Davao de Oro: A province reborn

Davao de Oro Province---The province’s nature is like gold’s malleability, it bends, but it will never break. Fused with the right elements; Bayanihan spirit, resilient people and good governance, Davao de Oro will withstand whatever adversity it may experience.

 

As the nation celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the province also celebrates its “Thanksgiving Day” resounding the successful plebiscite which happened a year ago. This day also commemorates the province’s strength in recuperating itself from Typhoon Pablo’s wrath.

 

Unlike the past years where social gathering is allowed, the province celebrates its “Thanksgiving Day” in a new and a simple way of celebration yet the meaning remains pure. “This year’s celebration becomes even more meaningful because nahitabo kini in a middle of a pandemic. Today we are defying all odds. It is a resounding message that no pandemic, no typhoon and adversity can and will prevent us from thanking the Almighty One today. This is His and His alone.” said Governor Tyron Uy.

 

A Eucharistic Mass was offered following the safety protocols of the IATF. The later part of the celebration was made virtually thru the use of social media platforms making it accessible to the general public.

 

The virtual celebration was spearheaded by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy and Vice Governor Maria Carmen Zamora and was also participated by Sen. Christopher Lawrence T. Go, Sen. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao, Philippine Army Major General Macairog Alberto- Philippine's new ambassador to Israel, Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay- New Commanding General of the Philippine Army and Gen. Eduardo Manahan Año (Ret.)- DILG Secretary who gave their virtual messages as guest speakers.

 

December 8, 2020 marks the first anniversary of the renaming of the province from the former Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro. It is a day where its people united as one, finally naming the province to a place of golden opportunities.

 

A year ago, Dabawenyos said “Yes to Davao de Oro” and it happened by virtue of the Republic Act No. 11297. With a voter turn-out of 97% YES votes, a history was made.

 

Davao de Oro is not just a province’s name. It is a reflection of what is and what it will become someday. It mirrors its culture, way of life, its people, and its way of coping to any adversaries and challenges through the spirit of Bayanihan. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro, photo by Albert Dayao)

DTI-DdO completes the distribution of P2.5M livelihood assistance to MSMEs

Davao de Oro --- More than five hundred micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in 23 identified barangays in the province received over P2.5-million livelihood assistance under the DTI’s Livelihood Seeding Program–Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay – Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (LSP-NSB PBG) with strict adherence of health protocols for COVID-19.

Each beneficiary received a package of various livelihood kits amounting to PHP5, 000 who were residents of Barangay Longanapan, Aguinaldo, Anitipan, Bahi, Golden Valley, Linoan, New Visayas, Bayabas, Sto. Niño, Pagsabangan, Andap, Panansalan, Diwalwal, San Isidro, Bawani, Araibo, Bongabong, Tibagon, Manipongol, Panangan, New Dalaguete, Mayaon, and Conception in this province.

 The program aims to boost micro-enterprises affected by natural and human-induced calamities such as pandemic brought by COVID-19 and intends to provide livelihood opportunities for identified beneficiaries in areas considered as priorities. They also underwent four modules of capability building seminar to develop and strengthen their entrepreneurial competencies during the turn-over ceremony.

There is a Negosyo Center per municipality that promotes ease of doing business and providing access to development services for MSMEs through business counselors in their areas of responsibilities.

This was made successful in partnership with the provincial and local government units that allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing government services closer to the people especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs) and vulnerable communities. (Rheafe C. Hortizano, Provincial Information Office, Photo Courtesy of DTI-DdO)

HUMAN THINKS - GOD GUIDES!

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

I am happy! Yes, I am! I found joy, freedom, and peace of mind, when I discovered what I believe is the secret of a happy life - as an expatriate living in the Philippines for 22 years now. 

I was brought up in a religious family and lived in a parish house up to my 10th birthday. Our Christian life was a fantastic style of religion. Though I was used to it, my attitudes have been really very ungodly. Many times, I was prone to anger and did all possible unpleasant things to others. I gave more attention to worldly things until such time I was deeply immersed in what we call "worldly trend". I did those things simply to enjoy life without caring for other people around me.

But then, suddenly, "someone" (let's call him GOD) interfered. He directed my way. I received plenty of different challenges and tasks - especially, when I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.

Sure, I have always been able to travel around the globe. But, believe me, not every trip or even a single day became a satisfied success or event.

