Nabunturan with 100 hectares of rice model farm site and 78 farmer-cooperators.

Further, both Compostela and Nabunturan received 25 bags of rice seeds for each hybrid variety of rice for their model farm, including loads of fertilizers (urea, complete, and MOP) per hectare of the model farm.

In partnership with DA and private companies, this initiative of the provincial government is a blueprint for modern, efficient, and effective rice-farming techniques that will soon be adopted by the other farmers province-wide.

PAGRO Head Dr. Jaime Anter, in his message to the farmers during the harvest, conveyed that the government will continue to support them through subsidies, lowering their production costs and increasing their income. 

According to PAGRO-DdO, more or less 400 bags of rice (65 kilograms per bag) were harvested yesterday (September 21, 2022) in two (2) model farms located in Brgy. Magading and Pangutusan. The remaining unharvested hybrid rice model farm sites will follow in the last week of September and the first week of October this year. (J. Abella, PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by J. Cadiz)

Davao de Oro officially opens Tourism Month Celebration

A display of locally-made products in Davao de Oro's provincial capitol lobby brandished various municipalities' tourism signatures in celebration of Tourism Month 2022.

The Tourism Division, headed by Senior Tourism Officer Christine Dompor and her team, spearheaded the opening celebration of Tourism Month through a showcase of tatak Davao de Oro products and services dubbed "TurisTiange" at the capitol lobby today, September 12, 2022. The TurisTiannge is part of the month-long array of activities, which marks the official kick-off of the celebration.

The municipalities of Compostela, Nabunturan, Maragusan, Mabini, Maco, and Pantukan took part in the event with their corresponding Municipal Tourism Officers. 

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo, Board Member Ruwina Gonzaga, and Board Member Vivencia Secuya graced the cutting of ribbon ceremony and visited the booths offered by the participating municipalities.

Gov Gonzaga, in her message, stated that the government would continue to develop and enhance the tourism industry as an economic driver in the province. "Swerte kaayo ang Davao de Oro kay naa kitay tulo (3) ka tourism circuits nga pwede masuruyan ug ikapang-hambog. Infact, naningkamot gyud ta nga mas mapalambo nato ang turismo sa atong probinsya," said Gov Gonzaga.

More tourism-related awaits the whole month of September. In the coming weeks, the tourism division will spearhead a series of Tourism training, the opening of the ice cream festival, Turismo awards, and the launching of DdO Circuits.

The division will also offer the "CapiTours Laag Treats" for government employees and will participate in the 9th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition in collaboration with LGU Nabunturan. (JA, PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by J. Cadiz).

Educational Tablets Turn Over

 DAP sa Mindanao turns over educational tablets for UKP beneficiaries in DdO.

Three hundred (300) educational tablets were officially handed by the Development Academy (DAP) sa Mindanao to the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro thru Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga on September 1, 2022, in support of the Unlad Kabataan Project (UKP) learners' pre-identified by the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education.

Governor Gonzaga welcomed and thanked the personnel from DAP sa Mindanao for the provisions granted by the agency to bolster education among the youth in the province. Each tablet has a sim card with free loads and a  learning material from DAP named “Linang Version 2,” which will be used by the learners during their education.

PLGU Davao de Oro is among the fourteen (14) LGUs and the only provincial government that became a beneficiary of DAP’s Alternative Learning System-Education and Skills Training (ALS-EST). Through the program, 300 out-of-school youths (OSYs) were given a chance to continue chasing their dreams through alternative learning modalities.

DAP sa Mindanao, in collaboration with the Youth Development Division of PSWDO-DdO, targets to officially hand off the units to the identified beneficiaries at the end of September this year. Further, DAP will soon offer varied skills training to the UKP beneficiaries.

During the turn-over ceremony, Executive Assistant Dennis B. Anduyan, PSWDO Head Josephine Frasco, YDD OIC-Division Head Alexis Micutuan, and a representative from DepEd-DdO graced the event. 

(JA, PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by A. Dayao)

Special General Assembly at San Antonio Housing Homeowners Association held

 

To streamline the functions and responsibilities of the San Antonio Housing Village community officers, the National Housing Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Housing and Homesite Division (HHD) of PLGU-DdO, conducted a special general assembly and election of officers for San Antonio’s Housing Association on August 31, 2022.

