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).

235 houses razed in massive Davao City fire

BY IVY TEJANO

  

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DAVAO CITY – A massive two-hour fire hit this city on Tuesday, November 14.

FIREMEN map out a plan to contain a fire in Barangay Tomas Monteverde in Davao City on November 14. (BFP-Region 11 FB)  

Two-hundred thirty-five houses were destroyed in Barangay Tomas Monteverde in Agdao District, leaving hundreds of families homeless.

The Davao City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire in Zones 5 and 6 originated from the ceiling on the second floor of the house of a William Varona at 7 a.m. and spread to nearby homes made of light materials.

The fire was under control at past 9 a.m. but firemen had difficulty putting out the fire due to limited space in the alley on the way to affected areas.

Faulty electrical wiring was the cause of the fire that reached the third alarm. 

Damage to property was estimated at P1.6 million and no injuries were reported.

Affected families were taken to the covered court and assessed by the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Dana Robles, a Sangguniang Kabataan member and resident, asked for assistance for fire victims, who also included fellow SK members.

The Davao City government and other concerned agencies, in collaboration with Barangay Tomas Monteverde, have initiated assistance for fire victims.

Rep. Paolo Duterte not keen on running for senator

BY IVY TEJANO

Nov 3, 2023 01:47 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said he  currently has no intentions of running for senator.

REP. Duterte 

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Duterte said he was surprised that his name is constantly included in surveys for the 2025 senatorial elections. These pollsters placed him from Top 9 to 12 along with Senators Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa who are both from this city.

He said that even during the term of his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, some people have been begging him to run for senator. 

The young lawmaker, who thanked all his supporters, reiterated that he has no plans of running for a higher position. “I cannot finance a nationwide campaign. What little I have saved is allotted for my retirement and the education of my children,” said Duterte, adding that seeking a higher position is not easy.

Duterte said that he started in politics serving the people of Davao City and he would like to retire as a servent of the people here.

"I can be honest that it crossed my mind to run when a few people encouraged me to run for Senate, especially during the presidency of PRRD, but it wouldn't be that easy. Hindi madaling iwan ang mga taong matagal ko nang pinagsisilbihan – ang mga Dabawenyos (It is not easy to leave the people that I have served for a long time – the Dabawenyos),” he said.

Rep. Duterte said he has to ask for his family's blessing since they would be the most affected by all the black propaganda that comes with election season.

Rep. Duterte thanked Filipinos for considering him for senator. He said a Duterte president and a vice president are enough contributions of their family to the country.

 

Magno backs durian industry in Davao City

  

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DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno vowed to support the endeavors of the durian industry here.

PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno checks out durian products at the Philippine Asia Durian Summit in Davao City. (FB) 

Magno expressed his full support for the durian industry, particularly during its current growth phase, at the first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang here on October 26.

“During my discussion with Mr. (Emmanuel) Belviz, I advised him to compile a list of the items or resources required by his group,” Magno said, adding that the help the government would extend should come from them as they possess first-hand knowledge of their specific needs.

Emmanuel S. Belviz, president of the Durian Industry Association in Davao City (DIADC), said the sector intends to establish durable internal connections within the industry and government and private organizations.

Magno said that one of the things that the durian industry needs is irrigation. He added that with all the private sector’s efforts, the government will always do its part to help them. 

Belviz said that with increased executive support and collaborative efforts among stakeholders, the country has the potential to establish itself as a prominent participant in the worldwide durian industry.

Department of Agriculture (DAs) High-Value Crops Development Program Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said the summit intends to enhance durian production by providing superior planting materials and expanding fruit cultivation by 2023.

Belviz presented an outline of the industry’s status in the country, stressing the significance of the initial shipment of Philippine durian to China in April this year as a pivotal moment for the regional durian sector.

From 2014 to 2022, the Philippines maintained its position in the international market’s upper decile of fresh durian exporters. In this city, four farmers have started exporting durians to other parts of the world.

The three-day summit featured at least 100 exhibitors, six representing Malaysia and China. Thailand and Malaysia provides  insights on cultivation and market trends for durian.

Mati City formally opens fish port

BY IVY TEJANO

Oct 23, 2023 10:56 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The Mati city government formally opened on Monday, October 23, the fish port complex in Purok Calagundian in Barangay Central.

MATI City fish port. (FB)  

According to the City Information Office (CIO), the first phase of the port provided various facilities such as reclamation, concreting, drainage and sewerage systems, water and electrical distribution networks, fencing, administrative offices, and a trading or market hall.

In her message, Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said the fish port will meet the needs of about 200 commercial fishing vessels and improve the fishing industry in Mati City and bordering cities.

The establishment is estimated to handle and process 4,000 tons of fish yearly, exceeding the required seafood demand for Davao Oriental. The fish port is also expected to be a self-operating economic enterprise, generating a P5 million annual income in the next five years.

Rabat thanked the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and other officials who became instrumental in funding and completing the fish port. 

They were former President Rodrigo R. Duterte,  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Davao City Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno.

Rabat said the significant opening of the fish port complex only underscores the local government's abundant plans, projects, and programs for the city.

The construction of the multi-million fish port was initiated and funded by the PFDA, with a budget of P75 million, in 2021. The structure is still in its initial phase and the second phase will soon commence with an additional P150 million solely from the PFDA.

Rabat said that the fish port would serve as a hub for systematic activities in commercial fishing in the province and function as a terminal point for unloading, loading, and selling fish and other aquatic products.

“All will be done with sanitary methods to prevent harm to the ocean and preserve the quality of seafood products,” Rabat said, adding that the operation of the port is anchored on City Ordinance No. 561, the City of Mati Fishport Operation and Management Ordinance of 2023.

She said registered fishing boats in the city through the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Fish-R and Boat-R would be allowed to use the facilities and unload fish without charge.

The opening of the facility was graced by Rabat, Mati Vice Mayor Lorenzo Leon G. Rabat, City Administrator Allan Andrada, city councilors, the PFDA led by General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan, and Davao Fish Port Complex Port Manager Albert Aguinaldo.