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)
This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading! Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Friday, October 18, 2019
PWDC Chair Sholai Lim strengthen ties with China for greater opportunities
Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC) of Compostela Valley Province Chairperson Ma'am Sholai Lim participated as part of the Philippine delegation to the recently concluded dialogue at the National People's Congress in Beijing, China.
The bilateral talks and institutional visits were arranged by the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Zhao Jianhua for DUMPER Partylist Representative Hon. Claudine Bautista where fellow women leaders like Vice Mayor Josephine Mariscal of Municipality of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental and Atty. Mary Kristine Joy Paras of the Office of President were also present.
The discussion highlighted the now better relationship status of the Philippines and China under President Rodrigo Duterte's leadership, and the importance of political stability in pursuing genuine developments for the people.
Cong. Bautista and Ms. Lim are set to implement vital projects and programs for the women sector of Davao de Oro. Initial planning was done between the two women leaders on how they can help public utility drivers and empower their families, especially the mothers.
Hon. Mayor Jason Joyce of JAS, Marketing & Communications Consultant Mr. Reymond Pepito, Mr. JP Gabareto of DUMPER Partylist and Mr. Shadrach Lindong of the Office of the Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy were also present during the discussions
(PDWC FB Page/ID Comval)
Not only love is in the air ...
My column in Mindanao Daily and BusinessWeek Mindanao
OPINION
By KLAUS DORING
October 17, 2019
WHILE I was staying in Manila for a couple of days, I experienced it 24/7. Getting into a traffic jam is every driver's nightmare. Endless minutes (or worse: hours) in which nothing's moving forward can turn what should be a short car-ride into a seemingly never-ending odyssey. But congested streets aren't just annoying for commuters — they have far-reaching consequences.
But not only in Manila. Europe's environmental watchdog has warned that city dwellers in Europe are at risk of life-threatening air pollution. The report recommends EU countries take rapid action such as decreasing the number of cars in cities.
Poor air quality caused 412,000 premature deaths in Europe in 2016, the most recent year data is available, according to an EU report released on Wednesday. Meanwhile is it 2019.
Poor air quality caused 412,000 premature deaths in Europe in 2016, the most recent year data is available, according to an EU report released on Wednesday. Meanwhile is it 2019.
Sixteen of the EU's 28 member states reported at least one case of unacceptable levels of nitrogen dioxide that surpass legal EU limits. Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain were all found to have unsafe levels of the gas that's among the major vehicle emissions.
The report recommends European countries reduce the number of cars to lower nitrogen dioxide levels — and therefore air pollution.
An air quality expert at the European Environmental Agency and author of the study, Alberto Gonzales Ortiz, warned that air pollution is "currently the most important environmental risk to human health."
The report referred to World Health Organization (WHO) figures that found heart disease and stroke were the most common reasons for premature death due to air pollution, followed by lung disease and lung cancer.
The study also found that certain groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people living close to roads and industrial areas were more vulnerable to its effects.
While the level of dangerous particles in European cities was dropping, Ortiz said it was not falling fast enough. In line with EU law, member states are required to examine the level of a range of pollutants and take action if pollutants, such as ozone matter, exceed healthy levels.
As we all know: cities across the whole world pledge air pollution changes, but are they ready? Over 30 mayors from across the globe have pledged to deliver clean air for the 140 million people living in their cities. Delivering clean air on such a scale will take both ambitious targets and concrete action. Believed to cause 7 million premature deaths every year, air pollution is increasingly recognized as a silent public health emergency.
Quoting British journalist Holly Young, "It's perhaps the most explicit illustration of how closely intertwined our health is to the state of our environment. Its particles have been found in human hearts and brains. It has been linked to asthma, Alzheimers, dementia, cancer, and stroke as well as mental health issues and miscarriage".
Despite its known damage, over 90% of people around the world still breathe dirty air. The Clean Air Cities Declaration announced at the World Mayors Summit this month in Copenhagen is a notable attempt to move the dial in tackling the issue. Held by C40, a network of over 90 cities dedicated to tackling climate change, 35 mayors and pledged to deliver clean air for the 140 million citizens in their cities.