San Antonio Village I is located at Brgy. Maparat in Compostela with a total of two thousand five hundred (2,500) settlers according to HDD, thus the need to concretely systematize community leaders for the improvement of the village. Executive Assistant for Communications and Public Relation Edward B. Macapili represented Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga during the conduct of the event. He conveyed that the provincial government will do its function to settle existing conflicts in the housing settlement in accordance with due process of the law.

On the same day, the body conducted an election for the Committee on Elections of the village. The Elecom committee is in charge of electing the grievance committee, which will oversee housing and facility issues. Further, the NHA and DHSUD conducted an orientation on R.A. 9904, also known as the Magna Carta for Home-owners and Home-owners Association. 

The success of the general assembly is a first step towards resolving concerns and conflicts in the housing settlement. This will incorporate basic government services, sustainable livelihood programs, and strengthen the maintenance of the village regulations and other necessary undertakings. Present during the event were Compostela Mayor Levi Ebdao, HDD Head Sue Getrude Generale, personnel from the DHSUD and NHA Region  XI, and Brgy. Officials of Brgy. Maparat.

The special general assembly will also be conducted on the remaining housing settlements in the province in the coming weeks. (JA, PAO-IPRD DdO, photo by J. Cadiz)

Support for the academe assured

For over two years of not having the traditional face-to-face learning modality, the Department of Education officially reopened its doors for students to physically engage in the four-corners of every classroom last August 22, 2022.

The full-swing of the face-to-face classes exposed urgent necessities in public schools, especially that classrooms are considered dormant since the outbreak of the pandemic. With this, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro headed by Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga assured to extend its support for the Department of Education in the province.

In the recent district teacher’s meeting conducted by DepEd New Bataan District, the Governor was represented by Executive Assistant Edward Macapili. In his talk, the executive assistant conveyed that the governor will support the educational institution towards providing education with an appropriate and a competitive standard. He also stressed that a conducive learning environment is vital on molding the minds of the younger generation, and this can be realized through working hand-in-hand with DepEd and the provincial government. The district meeting was attended by hundreds of public school teachers from New Bataan District, school principals and staff, and municipal officials of New Bataan.

Not only a good school curriculum can determine the efficacy and efficiency of teaching methods for students, but also the physical atmosphere where the delivery of the instruction will take place. This is where the support from the governor will go in, through the improvement and provision of school amenities in public schools.

During the conduct of the Brigada Eskwela prior to the reopening of classes, Governor Dorothy Gonzaga alongside with Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga showed their dedicated support for the public schools  through provision of school buildings, school tables and chairs, and funds needed by the parents-and-teachers association and other matters that concern school improvement. The working governor and congressman visited several public schools and personally reached-out the communities to acknowledge their concerns. (JA, PAO-IPRD DdO)

Davao de Oro’s tourist destinations to the world

Two well-known personalities in the mainstream media recently visited Davao de Oro’s highland adventure as part of the province’s tourism wellness loop, and featured the province’s rich tourism destinations on Metro Channel’s travel show “Beached” Episode.

Marc Nelson and Christi McGarry visited the highland adventures in the province accompanied by the team from the Tourism Division of PLGU-DdO headed by Senior Tourism Officer Christine Dompor, in collaboration with the local government units, and private individuals who manage top tourist sites in the province.

Marc Nelson is a television host and model credited for being one of the most visible and prominent personality in Philippine television, while Christi McGarry is a former beauty queen, part of the Batch of Binibining Pilipinas 2015 led by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and won first runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2015.

The duo visited and featured Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation in Mabini, Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls, New Barili Heights and Sights, Lake Leonard in Maco, Tagbibinta Falls, and Ayuste Nature Park in Maragusan and Salvosa Falls in Pantukan. Metro’s “Beached” episode is streamed on Metro’s Youtube Channel, Skycable channel, Cignal Channel and GSAT channel.

In a statement, Dompor thanked the partners of PLGU-Davao de Oro headed by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga for the successful conduct and accommodation of the well-known personalities, “Daghan kaayong salamat sa tanan namong partners. Above all, thankful to God and the universe for the safe travel, good weather and the mystifying experience with the natural world. Truly we have captured golden memories,” said Dompor.

Marc Nelson on his official Instagram account posted that he was hooked with Davao de Oro's therapeutic and steaming Bilawa Hot Waterfalls, and was amazed with the spectacular view of the Sea of Clouds in Maragusan, "Such a pleasant surprise here in Davao de Oro," Nelson said. 

