Davao to impose fines on solid waste violators
PIA Press Release
05/26/2006

Davao City (26 May) — Davao City residents who violate the solid waste disposal guide will be slapped with fines and violators who are government workers will also be charged administratively.

Ann Silvosa, head of the city environment and natural resources office (CENRO) said in a press conference yesterday that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will lead the launching of the garbage segregation scheme on Monday which will be implemented in 100 barangays of the city.

She said that on May 27 and 28, the garbage bins will be distributed to the different collection points in barangays, villages, subdivisions and other designated areas.

She said the city government has already acquired 10 compactors estimated to cost about P200 million and these facilities could be the biggest and the first in Mindanao.

Silvosa announced that the solid waste disposal guide was already discussed with 250 subdivision associations as well as the owners of hotels, malls, hospitals, slaughterhouses, markets, schools, offices and other related establishments.

Regular advocacy has been done and Silvosa said that a million flyers were already produced so that all residents could be given a copy as reference for segregating the garbage.

With segregation, she said, their P10 million budget for waste management each month could be reduced by 60 percent and the savings will be directed to the construction of a sanitary landfill that will be located in a 25 hectares area in Buhangin.

She said the open dump in the 12 hectares lot in Carmen that was used since 1996 will be rehabilitated although she said that they started controlled dumping in 2000 where a catch treatment area was established.

“While the residents that time did not segregate their garbage they had slowly applied segregation at the dumpsite because we cannot impose segregation before since the service areas were not ready,” she said.

“We might encounter problems but this is more on attitude of people who would not want to cooperate,” added.

There will be foremen who will be stationed in different areas to monitor the activity and the garbage waste disposal is given three months for the public to adopt.

She said that after the prescribed period, CENRO will start to apprehend and impose corresponding sanctions to violators.

Davao City has an estimated daily volume of 1,000 cubic meters garbage but with the segregation now imposed the volume could be reduced.

Normally, she said garbage trucks make 80 trips daily to collect the garbage and each trip would cost about P6,000.

She also said that one compactor is equivalent to three truck loads and when things get operational it would not only reduce cost of operations but also a cleaner environment.

She reminded the public to follow strictly the guide where she stressed that green bins are for biodegradables that will be collected on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the grey bins for residuals will be collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The recyclables and reusables like plastics, bottles and the like should be taken out only on Saturdays for collection by the CENRO.

Garden wastes like cuttings of branches of trees but should not be more than three feet long will be collected every 15 days but human and animal wastes and animal carcasses will not be collected and must be buried and not thrown in the bins.

“Segregate or your garbage will not be collected,” she said citing Republic Act 9003.

She also urged every residents to study carefully the solid waste disposal guide and for comments and suggestions they may call the 24-hour hotline at 2440094 or 2272655. (PIA/pdbanzon)

Davaoeno also conquers Mt. Everest

Erwin “Pastor” Emata, a mountaineer from Davao, became the second Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, conquering the world’s highest peak at 5:34 a.m. (7:34 a.m. in the Philippines) yesterday just 14 hours after teammate Leo Oracion made history with his triumphant climb.

Emata’s feat was relayed by Arturo Valdez, a Bacoleño and leader of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition, who is currently at Base Camp.

“We we’re stunned [and] excited,” Valdez said in a television interview.

Hopes for a Philippine Mt. Everest hat-trick are also high as another Filipino mountaineer, Romi Garduce makes his final push for the summit. Garduce is expected to reach the summit today.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday unanimously passed a resolution, lauding the accomplishment of Oracion and the FPMEE, saying the group gave honor and glory to the country.

“It takes great courage for Filipino climbers who are not physically accustomed to the Alpines environment to undertake the scaling of the tallest, most difficult and most dangerous mountain in the world,” the resolution said.

It also said that the task of Valdez’s group in scaling Mt. Everest took three years of sacrifice and hardship.

The resolution, authored by SP member Greg Gasataya, also lauded ABS-CBN, the television network supporting the expedition.