The declaration highlights that the air pollution crisis is one "rooted in social injustice," due to the way it typically hits the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest. According to WHO it is low- and middle-income countries that suffer the biggest burden from air pollution.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Philippines’ Samantha Lo missing ...
... at Miss Grand International 2019 welcome party in Caracas, Venezuela
BY JILLIANINA ESTEVEZ ON OCTOBER 16, 2019
The 2019 Miss Grand International held its welcome ceremony and press conference with its official candidates at TELEVEN TV Station in Caracas, Venezuela on October 15, 2019. Filipino beauty pageants were worried why Samantha Ashley Lo, 26, of the Philippines was not among the candidates who participated in the event.
Neither Miss Grand International nor Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated has released a statement about Lo’s absence. According to reports, the beauty queen from Cebu, Philippines missed her plane to Venezuela when she arrived in Paris, France where she was not allowed to stay for more than one day.
Lo reportedly had a passport issue, was sent back to the Philippines and is currently trying to get a ticket again to go to Venezuela. These claims have yet to be confirmed.
On October 2, 2019, a send-off press conference was held at the Versailles Tent of Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City, Metro Manila for Lo and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2019 Leren Mae Bautista. Representing the Philippines, Bautista and Lo will compete in Miss Globe 2019 on October 21, 2019 in Tirana, Albania and in Miss Grand International 2019 in Caracas on October 25, 2019.
On October 9, 2019, Lo took to Instagram to share a photo of herself leaving the Philippines while holding the Philippines flag. She expressed her excitement to arrive in Venezuela.
As of October 16, 2019, Lo’s pre-arrival photo is still in Miss Grand International’s Facebook page. If she makes it to the competition and wins, she will become the international beauty pageant’s first ever titleholder from the Philippines.
Lo is an English as a Second Language instructor. She was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2019 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on June 9, 2019.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
UNCOMMON, ODD, UNACCUSTOMED
My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times
On the other hand: It is a world with quickly bridged distances - our Mother earth is becoming smaller and smaller. Any tourist, even with little time and with only a small budget, can travel to other faraway cultures. But joining them as well as different races and religious communities requires first of all, great care, tact, instinctive feelings, empathy, and logical ideas.
The stranger whom we meet for the first time during a business meeting, for example, maybe an uncommon, odd and extraordinary guy. He may be someone from a foreign country, who speaks another language and whose skin is of another color. He may be a migrant, a restless hiker or the expatriate in our neighborhood.
The foreigner beside you and me can become a provocation or a challenge. Strangeness can become exoticism. Maybe, that's why my family and I decided to move to the Philippines. On the other hand - going abroad can open other and even better horizons. We must not feel as "a stranger in paradise". By the way, I never did!
However, a migrant bears a juxtaposition of optimism (even calculated optimism!), confused feelings, nostalgia, and homesickness. Yes guys, during the first years of my expat's life here in the Philippines, the round trip ticket was always in my mind, because no one among us can escape his native roots.
But, I am really a lucky guy. I experienced an amazing tolerance in the Philippines. A real practicing tolerance. Until now! Already, during my first business meetings, I met supportive, forbearing and broad minded people. A wonderful mix of different cultures without giving up own identities... .
The following quotation remains always in my mind: "I have nothing to offer but blood, sweat and tears!" - The British statesman and former Prime Minister Sir Winston L. Churchill (1874-1965) said this in 1940 - certainly, in a sad interrelation during World War II. Anyway, I like that remark. Blood, sweat and tears. Because of new challenges and changes - also as an expatriate in the Philippines doing business here.
Every new challenge in a strange country means a change. Changes in life are necessary and important. Let's alter or make a difference; let's put one thing for another; let's shift; let's quit one state for another; let's take fresh clothing. Let's burn the "lock fat" away. Blood, sweat and tears - and remember: nothing comes from anything.
