HRH Emperor Akihito's 85th Birthday Celebration in Davao

Philippines' Katarina Rodriguez lands in top 32 of Miss World's Top Model Challenge

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By: Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippines' representative and “Asia’s Next Top Model” finalist Katarina Rodriguez has landed on the top 32 of the Top Model challenge of Miss World 2018.

Maeva Coucke of France is the first to enter the pageant’s quarter finals and top 30 after winning in the Top Model round. She is then followed by Kanako Date of Japan, who is second to enter the top 30 after winning the talent contest.

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Katarina Rodriguez shares Marawi advocacy for Miss World 2018

Katarina, a 26-year-old Davao beauty, competes with 117 other contestants for the title, including Miss Intercontinental fellow contestant Metzi Solano of El Salvador. Katarina won as first runner-up at Miss Intercontinental 2017.

Last November 21, Miss World posted on its Twitter a video of Katarina competing in the group four of the pageant’s Head-to-Head challenge, a question-and-answer portion where contestants’ wit and quick response to issues are gauged. 

“Voting for the first round of the Head to Head Challenge is extended until November 30!” Katarina posted on Instagram. “If you haven’t already please like the official Miss World Philippines FB Page (link is in my bio) which is one of the voting platforms #MissWorld2018 is counting.” 

Katarina will try to duplicate the feat of actress Megan Young, who won the Philippines’ first ever Miss World title in 2013.

The pageant’s 68th edition will take place on December 8 in Sanya, China.

Medical Journey

Malampusong gipahigayon ang libreng medical check-up, dental operation, gupit ug pag panghatag ug libreng mga tambal ug bitamina sa gihimong ”Medical & Dental Journey” sa ika-50 nga selebrasyon sa” CTG-Simbahang Filipino Katoliko Foundation & Thanksgiving Anniversary” sa pagpanguna ni Rev. Fr. Justino D. Vargas, CTG-OJN.

Ang maong kalihokan gidumala sa provincial government sa Compostela Valley ni Governor Tyron Uy pinaagi sa Provincial Health Office (PHO), kauban ang municipal government sa New Bataan ni Mayor Gerald Balbin, ug sa Congressional Office ni Cong. Maricar Zamora niadtong Nobyembre 25, 2018 didto sa Sr. San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Camanlangan, New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province. 

Ang maong kalihokan gipangunahan mismo ni kanhi PHO Head nga karon 1^st District Board Member Dr. Renato Basañes kauban ang mga doctor sa probinsiya, ug mga volunteer doctors and dentist. (Photo by Rey Antibo, ID Comval)  

Those were the days ...

---

HAVE MY SAY
By KLAUS DORING

TIME flew by. I think sitting in a jet plane. Almost December again. Wow!

Do you always count the days up to the next legal holidays without being on duty? Or do you start as early as September longing for Christmas?

Many times, we are really too much in a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we noticed how time flies. We have no time for someone or something or even for ourselves.

When I was still a teenager, I was longing for the time being an adult already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother’s stories such as “Once upon a time” or “When I was young” from her “yesterday’s life”... .

After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a racket to the moon, I also got the same question in mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?

Of course, each day has its own set of happiness and trials. But it also holds very high possibilities of we take the initiative to do or to move something, if... !

The luring term IF let us look into the future with an over “glistening” eye: IF I will finish my studies, IF my children have become adults, IF I might become rich because I win in the lottery, yes IF? And then?

Why do I am getting so thoughtful or even sentimental? I got the great opportunity being invited by the City Mayor’s office thru City Administrator and good friend Attorney Lyca Lopez for the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao event with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Manila, soloist Erik Santos and the Nightingales. The PPO under its conductors Yoshikazu Fukumura and Herminigildo Ranerda performed for the first time in Davao City. Erik Santos, the first grand champion of the ABS-CBN singing competition Star in a Million Season 1, touched all of us with his soulful voice.

And then, the Nightingales - a vocal duo featuring Bianca Camille Lopez and Ma. Rhina Paula Palma-Cruz, both former members of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

While listening to all these amazing and unforgettable performances, I always got in mind: Those were the days. How time flew by. The concert last almost 2 1/2 hours.

The future prospects smile at us already. I was looking already for the 2019-calendar. Setting appointments for January and February. Amazing. Is life in future easier, nicer, more charming and being more fulfilled compared to the present? The thoughts fill me with horror, because tragicomic future visions can easily blur away our present day.

Many of us retreat into the past and forget their present existence. A possible topsy-turvy world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that also the past have had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, tricky as well as desperate days... yes, lost days, irretrievable time... .