Emata had actually followed Heracleo “Leo” Oracion who reached the summit (29,028 feet) at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday using the South Col route, the same trail climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.*CPT

Last days of summer
By Ian Ray C. Garcia
Mindanano Times News
May 11, 2006

With barely a month to go, we are counting down to the last days of summer. It’s been a fun, exciting summer so far. Well, at least, for me. I have visited different summer paradises, went on a road trip with friends, trekked the mountainside, witnessed festivities, journeyed to fascinating beaches, and satiated myself with lots of summer-delicious food.

Surely, we’re on the last leg of summer but my feet are still itching to a little bit more action just right before the month of May winds up the season with its daylong drizzles. To those who haven’t found the time yet to go on a summer holiday, well, read on and let me count my ten suggested ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer without even leaving the boundaries of our beautiful Davao.

No. 1. Ever watched this one-of-a-kind Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort (tel. 221.1545)? No matter how many times I’ve seen the show, it still amazes me to see parrots playing basketball, crows picking up stones, ducks parading together, etc. The resort also offers a Nature Field Trip that incorporates lectures, audio/visual shows and interactive guided tours that shows and teaches visitors about the forests, orchards, creek ecosystems, butterflies, mushroom culture and various adventure activities that are sure to entertain and educate guests at the same time.

No. 2. With the cruel summer heat, getting into some water action is both an escape and a treat. Davao Gulf is a virtual playground of numerous aqua sports such as diving, game fishing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and so much more. However, if you’re on a budget and yearning to learn a new hobby, simply hit the shores of Times Beach or Mer Grande Ocean Resort and try skimboarding. Or you can go to Samal or Talikud and discover the still many secluded beach and coves in the island.

No. 3. You’ve read, heard and seen so much about white water rafting (tel. 301.2020). I have done it twice, and I swear, rafting the Davao River is one hell of a water ride. Now, it’s your turn to brave three hours of river journey to the city’s less seen frontier, a place enveloped with lush vegetation, limestone walls and riverside villages. So, are you ready for some river action?

No. 4. Rediscover the wild side of Davao and trek to the mountains of Tamayong, Marilog and Toril. Various trails in Tamayong and Marilog lead you to pristine rivers and waterfalls as well as caves and breathtaking panorama of the wilderness. An easy trail man-made, such as in Eden Nature Park, is a great way to exercise and bond with families and friends before hitting the buffet table. Eden Nature Park (tel. 299.2992) also has campsites and other activities including fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, etc. Need more info? Make sure to always bring water and a First Aid kit.

No. 5. Learn a musical skill or two. Jhine Music and Arts Center (tel. 299.0082) offers courses on piano, keyboard, guitar (acoustic, bass, classical or electric), drums, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet and voice. They also teach group vocal technique, band synchronization, choral training, and choreography. Drop them a line and see what musical skill fits you.

No. 6. Do something fish-y. If you’re in the mood for a good food trip without ruining your diet, troop to Tugbok and have a hearty meal of fresh “hito” (catfish). You can have it deep fried, grilled, or cooked with coconut milk (Oops, there’s goes your diet!). This is a perfect pit stop after visiting the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort in nearby Baguio District.

No. 7. Let out the hopeless romantic in you at the Waterfront Insular Hotel (tel. 233.2881), the city’s only resort hotel. It is certainly one great place to switch on your the romantic side with its invigorating beach atmosphere while just being 10 minutes away from the busy city center. Besides taking a stroll by the beachfront, you can start the day with mouthwatering breakfast feast at Café Uno, then have an afternoon merienda of their very own delectable Pizza Davaoeño. Then get nostalgic, reminiscing about your salad days on board the calesa topiary.