Our globe and its population bear innumerable strange facts. Following many people's opinion, this world shows mostly worried characteristics and symptoms nowadays. No wonder. Just try to consume and digest today's headlines and news from all around the globe. Yes, I'm experiencing very strange feelings while watching and reading the daily news.
On the other hand: It is a world with quickly bridged distances - our Mother earth is becoming smaller and smaller. Any tourist, even with little time and with only a small budget, can travel to other faraway cultures. But joining them as well as different races and religious communities requires first of all, great care, tact, instinctive feelings, empathy, and logical ideas.
The stranger whom we meet for the first time during a business meeting, for example, maybe an uncommon, odd and extraordinary guy. He may be someone from a foreign country, who speaks another language and whose skin is of another color. He may be a migrant, a restless hiker or the expatriate in our neighborhood.
The foreigner beside you and me can become a provocation or a challenge. Strangeness can become exoticism. Maybe, that's why my family and I decided to move to the Philippines. On the other hand - going abroad can open other and even better horizons. We must not feel as "a stranger in paradise". By the way, I never did!
However, a migrant bears a juxtaposition of optimism (even calculated optimism!), confused feelings, nostalgia, and homesickness. Yes guys, during the first years of my expat's life here in the Philippines, the round trip ticket was always in my mind, because no one among us can escape his native roots.
But, I am really a lucky guy. I experienced an amazing tolerance in the Philippines. A real practicing tolerance. Until now! Already, during my first business meetings, I met supportive, forbearing and broad minded people. A wonderful mix of different cultures without giving up own identities... .
The following quotation remains always in my mind: "I have nothing to offer but blood, sweat and tears!" - The British statesman and former Prime Minister Sir Winston L. Churchill (1874-1965) said this in 1940 - certainly, in a sad interrelation during World War II. Anyway, I like that remark. Blood, sweat and tears. Because of new challenges and changes - also as an expatriate in the Philippines doing business here.
Every new challenge in a strange country means a change. Changes in life are necessary and important. Let's alter or make a difference; let's put one thing for another; let's shift; let's quit one state for another; let's take fresh clothing. Let's burn the "lock fat" away. Blood, sweat and tears - and remember: nothing comes from anything.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Another Bayanihan school in Comval opens
By Fe F Maestre
Pantukan, Compostela Valley – Grade 8 student, Jerry Kim Baltazar, goes to school everyday at 6 in the morning to walk about an hour and a half just tokan reach the nearest school in Sitio Sapanglubog, Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan.
Used to be made of a makeshift tent, the 18-year old student has the more reason to be excited in the morning of October 9, 2019 as this will be the first time they will have their classes inside the newly-built 1 unit-3 classroom building in the said sitio.
“Ok ra magbaktas kog layo, ang importante makahuman ko kay gusto ko mag-maestro ug makatabang nila ma’m puhon diri,” he said, referring to the only 4 teachers assigned in the area.
Named the Gintong Pag-asa Integrated School, the school was built through Bayanihan sa Paaralan (BSP) initiated by the provincial government of Compostela Valley in partnership with the local governments, national agencies and private partners. The scheme follows the bayanihan way and the whole of nation approach as a peace-building initiative as it reaches geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and conflict-affected areas (CAA) in the province.
“We want to see to it that the farthest communities will not be left behind, they deserve our attention more. Kadtong lisod ang dalan, kadtong wala pa naabot sa serbisyo sa gobyerno ang dapat tutukan. Wala’y lisod nga problema basta magtinabangay,” said Gov. Tyron Uy.
Also joining the turn-over ceremony were Pantukan Mayor Roberto Yugo, Ltc Esteveyn E. Ducusin of 71st IB, Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, DepEd SDS Dr. Reynante Solitario, and other local officials.
The school has a total of 55 Kinder to Grade 8 students according to Mellisa Quirol, Teacher in-charge. “Nagsugod mi ug tudlo diri paghunong gyud sa Salupungan aron dili madelatar ang pag-eskuwela sa mga bata. Katong makeshift pa lang among school, naglisud jud mi kay guut kaayo mao nga lipay kaayo mi nga dali kaayo nahuman ug conducive kaayo ang maong eskuwelahan,” Quirol said.
