Most Beautiful Catholic Churches in Mindanao

By: theteam@twomonkeystravel.com

WE’RE KACH & JONATHAN HOWE

We had both started out on the same path before we ever knew each other existed. We both decided to leave the nine-to-five career lifestyle, sell off our possessions and travel the world. Our paths first crossed in the small, historic town of Luang Prabang in Laos. I (Jonathan) was on a budget motorbike trip around Asia, while Kach was backpacking with her brother and sister.

We spent a lot of time together for a couple of days, visiting waterfalls and exploring the countryside on my motorbike, but then it was time to continue on our separate ways.

1. Caraga Church

Caraga Church, also known as San Salvador del Mundo Church, was built in 1884 and was known to be the oldest church in Mindanao and one of the few remaining Spanish colonial era churches in Mindanao. In 2012, it has been declared as a National Historical Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Not only an important cultural property, this church is significant not only in the province but to the whole country, since it is where Christianity began, in the Eastern part of the Philippines. This old stone church is made of coral and limestone blocks/rocks placed on top of each other, while the upper half is constructed mainly of wood. Main door has inscription of the symbol of Christ which dates the structure’s foundation in 1884. It also houses several artifacts including the two centuries-old giant seashells that serve as holy water font, a baptismal font used during the Spanish era, church bell that dates back to 1802 and an antique statue of San Isidro Labrador. Fascinating relics, a significant part of Christianity in the country, truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Davao

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Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers guests with serene ambiance, excellent customer service – a true paradise, very highly recommended. It is a well situated property in a private beach, ideal for snorkeling. No doubt, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Home Crest Hotel

With the secured location and the comfort of being just across the mall, this hotel is very much recommendable for travelers who are looking for simple elegance and comfort without the fancy accommodation from known five star hotels. Highly recommended, this is definitely one of the best  and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

2. San Juan Bautista Church

Jimenez by Project Kisame / CC BY 2.0

San Juan Bautista Church, or commonly known as Jimenez Church, was built in the second half of the 19th century by the Augustinian Recollects. This Baroque and Renaissance styled structure is known to be one one of the best preserved interior of a Roman Catholic church in Mindanao. In 2001, it has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and one of the 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). An important heritage, and one of the chief attractions of Misamis Occidental, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Misamis Occidental

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Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel has a good location, in the middle of the city and within walking distance to mall, eating places and almost everything you need. A classy budget hotel, it offers guests with clean rooms, spacious convention hall and lovely interior decors. A pleasant surprise in the city, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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GV Hotel – Ozamiz

GV Hotel – Ozamiz is a convenient and affordable accommodation. In a good location, within walking distance from the pier and the ambiance is good as well. Staff is nice too, very helpful. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

3. St. James Church

Photo by Mejas Nikolas

St. James Church in Dapitan is a Baroque styled church built in 1871 by the Jesuits, in honor of St. James the Great. This magnificent creation, in the heart of Dapitan City, is made of  indigenous materials such as rocks, sea corals and lime, and is still still well-preserved up to this day. This old Spanish structure symbolizes the early Christianization of the city. Interior is quite fascinating, specially the ceiling and dome design, with amusing patterns, catchy to the eyes. Part of history, this church is where Dr. Jose Rizal attends mass during Sundays, during his exile in Dapitan. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Dapitan

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Dakak Park and Beach Resort

A mixture of fun and relaxation, it’s a sure wonderful stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort. White sand, clear waters, relaxing ambiance, definitely an excellent resort. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Travelbee Heritage Inn

Travelbee Heritage Inn provides guests with a homey ambiance, clean rooms at affordable prices. Food is excellent too and it is well located in a quiet area. Definitely, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

4. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

Built in 1894 by the Spanish friars, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (or also known as Dipolog Cathedral), was made in honor of Our Lady of Holy Rosary. It was believed that the original altar of the cathedral was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, during his exile in Dapitan. Like other churches, it has undergone several renovations, with the latest, in 2009, rebuilding the facade of the cathedral with marbles. Interior is just simply astounding, with ceilings made of Narra wood. Authentic grandeur, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation Near Dapitan

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Ariana Hotel

Ariana Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the airport and is a reasonably priced accommodation. Rooms are spacious, has a swimming pool with sun lounge and good quality food. Service is excellent, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Hotel Camila 2