Without having achieved anything to do, we dream our impossible dreams from last to future and vice versus. We forget that between yesterday and tomorrow is our valuable present. Well, now well then - if we know just how to fulfill this period.

Comval Farmers receive National Awards on Kakao Konek 2018 National Congress

Compostela Valley Province--- Comval cacao farmers receive their national awards and recognition being the qualifiers of the “National Cacao Awards” during the “National Cacao Congress – Kakao Konek 2018” held at the Davao Convention Center, Davao City on October 18 - 19, 2018.

There were thirty-three (33) individual farmers who participated in the contest coming from the different regions in the country and ten (10) of them are coming from Compostela Valley Province.



The participants from Comval are Pablo Pesquera and Ismael Polinar of the municipality of New Bataan, Ranilo Molina of the municipality of Laak, Marjorie Gallana of the municipality of Monkayo, Fernando Esquadro, Dean Mark Sabella and Marcelina Mangaron both in the municipality of Maragusan, Imelda Zamora of the municipality of Maco, Eugenio Alcaria, Jr. and Peter Paul Cruz of the municipality Nabunturan.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Maco in the person of Ms. Zamora was awarded the first place for the Biggest Cacao Beans and Mr. Sabella of Maragusan got the 2nd place for the Biggest Cacao Pods and 3rd place for the Biggest Cacao Beans with a bean count of 48 beans per 100 grams.

 While Mr. Esquadro of Maragusan is also the 2nd place winner for the Biggest Cacao Beans with a bean count of 44 beans per grams.

 According to Minda Agarano- Provincial Agriculturist that the objective of this is to increase awareness and promote education along cacao supply chain on the opportunity to produce high quality cacao beans and facilitate communication and linkage between cacao farmers, cocoa processor and the whole supply chain.



"We also wanted to document and share the outstanding initiatives and good agricultural practices of our outstanding cacao farmers to other farmers throughout the country, the Philippine cacao industry council," she said.



The contest was open to all individual cacao farmers throughout the country and the interested farmers submitted five kilos of fermented bean sample to the selection committee and evaluator.



Agarano added that during the competition,  the selection committee is composed of six (6) well known processor and chocolate makers and one (1) representative from the academe. They properly evaluated the samples submitted based on the Philippine national standard on Cacao beans like bean count, bean grade and profile flavor of beans after roasting.



“Whoever wins for the 10 best quality beans will be elevated for the next year competition and for the Gold Award in 2019. They will receive a plaque and a 1 year supply of fertilizer good for 2 hectares and will be given a chance to be in Salon Du Chocolate in France to represent the Philippines for the International Cacao Awards contest in France,” said Agarano.



Meanwhile, Mr. Polinar of New Bataan, Mr. Cruz of Nabunturan and Mr. Alcaria of Nabunturan are the winners for the 10 best quality beans while the others received their certificates of recognition for actively participating in the activity.



“Indeed, this only proves that Comval's high value crops especially cacao has global potential for export quality,” said Agarano.



On the other hand, Usec. Evelyn Laviña congratulated the farmers for making it to the top 10 national cacao bean awards and biggest pods and beans contest.  (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)



Photos:

Maragusan in their celebration of their 41st Araw ng Maragusan and 23rd Pyagsawitan Festival where Comval Gov. Tyron Uy is joined by . Special Assistant to the President Christopher Bong Go, Congresswoman Maricar Zamora, and other guests. the successful festival was led by  Mayor Maricel Vendiola and Vice Mayor Cesar Colina. "Maragusan truly owns a special place in my heart. I always look at Maragusan with awe not only because of its pristine environment but the progress they've achieved through the years," said Gov Uy. (m.lasaca/id comval)

Shall we trust our elders?

Born in 1953, I started my life at a period when more babies have been entering the German population than never before. World War II, more or less the end of the world - as my late grandmother mostly describes that time - has ended eight years ago. It was not the end of everything. The world economic crises changed into another economical world wonder.

During the Sixties, we looked upon the youth culture of Woodstock as a symbol - of the power of music, the pursuit of self expression, the values of peace, love and community, and the rejection of "the establishment" - even in the midst of torrential rain and an aftermath of foot-deep mud.

I enjoyed our flower power peace generation with long hair. Yes, I confess, many times, I was really very cynical about my parent's values. I really rejected anything that suggested tradition.

By the way, that's one thing, which can be observed also in the Philippines since a couple of years. I observed such changes since my first visit in the Philippines in 1976. Nowadays, I feel happy, if my nieces and nephews start listening again my ideas and ask my advise.

Respect your elders and betters! That's how I learned it during my childhood.

