I AM A RETIREE NOW

Yes, I am a German retiree in the Philippines. Well, actually I became a retiree in accordance with German law 2 years ago already. Being retired didn't mean for me to stop working or being active in daily life though I could already enjoy my German pensions. But that's not my lifestyle.

Of course, I stopped teaching after many years. And, my service as German Honorary Consul for the island of Mindanao will soon come to an end. Such are the laws.

Being retired has many meanings for me. Maybe, being free of any kind of constriction. Having time for all these things I have actually wanted to do for years. Don't get me wrong: I really enjoyed everything I was able to do in the Philippines: being a radio host, being a Rotary Club member, being a marketing director, being a professor teaching the German language, or being a Honorary Consul on service for Filipinos and German nationals.

At the age of almost 68, it's time to focus on all the other possibilities, life has still to offer me. And believe me, there are so many possibilities. 

One thing for sure is: writing. My biography, which I started 15 years ago, should be brought to an end. I am still looking for a publisher and printing press. "With Beethoven under Palms" - yes, my life takes place under palm trees for several decades. And with me was and is Ludwig van Beethoven - my favorite German classical composer and hero. Of course not only him. Try to read my biography if it is published soon.

I am a retiree now. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do anything anymore. After all accomplishments in my past life, I am happy and satisfied. I thank our good Lord for everything he has given to me.

It's really the time now for me to focus on other things. And I know, our good Lord will guide me - as he always did during the last 68 years, while I was travelling around the world and being able to meet so many different people and being able to learn from so many cultures up to the moment I settled down in the Philippines 22 years ago.

Mabuhay Philippines!

DdO strengthens info-dissemination against Covid-19

 

Davao de Oro Province--- Self-responsibility is the key in slowing down rates of Covid-19 transmission and is the most reliable way to fight this pandemic.

With the government’s effort in reminding everyone of the basic health protocols to ward-off the Covid-19 virus, people still gather in large in groups despite health warnings and may cause to elevate cases of local transmission.

To further remind and instill in the minds of every Dabawenyo, PLGU-Davao de Oro in partnership with Globe Telecommunications strengthens its anti-COVID campaign through various means. One of these is the traditional way of promotion through billboards, lamp post banner, and tarpaulins installed in places such as the center island lamp post, waiting sheds, and other strategic areas where the locals can easily get informed.

Among the materials posted were the digital innovations of the provincial government to continue serving its constituents through the use of technology such as the Serbisyo Oro Mismo, Call DdOc, One DdO Helpline System and DdO Bagsakan. Through these initiatives, Dabawenyos can access essential government services without risking lives by physically going outside to offices.

Every Dabawenyo’s self-leadership must go hand-in-hand with the government’s action. The more the people bind themselves with the rules imposed by the government the more chances they get to win against the unseen enemy. Still, it is through self-responsibility with consistent practice of proper hygiene that could save communities from the virus. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro)

THE NEW NORMALITY

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

Davao City has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19).

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released while writing this piece on Friday morning (November 20, 2020).

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities. He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city. 

In my home country Germany, just to mention another example, the government is thinking about a lockdown until January 2021 after the new Infection Protection Act was passed. The confusion on all sides is getting bigger.

The new normality? I'm almost lost in words. Merry Christmas? Happy New Year 2021. With many or even most of them, the emotions will no longer allow this.

One thing is for sure: Things we loved to do and enjoyed in the past are no longer allowed: travelling, visiting great and big events such as concerts, Oktoberfest, carnival or sport games, social gatherings. Once upon a time ... . 

 I said already several months ago: it will never be the same as before. Many people around me confirmed this. 

My dear readers: stay safe and healthy always!

School kit distribution

 

66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed school and supplies, face masks and Covid-kits.

Forty-five (45) elementary school students from kindergarden to grade 2, thirty-one (31) from Davao Oriental and fourteen (14) from Davao de Oro benefited on this gift-giving activity.

Mrs. Maria Cristina Dunca, Project Coodinating officer led the distribution together with the principals and teachers from different target schools belonging to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.

With the theme "Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan", the parents were taught to continue educate their children amidst the pandemic.

This initiative from a Non-Government Organization through collaboration with the LGU and the Philippine Army only shows that unity among different sectors, agencies and stakeholders is necessary to attain our objective of bringing the peace and development as well as delivering the basic needs of the communities.

