“Balik Dde Oro” for stranded Davao de Oro residents

Davao de Oro Province--- On account of COVID-19’s effect worldwide, fear continues to coat everyone’s heart. Daily activities were no longer the same as it was before and outside activities were being limited. Families wanted to be with each other as humanity continue to fight this dreaded disease.

As the Golden Province of Davao de Oro prioritizes the welfare of all Dabawenyos, a Return Home Special Program and humanitarian initiative called “Balik Dde Oro” was initiated by the Provincial Government.  The program intends to help residents and constituents of Davao de Oro who were currently stranded outside the province due to the different community quarantine policies implemented nation-wide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus infection.

“Balik Dde Oro” partners with the 11 Municipal Local Government Units of the province. The program started its operation on May 4, 2020 and catered calls, text messages and online applications from Dabawenyos who wanted to get back home.  Hotline numbers coming from the municipal and provincial hub caters applications and served as the call center operation center and were operated by the municipal and provincial officers as well as volunteers from the scholars of the Compostela Valley Scholarship Program (CVSP).

The program includes guidelines and conditions for all applicants who intend to get back to their respective families in the province. The initiative was also made possible through the partnership with Smart Telecommunications who donated sim-cards for the Emergency Operations Center and "Balik Dde Oro" Operations Center.

To date, since it started its operation, it already received and catered a total of 389 applicants via call in the provincial hotlines. Stranded applicants were categorized into three (3): DDO residents stranded within Davao Region (Form 1), stranded outside Davao Region (Form 2) and Non-DDO residents stranded within our province (Form 3). There 183 applicants under Form 1; 188 applicants in Form 2 and 18 applicants in Form 3.

These individuals will still have to be verified and validated before being qualified to avail in the program. Each application will undergo validations such as: verification of residency from the municipal and barangay level, coordination with its respective family, submission of requirements such as health or quarantine certificate if there are any and if the applicant will abide to the terms and conditions of the program.

The conditions of the program includes undergoing a standard screening protocol and must be willing to undergo a 14-day quarantine period in the Barangay Isolation Unit (BIU) before going home, family of the applicant must provide them with food during the quarantine period provided that they will observe social distancing measures and wearing of protective gears during visits. The program is not applicable to those who will be going out of the province and does not cover the return trip and stranded passengers coming from “Lockdown” areas will automatically be declined.

According to Christine Dompor, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer IV of Davao de Oro, deadline of application was on May 7, 2020. For the upcoming days, dissemination and coordination to concerned EOCs will take place including the planning for the logistics. Schedules for the pick-up and transport for all qualified passengers will be posted on the official facebook page of the province after the arrangement of the logistics and coordination with EOCs from other provinces. Transport operations will start on May 16 onwards.

Davao de Oro continues to live with the spirit of “Bayanihan”, prioritizing the good of all its constituents leaving no one behind. (Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)

Comval romps awards in the “Digital Governance Awards 2019”

Compostela Valley Province--- ComVal garnered two National Awards in the recently concluded “Digital Governance Awards 2019” held at Jose Rizal Hall, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Complex, Pasay City on November 26, 2019. 

In a plaque signed by DICT Sec. Gregorio B. Honasan II, DILG Sec. Eduardo M. Ano and National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) President Jonathan D. De Luzuriaga, the province was recognized for “Best In Government Inter-operability Award (G2G) Provincial Level” and 2^nd Place in the “Best in Business Empowerment Award (G2B) Provincial Level.’

Both awards were received by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with the Information Technology and Communication Development Division (ITCDD) Division Head Joyzel R. Odi, Provincial Voluntary Blood Services Program Coordinator Leonardo Merced and Information System Analyst Wilfredo M. Galagala.

The “Document Management System” developed by George Dan Hill (Computer Programmer) got the winning entry for the “Government to Government (G2G) Award” and the “Blood Distribution Management System” developed by Kent Vincent Gonzales (Computer Programmer) won the “Government to Business (G2B) Award”.