Hotel Camila 2 is a comfortable place to stay in Dipolog, with a good location, accessible along the highway. Rooms are clean and has comfortable bedding, plus they have this cute Mickey Mouse shaped swimming pool. A quaint hotel with efficient service,definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

5. Immaculate Concepcion Church

Immaculate Concepcion Church is the first church of Jasaan, built between 1723 to 1830. This Barn Style Baroque architecture was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church of Intramuros in Manila. Significant features of this structure  includes the original brick paving, neo-Gothic retablo, and ceiling woodwork. It also has two bell towers, with an old bell dated back in 1807. With it historical and cultural value, the church was declared to be a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Truly, this magnificent creation is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation Near Misamis Oriental

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Pearlmont Hotel

Pearlmont Hotel is an accessible budget hotel. Rooms are very spacious, staff and room service are very accommodating. Location is great, just few steps away from shopping malls and restaurants. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Conchita Hotel

Conchita Hotel is an accessible accommodation, situated in the middle of the market, nearby the Centrio Mall, the famous White Water Rafting River and the beaches of CDO. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, staff is attentive and friendly. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

6. Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Cagayan de Oro, was founded in 1624, in dedication to Saint Augustine. History tells that the church was previously settled in an area called Huluga or Himologan, and was later on moved to Cagayan de Oro, founded by the Augustinian Recollects. It was moved to its current location to their belief that it would be easier to defend the church from marauding pirates and enemies. It was attacked several times by Non Christian soldiers from the areas of Mindanao, not spared by fire, due to its light materials. It has undergone renovations due to these instances, rebuilding the church from wood to stone. This Neo Gothic styled structure boast its magnificent interior, of Raphaelite-inspired stained-glass windows. The church is said to be part  of the destinations for Cagayan de Oro Heritage Walk Tour, a simple evidence that it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Cagayan de Oro

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LOHAS airport hotel

LOHAS airport hotel has a strategic location in Cagayan de Oro, 5 minutes away from the airport, and they can arrange guest’s airport transfer which is very convenient. Beach is located 10 minutes away from the hotel and they also offer aqua sports activities. Cosy and relaxing pit stop, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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GC Suites

GC Suites offers guests with spacious and properly lit rooms. Bathroom is big too and room design is very fancy. The interior design of each room is quite hip plus snack bar items are all reasonably-priced. Staffis very attentive too. Truly one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

7. San Pedro Cathedral

Photo by Jason Concepcion

San Pedro Cathedral or Davao Cathedral is a city’s premier landmark, built in 1847 by the first Spanish settlers in the area. This Neo-Gothic styled architecture serves as as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered as a National Cultural Treasure. Special features of the oldest cathedral of Davao include the frontal-curved roofing, designed to resemble the prow of a vinta, gliding over waters, carrying a Cross at the helm. Vinta, representing the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity. Another notable feauture is the Bell Tower which houses the image of Pieta, a statue depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments of God. A true historical landmark, definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Davao

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Seda Abreeza

Seda Abreeza is a great modern style hotel with clean spacious room, furnished with an elegant modern touch. Facilities and accommodations are great with exemplary service. Excellent value for money, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Park Inn by Radisson Davao

The service and facilities in the hotel are first class and the location via a covered walkway to the shops and restaurants of the SM mall make it a great all-round place to stay. Room is clean, pool and food are great! High quality service in great location, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

8. Christ the King Cathedral

The Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum City, was built in 1993, solely from donations, and was completed along the the celebration of the silver anniversary of the Diocese of Tagum City in 2005. In this cathedral is where you can find the largest and longest wooden rosary in the world. This magnificent art work is made of magcono (iron wood), which is native to the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. The giant rosary was a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the silver anniversary of the Catholic diocese of Tagum City. A combination of modern and traditional design, the biggest basilica in Mindanao serves as a chief attraction for tourists. Truly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Tagum

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Big 8 Corporate Hotel

Big 8 Corporate Hotel is a nice place, with spacious and clean rooms, basic amenities included and a good selection of breakfast. Excellent service, well-trained and courteous staff. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Heroben Hometel

Heroben Hometel offers guests with comfort with their huge bed, yellow lights and ultra quiet air conditioner. Bathroom is decent and clean too, with shower heater, and a countertop to provide space for your toiletries. A fairly priced place to stay, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