The 66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion is always ready to assist in securing the peace and sustaining the development in its area of operation.

Arm to farm: Army boosts organic farming inside the camp

Davao de Oro --- The 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the leadership of Major General Reuben S Basiao led the conversion of some areas of their 120 hectare-camp into an agricultural farm in Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro.

 The military’s initiative is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture that will provide technical assistance in livestock raising, crop production, and food processing to the soldiers. It is also in support to the People’s Organization in learning organic farming like the proper procedures on organic concoctions and fertilizers as well as land preparation.

 All the army battalions of the 10th ID are mandated to establish agricultural project sites as part of the localized implementation of the President’s Executive Order 70 or Whole-of-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). These community intervention programs drive towards a sustainable peace and development in the province.

 Meanwhile, they already applied to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to make the area an Agri-Farm Community Learning Center. In a recent initial meeting with the Provincial Tourism Office, an AgriFest, a drive-pick for buying fresh vegetables and livestock will also happen soon in December at the said camp. (Rheafe Hortizano - Provincial Information Office)

Davao City placed under GCQ anew

Published November 20, 2020, 11:33 AM

by Armando Fenequito, Jr., Manila Bulletin

DAVAO CITY – This city has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released on Friday morning. 

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities.

“A One Hospital Command Center will likewise be established in the city to ensure an efficient referral system as private hospitals are mandated to increase their ward bed occupancy by at least 20 percent to 30 percent,” he said.

He said efforts will be made to address the shortage of nurses in health facilities and to provide additional high-oxygen cannulae, Favipiravir (Avigan), Remdesivir, medical equipment, among others.

Roque said accommodation establishments will be tapped to serve as quarantine facilities for health workers as well as the isolation of positive cases of COVID-19.  

He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city.

On Thursday night, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte released a statement, saying the city will abide by any order of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) should it decide that Davao City needed to be placed under stricter quarantine.

National Task Force on COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said on Wednesday during the meeting of Regional IATF 11, he would recommend to place the city under GCQ to control the surge of COVID-19 cases in the city.

Last July, the city was placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) after being placed in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and GCQ.

But Department of Health (DOH) Region 11 Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said, during the RIATF 11 meeting, the number of COVID-19 cases started to make a surge after the city suspended curfew and the liquor ban last September.

Duterte, last October, issued an executive order reimposing the curfew and even made it earlier starting at 7 p.m.

Duterte also reimposed the 24-hour liquor ban in the city on November 2.

DOH 11 data showed that, as of November 19, the city had 1,874 active cases with 106 new patients recorded on Thursday night. 

The data also bared, the city has already recorded 5,520 COVID-19 cases, of which, 3,401 have recovered, and 245 have died. 

IN TOTAL DARKNESS

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

When I was still hosting my radio shows with classical music  in different radio stations, I really got surprised how many people tried to come in touch with me after listening to not only the (wonderful?) classical music as well as my inspirational thoughts in between. Yes, I really felt glad and honored to be on air and getting the chance to share my passion of classical music with a really great listener ship. Once upon a time -  already several years ago.

In total darkness are many people right now because of the pandemic and the number of cases increasing to astronomical heights all over the world. Strategies against darkness?  "Why am I so sad? What am I so troubled about?" (Psalm 42,11).

If it's becoming dark, we usually turn on our lights. But, it's still daylight. It's a magnificent and wonderful day! The sun shines with might in the sky. The flowers are ablaze with amazing colors; the birds are chirping cheerfully. - "Yet, why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?"

We experience feelings, as if darkness lies onto our souls, and light cannot get through any more. Yes, we make head or tail of it, because some really bad things happened since a couple of  months in many of our life and surroundings:

Several good friends passed away unforeseen; a wish, carried with us in our hearts never became true; all doors seem to be locked forever; financial problems because of Covid-19 bother us and don't allow the chance for three daily meals; and arduous illness seems to become incurable.

Why are we so sad? Why are we so troubled? The psalm's poet voices out innermost feelings and emotions during those times. 

A very good friend ( a really very good one!) asked the following question: "How can you praise and worship this God, who allowed me always to get into a never-ending darkness?" Is my friend a dyed-in-the-wool-atheist", who underpinned his opinion with even the Psalm: "Day and night I cry and tears are my only food; all the time my enemies ask me, "Where is YOUR "God"?""