The Digital Governance Awards is annually celebrated which aims to search for best practices among local government units through the use of ICT in promoting effective and efficient public service. In line with the Provincial Government of Comval’s 4Ps+ Program, both systems were developed to provide convenience for the Comvaleños’ as well as for the good governance in the province.

"Thank you for the support and leadership Gov.Jayvee Tyron Uy and Vice Gov. Maricar Zamora, and to my team, the ICT ManCom and ITCDD, we made it again. I would like to specially mention George Dan Gil Duran and Kent Vincent Gonzales, the developers of the the systems. " said Joyzel Odi, the ITCDD Division Head. (Jasteen P. Abella/ID COMVAL

156th Bonifacio Day

Impressions from the commemorating the 156th Birth Anniversary of the Great Plebeian, Gat. Andres Bonifacio at the Bonifacio Circle, corner C.M. Recto and Magallanes Street in Davao City.

Thank you very much for the invitation City Government of Davao City thru City Administrator Attorney Zuleika Lopez.

The Honorary German Consulate in Davao City joined also by participating in the floral offering.

ANDRES BONIFACIO

Andres Bonifacio (November 30,1863 – May 10,1897)

Portrait of Andres BonifacioAndres Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863 to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro in Tondo located in Manila Philippines. He was a Filipino revolutionary hero who founded the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan a secret society devoted to fighting the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. He was the first one to have a clear vision of what a Filipino nation should be—The Father of the Filipino Nation. He would later be known as Supremo; destined to change the history of the Filipino people.

Bonifacio was not born and raised a plebeian, his mother was half-Spanish and he was privately tutored by a certain Guillermo Osmeña. But things became tough for him when his parents died when he was 14 years old forcing him to quit his studies and look after his 5 younger brothers and sisters. He earned a living as a craftsman and seller of canes and fans and then he became clerk and agent for a foreign commercial firm, Fleming and Company. In spite of his lack of formal education, he taught himself to read and write in Spanish and Tagalog, and was actually so good at it that he later got a job as a clerk-messenger for the German trading firm Fressel and Company. It was said that Bonifacio was interested in Western classic rationalism and read the works of Victor Hugo, Jose Rizal, and Eugene Sue. He had a deep interest in reading books on the French Revolution and the lives of the presidents of the United States and acquired a good understanding of the socio-historical process. Although it must be argued that the main thing that made his later organizing activities successful would be his savvy to appropriate local consciousness and ancient Filipino concepts to the Katipunan—Inang Bayan, sandugo, kapatiran, kaginhawaan, and katimawaan or kalayaan. His passion for changing the plight of his countrymen under colonialism encouraged him to join La Liga Filipina. La Liga Filipina was organized in July 3, 1892 by Jose Rizal with the purpose of uniting the people under “one compact homogenous body” which is the nation, instituting reform, education and cooperation, building the nation in the grassroots.

Rise of the Katipunan

Four days after the establishment of the Liga, July 7,1892, the arrest and banishment of Jose Rizal the day before made it practically nonexistent as an organization. Andres Bonifacio along side Ladislao Diwa, Teodoro Plata and others decided to continue the struggle and formed the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang ang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan at the home of Deodato Arellano in Calle Azcarraga, Manila. A small room lit only by a table lamp they signed a solemn compact with blood drawn from their forearm to symbolized the birth of the Katipunan the sandugo was not just a blood pact but a pledge to love each compatriot as brothers and sisters as the ancients did when they consolidate the bayan—kapatiran.

Only when people have mabuting kalooban (good intentions, thus the Kartilya) for each other, will true kaginhawaan (total well-being) and kalayaan (freedom) be attained. Thus it must be said that the Katipunan was not just a mere organization that wanted to unite the people to topple the Spanish Empire, but wanted a true unity of mind and hearts among the Tagalogs (Taga-ilog, river people, referring to peoples/mga bayan from the whole archipelago) under one Inang Bayan seeking the enlightened and straight path, an original Filipino concept of the nation. After two previous Supremos, the humble founder of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio finally agreed to be Supremo of the Katipunan.