9. Tamontaka Church

Tamontaka Church (Cotabato City) by Shubert Ciencia / CC BY 2.0

Tamontaka Church in Cotabato City was built in 1872 and is the first Christian church in the city. In 1879, the church has been relocated in its present location. Like other churches, it has been damaged as well by earthquake and even fire, with only the facade spared with its original structure. It also has an interesting underground passageway leading you to a catacomb, which is a part of the network of caves from which the name of the city was derived. A Spanish influenced architecture, with relics of the living past, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Cotabato

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Butlers House at Koronadal

Butlers House at Koronadal has a convenient location, an easy access to most of the must-see in the city. Excellent service and superior facilities, accommodation tastefully furnished. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

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My Home Trio Dormitel

My Home Trio Dormitel is well situated hotel conveniently located in Koronadal City. It offers guests with comfort and convenience with their many facilities. Professional service and quality rooms, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

10. San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral

Photo taken by MEJAS NIKOLAS

San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral can be found in the isolated community of Tandag, in the eastern side of Mindanao, part of Surigao Peninsula. It was built in the 1950’s and was expanded during the 80’s, adding improvements and extensions to the structures and interior. It is said that the  church started as a “kamalig”, made of Nipa leaves, on the same spot where it is standing now. A cathedral with a very grand design, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Tandag

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Villa Maria Luisa Hotel

Villa Maria Luisa Hotel offers guests with luxurious amenities, wonderful views and clean spacious rooms. Staff is courteous, always smiling and very accommodating. Great deal, definitely one of the best and a well recommended accommodation in Tandag.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Donelles Haven Pension House

Donelles Haven Pension House is conveniently situated in Tandag City, offering guests with high quality room facilities. It’s a great base for exploring the city, an easy access to the city’s must-see places. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tandag.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

Compostela Valley helps quake-hit areas...

... of North Cotabato and Davao Del Sur

Compostela Valley Province--- It is now time for the people of Compostela Valley to help and show their support, this time in the earthquake-stricken areas of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.  Gov. Tyron Uy,  himself, visited the affected areas on November 3 and met with the local officials there. 

Employees from the different departments of the Provincial Capitol of Comval Province extended their services in preparing for the relief operations. Among the distributed goods were packed meals, boxes of mineral water and rolls of tent that would be of great help for the affected residents.

“We will device a mission nga makatabang ta didto in one way or another, being a Dabawenyo and also as our brothers and sisters of Mindanao.” said Governor Uy. “Kita mismo naka experience ug calamity ug very thankful pod ta kay ang mga ubang taga laing probinsya nitabang pod sa atua ug maoy  nagsagop sa atua sa pila ka weeks nga lisod ug pait gyud ang supplies sa pagkaon, tubig ug uban pa.” he added.

The Province of Compostela Valley experienced the wrath of Typhoon Pablo way back in the 2012 bringing the whole province into its darkest days. Neighboring provinces and cities of Comval helped the Comvaleños to rise up in all possible ways they could offer.

Now is the time for Comval to return the favor and help its Mindanaoan brothers and sisters to rise and recover. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID COMVAL)

 Photocaption relief 1 & 2- Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy together with other government officials and government employees in Comval Province gave relief operations to the quake-hit areas of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. Comval helps Mindanaoan brothers and sisters to rise and recover.

The ASEAN summit

My column in Mindanao Daily

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THE Asia trade bloc deal is being  'expected' in February 2020. Plans to sign the world's largest free trade pact at a regional summit in Bangkok have been thrown into doubt after objections from India. But China, hurt by its trade war with the US, is keen to see the deal finalized.

An agreement to create the world's largest trade bloc will be signed by Asian countries in 2020, the Thai government said today Monday, November 4, 2019 while writing this piece.

Thailand, which is hosting the three-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, had previously said it hoped to conclude negotiations on the trade deal by the end of the year.

One thing is for sure: China's foreign trade has shrunk more than expected.

The new trade area, known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), involves the 10 ASEAN members, plus China, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan and South Korea. If implemented, it would be the world's largest free trade bloc, comprising nearly half the world's population and about a third of GDP.

The trade war between China and the United States has taken a toll on export-dependent Southeast Asian countries. Economic growth in the region is projected to slow this year to its lowest level in five years, making the signing of the deal more pressing for many ASEAN members.

