DAVAO ART INVENTORY SALE

By Pena Aurelio, Davao City

HERE ARE SAMPLES OF OUR INVENTORY SALE of our paintings stored in our Davao artist studio since 2004. Do you want any of them?

Several of them will be available at studio give-away prices. From the old exhibit price tags of 20K, 30K to 50K---- we're practically giving them away for only 1000, 2000, to only 5000 to art collectors.

Some are framed, while some have no frames you have to frame them yourself. (You'll boost its value when you frame it)....

All the pictures of 12 paintings on "Inventory Sale" will be shown within the next few days so you can make your own selections.

Terms are : Pick Up and Pay... You come to pick it up in front of Davao Royal Suites hotel at Claveria street (in front of BPI) after texting us. Any questions, feel free to call or text 0906 760 3507.. (Ask for Boyaks)

Dengue cases, deaths rise in Davao City

 By Ruth Palo

September 20, 2023 50

DAVAO CITY: This city has recorded an alarming number of dengue cases from January to August of the year — 1,506 — higher than the 1,052 recorded in the same period last year, city health officials said on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

City Health Office (CHO) Tropical Diseases Division head Melodina Babante said the deaths caused by dengue from January to August have also reached 28 or significantly higher than the 13 that were recorded in the same period last year.

Babante also said dengue cases in the city have increased from irregular weather patterns that aided the breeding process of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

She noted that the fight against dengue must be taken to the community level, asking every barangay (village) to form their own Barangay Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force dedicated entirely to reducing the number of dengue cases in their area.

The fact that the CHO cannot intervene alone, Babante said, the office is enabling barangay officials to aid in the intervention in this disease.

"The residents play an important role in fighting this dengue disease, we are working with local officials to form a dengue task force," she added.

The task force is critical in performing a coordinated effort to limit the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes by searching for and eliminating breeding places. It could further monitor people under its responsibility for signs of infection and use early intervention to prevent an outbreak, Babante said.

Out of 182 barangay here, only 9 have a Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force. These villages, she said, have reported the lowest number of dengue infections in recent years, indicating that the task force is efficient in lowering dengue cases.

Another 14 barangay previously formed their own task forces, but these have now remained dormant and must be reactivated, Babante added.

Senate panel OKs absolute divorce bill

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 

Sep 19, 2023 02:17 PM

  

---

The Philippines is now poised to join other countries that honors and recognizes divorce. 

 

This, after a Senate panel approved the measure that provides absolute divorce in the Philippines. 

 

Senate Bill No. 2443, or the proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act”, expands the grounds for dissolution of marriage, and institutes divorce in the Philippines, has been approved by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

 

The consolidated version of the bill were authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Pia Cayetano, and Imee Marcos. 

 

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Senators Grace Poe, and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also signed the measure under Committee Report No. 124.

 

Under the bill, either or both spouses can seek a judicial decree of absolute divorce based on the following grounds: 

 

1. Five years of separation, whether continuous or broken without a judicial decree of separation, provided that the spouses are legally separated by judicial decree under Article 55 of the Family Code of the Philippines, a two year period from the time of the issuance of the decree of legal separation will suffice;
2. The commission of the crime of rape by the respondent-spouse against petitioner spouse, whether before or after the celebration of their marriage;
3. Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct, provided that lesbianism, and homosexuality shall not be ground, unless either or both spouses commit marital infidelity;
4. Final decree of absolute divorce obtained in a foreign jurisdiction by any Filipino citizen, regardless of who they married;
5. Irreconcilable marital differences or irreparable breakdown of the marriage despite earnest efforts at reconciliation, subject to a cooling-off period of 60 days;
6. A marriage annulment or dissolution, duly authorized by a church or religious entity or a marriage termination duly authorized by customs and practices traditionally recognized, accepted and observed by an indigenous cultural community (ICC) or indigenous peoples (IP) to which the parties belong. 

Under the measure, the court shall provide for child support pursuant to the pertient provisions of the Family Code. 

 

The court shall also provide for spousal support, provided that the spouse who gave cause for divorce shall not be entitled to spousal support.

 

Under the proposed law, any person who fails to provide court-ordered child support and/or court-ordered spousal support shall be punished by prision mayor and shall be fined in the amount of P100,000 to not more than P300,000 on top of unpaid child support and/or spousal support with compounding legal interest computed from date of default until full payment. 

 

Based on the bill, if the spouses have agreed to reconcile at any time, the procedure under Articles 64, 65 and 66 of the Family Code of the Philippines shall apply. 

 

A panel at the House of Representatives has also approved their version of the absolute divorce bill last year. 

The sea and the Filipino

The country’s maritime heritage

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Sep 19, 2023 08:34 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The maritime heritage of the Philippines is a vivid canvas painted with tales of ancient voyages, bustling trade routes, daily sustenance, and vibrant celebrations.

