Early Christmas for orphaned children in Davao City

BY IVY TEJANO

Nov 10, 2024 09:54 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – About 50 children of the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation will have a merry Christmas under the Dusit Thani Residence Davao and DusitD2 Davao’s “Stars of Hope” initiative.

DUSIT D2 and Dusit Thani Davao Residence owner, Tomas Lorenzo, hotel officials and staff, representatives of the  Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation, city government of Davao, and the Department of Tourism, formally light the Christmas tree of Dusit Thani Davao Residence on Friday, Nov. 8, in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)

Dusit Thani Davao introduced Field of Dreams during its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 8, that launched a month of planned activities and underscoring its partnership with the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation. 

Dusit Thani Residence Davao owner and Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. chief executive officer Tomas P. Lorenzo said it is a tradition to partner with local charity organizations during the Christmas tree-lighting every year to give back to the community.

Lorenzo said this was the first time he attended a tree-lighting here and he is honored to participate in the beautiful celebration. He added that their Christmas tree reflects not just the Philippines but Davao and Mindanao.

“This year, we are introducing the Stars of Hope as our charity program in partnership with two organizations. For Dusit Thani Davao, we have Field of Dreams, and for Dusit Thani Plantation, we have Mabini Federation of Senior Citizens Association,” Lorenzo said.

Jerry Evangelista of the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation thanked the Lorenzo family and Dusit Thani Davao officials and staff for their commitment to uplifting the lives of the children, emphasizing that their support extends well beyond the holiday season.

"Your commitment to our vision will ensure our children receive hope and fairness beyond the holiday season. Your commitment to positively impacting others’ lives is truly inspiring. Thank you for believing in our cause and making a meaningful difference," Evangelista said.

The Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates in Davao City and Davao Region. 

The foundation caters to homeless, dependent, neglected, abandoned, and orphaned boys aged three to 18-years-old.

The city government, through Committee on Tourism and Beautification chairman Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, was present during the event. He delivered the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who thanked the establishment for fostering a sense of community. 

“The Christmas tree-lighting is more than a celebration. It inspires people to reflect on hope, faith, and love, encouraging everyone to bring light to others’ lives.”

Tanya Rabat-Tan, director of the Department of Tourism-11, said in a message read by her assistant, Judy Colaljo, that the department shares joyful celebration with the establishment, emphasizing the success and remarkable progress of Davao’s tourism sector. 

“As we move forward to exciting journeys, let us take inspiration from our past, continue to nurture our present, and show optimism for our future. We hope that we will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the growth and prosperity of our tourism industry,” Tan said.

Tan said 2024 has been promising because of the many milestones they have achieved in the industry. She added that the success and progress in the tourism sector have reflected the resilience, strong cooperation, and unyielding support among its key players and stakeholders.

Davao City records 1.2 M tourist arrivals in 2023

BY IVY TEJANO

Aug 7, 2024 10:18 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The city government reported an increase in tourist arrivals here last year with 1,296,928 compared to the 897,406 in 2022.

DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte poses for a photo prior to his city address. (Photo via Ivy Tejano) 

Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his State-of-the-City Address on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, that tourism here has steadily recovered since the pandemic.

Duterte said the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) supports the local tourism sector and tourism-related establishments.

As of 2023, the CTOO noted that 2,410 tourism establishments and service providers secured their certifications and licenses, a 7.81 percent increase from 1,985 in 2022.

The city also hosted 4,105 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events from June 2023 to May 2024, compared to the 2,156 the previous year.

Duterte cited the Duaw Davao Festival two months ago and the hosting of this year’s Ironman 70.3 competition. 

The local Chief Executive lauded the people here for being disciplined. He said that Davao City is a good city because of the good character of its people.

He said the D.C.plinado campaign launched in March contributed to fostering a culture of discipline among citizens.

Duterte noted that the campaign, which was passed and implemented by a city ordinance, was also integrated into the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao curriculum.

“The success of legislation in the city, such as the smoking ban, liquor ban, and speed limit ordinance, is a testament to the discipline of Davaoeños,” Duterte said.

Duterte urged the people of Davao to continue exercising vigilance and report suspicious activities and concerns to proper government agencies.

Among the highlights of the SOCA were digitalization, peace and order, poverty alleviation, sustainable environment, agriculture and agri-business, infrastructure development, and education. 

Duterte cited the crucial role of the people of Davao City in managing solid waste, preserving trees, and protecting animals. He said the city does not support mining activities.

Rep. Paolo Duterte here backed and congratulated his brother, Mayor Duterte, and the people of Davao City for a job well done.

Rep. Duterte accompanied Mayor Duterte from the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall to Rizal Park on San Pedro St. where he delivered his SOCA.

The lawmaker’s son, Omar Vincent Duterte, the chairman of Barangay Buhangin District here, also congratulated the local chief executive and vowed to support the city government.

“I am impressed with our city mayor because, despite the pressure that the city is going through and how busy he is, he consistently prioritized the needs of the people in this city,” Omar said.