This is the 3rd series of newly-built schools that was turned over under the Bayanihan sa Paaralan project with the construction finished in just several weeks. Particularly, a 1 unit-2 classroom building each was turned over on October 3 in Purok 3, Brgy. Panansalan in Compostela and another on October 4 in Sitio Bongloy, Brgy. Pagsabangan, New Bataan.
At the end of this week, another 1 unit-2 classroom building will soon be turned over on October 12 at Side 4, Brgy. Mangayon in Compostela. These four school sites kicked off the build just on September 20, 2019.
While the last school to be turned over will happen on October 13 at the remote Sitio Danawan, Brgy. Manurigao in New Bataan with its kick-off ceremony held just last September 29, 2019.
What’s more, aside from the classroom buildings, a teachers’ cottage to house the teachers who will be staying for the whole week due to distance, a Kusina ng Kalinga kitchen, and a Gulayan sa Paaralan vegetable garden were also put up as component to the Bayanihan sa Paaralan project.
The BSP school sites were led by management teams from the different offices of the provincial government and partnered with Municipal and barangay LGUs, Department of Education and other national agencies, and other private partners. The Provincial Agriculturists Office, Prov’l Veterinary Office, Prov’l Assessor’s Office, Prov’l Engineering Office, Comval Provincial Hospital-Pantukan, MLGU Pantukan, MLGU Mabini, DepEd Pantukan District, BLGU Tibagon, and 2nd Dist. Congressional Office managed the said school build in the area. (fe maestre/ id comval)
TURN-OVER
Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Pantukan Mayor Roberto M. Yugo and OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante A. Solitario led the turnover of the newly-built 1 unit-3 classroom building in Sitio Sapanglubog, Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan, Comval on October 9, 2019. (Photo by:M. Lasaca, ID Comval)
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Salt
"You are like salt for the whole human race" (Matthew 5, 13).
JUST being back from Manila staying in my office. I found some old clippings from my late grandmother (born 1899!). She taught me many things regarding daily life. I really admired her and didn't care to travel hundreds of miles to her house located in the former East Germany - just to spend a few hours there. The wall and border which divided Germany into two, aggravated such journeys many times. Maybe, I just remember that time, because I happily joined the great celebration of 29 years Germany's unity being in Manila for some days.
That's what I kept in heart and mind from my grandmother. There are innumerable thoughts how to convent bible sayings into reality.
Salt of the earth: People during various activities and occupations. "Black" and "white" meet each other, shake hands, smile... . And old woman selling vegetables in the market. She looks tired but her features still show hope and peace... . Young people, walking through a shopping mall - laughing, joking, being happy... . Fishermen at the shore doing their work in sorting nets... .
Salt on earth: Many things can be like that. Not only during mass service in the church. Not only by preaching. Also these touching hands of my distressed friend, listening to my lonely neighbor; remembering someone and writing him or her a letter or an email. I join others by helping, working, laughing, playing, singing. I listen to love's melody.
Salt of the earth: Christian life doesn't always mean possessions or property. Christian life is doing something, it's collecting one's thoughts. It's giving and receiving. It's a hug or a smile or comforting talk. Christian life means having as Christian acting people in my surroundings.
Salt on earth: Of course, as we all know: too much salt is also dangerous to our health. But if we plan to live without any salt, we might fail to survive also. Do you know, that wars have been waged and nations have been extinguished because of salt. Salt is more than a simple stabilizer.
Before the refrigerator was invented, salt was a miracle of daily life. Salt made foodstuff keep well. So, let's think about it: if we are part of earth's salt, who are we? Do we bring rottenness or do we preserve and keep well our surroundings?
We should be salt on earth as in cleaning, helping and healing, but not salt, that brings caustic, corroding and mordant poison in other's life.
Salt on earth without being dumb, mute, silent, stale, and incompetent!