The slogan "Never trust someone above 30" had to be abandoned since I crossed that divide myself. Now, hopefully at the second half of my present life,  "30" looks impossible young. And let's be honest to ourselves: Aren't we facing the same realities our parents did: Raising families, needs to pay for school et cetera et cetera? We have held fiercely to freethinking and the not traditional ways our parents - shaped by the "Depression", World War II and much more - never got the luxury to feel.

Those of us who have made good money, hold fewer illusions that a big house and a Mercedes (or any other brand!) in the garage are likely to bring happiness. But guys, what seems most precious to us nowadays is not career or success, but time and the freedom to do the things we love to do that hold meaning. Earnings through a job we don't like might be painful; but isn't it much more painful to wait for nothing while being fed by a friend?

Failed marriages, difficult mid-life attempts, something that might pass away a family - yes, I think, we know the rarity of solid and long living relationships with a partner, with children or with a hard to find friend.

We may even dare to speak the language that 30 or 40 or even 50 years ago would have seemed uncool. Call it God or something spiritually, but it would probably be the quest for the sense of life, an the hope and faith, that one exists.

Comval gets 2nd Most Competitive Provinces in Davao Region

... and three towns also win!


Compostela Valley Province--- The Regional Development Council (RDC) - XI together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) holds a “2nd Regional Competitiveness Awards 2018” on November 7, 2018 at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Sta. Ana, Davao City.



The province of Compostela Valley under Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy has made it to one of the most competitive Provinces in the Davao Region awarded as the 2nd Overall Most Competitive Province.



Receiving the award and the plaque were Assistant Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs Placido Alcomendras Jr. representing Gov. Uy, Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO) Romeo B. Celeste, together with Atty. Lucky Seigfred Balleque – DTI Comval Provincial Director, Nabunturan Mayor Chelita Amatong and Montevista Mayor Eutropio Jayectin.


Among the five provinces in Davao Region, Comval leaps from last place in 2017 to second in the region as the overall most competitive province in 2018. While in the national level, Comval improved to rank 30 from rank 63 last year.


On the other hand, the municipality of Nabunturan under Mayor Amatong and the municipality of Compostela under Mayor Lema Bolo ranked first and second place respectively as the most overall competitive among the 1st and 2nd class municipalities. Nabunturan also grabbed the most competitive in government efficiency among the 1st and 2nd class municipalities.

Meanwhile, Montevista under Mayor Eutropio Jayectin got the most improved local government unit (LGU) among the 3rd to 6th class municipalities in the region.


The awards and plaques was personally handed to them during the awarding rites by Maria Belenda Q. Ambi – Chairperson, RCC-XI, DTI Regional Director, DTI-XI, with John Carlo B. Tria- VP-Professional Service ventures, DCCCII, and Carolina R. Velasco – Supervising –TIDS, DTI-Competitiveness Bureau.

The awarding ceremony is a regional version of the National Competitiveness Awards, based on the Cities, and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2018 national rankings for the four pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Did you have a good sleep?

By: Alexis Romero (philstar.com)


Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill asked President Rodrigo Duterte the question Saturday as the Philippine leader faces criticism for skipping some events during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore.

O’ Neill, the chairman of this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, had a small chat with Duterte during the arrival of leaders at the APEC Haus Holding Room here.


When Duterte arrived at the venue, O'Neill greeted him with "Nice to see you," to which the Philippine president replied "Happy to see you."

After a few pleasantries, the Papua New Guinean leader was heard asking his Philippine counterpart: "Did you have a good sleep?"


Duterte, known for his lengthy remarks, answered "Yeah."

After a few more friendly exchanges, O'Neill asked Duterte again: "Did you have a good rest?"

Duterte replied "Yeah."

O'Neill and Duterte then shook each other's hands and posed for the photo opportunity.

Duterte created a buzz among foreign and local media after skipping the ASEAN special summits with Australia and South Korea, the working lunch for ASEAN leaders and the gala dinnrer last Wednesday in Singapore.

Officials have said the 73-year-old president had to take power naps because of his tiresome schedule.

Duterte also cut short his visit here and was expected to depart for the Philippines tonight.

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Palawan's Ed Nido under rehabilitation

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Robertzon Ramirez (The Philippine Star)

No total shutdown; 22 establishments closed

MANILA, Philippines — After Boracay, the government has launched a rehabilitation program for another top tourist destination, the resort town of El Nido in Palawan.

The rehabilitation starts with the shutdown of 22 tourism-oriented establishments found violating various environmental laws, including being built too close to the  sea, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said yesterday.

Unlike in Boracay, however, there will be no total shutdown of El Nido, where several of the high-end resorts of Palawan are located.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) urged the government to study carefully the proposal to close tourist spots in El Nido and Coron in Palawan for rehabilitation.