---

By JACQUELYN LUCERO

A MARITIME MARVEL The balangay Sultan sin Sulu in Maimbung, Sulu. These replicas are meant to
recreate the Butuan boats, but are inaccurate in that they do not have outriggers or Austronesian rigs

The Philippines, with its azure waters and stunning islands, holds a maritime heritage that has left an indelible mark on the nation’s culture and lifestyle. From ancient seafaring beginnings to contemporary conservation efforts, let us take you on a journey through the Philippines’ deep connection with the sea.

Long before the arrival of the Spanish galleons and the establishment of bustling trade routes, the Philippines was home to indigenous tribes, such as the Austronesians. These early inhabitants were not merely island dwellers, they were accomplished boat builders and skilled navigators. Their vessels, known as balangays, were masterpieces of craftsmanship. These colorful balangays weren’t just means of transportation; they were the lifeblood of early Filipino seafaring culture. 

The balangays were floating communities. Crafted with care and adorned with intricate carvings, these vessels served as homes for families, traders, and explorers. Imagine a group of people living together on a vessel, sharing stories, traditions, and experiences as they journeyed across the vast seas of the Philippine archipelago. It was a unique way of life that fostered a strong sense of unity and cooperation among the crew members.

These balangays were instrumental in connecting the scattered islands of the Philippines, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and exploration. They helped people navigate the complex network of waterways, allowing them to reach distant shores and establish connections with neighboring communities. In this way, the balangays played a pivotal role in shaping the rich tapestry of Philippine history and culture.

Stories of the balangays often echo tales of adventure, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. They are a testament to the ingenuity of ancient mariners and their ability to adapt and thrive in a challenging and diverse maritime environment. The legacy of the balangays continues to inspire and remind us of the deep-rooted connection between humanity and the sea that lay the foundation for the rich maritime culture that would follow.

THE SANDS WE MISS Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Palawan

As centuries passed, the Philippines emerged as a vital hub for trade with neighboring nations. Picture a bustling marketplace where goods and ideas flowed freely. Spices from the east, textiles from the west, ceramics from the south, and religious beliefs from all directions converged in the Philippines. The result was a vibrant, diverse culture that bears the distinct imprint of Filipino identity. 

Amid this bustling maritime tapestry, one of the most iconic chapters in Filipino history unfolded: the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. These Spanish galleons were not your average ships. They were laden with treasures—silk, spices, and precious metals. Their perilous journey across the vast Pacific Ocean resembled a 16th-century blockbuster movie, filled with daring adventures and hidden treasures. This trade enriched the Spanish crown and brought exotic foods, crops, and traditions to the islands, shaping the Philippines in profound ways.

The sea’s influence in the Philippines, however, extends far beyond trade and treasure. It is deeply embedded in daily life, particularly through fishing. From traditional methods like pukot (net fishing) to modern commercial operations, fishing is a way of life for countless Filipinos. Fish and seafood are more than sustenance. They are a vital component of the Filipino identity, connecting generations through the daily catch.

Moreover, the sea’s influence resonates within the culture itself. Take, for example, the Sinulog festival in Cebu, a grand maritime-themed parade that celebrates the Filipino peoples conversion to Christianity. The festival’s name, Sinulog, derives from the Cebuano adverb “sa-ulog” or “sulog,” signifying the movement of water currents. The rhythmic dance movements of the festival participants mimic the flow of waves, a homage to the seafaring history etched deep in Filipino veins. Sinulog is a vibrant celebration encompassing music, dance, religious rituals, and processions, a testament to the enduring connection between the Filipino people and the sea.

As we sail into modern times, however, storm clouds loom on the horizon. Overfishing, pollution, and the impending threat of climate change are challenging the resilience of the seas. Yet, hope shines through as many Filipinos are starting to emerge as modern-day stewards of the ocean, working tirelessly to preserve the underwater wonders that have been a part of their lives for centuries.

The maritime heritage of the Philippines is a vivid canvas painted with tales of ancient voyages, bustling trade routes, daily sustenance, and vibrant celebrations. It is the story of a nation deeply intertwined with the waters that surround it, a love affair that has endured the test of time. 

As the challenges of modernity surge like tidal waves and typhoons that visit get stronger, Filipinos continue to ride these peaks of change, guided by their seafaring spirit, ensuring that this watery legacy lives on for generations to come. So, when you visit and go around the Philippines, if you are foreigner or a local, remember that this mighty nation is not just an archipelago.
It’s a maritime marvel waiting to be explored.

US alarmed by coral destruction in West Philippine Sea

Screengrab from Philippine Coast Guard shows damage to marine environment and coral reef.

