For Our Own Protection

Re-published Editorial MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR dated March 15, 2014 with friendly permission of Publisher Marietta Siongco.

"Is martial law back? Yes, but only in Davao City and only during the Araw ng Davao celebration. That means checkpoints all over, heightened police and military alert and thousands of force multipliers employed to secure the city against those with evil minds and criminal intent. Wait, there's more, also no backpacks, no big bags that could conceal a potential weapon and no parking of vehicles along strategic routes.

This was stressed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo  himself during a command conference with police and military officials. 'It would be as strict as martial law, said Duterte, 'but it is for the protection of the community.'

So why not just scrap the whole Araw ng Davao frenzied preparation for the city's 77th anniversary foundation, one sarcastic observer asked. A preposterous idea, of course. Everything, has been set in motion and the festivities must go on as planned. Too bad, Duterte had gone on a leave of absence from March 13 to April 4 to recharge his batteries and to relieve whatever pain wracks his body.

Meanwhile, Davaoenos have to grin and bear the hassles of a martial-like rule. Anyway, the ultra strict security measures will only last until March 16, Sunday. And it is all being implemented for our own protection.

Mayor Rody Duterte's Araw ng Davao 2014 Message

Davao City Wins National Literacy Award 2013 Hall of Fame

Davao City bagged the National Literacy Awards 2013 Hall of Fame under the Highly Urbanized Cit Category.

In a letter to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivero said Davao City will be given recognition for its inspiring efforts in sustaining the City's exemplary programs in literacy and for the impact the programs have created on the community.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations for winning the Hall of Fame award," Rivera stated in the letter.

In the report for the bid to the said national awards, then Mayor Sara Duterte said Davao's vision is one where all sectors have access to basic services, where all citiziens live in a progressive socviety, able to realize their potentials and live their live to the fullest.

"Literacy programs do not fall under peace and order, disaster managament, the invironment, health rural development and socio-economic improvement," former Mayor Sara Duterte, said.

Davao City's programs are known to have been institutiionalized to ensure generations of Davaoenos empowerment in governance and further develop their skills and becvome self reliant, proactive and dynamic members of society.

The Department of Education will be holding its annual National Literacy Conference on September 3 to 5 in Bagiuo City.

One of the ightlights of the conference is the presentation of the Hall of Fame Award to Davao City for being the three-time first place winner in the Outstanding Local Government Unit Category.

Mayor Rody Duterte has been invited to the said conference and is expected to receive the Hall of Fame Award.

With City Information Office, Davao City.

Smarter Cities Conversations - Mayor of Davao Sara Duterte

She is Pregnant!

After years of trying, Mayor Sara Duterte is finally pregnant with her husband lawyer Mans Carpio.

Her husband has also posted a status update on his Facebook timeline that simply said, "proof of life."

Congratulations!!!

Wishing you all the best!!!

Implementing Ban on Plastics is a Challenge

Last week Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte admitted that implementing the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers is "challenging" but said it is a challenge the city is willing to take.

"For a city as big as Davao City, the implementation is a challenge, but the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is determined to implement the law," the mayor said in an interview.

The ban of the use of plastics is contained in the Solid Waster Management Ordinance approved in 2012. The city will start the implementation on June 28, 2012, two years after the ordinance was submitted. 

I agree with mayor saying while the ordinance contains some "grey areas", it will take time so the city has no choice but to work on the current law. 

Some manufactures, vendors' associations, store owners, and other business establishments made an appeal, because they have yet to get rid of their stock of old plastics.  Also wet food products should be exempted from the ban. The ban covers the use of all plastic bags used for grocery and shopping, packaging for meats and fish in wet markets including materials made of polystyrene foam or Styrofoam. 

The ban is aimed at further mitigating the harmful effects of non-biodegradable materials littered in the environment or dumped at the sanitary landfill. 

Sara Duterte - Mayor of Davao City

Are really more comments needed...???

Sara And The Sheriff

Check out the very good column in Philippine Daily Inquirer:

Sara and the sheriff

I strongly agree with you DAVID.