Speaking at the summit's formal opening, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called for a swift agreement "within this year to stimulate economic growth as well as trade and investment."

"The early conclusion of RCEP negotiations will lay the foundation for East Asia's economic integration," a statement from China's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

RCEP negotiations had stalled over India raising concerns about the impact a flood of cheap Chinese goods could have on local businesses.

Some countries have also raised the possibility of moving ahead without India. Discussions on the deal will resume when member states meet on this Monday afternoon.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Since its founding, the bloc has emerged as a beacon of unity in Southeast Asia, although it has often struggled to find consensus among members over key policy issues affecting the region's politics, security and the economy, among other things.

Tensions over the contested South China Sea were also on the agenda at the ASEAN gathering. After meeting with leaders, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing was ready to work with countries in the region to ensure long-term peace and stability.

Li said significant progress had been made on a legally binding code of conduct, which is due to be completed by 2021. The document has long been an aim for ASEAN countries, which reject China's vast maritime claims and accuse Beijing of encroaching on their territory.

ASEAN is made up of Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

Leaders were also due to discuss air pollution, illegal fishing and further economic cooperation before the summit ends today on Monday. All very important topics. I wish and pray this summit wouldn't end up with empty words.

Malasakit Center in Montevista

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with Senator Bong Go officially inaugurated the Malasakit Center in Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Montevista. Also joining the inauguration were the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, District-I Congressman Manuel E. Zamora and District-II Congressman Ruwell Peter S. Gonzaga and the Provincial and Municipal Officials of the municipality of Montevista.

Gov. Uy said that the opening of the Malasakit Center will truly help in easing the burden of the patients in the hospital. Tungod kay gidala na nato ang lahi-lahing ahensya sa gobyerno diha sa atong provincial hospitals, dali na lang ang mangayo'g tabang ug ayuda para sa mga bayronon. (Photo by: M. Lasaca, PS Comval)

1st IP convergence summit and ...

... 22nd IPRA anniversary celebration held in New Bataan town

Compostela Valley Province---The municipal government of New Bataan, Compostela Valley in partnership with the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Mandaya-Mansaka Tribal Executive Council of Elders (MMTECE) celebrates the "1st IP New Bataan Convergence Summit and 22nd Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) anniversary celebration" on October 29, 2019 at the Municipal Gymnasium, New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province.

This year's celebration is anchored with the theme "Empowering Indigenous Peoples through the Whole of Nation Approach.”

A total of 83 council of elders, tribal leaders and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) of the different clusters attending the program led by the municipal IPMR and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Arnel B. Sugnoan together with the Municipal Tribal Chieftain Daniel L. Pagantupan.

During the program Provincial Director of NCIP-Comval Roger S. Lumbin shares about the 14 Thematic Issues and concerns and also explains about the Executive Order No. 70 for the whole of nation approach to the IP leaders.

Director Lumbin expressed his gratitude to the participants during the conduct of the open forum with the national government agencies and the municipal government.

“The gains and the success of our IPRA celebration as far as Comval and New Bataan in particular is considered a historic one. This is because of the influence of our chairperson and at the same time the Executive Director of ELCAC,” said Director Lumbin.

HE added that “why we are here its because we wanted to highlight the celebration of the creation of IPRA law. “Although daghan ta ug mga celebration nga nabuhat in the previous years pero for me this is something special because this is a valuable one and a historic one.”

Also gracing the occasion were New Bataan Mayor Geraldford N. Balbin together with the municipal SB members and the officials from the national government agencies namely: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante, representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through Ms. Lovella Mae C. Lagura, and from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office XI with Ms. Lourdes Melody Villanueva.

Meanwhile, the presentation of the Mandaya-Mansaka ADSDPP Annual Investment Plan was also presented by Jake Hanggam the Ancestral Domain Manager of the said town.

The ceremonial signing and pledge of commitment of support was also done with the representatives from the national government agencies and the IP leaders.

On the other hand, Mayor Balbin said that

"ang mga kaayuhan nga gihimo sa mga tribu dako ug tabang sa atua, unya magpabilin ang history sa atuang tribu sa atuang lungsod ug sa tanang mga IPs, dili mahimo ang tanan bisan pa ug unsa ang atong mga plano kung wala ang mga tabang sa national government, provincial government ug sa ubang ahensiya sa gobyerno.”