An Excursion to the Mountains

As a theater actor himself, Bonifacio had a favourite character to play—Bernardo Carpio, the mythical Tagalog king trapped in between two mountains who will soon be freed to fight and free the people from the bondage of colonialism. On Good Friday of 1895, he went to the caves of Mt. Tapusi, Montalban, Rizal with his men. They wrote through charcoals on the walls of the caves “Naparito ang mga Anak ng Bayan, hinahanap ang Kalayaan. Mabuhay ang Kalayaan.” (The Sons of the People came here searching for freedom. Long live freedom!) Definitely, it was not a coincidence why he chose that time place for this, a declaration of independence: The Katipunan will be the Bernardo Carpio who will free Inang Bayan. They are willing to sacrifice their lives for the altar of freedom.

(Members of the Diplomatic Corps during the commemorating)

Photo Courtesy: Pibi Ann Neri Balcom, German Honorary Consulate, Davao City.

2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators

Municipality of Nabunturan-The Office of the Vice-Governor under the leadership of Vice-Governor Maria Carmen S. Zamora, MNSA in coordination with ComVal League of Budget Officers, Inc. conducted a 2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Lanang, Davao City last August 14-15, 2019.

Vice-Governor Zamora said, “I am proud to see the number of local legislators who expressed their enthusiasm to learn more about the process of budgeting. We are here to help you.”

Participated by Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Sangguniang Bayan Members- Committee on Budget, Sangguniang Bayan Secretaries, Budget Officers, Planning and Development Coordinators of the Province of Compostela Valley.

According to Vice-Governor Zamora, the orientation aimed to suggest additional guidelines on local budget operations, particularly in the preparation of Annual Investment Plan, plan-budget linkage and planning & budgeting process.

Speakers of the said orientation were Mr. Mario V. Baldos, the Local Government Operations Officer of DILG, Davao City, Dr. Bernard E. Al-ag the former Vice Mayor of Davao City, Ma’am Carolina C. Armada, CPA, the Chief Budget & Mgt. Specialist- Division B of Department of Budget & Management RO XI, and Ma’am Annbelle M. Atillo, CESO III, the Regional Director of DBM Regional Office XI. (Elizabeth D. Gacula-VGO ComVal)

World-renowned curator workshop in ComVal

The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley thru the Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC), led by Ms. Sholai Lim, spearheads a workshop on Mindanao Traditional Art on June 24, 2019 at The Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City.

The workshop was conducted by Independent Curator Marian Pastor Roces who introduced the participant to the categories of art created by peoples of Mindanao in centuries past. The workshop also draws from knowledge gained in museum collections all over the world that hold Philippine materials and covered discussions on types, materials, techniques and systems of meaning, among others. She also addressed questions and challenges facing designers and challenged them about making an identity in general.  

Ms. Roces is a famed Filipino curator, author, and founder and president of TAO, Inc., the sole museum development corporation in the Philippines, according to her online profile. She currently heads the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA). Among others, she curated the Philippine Pavilions for World Expos in 2006, 2008, and 2010--- with the first two Expos awarded with Gold Prizes for Best Designed Pavilion.

The one-day event was attended by the PLGU Comval offices from the Tourism, Information, Office of the IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), national agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP),  IP Mandaya Work of New Bataan, Mandaya Council of Elders, Comval Artisan, Davao Fashion and Design Council, Inc (DFDC), and Comval’s pride—designer Cheri-Lou Rabanoz Aranjuez.   

“The workshop is an eye-opener, not knowing that we are Austronesians. It made me realize that we are all one. We are brothers and we must treat each other as one. That if we work with each other we must do the Austronesian way of maintaining the balance, “ said Dodjie Batu, President of the DFDC.

He appreciated much the workshop, most especially that the activity was able to extend, not only participants from the province, but also coming from their area in Davao. “This will benefit me in such a way that I understand now how to deal with our brothers and sisters in doing the designs and how to put it in contemporary designs,” he added. (fe maestre/id comval)

Photo captions:

(art workshop)

The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley thru the Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC), led by Ms. Sholai Lim, spearheads a workshop on Mindanao Traditional Art on June 24, 2019 at The Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City. The workshop was conducted by Independent Curator Marian Pastor Roces. (ID Comval) 

Facebook in Germany

I was glad and satisfied learning just an hour ago, that Germany's antitrust watchdog restricts Facebook's data collection via other sites.

