𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

The National Durian Industry Summit 2025 aims to equip Dabawenyo farmers to meet international standards and strengthen their foothold in the global market as the city’s durian produce enters its third year of exports.

The Durian Summit is expected to draw 350 to 400 Dabawenyos farmers and will be held on November 25 to 26, 2025 at the Grand Menseng Hotel.

Fe Oguio, Agriculturist II, Cacao/Durian Focal Person of the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO), said that the summit is designed for farmers to raise their concerns directly with international and local experts during the open forum.

“Kaning Durian Summit opportunity gyud ni sa mga uuma nga first-hand information, nga kung unsay experience nimo sa uma og problema nimo, mao niy opportunity nimo nga mangutana kay naa tay open forum. Kay kita sa pilipinas way behind pata sa technology sa durian, daghan pata og ilearn (This Durian Summit is an opportunity for farmers to get first-hand information, if you have any concerns, this is your opportunity to ask questions because we have an open forum. Because in the Philippines, we are way behind in terms of durian technology, we still have a lot to learn),” she told Madayaw Davao over Davao City Disaster Radio on November 12, 2025.

The summit will feature international speakers from Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, alongside local experts. Thailand, with over 40 years of durian export experience, will share farm production and design and management. Malaysia will present advanced techniques in flowering and fruiting while Australia will highlight international quality standards.

Meanwhile, the Regional Crop Protection will also introduce biological pest control methods to reduce farming costs.

She added that Davao City now has 19 operating factories from 3 that previously engaged in durian export with the Puyat, D101 and Duyaya varieties, the leading exports abroad. This expanded initiative also opens wider opportunities for farmers to have a direct connection with the exporters.

Oguio also invited farmers to attend the summit since, in addition to the lectures, they will have access to exhibitors and networking events, which will provide opportunity for them to form connections with other farmers.

“Among giimbitahan ang mga mag uuma sa durian, karon na ni siya ipahigayon sa November 25 to 26 sa Grand Menseng hotel. Ang registration naa sa Php 5,000, so I’m encouraging all the farmers labi na tung naa sa durian production. Nag imbitar atung durian industry association og mga experto gikan sa Malaysia, Thailand and Australia para maoy mag discuss regarding concerns sa durian. Daghan tag pwede matun-an kaning duha kaadlaw nga summit. At the same time pwede ka mag network kay naa man tay exhibitors pod (We are inviting the durian farmers to our Durian summit, which will be held on November 25 to 26 at the Grand Menseng hotel. The registration fee is Php 5,000, so I’m encouraging all the farmers, especially those in the durian production. Our durian industry association has invited experts from Malaysia, Thailand and Australia to discuss concerns regarding durian. A lot can be learned from this two-day summit. At the same time, you can network because we also have exhibitors” she added.

Registration for the summit is still ongoing. For more details, interested applicants may visit the official Facebook page of the National Durian Industry Summit, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550335422278. CIO

All reactions:

14You, Mary Moon and 12 others

A lesson from the super typhoon: Protect our mountain ranges

By Manila Bulletin

Published Nov 13, 2025 12:01 am | Updated Nov 12, 2025 05:25 pm

Tributes to the Sierra Madre Mountain Range — stretching more than 500 kilometers from Cagayan in the north to Quezon in the south — filled social media after Super typhoon Uwan’s feared devastation turned out to be less severe than expected.

Nearly 1.5 million people were evacuated ahead of Uwan’s landfall. Schools and offices were closed, homes secured, and disaster teams placed on full alert. As Uwan’s rainbands, spanning nearly a thousand kilometers, swept across the country, the nation braced for another catastrophic storm.

But once again, the Sierra Madre — long regarded as the “backbone of Luzon” — stood as our natural defense. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Uwan weakened from a super typhoon to a typhoon after making landfall over Aurora and crossing the mountain range.

Scientists, however, remind us to view this protection with measured understanding. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), citing a 2023 study by Drs. Gerry Bagtasa and Bernard Alan Racoma, found that the Sierra Madre can reduce typhoon wind strength by about one to 13 percent, particularly in Northeastern Luzon. While this may seem modest, it can make the difference between life and death in vulnerable communities.

The same study noted that the mountain range can also increase rainfall on the western side of Luzon, including Metro Manila, by up to 55 percent. In other words, while the Sierra Madre slows down wind speeds, it also redistributes rainfall — lessening destruction in some areas but worsening floods in others.

Even so, its presence matters. Compared with Typhoon Tino’s 232 deaths in the Visayas and Mindanao weeks earlier, Uwan’s 27 fatalities — mostly due to landslides — show how early evacuations and natural barriers combined to save lives. The Sierra Madre’s forest cover helps absorb rainfall, stabilize slopes, and lessen the fury of incoming storms.