"Nagpasalamat kita nga ang atuang mga tribu ug atuang mga IPs nahatagan ug pagtagad sa mga programa sa gobyerno para sa kaayuhan sa tanan," the mayor added.

The commemoration of the 22nd Anniversary of the promulgation of Republic Act No. 8371 otherwise known as IPRA is celebrated in the IP Month of October 1-31, 2019. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

An unforgettable state visit

Climate change only for the poor?

I think, this question has been answered already many times. Fact is: climate change exacerbates inequalities, not only in poor, developing countries, but also in industrialized, wealthy ones. But, the poor should be given special importance when planning, experts and German National Television's author Irene Banos Ruiz say.

Since the topic "Climate Change" arrived already the last global spot, climate hysteria grows. As drought, flooding and fires lay claim to headlines and landscapes across the world, and as countries and cities grapple with the cost of it all, the highest price is already being paid — by those who are poor or marginalized, Ruiz voiced out. And yes, she is so very right. Such are the findings of a recent study by  researchers Noah S. Diffenbaugh and Marshall Burke. It reveals that the economic gap between rich and poor countries would have been smaller without the climate crisis.

Eight of the ten countries most affected by extreme weather events — such as hurricanes and monsoon rains — between 1998 and 2017, were developing nations with low or lower-middle income, the Global Climate Risk Index of the NGO Germanwatch shows.

"Regions like Southeast Asia are very vulnerable, not only because they are often hit, but because they lack resources to deal with the impact," David Eckstein, co-author of the Index.

Of course, living in the Philippines and experiencing the climate change here since decades, I wasn't surprised any more reading the answer to the question: Where is the most extreme weather? 

1.Puerto Rico, 2. Honduras, 3. Myanmar, 4. Haiti, 5. Philippines, 6. Nicaragua, 7. Bangladesh, 8. Pakistan, 9. Vietnam, 10. Dominca. Although natural disasters are not new, climate change increases their frequency and intensity, making it harder for those affected to cope with the impacts.

"Often, these countries are in the process of rebuilding when they're struck again by an event," Eckstein said.

Oxfam International says the two cyclones that hit Mozambique in rapid succession earlier this year left 2.6 million people in need of food, shelter and clean water. Thousands have had to look for a new place to live.

According to the Switzerland-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre they were among seven million — out of a total 10.8 million people internally displaced between January and June this year — forced to leave their homes because of weather-related disasters and earthquakes.

But even people who do not currently live in extreme poverty are at risk of becoming poor. I listened Harjeet Singh, climate policy lead with the NGO ActionAid International, during a television interview.. He recently visited the Sundarbans, where land has been swallowed by rising sea levels. "People there had resources, but their lives have been completely devastated by climate change impacts," he said. "They've fallen into the poverty trap."

He witnessed a similar situation in Senegal's Saloum Delta, where sea level rise is making it hard for communities to farm or fish. That's how people "become ultra poor and migrate without any resources, and become unskilled labor in urban areas," he explained.

Economic disparities due to climate change aren't unique to poorer countries.  A 2017 study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science, says higher temperatures in US states such as Arizona will lead to a more intense use of cooling systems, which in turn implies greater energy use and higher costs for consumers.  

Some northern states, however, could benefit through reduced heating use, among other factors. In Maine, for instance, the most northeasterly US state, the gross county product could increase by up to to 10%, while in Arizona it could fall by as much as 20%, the study shows.

In the Spanish capital, Madrid, over 20% of households are at risk of energy poverty — the lack of capacity to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, a study requested by regional authorities shows.

Allow me to quote Eckstein from Germanwatch again, who says that initiatives to help countries recover are important, "but what is also necessary is for these countries to prepare in advance."

I.e. Bangladesh, he says, has improved its position in the Climate Risk Index because it deals with climate change impacts better than other countries. Among other measures, it has built seawalls to prevent flooding and introduced early warning systems to evacuate people on time.

Social protection mechanisms to help people relocate and learn new skills also matter.

"If relocation needs to happen, it has to happen in a much more planned manner," Singh said. But since the affected countries often lack the economic and technical capacity to go this far, international support plays a decisive role, he added.

Singh agrees that preventive planning is the key to reducing the inequality gap intensified by climate change.