Facebook faces restrictions in Germany on its collection of data from other sites that it owns like WhatsApp. The social media giant intends to appeal, claiming the watchdog underestimated the competition it faced. Sure, I didn't expect another reaction. But, is  the social media giant abusing its market?

Fact is: the company will only be able to use data from various non-Facebook programs and apps that it owns, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, with explicit user consent. Currently, Facebook bundles together much of the information it gleans from users across its various platforms.

Allow me quoting Mr. Andreas Mundt, president of the antitrust watchdog in Germany, who said yesterday (Thursday, February 8, 2019), "In future, Facebook will no longer be allowed to force its users to agree to the practically unrestricted collection and assigning of non-Facebook data to their Facebook accounts".

Of course, the ruling, which came after a one-year investigation, does not yet have legal force and Facebook has a month to appeal the ruling, which it says it intends to do.

"The Federal Cartel Office underestimates the fierce competition we face in Germany, misinterprets our compliance with the GDPR, and threatens the mechanism European law provides for ensuring consistent data protection standards across the EU," Facebook said.

Well, while living in the Philippines,  I am with Facebook since ten years now. Several friends of mine deleted already their Facebook accounts because they worried that the tech giants are getting more and more out of control. But, aren't all of us already sitting in a glass house?

And here the thing: WhatsApp and Instagram can still collect data from their respective users; however, pooling  this information with a user's Facebook data will only be allowed if that user provides their consent. Operating with double standard?

Facebook can only collect data from third-party websites, such as interfaces that have a "like" or "share" button, with the user's permission. If consent is not given, Facebook can only collect the data to a very limited extent.

The cartel office said that the extent to which Facebook collects data without the consent of a user is "abusive."

It said Facebook could face fines of up to 10 percent of its annual global revenue, which grew by 37 percent to $55.8 billion (€49.2 billion) in 2018, if it fails to comply. Wow.

The antitrust watchdog said Facebook dominates the German market for social networks with 23 million daily and 32 million monthly users, a market share of 95 percent. It pointed out that one of its competitors, Google+, plans to discontinue its social network by April 2019. How about the Philippine market?

However, in its calculations, the cartel office did not consider Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Xing as competitors to Facebook. It said those services "offer only a selection of social networking services." It claimed that even if they were included, Facebook, with Instagram and WhatsApp, would still dominate the market.

Anyway, you can still email at doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin or visit my www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Bulawan Queen Taga-Monkayo

Taga-Monkayo ang “2018 Bulawan Queen”

Compostela Valley Province--- Si Elaisa Monica M. Mascariñas sa lungsod sa Monkayo maoy gikuronahan ni Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy nga “2018 Bulawan Queen” sa Compostela Valley human gideklarang mananaug sa mga hurado atol sa bag-o nahumang “Bulawan Queen Pageant Night” niadtong Marso 5, 2018 sa gabii nga ikaduhang adlaw sa lima ka adlawng selebrasyon sa “11^th Bulawan Festival” ug 20^th Founding Anniversary” sa probinsiya.

Parte sa Contest ang interview portion nga tungod sa maayong pagpanubag ni Miss Mascariñas misaka ngadto sa 90.20% ang  total points nga gihatag kaniya sa mga hurado, ug nagsunod kaniya si Bulawan Earth 2018 Princess Faye T. Fernandez sa Laak sa Total Points nga 87.60%.

Apil sad sa mga mananaug sa Major Awards sila 1^st Runner Up Winner Recell Jean A. Bitanga sa Compostela, 2^nd Runner Up Winner Goldy Bless Esmeralda sa Nabunturan, ug 3^rd Runner Up Winner Marielle Zyra V. Go sa Mabini.

Dugang attraction sa “Bulawan Queen Pageant Night” ang Serenade Portion ni Cris Lawrence- usa sa mga labing sikat nga singer sa nasud nga mihatag sad og dugang pa nga mga paglingaw sa mga katawhang Comvaño.