Environmental groups, church leaders, and scientists have long warned, however, that this protection is being eroded. Illegal logging, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects continue to degrade the Sierra Madre’s forests. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines put it simply: “Faith must move us from gratitude to responsibility. If God continues to save us through creation, then the least we can do is protect creation in return.”

The Sierra Madre shelters around 40 percent of the country’s remaining forest cover and 3,500 plant species — 58 percent found nowhere else. It spans 10 provinces and serves as a vital carbon sink covering 1.4 million hectares. Beyond being a natural barrier against typhoons, it regulates temperature, prevents floods and landslides, and supports countless communities and ecosystems.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recognized its vital role and promised to strengthen conservation efforts. Existing measures, such as the Sierra Madre Natural Park and reforestation programs under the National Greening Program, are important beginnings — but much remains to be done to curb destructive human activities.

Science tells us that the Sierra Madre weakens storms, though imperfectly. Faith tells us it is a symbol of hope and protection. Both truths lead us to one call: We must protect what protects us.

The Sierra Madre can only continue to shield Luzon if its forests remain intact. Every illegal tree cut, every mountain mined, every forest cleared weakens not just the Sierra Madre, but us — the people it has long defended.

Are we doing enough to take care of the mountain that has taken care of us?

Cratering peso sinks to new record low vs US dollar

BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

NOVEMBER 13, 2025

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Read Next

PH seafaring industry emerges as ‘economic powerhouse’

The Philippine peso fell to a new record low on Wednesday, as investor confidence continued to be rattled by a widening corruption scandal at home that has already taken a toll on economic growth.

The local currency weakened by 18.5 centavos from the previous day to close at 59.17 against the dollar, surpassing the previous record low of 59.13 set on Oct. 28. Trading volume was heavy, rising to $1.7 billion from $1.47 billion in the prior session.

“Locally, market confidence is being tested by governance issues and slower growth, which make investors more cautious,” John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said.

FIRST IN 2 YEARS

 FIRST IN 2 YEARS

A Philippine eagle was seen soaring over the forest edges of Mt. Sinaka during a monitoring activity from November 4 to 7, 2025, marking its first recorded sighting in two years.

According to experts, the eagle’s absence in previous surveys may have been due to food scarcity, territorial competition, or natural dispersal behavior.

Mt. Sinaka, covering about 1,500 to 2,000 hectares, is the smallest known natural habitat of the critically endangered species and serves as a nesting and feeding area for a breeding pair of eagles and other threatened wildlife.

CENRO Matalam

The roots of poverty and overcoming it

 

By Fr. Shay Cullen, Founder since 1974

Juan dela Cruz and 20 of his neighbors in a remote village in southern Mindanao are rejoicing. They sell their mangoes every year to an ethical enterprise and receive high prices from them; they also receive additional payments and other benefits. Before, traders rejected their mangoes because these were too small. Then, the enterprise bought almost all of their mangoes at fair prices and turned them into dried mangoes. The farmers then invested their bonus earnings in small enterprises like piggeries, chicken farms and sari-sari stores, helping them overcome their poverty.

What is urgently needed in countries like the Philippines — where inequality is great — is practicing fair trade principles. Implementing these principles helps people organize themselves into farmers’ associations and secure fair prices for their products. Together, they protect the environment, help educate people, ban child labor, go organic, and promote a healthy lifestyle and human rights. To end social injustice, government officials must follow fair trade principles and serve the people, not exploit them. To help people overcome poverty and hunger, we need to help them empower themselves; overcome their fears, lack of self-confidence and feelings of inferiority; and stand for social injustice and against exploitation.

The poor must stop their dependence on politicians for favors and financial assistance, since, in fact, the services of these officials are paid for by taxes. If development for the poor and an end to inequality are to be real and meaningful, there has to be a strong and well-organized national movement for social and economic justice that challenges the rich to control their greed for unlimited personal and corporate growth and profits, and redirects themselves to working for meaningful human development and espousing social responsibility.

Government officials must be persuaded to serve the people, not the interests of powerful corporations. Together with the people, the government and rich, socially responsible corporations can work together and build a more just society. Their goal must be to uplift more than 17.5 million Filipinos out of humiliating and crushing poverty and hopelessness.

There are good rich people who work for social transformation and to end poverty and hunger. But they are not enough. For some, national transformation and an end to poverty are considered an unreachable ideal or hopeless dream, because it calls on the rich to share their wealth with the poor in a sustainable way. But will they have the necessary change of mind and heart for this?

In the New Testament, when a rich young man was challenged by Jesus of Nazareth to share his riches with the poor, but cannot, Jesus said: “It is easier for a camel (or rope) to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” Many rich people worship money, and they don’t believe in a God that is unselfish love, compassion, justice and truth personified.