Also in attendance during the SOCA were Rep. Duterte’s wife, January, the Barangay Catalunan Grande chieftain, the 11 tribal leaders here, and city council members. 

8,000 LGBTs join Duaw Dabaw Festival Pride Parade

BY IVY TEJANO

Jun 24, 2024 10:41 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Almost 8,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community here marched during the Pride Parade of the first-ever Duaw Dabaw Festival from Roxas Ave. to Rizal Park at San Pedro Square here on Sunday, June 23.

Harold Quibete, Pride Parade organizer, said that the event featured 111 LGBTQIA+ groups, seven bands, and seven floats and witnessed by 15,000 to 20,000 people. 

Quibete thanked the participants, the people, the city government, for supporting the event.

He thanked the city councilors and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for gracing the event.

“We are happy that they were present, and it is a nice way of showing that the government is opening its doors, that the LGBTQIA+ community is accepted and valued here in Davao City," Quibete said.

Duterte said that Pride Month serves as a reminder of the power of love against hatred, discrimination, and the lack of respect for the LGBT community, which historically has been subjected to ridicule, oppression, and unequal life opportunities. 

Quibete said the overall security during the pride event was generally peaceful.

He added that people enjoyed the performance of the drag performers in the Hugyaw Davao: Night of Fun and Colors at Rizal Park.

Rep. Paolo Duterte bares 2023 gains

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 15, 2024 02:38 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte here released on Saturday, January 13, a report on his achievements in Congress, with an interactive infographic of accomplishments throughout his leadership.

Duterte presented the “Mobile Kitchen” through Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program as among his accomplishments. The mobile kitchen served 7,050 lunch and hot porridge packs to underserved communities, including fire and flood victims. 

He distributed food packs and cash assistance to 5,421 fisherfolk here who had difficulty fishing during the rainy and closed seasons. He said his office aimed to improve the food supply of families affected by climate change.

Duterte said that he authored 78 House bills and 12 resolutions in 2023 – House Bills 7360, 9423, 9682, 7687, 9095, 9320, and 9021 concerning micro and small enterprises, elderly persons, farmers, teachers, children, and other underprivileged Filipinos.

He provided success in social services such as medical and burial backing, emergency response, educational assistance, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and infrastructure.

His leadership helped 25,272 patients and 963 senior citizens at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here, 1,290 cancer patients, and 18,205 patients in private hospitals. He provided 4,540 families with burial assistance. 

The lawmaker assisted 1,512 fire victims, 1,999 flood victims, 31 landslide victims, and three storm surge victims per family.

On education, he said his office supported 808 colleges and 137 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholars, 30 medicine post-graduates, and six law school post-graduates.

“Alongside our efforts to establish enabling mechanisms to ensure that our youth finish their studies, such a program shall provide them with prompt financial support that they can use for their educational needs,” Duterte said.

He also helped 13,852 identified recipients of the TUPAD program and 3,617 recipients of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He  provided 33 roving motorcycles for barangay police to ensure peace and order in the first district.

A total of 2,962 beneficiaries, covering all barangay nutrition scholars and health workers of the first district, received one year of indemnity insurance privilege.

Duterte announced the ongoing construction of the Davao Coastal Road and the 800-meter Ma-a Flyover. His office accommodated 600 solicitations and gave 48 tents, 288 wheelchairs, 28 nebulizers, 26 walkers, eight crutches, and 74 solar street lights.

Magno, netizens mourn death of Capalla

BY IVY TEJANO

  

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DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said the death of Archbishop Fernando Capalla is heartbreaking for the people of Davao whom he served as prelate for most of his life.

Magno said he is one with the people of Davao in mourning the death of a selfless and most loved man of God. He added that everyone in public service hopes to emulate Capalla’s outstanding service to the people.

MASSES have been scheduled during the wake of Archbishop Fernando Capalla. (FB)

“Thank you, Archbishop ‘Nanding,’ for your love and dedication not just to the people of Davao but to all whose lives you touched throughout your life. Rest in peace. May you continue to be a shining beacon to all who choose to serve in the name of God and the republic,” Magno said.

Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, the clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo also condoled with the family of Capalla who was ordained clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro.

Lazo said Capalla was a native of Leon, Iloilo and received his education from the Colegio de San Agustin, now the University of San Agustin, and Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary. 

Capalla was ordained priest at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral on March 18, 1961. He became rector of the Saint Joseph Junior Seminary, now Saint Joseph Regional Seminary, and was a formator of numerous bishops and priests from the archdiocese.

He was ordained and appointed as auxiliary bishop of Davao on April 2, 1972, and became prelate of the Diocese of Iligan in 1977, apostolic administrator of the Prelature of Marawi in 1987, and appointed archbishop of Davao in 2012.

The former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines from 2003 to 2005 passed away at 89 on Saturday morning, January 6. Capalla is a prominent figure in Mindanao. He gained recognition as a significant religious leader.