Philippine Coast Guard

Michael Punongbayan, Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — The United States – through its top diplomat in the Philippines – has expressed alarm over the destruction of corals in the Rozul Shoal near Palawan, widely believed to have been perpetrated by the Chinese.

“Troubling @CoastGuardPH and @TeamWESCOM reports on coral destruction around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said yesterday in a post on social media platform X.

“We are working with our #FriendsPartnersAllies to protect Philippines natural resources,” she said.

On Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command reported the plunder of corals in Rozul Reef, with the Chinese suspected to be behind it.

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement expressing serious concern over the destruction of the corals, but without mentioning China.

“We are seriously concerned about reports of the destruction of corals in Rozul Reef, a maritime feature located in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the DFA said.

The DFA said the Philippines has consistently raised the alarm over ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

“We, therefore, call on everyone concerned to act responsibly and cease all activities that can damage our precious marine environment. The well-being of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake,” the DFA said.

In Zamboanga, President Marcos said his administration is eyeing a fishing ban in some areas to address overfishing and to secure the country’s fish stocks.

A militant fishers group earlier reported a 70 percent drop in fish catch, citing Chinese harassment as well as the destruction of breeding grounds for fish as main reason.

“Sometimes, you should not catch all the fish so that there will be supply in the next season,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters.

“There are places that should not be regarded as fishing areas because they are for breeding... to increase the population of the fish,” he added.

Marcos cited the need to improve the fishery and the livestock sectors, noting that they are part of developing the country’s agriculture.

“Fisheries form part of our development plan...the catch of our fishermen has decreased because the areas where the fishes grow have been destroyed,” he said.

“After that, we will come up with an area for processing. That is our plan for fisheries,” he said.

Alarming news

On Sunday, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said the harvesting of corals in Rozul Reef is “alarming.”

“Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet & coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats. Let’s preserve & protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come,” Koshikawa said in a post, also on X.

“In the territorial waters & EEZ around Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, a large-scale poaching of precious corals by foreign vessels occurred 10 years ago, causing marine environmental & economic damages to Japan, leading to diplomatic issue and strict JCG (Japan Coast Guard) controls,” Koshikawa said, also on X.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, multiple vessels believed to be Chinese coral vessels have been operating since September 2014 in the waters near the Ogasawara Islands.

Yesterday, Philippine Coast Guard-West Philippine Sea (PCG-WPS) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said they have deployed two vessels around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal to conduct patrol and make another underwater survey.

“As we speak right now, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu has deployed two Coast Guard vessels to conduct another maritime patrol in these two areas,” Tarriela said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.

The vessels, he said, would also “follow up on the underwater survey, for us to have a clearer understanding of the extent of the damage.”

He said the PCG has submitted reports regarding the coral destruction to the National Task Force on WPS, the Department of Justice and the DFA.

“So whatever legal and diplomatic actions that are needed, I know for a fact that these agencies would do well in performing their responsibilities,” he added.

He also explained that while they have no concrete proof of Chinese role in the plunder of corals, PCG monitoring showed Chinese ships had been around the area for months prior to the discovery of the coral destruction.

“Based on the Coast Guard’s monitoring of the Chinese maritime militia, this has been happening for months already. It was last April when we started, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, monitoring the swarming of the Chinese maritime militia in these areas,” he said.

New patrol aircraft

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro led yesterday the formal turnover to the Philippines of a Cessna-208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Chief of Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines Col. Edward Evans, yesterday.

“It will be used for all operations, all types of operations,” Teodoro told reporters during turnover ceremonies at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the aircraft would definitely be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

“Yes definitely, this aircraft will boost our capability of patrolling our maritime seas and, as mentioned by the Commander of Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral (Alberto) Carlos, our ability to protect our sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) depends highly on the equipment that we have,” he stressed.

“So definitely this aircraft will help us, will boost our capability in making sure that we secure our territory and our sovereign rights,” Brawner said.

Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño called the new aircraft “a very welcome addition to our intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capability.”

“It will also boost our capability in missions of law enforcement, terrorism and maritime domain awareness. Sinabi kanina ng ating (Secretary of National Defense) that it will be used for all types of missions depending on the need, and during humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he added. Teodoro also said the Philippines is now “hearing a chorus of nations” supporting its stand on the maritime row with China.

“Because of the fact that we have international law and order, which includes freedom of navigation and an international airspace as justification for what we are doing, we hear a chorus of nations supporting us because we are in the right,” he stressed.

He said a review of the AFP modernization program is critical. “So this cannot be delayed and we are working day and night to try to establish our own systems and whatever capabilities that we can get from our treaty partners and other allies, we’re trying to converge this into interoperable systems, its critical, highly critical that we get it now,” he added.

“Another national security goal, which is of paramount importance now, is the ability to secure the territorial integrity of our country, to secure our sovereign rights and our jurisdiction,” he emphasized.