No. 8. When was the last time you visited our museum? It’s about time that you rediscover our heritage at the newly renovated Davao Museum (tel. 233.1734), a repository of the city’s arts, cultural and social legacies. Located inside Insular Village Phase 1, the museum lets you travel back in time with its interesting displays of historical relics, photos and dioramas. It is divided into 3 galleries – History of Davao, Contemporary Arts and Crafts, and Ethnicity. Entrance fee is P100 for adults and P20 for kids.

No. 9. Want to wrestle a crocodile? While you can’t exactly combat one, instead you can cuddle a baby mindorensis crocodilus at the Davao Crocodile Park (tel. 300.6307). It’s open daily but on Fridays to Saturdays, you can witness crocodile encounters, tightrope exhibition, crocodile jump and other reptilian action at 10 AM and 3 PM. You can even have your photos taken with the menacing crocs. All you need is P75 (adults)/ P50 (kids) and a lot of guts to befriend the crocs.

No. 10. What better time to get pampered after agonizing from this summer’s terrible heat and humidity. At the Bahia Spa of Metro Lifestyle (tel. 228.6182) along F. Torres St., you can have a massage, body scrub, foot and hand spa, tub soak, and other indulgence that can truly keep your mind off from the real world. It will also make you forget about work and household chores and make you feel like a king or queen, well, at least for an hour or two.

Still want more ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer? E-mail me at wanderlust@asean-mail.com. I might need a companion to tag along with in my next adventure.

Last days of summer
By Ian Ray C. Garcia
Mindanano Times News
May 11, 2006

With barely a month to go, we are counting down to the last days of summer. It’s been a fun, exciting summer so far. Well, at least, for me. I have visited different summer paradises, went on a road trip with friends, trekked the mountainside, witnessed festivities, journeyed to fascinating beaches, and satiated myself with lots of summer-delicious food.

Surely, we’re on the last leg of summer but my feet are still itching to a little bit more action just right before the month of May winds up the season with its daylong drizzles. To those who haven’t found the time yet to go on a summer holiday, well, read on and let me count my ten suggested ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer without even leaving the boundaries of our beautiful Davao.

No. 1. Ever watched this one-of-a-kind Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort (tel. 221.1545)? No matter how many times I’ve seen the show, it still amazes me to see parrots playing basketball, crows picking up stones, ducks parading together, etc. The resort also offers a Nature Field Trip that incorporates lectures, audio/visual shows and interactive guided tours that shows and teaches visitors about the forests, orchards, creek ecosystems, butterflies, mushroom culture and various adventure activities that are sure to entertain and educate guests at the same time.

No. 2. With the cruel summer heat, getting into some water action is both an escape and a treat. Davao Gulf is a virtual playground of numerous aqua sports such as diving, game fishing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and so much more. However, if you’re on a budget and yearning to learn a new hobby, simply hit the shores of Times Beach or Mer Grande Ocean Resort and try skimboarding. Or you can go to Samal or Talikud and discover the still many secluded beach and coves in the island.

No. 3. You’ve read, heard and seen so much about white water rafting (tel. 301.2020). I have done it twice, and I swear, rafting the Davao River is one hell of a water ride. Now, it’s your turn to brave three hours of river journey to the city’s less seen frontier, a place enveloped with lush vegetation, limestone walls and riverside villages. So, are you ready for some river action?

No. 4. Rediscover the wild side of Davao and trek to the mountains of Tamayong, Marilog and Toril. Various trails in Tamayong and Marilog lead you to pristine rivers and waterfalls as well as caves and breathtaking panorama of the wilderness. An easy trail man-made, such as in Eden Nature Park, is a great way to exercise and bond with families and friends before hitting the buffet table. Eden Nature Park (tel. 299.2992) also has campsites and other activities including fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, etc. Need more info? Make sure to always bring water and a First Aid kit.

No. 5. Learn a musical skill or two. Jhine Music and Arts Center (tel. 299.0082) offers courses on piano, keyboard, guitar (acoustic, bass, classical or electric), drums, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet and voice. They also teach group vocal technique, band synchronization, choral training, and choreography. Drop them a line and see what musical skill fits you.