Data from the tourism office of DdO reveals that the province’s tourism returns are still high even in the midst of the pandemic. This is due to the collaborative efforts of the province with the LGUs and private partners who prioritized the vaccination roll-out of the tourism workforce. 

Davao de Oro has a total number of 3.4 million tourist visits from January 2020 to June this year. (PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by PAO-Tourism)

New PCL Officers take oath before Gov. Gonzaga

On Monday (August 15, 2022), the new set of officers of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Davao de Oro Chapter formally took their oath of office before Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga, indicating the start of their official term in office.

"Our heartfelt congratulations to our newly minted officers of PCL, I know how difficult the task ahead is for you ... carrying the burden of providing the best legislation para sa atong katawhan. Sa inyung grupo karun makita gyud nako nga puhon ang PCL DdO chapter will be recognized as one of the best PCL chapters in the Philippines," Gov Gonzaga said. 

It can be recalled that on August 10–12, 2022, the PCL Davao de Oro Chapter, in coordination with DILG Davao de Oro, conducted the PCL Provincial Federation Election at the Grand Menseng Hotel in Davao City where Hon. Jammaila Villena Budac of the Municipality of Mabini was elected as the new PCL President after casting a total of 111 votes.

New PCL President Budac led her officers during the swearing-in ceremony right after the convocation and flag-raising rites held in front of the Executive building, Capitol grounds.

In her statement, she underscored that the governing body solemnly swears to perform the assigned duties, obligations, and responsibilities associated with holding public office to deliver genuine public service to the constituents they serve. She also reiterated that the league would do its best to formulate and implement legislation that would contribute to the continuing development of the province.

Meanwhile, other PCL officers who took the oath were Maco Councilor Madie Carl Richie C. Sahid as Vice-President, Pantukan Councilor Hannie Jean T. Elisan as Secretary-General, Montevista Councilor Maria Teresa D. Zamora as Treasurer, Nabunturan Councilor Francis P. Secuya as Auditor, Mabini Councilor Isabelo D. Perez Jr. as P.R.O. and Maragusan Councilor Keith B. Yanong as Business manager.

Moreover, the Provincial Federation Directors composed of Monkayo Councilor Joy Cabag, Maragusan Councilor Ariel Seno, Mawab Councilor Bob Mirasol, New Bataan Councilor Merymarlith Balbin, Nabunturan Councilor Mila Cezarina Sotto, Laak Councilor Emeterio Abellanida Jr., Montevista Councilor Roberto Requillo and Maco Councilor Jonathan Calzada.

As a strong team of local legislators, the PCL DdO chapter remains at the forefront of current and emerging trends and developments in local governance in order to improve constituents' quality of life through executing efficient legislation. (PAO-IPRD DdO)

The best kind of travel

By GeneRose Tecson, Davao City (text and photos)
 

The best kind of travel is when you just pack up and go with your most favorite people in the world, my Laag Gang.

Sometimes we’re all together, most times we’re not, but we made and are making memories together and for each other.

This time, we went to Davao de Oro. It is more than worth the trip, nature tripping at its best. From Bilawa Hot Waterfalls (although I hope that they can still reconsider the set-up), to Lake Leonard and on to Tagbibinta Falls (kudos to the Maragusan LGU for the set-up and for preserving the naturalness of the site of the falls. TOs should visit this site and take note) to our stay at Tita Araceli Lanoy Ayuste’s Ayuste Highland Mountain Resort.

Thank you also to JohnJohn Colina and Dickson Diez for welcoming us and cooking one of the best nilotlot I’ve ever tasted!

PLGU Davao de Oro maintains ISO certification

 

Quality-service delivery, accountability, and proficiency in managing people's resources is among the top priority and goal of the provincial government of Davao de Oro headed by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga. 

In the recently concluded audit report by the certification body auditors or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) evaluators from TÜV SÜD PSB Philippines Inc., the provincial government maintained its certificate for international standardization after it passed the 1st Surveillance Audit of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification, which indicates that the institution continues its efforts not just to continually improve the efficiency of its systems and processes but also consistently provide the high-quality service delivery that the constituents deserve. 