Alas 8:00 sa gabii niadtong Marso 5,2018 gisugdan ang “Bulawan Queen Pageant Night” sa Opening Remarks ni Bulawan Festival Action Office SP Member Joanna Aileen Gentugaya ug human niini ang Festival Message ni Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy.

Gipasabot sa gobernador nga timely ang pag-evolved sa Bulawan Queen karong tuiga ngadto sa taas nga lebel sa Beauty Contest tungod mas gipakusog ang Women Empowerment labi na nga International Womens’ Month ang Marso ug Womens’ Day ang Marso 8 nga Founding Anniversary sa Compostela Valley. (Gilbert M. Cabahug, IDS-Comval)

EU eyes 100M EURO grant for Marawi Rehabilitation

EU eyes €100-M grant for Marawi rehab

By Catherine Talavera (The Philippine Star)

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EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said the group is eyeing a grant that would focus on the rehabilitation of Marawi City as well as the whole of Mindanao. File

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) is looking to offer the Philippines a grant of as much as 100 million euros for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said the group is eyeing a grant that would focus on the rehabilitation of Marawi City as well as the whole of Mindanao.

“Right now, we are discussing internally in the EU, we’re talking about 55 million euros. Later on we intend to expand around 100 million euros for Mindanao and Marawi,” Jessen said on the sidelines of the 4th Energy Smart Philippines summit yesterday.

Jessen said they have already spent under 1 million euros on assisting Marawi in areas such as water purification.

“Things that are very practical that don’t affect foreign policy but it does affect the daily life of the people there,” he said.

Jessen emphasized the new assistance would focus on job creation in the region.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“We look at this as partly reconstruction, but also to give the people hope and permanent jobs. So job creation would be a major focus. Energy will also be a major focus,” he said.

The EU ambassador stressed the importance of rehabilitating Marawi for the Philippines to attract more European investors into the country.

“The European investors don’t look at the country divided into different regions, but they look at it as one country. And it is important that there is peace across the country,” Jessen said.

Sought to comment on the issue of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano reportedly rejecting the EU’s grant to the country, Jessen said he met with the official two days ago.

“We had a very good discussion. We had a very intense discussion with Secretary Cayetano and (Finance) Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez and then we went through the different issues and we’re sort of going back to our corners and see how we can modify,” Jessen said.

Cayetano confirmed meeting the EU ambassador.

“If there are no conditionalities and it will not affect our sovereignty, then everyone is free to help,” Cayetano had said.

President Duterte has been ranting at the EU for criticizing his policy against illegal drugs.

In May, Duterte informed the EU that the Philippine government would no longer accept development aid from the body.

Jessen said the decision to cut aid from the EU would mean the loss of about 250 million euros worth of grants, mostly allocated to Muslim communities in Mindanao.

Jessen stressed the EU would continue its development program.

“Our development assistance is for the Philippines and that’s where we need to focus. It’s for companies, it’s for people, it’s health, it’s energy, it’s better education and it’s the reconstruction of Marawi,” Jessen said.

Military operations have cost P5 billion ($97 million) and the government estimates it could cost 10 times that much to rebuild Marawi.

Apart from the EU, Australia, the United States, Singapore, Russia, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are among the countries and organizations that have offered to help.

In a related development, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) donated P2 million as seed capital for each family of the soldiers who died in the battle of Marawi.

“This project from San Miguel Corporation which will extend P330 million to 163 soldiers or police killed in action at P2 million as seed capital for a business startup assistance for each of family (of soldiers) killed in Marawi,” SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said.

Ang and outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Eduardo Año sealed the donation in a ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

“This is the best we can honor them. We cannot replace them or can we repay them for their sacrifice, but we can honor them and help them fulfill their dream of better lives for their families,” Ang said.

Año, for his part, was all praises for the gesture.

“The donation of P2-million seed business capital would really go a long, long way for the bereaved families for them to be able to get going, building their own lives and show that their husbands or their sons who died fighting really did all their best for the country,” Año said.