No. 6. Do something fish-y. If you’re in the mood for a good food trip without ruining your diet, troop to Tugbok and have a hearty meal of fresh “hito” (catfish). You can have it deep fried, grilled, or cooked with coconut milk (Oops, there’s goes your diet!). This is a perfect pit stop after visiting the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort in nearby Baguio District.

No. 7. Let out the hopeless romantic in you at the Waterfront Insular Hotel (tel. 233.2881), the city’s only resort hotel. It is certainly one great place to switch on your the romantic side with its invigorating beach atmosphere while just being 10 minutes away from the busy city center. Besides taking a stroll by the beachfront, you can start the day with mouthwatering breakfast feast at Café Uno, then have an afternoon merienda of their very own delectable Pizza Davaoeño. Then get nostalgic, reminiscing about your salad days on board the calesa topiary.

No. 8. When was the last time you visited our museum? It’s about time that you rediscover our heritage at the newly renovated Davao Museum (tel. 233.1734), a repository of the city’s arts, cultural and social legacies. Located inside Insular Village Phase 1, the museum lets you travel back in time with its interesting displays of historical relics, photos and dioramas. It is divided into 3 galleries – History of Davao, Contemporary Arts and Crafts, and Ethnicity. Entrance fee is P100 for adults and P20 for kids.

No. 9. Want to wrestle a crocodile? While you can’t exactly combat one, instead you can cuddle a baby mindorensis crocodilus at the Davao Crocodile Park (tel. 300.6307). It’s open daily but on Fridays to Saturdays, you can witness crocodile encounters, tightrope exhibition, crocodile jump and other reptilian action at 10 AM and 3 PM. You can even have your photos taken with the menacing crocs. All you need is P75 (adults)/ P50 (kids) and a lot of guts to befriend the crocs.

No. 10. What better time to get pampered after agonizing from this summer’s terrible heat and humidity. At the Bahia Spa of Metro Lifestyle (tel. 228.6182) along F. Torres St., you can have a massage, body scrub, foot and hand spa, tub soak, and other indulgence that can truly keep your mind off from the real world. It will also make you forget about work and household chores and make you feel like a king or queen, well, at least for an hour or two.

Still want more ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer? E-mail me at wanderlust@asean-mail.com. I might need a companion to tag along with in my next adventure.

Davao dirty ditty now an award-winning song: Hubag, Awit’s best regional song
By Chris Te Fabian

HUBAG — a hip-hop song described by some sectors as “dirty ditty” — is now an award-winning song.

The composition of University of Mindanao alumnus Roseller “Jay” Lagnayo Jr. (aka Mista Silenza) grabbed the Best Regional Recording in the 19th Awit Awards, Philippines’ equivalent to America’s Grammy.

Hubag performed by Mista Silenza of SIR Matina and his partner Boone Dennis “B.O.N.” Batuto of Toril — more popularly known as the Thavawenyoz — besting entries from Luzon and Visayas, said Arnel Guevarra, the head of Alpha Music in Davao which distributed the group’s debut album of the same title.

The Davao song topped Cebu’s Puerting Hubaga by the regional novelty icon Max Surban and Nganong Ni Enter by rap group Konigs and Ilocos’ Ugali by Sylvia Gaoiran and Agindidi by Cesar A. Roxas.

“We dedicate that award to Davao City,” Mista Silenza, a former tenor of the University of Mindanao Choir, texted Mindanao Times yesterday.

The Awit win is the biggest so far for the group which already received honors in the local level — including the first place in the music video segment and the second place in the music composition segment of the 4th Huni sa Dabaw in 2005 with their R&B track Mao Kaha Kini ang Gugma. Last year, the group also won a runner-up spot in the NCCC songwriting contest.

Thavawenyoz zoomed to popularity in the local music scene after Hubag was aired over 92.3 WILD FM in its Rap Idol segment which aimed to discover unsigned potential hip-hop act in Davao City.

When Alpha executives heard the song, they immediately signed up the group.