“National peace cannot be sustained if we cannot secure our sovereign rights in areas which rightfully belong to the Filipino people,” he said. — Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan

Pagasa: ITCZ to bring rains in Mindanao

1,665 views Sep 19, 2023

The intertropical convergence zone continuously affects Mindanao, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported on Tuesday. Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1833429...

This flower farm in Lucban will not only let you take selfies with the blooms, but eat them, too

I visited Bukid Amara in Lucban, Quezon, a popular vegetable and flower farm among both tourists and farmers.

BY YVETTE TAN

Sep 18, 2023 04:55 PM

  

---

By YVETTE TAN

I visited Bukid Amara in Lucban, Quezon, a popular vegetable and flower farm among both tourists and farmers.

The 2.5 hectare farm is a sight to behold. The first thing that catches the eye is a field of different types of flowers that stretch out from the farm entrance towards a man-made pond filled with tilapia, with the mystical Mt. Banahaw peeking out from its cloud cover just beyond. 

The flowers grown are annuals, and can be changed according to the season, so for example, couples who visit during Valentine’s Day will be greeted by a sea of red. The only blooms that remain constant are the sunflowers, which are the crowd favorite. 

A close up of a begonia, one of the many flowers that can be found in Bukid Amara. (Yvette Tan) 

Bukid Amara is a tourist hotspot for locals as well as for folks in surrounding provinces, some coming as far as Metro Manila, which is three hours away without accounting for traffic. A P150 entrance fee (P120 for students, PWDs, and seniors) allows visitors access to the farm, which includes the flower field, pond, and in-house restaurant. Farm activities include cut-and-pay flowers and fish-and-pay (and paluto). The farm also allows for small events to be held there, and is constructing a holding area so bigger celebrations can be held.

The 2.5 hectare farm is a sight to behold. The first thing that catches the eye is a field of different types of flowers that stretch out from the farm entrance towards a man-made pond filled with tilapia, with the mystical Mt. Banahaw peeking out from its cloud cover just beyond. (Yvette Tan)

The flowers aren’t only beautiful to look at–they’re edible, too! Guests can experience this when they dine in the cafe, which serves food decorated with the edible blooms. We had the salad and the pancit habhab, the latter a Lucban specialty which gets its name from the way it’s eaten–placed on a banana leaf which is lifted to the mouth with one’s hands. Both were just as delicious as they were eye-catching. The vegetables in the salad are picked on-site, and the flowers add color and vibrancy to the dishes, resulting in a weird, but welcome sort of joy during the meal. It feels like every meal at Bukid Amara would feel like a fiesta.

A popular dish in Bakid Amara Cafe is the salad, which features edible flower petals. (Yvette Tan)

The farm isn’t just well known for its blooms. The farm is owned and run by horticulturist Michael Caballes, a well known name in the farming industry. A former executive for a seed company, Caballes is known for his business acumen, enterprising spirit, and interest in experimentation.  

Behind the flower field are several domed net greenhouses that house different things–hydroponic setups, vegetable seedlings, flower nursery, and a Japanese melon grow house. Bukid Amara is the only farm in the Philippines that has successfully grown Japanese melons, the type that can go for as high as USD1000 per piece in auctions in Japan. It’s known for its crisp sweetness and its uniform, blemish-free exterior. The melons are hard to grow and demand a lot of care and attention, hence their high price. While Bukid Amara’s melons aren’t as expensive as the ones sold in Japanese auctions, they are priced higher than usual in the Philippine market, and with good reason. They are grown in a hydroponic setup, the fruit covered in newspaper to prevent overexposure and accidental bruising. It’s one melon to one vine, with everything, from the nutrient solution down to the number of leaves on the vine accounted for. 

Bukid Amara is the only farm in the Philippines that has successfully grown Japanese melons, the type that can go for as high as USD1000 per piece in auctions in Japan. (Yvette Tan)

The farm also holds training sessions for beginner and experienced farmers, as well as agriculture students. Caballes is very interested in experimentation, so many of the greenhouses are set aside to test things, which include prototypes of agricultural machinery. He also uses his acquired knowledge to help fellow farmers both increase their yield and fortify their businesses, often for free. For example, he is a consultant for the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), which aims to bring the Korean agricultural mindset and technology to developing countries. 

Behind the flower field are several domed net greenhouses that house different things–hydroponic setups, vegetable seedlings, flower nursery, and a Japanese melon grow house. (Yvette Tan)

So whether you’re the type to smell flowers, grow flowers, or eat flowers, if you’re in Lucban, it would be worth your while to drop by Bukid Amara. 

Inside one of the greenhouses used to cultivate flowers. (Yvette Tan)

Photos by Yvette Tan

Read more about gardening and farming at agriculture.com.ph