"Current players are leading us to a 3 degrees [Celsius] warmer world," he said. "We really hope that we don't reach that point, but our planning has to be with that thinking." I can only agree with that my dear readers.

[[My column also @ MINDANAO DAILY NEW, BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO and CAGAYAN DE ORO TIMES.]]

Barangay Health Station

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy led the turn-over ceremony of the Barangay Health Station at P-5, Prosperidad, Montevista, Comval together with the provincial, municipal and Barangay officials of the municipality of Montevista, Compostela Valley Province on October 24, 2019.

(Photo by: M. Lasaca, PS Comval)

In Comval: Signing and Groundbreaking Ceremony ...

... for Proposed DOLE Provincial Office

Compostela Valley Province--- Deed of Usufruct Signing and Groundbreaking Ceremony for proposed DOLE Provincial Office took place at the Provincial Capitol Lobby, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province on October 21, 2019.

In line with the Provincial Government of Compostela Valley Province’s 4Ps+ program, the construction of the Provincial DOLE Office will contribute to the province’s  prosperity and easy access for all Comvaleños in terms of employment concerns .

The ceremony was attended by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, Dole Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante and other government officials of of the province. The proposed Dole Provincial Building is worth 30 Million pesos and will be constructed within the Provincial Capitol Complex of Compostela Valley.

Together with Governor Uy, Dole Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante signed the contract and was grateful for granting the said project witnessed by PG Department Head of PHRMDO/ Provincial PESO Manager Lara Zaphire Kristy N. Bermejo together with DOLE Provincial Director Albert Degamo.

The proposed 30 Million worth building will become a 1 two-storey building which will serve as the DOLE Provincial Office and 1 building as a training center for all activities by DOLE in Comval. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID COMVAL)

Comval Tourism receives six pearl awards

Compostela Valley Province-- Six (6) pearl awards were received by the Provincial Tourism Office through the Supervising Senior Tourism Operations Officer (SSTOO) Ms. Christine Dompor of Compostela Valley during the conduct of the 20th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention on October 2-5, 2019 at the Fort Ilocandia Resort, Ilocos Norte.



With this year’s theme, “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All”, tourism officers and tourism stakeholders from all over the country had convened to share their knowledge, build networks, immersed in different communities and learned from these visits towards sustainable tourism.


According to Dompor, ATOP is an organization of tourism officers from all over the country who aims to strengthen its capabilities in tourism development, strive towards the highest standard of information and services for tourists, promote the welfare of its members and other partners, and foster unity in the industry.

Dompor added that the highlight of the four-day event of the DOT in Ilocos is the pearl awards were the association are being recognize for their exemplary practices, programs, and innovations employed by the Local Government Units (LGUs) in tourism governance. Together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), ATOP encourages Local Chief Executives to actively participate in the country’s tourism development initiatives. The award-giving program also is supported and partnered with the technical partner, the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

Now on its 15th year, the PEARL AWARD: ATOP-DOT Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines Awards, honors local governments, and tourism officers who have contributed the significantly towards achieving sustainable tourism development in their respective communities.

“As of this year, ATOP added a new set of categories open to all levels, provincial, city and municipal were out of 300 plus entries all over the country, Compostela Valley was able to reap 6 pearl awards,” the tourism officer said.

For Provincial Category Comval were able to receive the 1st Place for Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration for the Tourism Month 2018 activities and 1st Place for Best Tourism Event Sports Festival for Visit Davao Summer Fun in Comval.

While for the Municipal Category Grand Champion for the Best Tourism Festival as Contemporary/other art form in NABIFILMEX of Nabunturan; 1st Place for Best Tourism Event Festival as Heritage Conservation for Lyurot Festival of Golden Valley in Mabini; 2nd Place for the Best Tourism Event-Adventure for the Tapok Tunob sa Langub Caving activity in Mawab, and a Special Citation for Best Tourism Event Festival as Thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest during the conduct of Simbalay Festival in the municipality of Nabunturan

All in all, 6 trophies garnered by the Comval delegation with two (2) LGUs already making names out of its tourism programs and projects.

Attending and receiving the award were led by Christine T. Dompor together with her office staff Prescila A. Decena and Larrah Jay M. Caparas, Jimmy Catamora Municipal Tourism Staff of LGU Mabini, and Leah M. Calamba – Municipal Tourism Officer of LGU Nabunturan. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)