Moreover, the Enterprise Feedback Management System (EFMS) plays a vital role in the Quality Management System (QMS) since it is a management tool for customer satisfaction and continual improvement. The system was formulated by the Provincial Information and Technology Office (PICTO), headed by Joyzel Odi, and was commended by the ISO evaluators for its timely consolidation of external and internal feedback into a single, time-saving platform, increasing access to and simplifying the use of valuable client data across the entire institution.

"EFMS enables authoring of survey forms. Response collection is via paper forms (which are encoded to the system) or URL link or qrcode link (which are scanned by the raters). Department heads or admin officers are notified via email for every below satisfactory feedback. They manage responses by viewing complaints and indicating actions (which are emailed to the rater)", Odi said.

She also added that "Implementation status of the indicated actions are validated by the Internal Audit Office. The system provides data analytics thru tabulations, charts, and trends. It also identifies issues and sentiments". 

Furthermore, the Provincial Human Resource Mgt. & Development Office (PHRMDO) head Lara Kristy Bermejo expressed her appreciation to all department heads and process owners for their unwavering support in realizing the goals of QMS for the institution despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

"To the ISO Core Team...thank you all so much! Seeing you all working silently but very diligently is truly heartwarming! I see in each one of you the true desire of making our institution improve consistently," Bermejo said.

The success of the ISO audit was another milestone under the administration, which is one of the pillars of good governance in the province. Thus, achieving and maintaining the ISO certification yields many benefits, such as satisfied clients, management, and employees. (PAO-IPRD DdO)

DTI DdO recognizes MSMEs as the backbone of Economic recovery

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro through the PAO-Investment Division, continues its efforts to support and empower the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by conducting business trade fairs, pitching, product expos, one-town one-product live selling, financing forums, and the like, as they are the backbone of the gradual economic recovery not only in the province but also in the entire country.

August 8–12, 2022 marks the 2022 MSME Week + Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Celebration in Davao de Oro with the theme "RISE MSMEs in the Digital Economy: Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable, and Empowered," which underpins MSMEs' resilience to continue their entrepreneurial journey, be innovative enough to cope with the drastic changes brought by the pandemic to sustain their small businesses and become empowered and successful entrepreneurs in the hardest of times.

During the week-long event, the local products of MSMEs, including innovative foods, textiles, arts and crafts, health, beauty, and wellness products of the province, were exhibited through a business trade fair at the Capitol Lobby as an act of support by the government, which allows them to promote their various products and later increase the reach of potential customers for their businesses. 

In addition, a business pitching competition for the young entrepreneurs and students from DDOSC Compostela, DDOSC Montevista, DDOSC New Bataan, DDOSC Maragusan, Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences and Technology, and Assumption College of Nabunturan was also conducted at the Activity Hall, Executive Building, where they showcased their unique and innovative products. Moreover, a one-town one-product live selling on social media platforms such as Facebook was also conducted to further promote their products.

Meanwhile, DTI DdO Provincial Director Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque presented some facts and figures that show the significant contribution of MSMEs to the growth and development of the economy. He said that it has always been the DTI's priority to assist the MSMEs to visualize and expand their businesses through programs, events, and activities to make the most of their ventures and would help them become large enterprises in the future. 

"According to the 2020 MSME Statistics conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a total of 957,620 business enterprises are operating in the country. About 99.51% or 952,969 accounts for the MSMEs while the remaining 0.49% or 4,651 accounts for the large enterprises. These MSMEs created a total of 5,380,815 jobs, accounting for 62.66% of total employment in the country." said Balleque.

He also added that "recently the PSMED Council passed a resolution requesting Sangguniang Panlalawigan to enact an ordinance which would entitle eligible MSMEs to 10% of total procurement of goods and services supplied to the government. We will also request our LGUs to allocate the said budget for MSME development."

Furthermore, Governor Dorothy Gonzaga underpinned her support for the said events and reiterated that if we support more of our MSMEs, we could guarantee a positive change in our economy. 

"Sa atong mga leaders diri sa Davao de Oro, we are more than willing to give our all-out support para sa mga programa para kaninyu. After all , kamo ang mu-shape ug muhatag ug hitsura sa unsay hulagway diri sa Davao de Oro. Maningkamot mi ug unsa pa matabang nga mahatag na suporta sa kapitolyo sa inyu," Gov. Gonzaga said. (PAO-IPRD DdO)

PAO- Information and Public Relations Division

4th Flr, Executive Building,

Provincial Capitol Complex

Brgy Cabidianan, Nabunturan

Davao de Oro