Thavawenyoz was also nominated in the Best Novelty Act. However, there was no immediate report who among the nominees — including Parokya ni Edgar (Mang Jose), Aryana (Bop Bop), Boy2 Quizon (Ragarabo) and another Davaoeño guy Gary Granada (Babadap-Badap) — won the award.

Guevarra said the announcement was made during the pre-awarding rites held Tuesday evening at Ballroom B of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

The rite was a kick-off to the June 15 awarding night at Casino Filipino Theater in Parañaque City. Awit, initiated by the Philippine Association of Record Industries (PARI), is the biggest music award in the country.

Other Davao artists still in the June 15 race include the Manila-based Gary Granada (Best World/Alternative Music and Best Jazz Recording), Tagum boy Champ Lui-Pio-led Hale (Album of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Best Ballad Award, Best Performance By A New Group, Album Packaging Excellence Award and Best Engineered Recording), South Border (Best R&B Song, Best Performance by a Group Recording Artists, and Best Song written for Movie/TV/Stage Play), Juris Fernandez’s MYMP (Best Selling Album of the Year), Tagum boy Thor (Best Performance by a Duet), Jinky Vidal (Best Dance and Best R&B).

Last year, the Best Regional Recording award was also by an act identified with Davao. South Border — headed by Davao boy Jay Oliver Durias – scored the win with their version of the classic Bisaya song, Usahay. (DAUG-CTF)

Davao dirty ditty now an award-winning song: Hubag, Awit’s best regional song
By Chris Te Fabian

HUBAG — a hip-hop song described by some sectors as “dirty ditty” — is now an award-winning song.

The composition of University of Mindanao alumnus Roseller “Jay” Lagnayo Jr. (aka Mista Silenza) grabbed the Best Regional Recording in the 19th Awit Awards, Philippines’ equivalent to America’s Grammy.

Hubag performed by Mista Silenza of SIR Matina and his partner Boone Dennis “B.O.N.” Batuto of Toril — more popularly known as the Thavawenyoz — besting entries from Luzon and Visayas, said Arnel Guevarra, the head of Alpha Music in Davao which distributed the group’s debut album of the same title.

The Davao song topped Cebu’s Puerting Hubaga by the regional novelty icon Max Surban and Nganong Ni Enter by rap group Konigs and Ilocos’ Ugali by Sylvia Gaoiran and Agindidi by Cesar A. Roxas.

“We dedicate that award to Davao City,” Mista Silenza, a former tenor of the University of Mindanao Choir, texted Mindanao Times yesterday.

The Awit win is the biggest so far for the group which already received honors in the local level — including the first place in the music video segment and the second place in the music composition segment of the 4th Huni sa Dabaw in 2005 with their R&B track Mao Kaha Kini ang Gugma. Last year, the group also won a runner-up spot in the NCCC songwriting contest.

Thavawenyoz zoomed to popularity in the local music scene after Hubag was aired over 92.3 WILD FM in its Rap Idol segment which aimed to discover unsigned potential hip-hop act in Davao City.

When Alpha executives heard the song, they immediately signed up the group.

Thavawenyoz was also nominated in the Best Novelty Act. However, there was no immediate report who among the nominees — including Parokya ni Edgar (Mang Jose), Aryana (Bop Bop), Boy2 Quizon (Ragarabo) and another Davaoeño guy Gary Granada (Babadap-Badap) — won the award.

Guevarra said the announcement was made during the pre-awarding rites held Tuesday evening at Ballroom B of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

The rite was a kick-off to the June 15 awarding night at Casino Filipino Theater in Parañaque City. Awit, initiated by the Philippine Association of Record Industries (PARI), is the biggest music award in the country.