“Mr. Ang, you’re an angel to our bereaved families. We cannot thank you enough, the whole AFP is really in gratitude… hence the AFP, as I said, will always be the professional armed forces that will be the protector of the people and the state,” he told Ang. – Jaime Laude

German Legacy in Davao (V)

                                                                                                                                                                    

By Antonio V. Figueroa

The German Evangelic Church, in the sixties, donated a multi-million building and equipment to the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, a Protestant hospital in Davao City. Part of that assistance came from the German Federal Government.

In 1969, the port of Davao got a share from the DM 12.5 million grant the German Government extended under a financial cooperation for the rehabilitation of ports.

Another funding amount DM 2 million was earmarked for the preparation of the Master Plan Study  of the port of Davao (Sasa wharf), which was prepared from June June 1979 to December 1980.

Product links

In terms of exports, the famous Chocolate de San Isidro produced by farmer cooperatives in Davao del Norte is now exported to the Netherlands and other European countries, including Germany and and Belgium.

And who would forget the iconic Mongol pencil that took the Philippines by storm during the American period? It was originally manufactured by Eberhard Faber GmbH, founded in 1922 in Neumarkt, near Nuremberg, Germany. The pencil factory was taken over by Staedtler, a stationery company with global reach, in 1978.

The US operations of the popular Eberhard Faber writing pencil were founded in New York City in 1861, on the site where the United Nations building now stands, by John Eberhard Faber (Dec. 6, 1822 - March 2, 1879). This was acquired in 1994 by Faber-Castell USA before it was purchased by Newell (Sanford) and rolled into the Paper Mate brand.

In transport, as Davao's traffic jam moves from bad to worse, German imprints are present also in costly, high-end cars, that negotiate, even if irregularly, the city's thoroughfares. Who can deny the pricey BMW (Bavaria Motor Works), Volkswagen (People's Car) and the Mercedes-Benz (built by German manufacturer Daimler AG) brands that have caught our fancy?

In the mall freezers, names like frankfurter (a small, cooked and smoke sausage of beef or pork named after Austrian-born Felix Frankfurter, a U.S. jurist, 1882-1965); bratwurst (a fine German pork sausage, typically fried or grilled), and wiener (a small, thin hot dog made of veal and pork) surely will remind you of their origin - that is, German-speaking territories.

Congregations

As a Catholic country, the Philippines has much in common with Germany, a predominantly Protestant country, when it comes to the spread of Christianity. Two of the three religious congregations founded by St. Arnold Jannsen have established branches in Davao City.

Jannsen, born on November 5, 1837 in Goch, Germany, was ordained priest on August 15, 1861. He founded three religious congregations, namely: the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD, 175), the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSps, 1889), and the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP, September 8, 1896).

The SVD priests took over the management of the Saint Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary at Catalunan Grande, Davao City, in the 1980's from the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec (PME Fathers), while the SSpSAp, also known as the Pink Sisters, holds court at the Holy Spirit Adoration Convent, along Seminary Road, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.

In the field of Education, the German language, has been institutionalized at the state-funded University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) at Obrero, Davao City. One of the institute's most visible professors is Professor Klaus Döring, an expatriate journalist, court translator and interpreter certified by the German, Swiss and Austrian embassies in Manila, a businessman who has made Davao City as his home since 1999 and since June 2017, taking office as German Honorary Consul to the island of Mindanao.

A European dilemma?

FRI, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

Somehow, I really felt touched while listening. In his State of the Union speech, European Commission President Juncker has praised the bloc for “bouncing back” after 10 years of crises. He has outlined bold proposals for the Eurozone, trade and migration. Is it too late?

Well, the Commission Chief has ruled out Turkish EU membership “in the foreseeable future.” No wonder.

Then,  Juncker has called on European states to help improve the “scandalous” conditions in Libyan migrant centers to prevent people fleeing Africa to Italy by way of the Mediterranean. Longtime overdue!

Next, there were warm words for Balkan candidate countries. Sure.

Also, the future EU tax policy should be approved by a majority of member states, rather than the existing unanimity requirement, Juncker said. Is there really a chance for this. I doubt!