Netizens also mourned the demise of Capalla.

“Rest well, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla. An advocate of peace in Mindanao and CBCP president. A staunch supporter of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” netizen Lyndon Origenes Macarayan said in his Facebook post.

“You have been God’s instrument for me so that I could participate in the priesthood of Jesus! I thank God for you, Abp. Nanding! Thank you very much for being my spiritual father since 2005! May you rest happily with all the angels and saints,” said Fr. Russell Bantiles, a former editor-in-chief of the Davao Catholic Herald, in a Facebook post.

“Your weekly presence always brought the youth together just to see you, and you always taught us how to stay close to Jesus through Mama Mary and Saint Ana. Pray for us in heaven, bishop. May you rest in the Father's loving arms,” netizen Francis Tupad said in his Facebook post.

Capalla will be laid to rest on Monday, January 15, during a funeral Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. Interment follows at the Dormitium de San Pedro, the Archdiocese of Davao announced.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday visited the wake and mourned the passing away of Capalla.

Prominent Davao businessman Philip Dizon dies in road crash

 PROVINCIALMINDANAONEWS

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 8, 2024 10:50 AM 

DAVAO CITY – Prominent businessman Philip “Sonny” Dizon, owner of the Crocodile Park here and food producer Dizon Farms, passed away on Sunday morning, January 7, in a road crash on the Bansalan-Balutakay Road in Davao del Sur.

DIZON (Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang FB) 

The Bansalan Police Station said the 64-year-old businessman was driving a black three-wheel Can-Am vehicle to Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur from Davao City when he lost control of the vehicle.

Dizon’s vehicle overturned and smashed into the concrete lane and sustained severe injuries in different parts of the body. His vehicle incurred an undetermined cost of damage.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) rushed the victim to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City but succumbed to severe trauma.

Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang here and the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association mourned the passing of the businessman in separate Facebook posts and condoled with the family of the victim. 

“A sad Sunday over the loss of a well-loved businessman in Davao City, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Always a kind-hearted person and an advocate of good governance... I can always vouch for his unselfish ways,” Dayanghirang said.

“PhilZoos mourns the passing of our dear friend and Davao Crocodile Park and Zoo Founder and CEO, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Our hearts go out to the Dizon Family and our friends at Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo,” the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association said.

“Our good friend, fishing, and dive buddy Sonny Dizon of Crocodile Park passed away. We will miss your unexpected calls and invitations to adventure,” said the MindaVote, a socio-political group that fights for the common dream of the people of Mindanao to have peace.

Dizon also owns the Mount Apo Highland Resort in Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City and Dizon Farms. He was a president of the American Chamber of Commerce-Davao City Chapter.

Lady author from Davao del Sur shines in National Book Awards

BY IVY TEJANO

Dec 13, 2023 11:23 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The book “Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Uban mga Sugilanon” (Can’t Go Out and Other Stories) by Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano, an author with a Blaan-Ibaloy heritage from Davao del Sur, was named Best Book of Short Fiction in Binisaya in the 41st National Book Awards recently.

The award-winning book derived its title from the author’s short story featured in “In Our Own Words: Writing from the Philippines” four years ago. John Bengan, a Carlos Palanca awardee, translated the book into English with illustrations by Noi Narciso.

Quijano regarded her achievement as the first book authored by a Blaan a shared success for the entire community.

She said despite her stories being written in Binisaya, a reflection of her childhood in Davao, she aims to write in the Blaan language one day.

Quijano hoped that her success will inspire other people, particularly the younger generation of the indigenous people (IP), and encouraged them to express and convey their distinctive experiences and stories rooted in their cultural communities.

“Akong gusto ra gyod unta daghan pang indigenous people ang mosulat sa ilang mga istorya kay rich kayo ang ilahang literature (I wish that more indigenous people would write stories because their literature is vibrant),” Quijano said. 

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) said the Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Uban mga Sugilanon contained 10 stories in Binisaya/Cebuano with English translations and promotes marginalized identities.

“Committed to the exploration of the Mindanaoan, specifically the Blaan community experience, the author has woven a post-colonial subtext into the fabric of her stories,” the NBDB said in their announcement of the official list of 35 winners of the 41st National Book Awards.

The winning titles came from various publishing firms in Manila, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. Presentation of awards was scheduled in February.

Quijano said she hopes that IPs will receive the recognition they deserve to fulfill their potential, particularly in writing. She added that she feels fortunate to have her parents’ support, enabling her to develop literacy skills at a young age.

“We hope to attain authentic development by writing our stories,” Quijano said, emphasizing the importance of reading with physical and mental comfort. She added that one cannot write without being a reader.

Quijano earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mass Communication degree at the Holy Cross of Davao College in Davao City in 2009. She is currently a teacher at the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Malita town in Davao Occidental. 

Her narratives have been featured in various publications, including World Literature Today, Words Without Borders, UP Mindanao Banwa Journal, LIT, Anomaly, Shenandoah, and Barzakh Literary Magazine (translated by John Bengan).