I was trained how to survive such periods of life. Even this pandemic situation. Be patient and pray. Yes, pray! Or: "Quarrel with your soul!" No, it's not nonsense, it really works. 

"Don't make such a fuss; get out of your dump and be happy!"

Or, read Psalm 103: "The Love of God".

Tasting row cacao from farm in Calinan

 

Yummy, yummy, yummy ...

I AM THE LIGHT

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times

The validity of Jesus' testimony has been explained in John 8:12-30: "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

As I look around, I find many of our so-called leaders, who demand us to follow them, and I hope we open our eyes and minds before we follow them blind. 

"I am the light of the world!" Admittedly, this sounds for many people a reconditioned exuberance while trembling to what might happen if they are not being able to pay the next electric bill. Did you observe yourself that electric bill amounts keep on rising and rising since staying in the home office because of the pandemic?

I am also pretty sure that also this year Christmas lights are not glowing as the previous years: I am not so much talking about the illuminated advertisements all over the city. I am referring to the private lightenings that usually brighten our homes during the Yuletide season. It's the deep sadness and depression feelings of the people around us. No, this Christmas celebration is not a celebration anymore in times of a new abnormality. 

If we managed to overcome the "Follow-me-I'm-the light"-phonies, and after we managed to find solutions in paying our electric bills, we then sit still in our houses and plan to light a candle for our prayers.

The other side of the season should make us remember that we should never hesitate to show our good hearts even amid a crisis by rendering services to others with passion and enthusiasm. There is nothing really stronger than from the heart of a volunteer - as several UP interns voiced out many years ago.

I am the light of the world. Let's try putting this concept into our minds, hearts and souls. I am pretty sure we'll not walk in darkness especially during this enlightening season and the dramatic cuts in our daily life because of this pandemic.

"Made His light shine in our hearts." (2 Co 4:6).

DdO's "Back-liners": Growing enough amidst pandemic

Davao de Oro Province---Farmers are also our living heroes. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, farmers around the globe never stop to provide agricultural produce preventing food crisis.

In Davao de Oro, the provincial government continues in supporting its local farmers who directly upholds food security in serving as back-liners in the fight against Covid-19.

During the Joint virtual meeting of the Provincial Local Health Board (PHLB) and Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF), PAGRO-DdO gave its updates on food security and contingency plan of the province. Through its Quick Turn Around (QTA) Project for Rice Production, out of 12, 483.27 hectares of land area, 9,986.62 hectares were planted and harvested with a total production of 49, 933.1 metric tons of rice as of October 26, 2020.

As a response to the current issue on the low purchasing price of palay, the provincial government will establish an additional MPDP (Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement) to thoroughly dry the “palay” before selling it to buyers. They will also provide “sackoline” or “trapal” for the rice farmers to fully utilize potential drying areas.

The National Food Authority (NFA) also signifies to construct an additional drying facility and will partner with the provincial government to establish the project. To further support local farmers, the Department of Agriculture will provide cash assistance amounting to Php 5,000 to farmers with an area of 1 hectare and below and will provide fertilizer and seeds covering 12,000 hectares.

On Adlay Rice Distribution, 1, 983 kilos of Adlay seeds were distributed to municipalities, infantry battalions, farmers and walk-in clients. Some of it were already harvested and others are on the harvestable stage.

Beneficiaries on the fishery sector who received tilapia fingerlings last April and May 2020 started to reap the fruits of their hard-work. The in-land fish culture augmented the fish supply aside from the harvest from fish cages in the salt waters of Davao de Oro.

Local farmers in the province also have direct access to sell their produce through “Kadiwa On Wheels”. Marketing assistance were given to the farmers by the Libasan Primary Multi-purpose Cooperative (LIPRIMCO) and Paloc Multi-purpose Cooperative through buying and selling local produce amounting to a million pesos.

The Agri-Fishery program of the Davao de Oro continues as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDA) in Mabini received seedling of corn and red beans as beneficiary of the program.  Irrigators Associations such as the Upper Saosao Irrigators and Nabunturan Irrigator’s Association received mung beans and watermelon seeds in support of the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” of the Department of Agriculture.

On livestock and crop insurance, The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has approved the resolution of Davao de Oro Provincial Task Force Organizational and Development Group (ODS) to continue the renewal of the crop and livestock insurance of the province.

Long term effects of the pandemic cannot be elucidated, but it is clear that a resilient food system is a key to withstand whatever circumstances that will arise in the future. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division Davao de Oro)