Of course, many Europeans call Juncker’s speech as ‘Wind back in Europe’s sails’.  Of course, in my opinion, last year, European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker had little to cheer about in his flagship address before the European Parliament. If anything, it was a call to stop the collapse of the EU.

Now, a year on from Brexit and with European economies on the upswing, Wednesday’s State of the Union speech struck a far more optimistic note, as Juncker praised the bloc’s achievements over the last 12 months and laid out his vision for its future.

“After 10 years of crises, economies are on the rise and the European Union is bouncing back” he said. “The wind is back in Europe’s sails, it now has a window of opportunity.” Oh yes – so very true!

Indeed, let’s throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbor. Catch the trade winds in our sails. It’s indeed high time for protecting European businesses. On strengthening Europe’s trade program, Juncker said that, “Europe has always been an attractive partner to trade with, and now countries from all over the world are knocking on our door.”

Juncker cited the bloc’s recent trade agreements with Canada and Japan, and called on a speedy conclusion to ongoing talks with Mexico and the South American trading bloc, Mercosur. Juncker also said talks should also begin with Australia and New Zealand.

Regulatory reforms aimed at protecting European businesses from undesired foreign takeovers and investment were also among the proposals made by the former Luxembourg prime minister. Europe cautious as China buys up foreign companies.

On migration, Juncker announced that the European Commission would outline a new migrant deportation policy by the end of the month. In a call for increased border security on Europe’s borders, the European Commission president emphasized the need to unburden countries, such as Greece and Italy, where many migrants have landed. “Italy saves Europe’s honor,” said Juncker, praising the Mediterranean nation for its perseverance and generosity in its handling of the crisis. I strongly agree!

Juncker’s proposal could be music to the ears of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has argued that the Euro needs its own, stronger institutions to prevent another debt crisis. However, the proposal will likely be met with tepid reactions in Germany/Berlin, which has largely dismissed reform calls for the common currency.

Juncker also endorsed an EU-wide adoption of the Euro currency. Denmark and Sweden, who in referendums both rejected the Euro, would be exempt. No doubts, when German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble welcomed Juncker’s idea for pan-EU use of the Euro, but said the same conditions must be met by all member states.

“It’s good that he’s applying some pressure and picking up the tempo,” for adoption of the Euro across the bloc, said

Strong words for Poland, Hungary and Turkey

Brussels’ recent tensions with Poland and Hungary have prompted concerns over the safe-guarding of EU values in eastern Europe. “Those states who are not capable of demo-cracy, are not worthy of Europe,” Juncker said.

The governments of both countries have taken an illiberal turn in recent years. The Polish government’s decision to push through judicial reforms allowing the government to elect Supreme Court judges has led the Commission to threaten invoking “Article 7” of the European Treaty, which would suspend Poland’s EU voting rights and even cut off EU funding. True!

That attack was also aimed at Turkey, which he accused of “creating ground for membership talks to fail” and “moving away from the European Union in leaps and bounds.” Ankara’s attitude “rules out EU membership for Turkey in the foreseeable future,” the European Commission President said.

There were, however, warm words for the western Balkan states, which Juncker said should have a realistic chance of joining the EU by 2019.

An European Dilemma? It depends ….

Marce to hit Cebu today

 (The Freeman) | Updated November 25, 2016 - 12:00am

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It was not fog that hung over the skies of Cebu yesterday, but thick clouds brought on by tropical depression Marce, according to the state weather bureau. Storm signal number 1 was raised over Cebu City yesterday leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in the different seaports. Aldo Nelbert Banaynal

CEBU, Philippines - After causing thousands to be stranded yesterday, tropical depression Marce is expected to make landfall in Cebu early this morning.

PAGASA-Visayas weather specialist Bolivar Artiaga said Marce will continue to bring more rains and people in landslide-prone areas should be watchful.

"Magbantay g’yud ta labi na kadtong mga landslide-prone areas kay posible mag landslide tungod aning sige og uwan-uwan," said Artiaga.

He also said that yesterday almost the entire Cebu sky was engulfed by thick clouds that lowered visibility, it was not fog as many thought.