Blessed are the rich and all who have feelings of concern, understanding and solidarity with the poor and dedicate their wealth and even their lives to do good and end human suffering. There are an estimated 12,800 millionaires and 12 billionaires in the Philippines and 70 individuals with a net worth of at least $100 million, according to a Henley & Partners Private Wealth Migration report in 2025. If even a few of them focus on alleviating poverty, they could save millions of people from great hunger and suffering. Their lives would be worthwhile and have great value if they do so.

Beyond the Philippines, there are 5 billion people in the developing world suffering hunger without access to humanitarian aid, like those in Sudan. Approximately another 575 million people will suffer extreme poverty by 2030, the year the United Nations and rich nations said poverty would be eradicated. These are just empty promises. If every empty promise were a sack of rice, we could feed the world.

In 2024, there were about 2.59 million Filipinos unemployed and unable to feed their families. By August 2025, there were 2.03 million unemployed, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. A Social Weather Stations survey in September 2025 said 41 percent of Filipino families rated themselves “food-poor,” or unable to eat a full, healthy meal a day. The OCTA Research group has said in a report that approximately 11.3 million Filipino families suffered from food poverty. A UN Children’s Fund report from 2024/2025 revealed that around 18 percent (or 2 million) children in the Philippines suffered from severe food poverty, often eating primarily starch with little or no protein. That’s where “pag-pag” food comes in to help. The leftovers from the dining plates of the rich in fine restaurants are collected, recycled, and recooked and shared with the hungry poor.

The cause of poverty and hunger lies in the political structure of the country, where the super rich virtually hold the electoral process captive. A few hundred families are managing a nation of 115.8 million people. But there is always hope. Enough rich people might have a change of mind and heart, and work for the common good and dedicate themselves and their wealth to serving humanity, like Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

Another source of change is possible by the emergence of a new generation of educated young people committed to human rights and social justice, and filled with compassion for the poor. These people are moved by the hunger, social injustice and inequality plaguing more than 17.5 million impoverished Filipinos. They want to change it, but how?

As David Boyd, the former UN special rapporteur on human rights and the environment, said: “Powerful interconnected business and political elites — the diesel mafia — are still becoming wealthy from the existing system. Dislodging this requires a huge grassroots movement using tools like human rights and public protest, and every other tool in the arsenal of change-makers.”

Filipinos’ peaceful grassroots movement for social justice and human rights is growing as hundreds of brave, socially committed, environment- and human rights-focused Filipinos sacrifice themselves in the service of the poor. They are inspiring many more and keeping alive the faith by doing good and opposing wrongdoing against the poor, believing in Jesus of Nazareth that they can and will win. With that kind of faith, how can they fail in due time to change the Philippines for the better?

2020’s return

 

To time travel is impossible and far-fetched.

Not until I started hearing these sounds, which transported my consciousness back in time. It was when we, the digital community, conquered boredom and isolation that led to an incredible amount of fun, companionship, and even an eventful lockdown.

That transport happened one cozy afternoon in my room. I was curled up in bed, phone in one hand, while I scrolled through my TikTok “For You” page.

My account is just a sea of pop culture memes, a student’s life at university, and mostly about my favorite artist, Tate McRae. When a single swipe from my thumb reveals what’s been lurking underneath, I can’t ignore it or refresh my feed.

The content’s caption said: “Most Iconic Songs in 2020.” I even balled up my position like a millipede. Something knocked my brain that felt so good when the first song started playing: “Supalonely” by Benee. Its striking melody caressed me and all I could do was listen. The way it could lift my soul and take me to that time was a sign that I wanted to hear more of those songs that trigger such memories from the past.

Another iconic song that made my mattress cozier, and I’m confident that each one of you knows this: “Backyard Boy” by Claire Rosinkranz. You will easily remember how it sounds because of its undying lyrics, “Five, Six, Seven, Eight / Dance with me in my backyard, boy / Looking super fine in your corduroy / Drive me ‘round the block / We can go in a loop.”

At night, I crawled under the sheets. I wasn’t sleeping yet because the songs I just listened to were still sailing over my head so I had my phone and opened my Instagram to the Explore page. By the time I became drowsy, I told myself to make one scroll before wrapping up everything. When I did, a content out of nowhere flashed before my eyes. There were stars revolving against the dark backdrop, flowers blossoming, and a man holding a coffee mug.

What caught me was the warm-hearted sound of “Coffee” by Beabadoobee and how fast it shot right through my senses. “Don’t stay awake for too long / Don’t go to bed / I’ll make a cup of coffee for your head / I’ll get you up and going out of bed.”