Sunday, October 6, 2019
A day in the life of Maya
(Comval’s “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” program makes way in one of the remote villages in New Bataan)
By Fe F Maestre
Compostela Valley Province-- Maya, an 8-year old girl sat beside her father. Her attention was focused on the man speaking before a crowd then wandered to other officials sitting on the stage. Her attention was cut off when an army gave her a lollipop and some candies, she shyly accepted upon her mother’s prodding. She unwrapped the candy and gingerly popped it in her mouth, as if savoring its sweetness, her eyes lit up.
Maya is among the estimated 40 children living in the remote area of Sitio Danawan, Barangay Manurigao in New Bataan. With Manurigao identified as a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) in the province, the sitio is the farthest of the said barangay already bordering Davao Oriental Province. It has about 28 families with an estimated population of 144 Mandaya community who subsists mainly on farming such as corn, camote and abaca.
Reaching Danawan is not an easy feat. One has to walk 9 kilometers to reach Sitio Biyangunan where single motorcycles for hire will transport you to the town center in New Bataan for P1,000 per head, one way.
“Mga 3-4 hours gyud ang baktas gikan diri padulong sa Biyangunan, pagsakay pud ug motor padulong New Bataan mudagan pud ug minimum nga 4 ka oras, lisud gyud kayo ang dalan,” (One has to walk 3-4 hrs going to Biiyangunan. From there, it’s another 4-hour ride via single motor for a minimum of 4 hours travel), said James Balingan, SK Chairperson of Brgy Manurigao.
Bayanihan kick-off
On September 29, 2019, the provincial government led the peace-building initiative where a kick-off ceremony was held for the “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” program for the construction of a 1-unit, 2 classroom building. The program was attended by Ltc. Roman Mabborang, 66th IB Battalion Commander Mayor Geraldford Balbin, Board Member Raul Timogtimog representing Gov. Tyron Uy, and DepEd Comval Ruben Reponte, along with other provincial and local officials.
Due to the remoteness and difficulty in hauling the materials, the Bayanihan build in Sitio Danawan took a week before it commenced construction. While the rest of the other 4 school sites in the identified GIDAs and conflict-affected areas (CAA) kicked off the build simultaneously on September 20, 2019. These are Side 4, Brgy. Mangayon, and P-3, Brgy. Panansalan, both in Compostela; P-3, Brgy Pagsabangan in New Bataan; and Sitio Sapanglubog, Brgy. Tibagon in Pantukan.
In each of these sites, the different offices of the provincial government take the lead in the management of the bayanihan build. They are partnered with the municipal and barangay LGUs, Department of Education-Comval, the Philippine Army, private partners, among others.
“Bringing government closer to the people”
Such was the awe of Maya and probably even to the rest of the community. With this, it is an uncommon sight to see new faces, witness the program and even watch movies projected on wide screen at night. Much more, witness helicopters landing and taking off in their area.
But for Dante Agimlod, nothing compares to the sight of the 2 doctors who also flew in during the opening. It was his first time to get a medical check-up. “Wala ko naka pa-check up tungod sa kalayo sa among lugar. Daku gyud ang among pagpasalamat nga nakaabut mo dinhi. Gihatagan na sad kog libreng tambal,” (I couldn’t have a medical check-up because of the remoteness of our place. I am thankful that the government reached out to us. I also received medicines.)
Brgy. Kagawad Arturo Dagansan also appreciated the fact that the government spared no effort and spared no expense in reaching out to their far-flung community and put up the much needed classrooms. “Bisan sa kalayo sa among lugar, giagwanta ninyo. Kining proyekto, daku gyud kaayug gasto pero wala ninyo gipanumbaling tungod kay gilantaw ninyo ang kalisud diri sa among barangay.”
He also acknowledged the worker-builders and volunteers who braved the arduous travel and long walk as well as endured being far away from their families. “Gani nagkamang-kamang sila sa kalisud sa dalan, pero naa sila diri para lang matabangan mi sa pagtukod sa eskuwelahan.”
Hopes for a brighter future
Situated on a higher ground, the community with its colored houses, courtesy from the government’s Pabahay program, looks picturesque amidst the vast mountain ranges surrounding it. In the afternoon, the kids’ laughter echoed in the quiet surrounding while the youth played basketball and some into volleyball, their way of entertainment as the place has no electricity.