Puyat told a press conference in Quezon City that although a total closure of El Nido may not be necessary, the government is looking at the possibility of imposing limits on the number of tourists to be allowed in the resort town. 

“The local government in El Nido, Palawan said they closed 22 establishments,” Puyat said.

Local officials of El Nido met yesterday with Puyat, Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu and Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the DILG office in Quezon City. 

Their three departments were tasked to rehabilitate Boracay when it was closed to tourists at the height of the travel season this year. 

Boracay was shut down in April and reopened on Oct. 26.

Puyat said the Palawan Interagency Task Force composed of DOT, DENR and DILG is set to conduct rehabilitation efforts for El Nido to prevent the looming pollution problem from getting worse.

Yesterday, the task force started its consultation with stakeholders and the local government of El Nido to chart the course of action in rehabilitating the town.

Año said what will be discussed or agreed upon in the series of meetings with the local government, environmental organizations and others will be the basis of the recommendation that the Palawan Task Force will submit to President Duterte.

The President had previously ordered the six-month total closure of Boracay in Aklan province, to give way to rehabilitation following massive water pollution and waste disposal problems.

Año said the overcrowding situation in El Nido is not as massive as it was in Boracay, thus the total closure of the town to tourists while undergoing rehabilitation may not be necessary. 

“With the help of the local government units, we can also come up with a security task force to guard El Nido. It has 45 islands and we must secure all of those if we want to preserve El Nido as a top tourist destination,” he added.

For his part, Environment Secretary Cimatu said he had already ordered an increased presence of DENR personnel in El Nido and the nearby municipality of Coron, to ensure environmental compliance of business establishments operating at the two tourists destinations.

“We have to be very strict in El Nido and Coron. We will dedicate a big portion of the DENR presence there to focus on environmental compliance,” Cimatu said.

Cimatu said ensuring the environmental compliance of the business establishments, particularly when it comes to the disposal of their solid and water wastes, is among the aspects of Task Force Palawan’s rehabilitation program.

“We are still finalizing the timeline for the rehabilitation program, but there will be three aspects. The environmetal compliance aspect, the DILG aspect which involves the issue of business permits and building constructions, and the tourism side,” Cimatu said.

As far as the meeting is concerned, Puyat said she is pushing local government officials to create a local ordinance that would limit the number of boats entering the lagoon. 

Puyat said the officials have promised to implement the ordinance by December this year. 

Dialogue for rehab

PCCI said the government should hold a dialogue with key stakeholders to map out rehabilitation plans before considering the closure of resorts.

In addition, the PCCI said concerned local government units should take a more proactive role in identifying and cleaning up their respective illegal waste disposal and sewer problems instead of waiting for the national government to come in and intervene.

“Closing El Nido and Coron will not be good for business, particularly for the legitimate industry stakeholders who will suffer the most from cancellation of bookings and reservations for the coming months,” PCCI said.

It added the move would affect the local communities and many jobs.

Instead, the group said the government should shut down or impose heavy fines only on establishments that are proven to have committed violations of environmental codes.

PCCI also said erring officials should be charged or removed from office.

About a million tourists visit Palawan every year, with the bulk going to El Nido and Coron.

Tourist arrivals in El Nido in particular reached 200,000 last year.

Given the six-month closure of Boracay island for rehabilitation, tourist arrivals in El Nido are expected to be higher this year.

No weapons

Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday defended Duterte’s decision to bar other countries from stockpiling weapons in Palawan, saying it would protect the province from being a “flaming collateral damage” in case conflict escalates in the South China Sea. 

Last week, Duterte said he would not allow other countries to store firearms or ammunition in Palawan, the western Philippine province nearest to the disputed areas in the South China Sea. 

Duterte, who has been accused of being soft on China on the maritime row, has said there is a “great risk” that Palawan might be caught in the crossfire between feuding parties in the area. He has also stressed that the Philippines is not ready for a war over the disputed areas.

Reacting to Duterte’s pronouncement, American analyst Anders Corr said the restriction would leave Palawan militarily vulnerable to China’s advantage.

But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo maintained that Duterte’s decision reflects the Philippine leader’s “acumen and diplomacy in dealing with the issue.”

“The President has embarked on a cautious, pragmatic, diplomatic yet independent stand on how to deal with the favorable arbitral ruling. The President has a wealth of information at his disposal, which is not readily available to ordinary citizens or foreigners, hence he is in the best position to decide on international matters that affect the welfare of the nation,” Panelo said.  – With Elizabeth Marcelo, Louella Desiderio, Alexis Romero, Catherine Talavera