I looked at the comments to see how people’s emotions responded to that. One commenter said, “I feel so nostalgic.” And there was a comment that drew the same visceral reaction from everyone, bringing even more vivid pictures to me about the early pandemic: “Memories of 2020.” It got 10,158 likes and counting.

Seeing it heals me. Seeing it comforts me. We’re in the same boat.

I thought I was the only one revisiting songs in 2020. Just this year in August, Benji Krol and Anokhina Liza, who earned stardom behind the heart makeup in 2020 using ElyOtto’s “SugarCrash!”, one of 2020’s trendy songs, recreated their looks once more. An emphatic statement from viewers that stood out to me was, “We are back at the start,” pertaining to the year 2020. The comment got a mega 1.1 million likes.

Similar to what Jason Derulo did. His song “Savage Love” paired with that legendary dance became a big hit that blew up TikTok’s domain. Derulo and TikToker Justmaiko performed the whole thing again in September, capturing the same energy they had five years ago. 

But the person I would never forget who hopped on that trend was my dad. His almost glitching hands while doing the dance movement made me and mom giggle, but the most striking were those crinkly lines on the side of his eyes because he was smiling too much. Also, thanks to Ranz and Niana’s “Savage Love” siblings dance we couldn’t get enough of. On the other hand, my mom who was happily clapping for my sister’s take on “Gatal Gatal” dance was just contagious. Hearing those sounds once again evokes memories like fresh grapes just picked from the vineyard. 

People online also associate music with areas in their house, either outside or inside, where they used to dance. Some studies show that hearing a few notes of a song can take us back to a period or place from the past.

To let it all out, I invited my friend to sleep over. In the morning, we challenged each other to guess the iconic songs of TikTok 2020 through a dance. We did “Sunday Best” by Surfaces; “Heartbreak Anniversary” by Giveon; “Say So” by Doja Cat; “Copines” by Aya Nakamura; “Marikit” by Juan Caoile (one that Filipinos loved). 

Artists behind those viral songs and TikTokers who made them popular received a lot of attention just as people listening to them now experience a lot of nostalgia.

We lodged them in our minds as part of that memory. We romanticized these collections because they helped us through the ups and downs of that era.

We might not be able to literally travel back to 2020, but we can by listening and dancing to the songs from that period. 

We can always bring it back—and we’ll easily remember.

Kenneth Wayne Batangan Visaya 

Angel Bianca Agustin crowned Miss Asia Global 2025 in India

By Robert Requintina

Published Nov 10, 2025 10:46 pm

Nineteen-year-old Angel Bianca Samson Agustin from Quezon City, Philippines, was crowned Miss Asia Global 2025 at the prestigious Gokulam Convention Centre in India.

Miss Asia Global 2025 Angel Bianca Samson Agustin from Quezon City, Philippines

Adding to her triumph, Angel also won the Best in National Costume award, proudly showcasing a creation inspired by the Filipino moon goddess Mayari.

The week-long competition, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. under the leadership of Chairman Ajit Ravi, brought together delegates from across Asia and the world for a series of exciting events — including a welcome dinner, talent competition, closed-door interview, festive cake mixing ceremony, and more.

Following her victory, Angel shared on social media,"A single moment that encapsulates a myriad of emotions—happiness, pride, and gratitude. It reflects the hard work and dedication that led to this victory.

“I can’t thank my amazing team enough who supported me throughout my journey. They made this victory possible.

Adding to her triumph, Angel also won the Best in National Costume award

“And to Miss Asia Global for recognizing my strength and potential. Holding this title is more than just a personal accomplishment; it’s a commitment to being a unique and empowered woman. I look forward to continuing this journey and embracing the responsibilities that come with it," Angel said.

Angel's victory marks a historic moment for the Philippines, as the country brings home the Miss Asia Global crown for the second time in its history, following an eight-year hiatus.

It also follows the Philippines’ two-year streak of strong placements, with Christine Glory Balboa as Miss Asia 2024 and Angelica Lopez as Miss Asia Global 2023 1st Runner-Up.

Angel began her pageant journey at just 16 years old, making her debut in a national pageant. She later represented Quezon City at Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2023 and Miss Grand Philippines 2024, before achieving her international breakthrough as Miss Asia Global 2025.

Angel began her pageant journey at just 16 years old.

Throughout her journey, Angel has been supported by her creative and glam team — Carlos Bryant O. Aunor, Ryan Kenneth Nabua, and Vien Reyes — who have been with her since her Hiyas ng Pilipinas days, ensuring her consistently stunning and polished looks.

With her passion, grace, and dedication, Angel continues to shine brightly, proudly raising the Philippine flag on the international stage.

The world can expect to see even more of her, as her journey to greater heights has only just begun.