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"Di to siya fog. Tungod lang gyud to sa uwan nga niubos ang visibility. Unya dag-um sad kaayo ang Cebu," Artiaga said.

Based on the PAGASA weather bulletin as of 8 p.m. last night, Marce made landfall in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300 kilometers of the tropical depression.

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Signal no. 1 is still in effect in Biliran, Southern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Guimaras in the Visayas.

Marce is expected to be out of the country by Monday afternoon.

A total of 52 vessels, 17 motorbancas and 81 cargo vessels were not allowed to travel from Cebu to other provinces due to unfavorable weather brought about by tropical depression Marce yesterday.

Paul Alcances, duty officer of the Philippine Coast Guard Cebu Station said that as of 8 p.m. last night, 2,522 passengers were stranded after vessels plying Leyte,  Bohol, Camotes,  Cagayan de Oro, Masbate, Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island,  San Carlos  City, Escalante in Negros Oriental and Dipolog routes were barred from travelling.

In the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, four flights plying the Cebu-Surigao/Surigao-Cebu routes were cancelled due to the bad weather, said MCIA corporate communication junior manager Malou Mozo.

Education is priority

Despite the tropical depression, some schools in the city will have classes today as Mayor Tomas Osmeña did not order to suspend the classes.

Saying education is his priority, Osmeña said he does not see the need to hit the panic button.

“There’s classes. The only exception would be in certain schools which are exposed to slides, the children cannot go home, or if they will have to cross the river like Barangay Buot,” he said, adding schools in barangays Busay and Sapangdaku should also suspend classes.

However, he clarified that school principals have the discretion to suspend the classes depending on the situation of the schools today.

“I have the responsibility of not hitting the panic button. If there’s a real danger, there’s always a danger, but if you talk about lesser danger, you don’t need to give many instructions because people will get confused,” he said.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Nagiel Bañacia said the suspension of classes shall be treated on a case-to-case basis depending on the situation.

With this, Bañacia encouraged the public to be alert, saying there are 19 upland barangays prone to landslides while five urban barangays are prone to flooding.

The mountain barangays that are highly susceptible of landslides are Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Adlaon, Tagba-o, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Sinsin, Buhisan, Pamutan, and Sapangdaku.

The urban barangays that are highly susceptible to flood are Bonbon, Labangon, Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, and Mabolo.

He said responders are on standby to respond to any eventualities while contractor’s association has committed to deploy their heavy equipment in case of landslides in the upland barangays.

For emergencies, he said the public may call numbers: 032-2621424 and 0923-5248222.

Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing yesterday declared suspension of classes in all public elementary schools due to the bad weather.

"In light of the impending landfall of TS Marce in Surigao this afternoon which is expected to bring heavy rains to Cebu, afternoon classes in Elementary Public Schools in Mandaue City are hereby cancelled," Quisumbing said.

In Talisay, the city also declared class suspension yesterday and today for all levels.

The tropical depression may bring heavy rains and the city government said this might affect Barangay Manipis which is prone to landslide, and other barangays that are prone to flooding.

Code red

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office placed the whole province of Cebu under Code Red: Charlie.

“Base sa protocol, naa man gitawag sa alpha, bravo, charlie. Charlie naa ta, Code Red: Alert Charlie. Naa ta sa gitawag nga minimum critical preparation,” PDRRMO head Baltazar Tribunalo said.

With the storm signal, the Cebu provincial government suspended classes in all levels in public schools throughout the province yesterday and today.

Private schools, on the other hand, were advised to dismiss classes, especially in areas prone to flashfloods and/or landslides.

The Cebu provincial government fielded all heavy equipment units in the northern and southern parts of Cebu for immediate response in case of landslides. The PDRRMO also warned coastal residents of possible storm surges.

Church refuge

Meanwhile, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma yesterday asked churches and chapels throughout the province to accommodate any evacuees who may be displaced or seeking safety from landslides or floods. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Kristine B. Quintas, Le Phyllis F. Antojado, Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Garry B. Lao, Iris Mariani B. Algabre (FREEMAN)