Today I am no more surprised at the painful trials I suffered in the past. Instead of being surprised I tried to rejoice, because I learned that trials are meant to test your faith! Maybe even right now during the time of Corona Covid-19.

When I got the idea to write this piece, I rummaged in some very old books of my late "Lola" (born in 1899!) and found a faded and more or less crumbled-to-dust document. It has been a hand written piece of an unknown Dutch soldier, who must have written  this in mortal agony during his last battle in World War II, dated November 1944. I like to share it with you, my dear reader, because it also reflected my past - and, maybe also yours:

"When I stopped my ungodly attitudes, I learned to pray. But when I prayed, I asked for power to become popular, and He made me weak and taught me how to be obedient. When I prayed, I asked for health to be able to do great things, and He gave me afflictions, to do better things. When I prayed, I asked for riches and abundance, and He gave me poverty to become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people's glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to let me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked everything for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!"

I didn't receive anything about which I prayed since living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But, I received everything in time and I didn't expect it anymore. More or less against my own free will, all unspeakable and unpronounceable prayers have been answered. I am really very much blessed.

That's what I also feel right now in this moment. I am what I am right now, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but, because all unspeakable prayers have been answered.

Human thinks - God guides!

AN ANNUAL REVIEW 2020

(My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao und The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.)
 

Some of you, my dear readers, might think, may think that this is a little early. We are in the first week of December right now. A review of the year belongs to the end of the year, right?

Maybe you feel the same way. Somehow, we all want this year 2020 to end as soon as possible. Well, honestly, in my case, it really doesn't mean that everything was bad in my business- and family life in 2020. So really not. The personal and business success was really impressive. If it hadn't just been this virus... . 

Well, the 2020 annual review can be very short and precise. And so this annual review will be more of an annual outlook for 2021. Or should I say a wish list for next year? At the turn of the year, I always liked to write a wish list "between the years". I wrote about peace. I wrote about (more) blessings. I wrote how we can get a better grip on climate change in the following years. Yes, and I wrote about health.

What is, of course, first on this year's wish list 2021? Well guess what? Health, of course, health for the whole world! A world with this virus! And everything else then comes automatically as if by itself!

Let's wish and hope, and most importantly pray for this! Even now, although the year 2020 is far from from over!

Best Boracay Travel Guide

 By 

Gem Muzones

Verified Expert

Escape to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay in the Philippines! Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top things to do and see, where to eat, best hotels and resorts to stay in, and other travel tips with this ultimate travel guide. 

Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (called White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages.

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• Book Boracay vacation packages for a hassle-free trip to this island paradise

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You'll never run out of exciting things to do in Boracay, from swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining and parties. Because of these, Boracay has been cited multiple times as one of the best islands and beaches in the world according to reputable publications and travelers' choice lists. 

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Boracay Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal

Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay's clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.  

1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?

Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.  

2. What are the entry points in Boracay?

Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?

Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Boracay: 

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result

The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before the trip, so plan accordingly. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

Observe strict quarantine

Travelers have to observe strict quarantine protocols until their travel date. This includes social distancing and proper, frequent handwashing.

Health declaration form 

Visitors have to register online at http://aklan.gov.ph to answer a health declaration form. A QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.

Pre-book accredited Boracay hotels or resorts

Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.

Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required 

Tourists no longer need to secure travel authority, a negative RT-PCR test result will suffice.

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4. How do you get the Tourist QR Code?

STEP 1: Access http://aklan.gov.ph or https://bit.ly/2QzbUkZ and click Online Health Declaration. Choose Boracay on the "Where To?" page.

STEP 2: Fill out the required fields and click submit.

STEP 3: Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed.

STEP 4: Email touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC - Santos, John) and attach a copy of the following:

• 1) HDC together with a copy of RT-PCR Negative Result
• 2) Confirmed booking flight and booking details
• 3) Valid ID

Multiple tourists and documents can be sent in one email.

STEP 5: Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities at the borders for scanning.

5. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Boracay?

Once you're in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:

Tourist QR code

Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like hotels, restaurants and other facilities for contact tracing.

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.

Transport protocols

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.

Dining protocols

Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating. 

6. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:

Swimming - with registration

Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.

Water sports - reduced capacity

Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.

Dining - with protocols

Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.