“Gusto na kaayo ko mu-eskuwela para mag-maestra nako pagdaku,” Maya, who has already shown a flair in volleyball, replied after being asked what she wanted to be when she grow up.
The following morning, Maya, whose timidity has lessened having warmed up to her since the other day, was there to send the team off on a chopper, a UH1 Huey military aircraft, back home. She smiled, her eyes hopeful as she waved goodbye to the departing group, her mother protectively covering her from the strong wind that the chopper’s propeller has made. Her hands holding on to her mother, she continued to wave goodbye, her hair now in disarray, as the chopper continues to ascend and fly away.
(fe fuentes maestre/id comval)
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Department of Agriculture turns over 9.5 m facilities
DA turns over 9.5M agricultural facilities and other infrastructure projects to Maragusan Multi-purpose Cooperative
Compostela Valley Province---A total of 9.5Million pesos worth of agricultural facilities and infrastructure projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office XI and the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) was officially turned over to the officials, board of directors and members of the Maragusan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAMPCO) last October 2, 2019.
The ceremonial turn over was held at the MAMPCO Agricultural Complex, Purok Mangga, Poblacion, Maragusan, Comval.
The program is in partnership with the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO) of the provincial government of Comval and the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAGRO) of the municipality of Maragusan.
Attending the program were DA Region-XI representative Engr. Rubelyn Gomez together with Ronald Sibayan Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, Hon. Vice Mayor Cesar C. Colina Sr., Engr. Nelson Ortiz Municipal Agriculturist of the municipality of Maragusan, officers and members of the MAMPCO, MAGRO officials and employees and the provincial and municipal employees.
According to Sibayan, the provincial government assisted in the selection and facilitation of the documents of the requesting beneficiaries.
He added that the project was implemented with the supervision of the PAGRO, MAGRO and the DA.
“Amounting to Php337,969.66 or 20% is coming from the PLGU Comval as counterpart for the construction of the tablea facility,” said Sibayan.
The Tablea Processing and Marketing Enterprise facility has a total amount of Php2,515,348.31 from the PRDP I-REAP of the DA with 20% counter parting of the provincial government of Comval.
Among the agricultural facilities and infrastructure projects from the DA were turned over are the Coffee roasting facility worth Php1,989,109.19; 2 units fermentary facilities - Php496,120.00; 2 units weather drier- Php566,777.17; 1 unit mobile flash dryer- Php2,998,000.00; 90HP Farm tractor- Php1,980,000.00; 1 unit plant nursery- Php497,020.00; 1 unit floating tiller- Php130,000.00 and 1 unit Cassava granulator amounting to Php129, 640.00.
According to Armando B. Escuadro MAMPCO General Manager, a total of 3,458 members of their coop will benefit of the projects.
He added that the actual members that can benefit for the tablea processing project are the 150 individuals or the Cacao farmers. “Amung purpose ani nga ma protektahan ang interest sa among mga farmers nga makavail sila ug taas nga presyo. Kay ang ilang produce amung e process, he said.
“Ang amuang objective nga ang ipagawas namu nga produkto sa amung coop is finish product na para pud madugangan namu ang buying price sa ilang abot ug makaavail na sa taas-taas nga presyo,” the manager added.
Meanwhile, Calixto Saromines a cacao farmer expressed his gratitude to the DA and the provincial government for the said project. “Nalipay kog dako nga naabot ni nga mga project dria kay dako kayo ni ug tabang sa amuang mga mag-uuma isip usa ka myembro sa kooperatiba. Kay daghan mi ug benipisyo nga madawat sa among pagbaligya sa among abot gawas nga dili name maglisod kung asa ibaligya naa pa gyud me madawat nga dividend,” he said.
“Inganyo ug challenge na kaayo me kay mao gyud ni amo gipaabot sukad-sukad sa dugay ng panahon. Dako kayo ni ug tabang nga moangat me sa among panginabuhian,” he added. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)
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