Other Davao artists still in the June 15 race include the Manila-based Gary Granada (Best World/Alternative Music and Best Jazz Recording), Tagum boy Champ Lui-Pio-led Hale (Album of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Best Ballad Award, Best Performance By A New Group, Album Packaging Excellence Award and Best Engineered Recording), South Border (Best R&B Song, Best Performance by a Group Recording Artists, and Best Song written for Movie/TV/Stage Play), Juris Fernandez’s MYMP (Best Selling Album of the Year), Tagum boy Thor (Best Performance by a Duet), Jinky Vidal (Best Dance and Best R&B).

Last year, the Best Regional Recording award was also by an act identified with Davao. South Border — headed by Davao boy Jay Oliver Durias – scored the win with their version of the classic Bisaya song, Usahay. (DAUG-CTF)

Davao dirty ditty now an award-winning song: Hubag, Awit’s best regional song
By Chris Te Fabian

HUBAG — a hip-hop song described by some sectors as “dirty ditty” — is now an award-winning song.

The composition of University of Mindanao alumnus Roseller “Jay” Lagnayo Jr. (aka Mista Silenza) grabbed the Best Regional Recording in the 19th Awit Awards, Philippines’ equivalent to America’s Grammy.

Hubag performed by Mista Silenza of SIR Matina and his partner Boone Dennis “B.O.N.” Batuto of Toril — more popularly known as the Thavawenyoz — besting entries from Luzon and Visayas, said Arnel Guevarra, the head of Alpha Music in Davao which distributed the group’s debut album of the same title.

The Davao song topped Cebu’s Puerting Hubaga by the regional novelty icon Max Surban and Nganong Ni Enter by rap group Konigs and Ilocos’ Ugali by Sylvia Gaoiran and Agindidi by Cesar A. Roxas.

“We dedicate that award to Davao City,” Mista Silenza, a former tenor of the University of Mindanao Choir, texted Mindanao Times yesterday.

The Awit win is the biggest so far for the group which already received honors in the local level — including the first place in the music video segment and the second place in the music composition segment of the 4th Huni sa Dabaw in 2005 with their R&B track Mao Kaha Kini ang Gugma. Last year, the group also won a runner-up spot in the NCCC songwriting contest.

Thavawenyoz zoomed to popularity in the local music scene after Hubag was aired over 92.3 WILD FM in its Rap Idol segment which aimed to discover unsigned potential hip-hop act in Davao City.

When Alpha executives heard the song, they immediately signed up the group.

Thavawenyoz was also nominated in the Best Novelty Act. However, there was no immediate report who among the nominees — including Parokya ni Edgar (Mang Jose), Aryana (Bop Bop), Boy2 Quizon (Ragarabo) and another Davaoeño guy Gary Granada (Babadap-Badap) — won the award.

Guevarra said the announcement was made during the pre-awarding rites held Tuesday evening at Ballroom B of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

The rite was a kick-off to the June 15 awarding night at Casino Filipino Theater in Parañaque City. Awit, initiated by the Philippine Association of Record Industries (PARI), is the biggest music award in the country.

Other Davao artists still in the June 15 race include the Manila-based Gary Granada (Best World/Alternative Music and Best Jazz Recording), Tagum boy Champ Lui-Pio-led Hale (Album of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Best Ballad Award, Best Performance By A New Group, Album Packaging Excellence Award and Best Engineered Recording), South Border (Best R&B Song, Best Performance by a Group Recording Artists, and Best Song written for Movie/TV/Stage Play), Juris Fernandez’s MYMP (Best Selling Album of the Year), Tagum boy Thor (Best Performance by a Duet), Jinky Vidal (Best Dance and Best R&B).

Last year, the Best Regional Recording award was also by an act identified with Davao. South Border — headed by Davao boy Jay Oliver Durias – scored the win with their version of the classic Bisaya song, Usahay. (DAUG-CTF)

Davao most competitive city — study

First posted 05:32am (Mla time) May 01, 2006
Inquirer

Editor’s Note: Published on page A5 of the May 1, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

DAVAO CITY — This city was adjudged anew the most competitive among the country’s largest cities based on the 2005 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center.

It was the second time the city drew the highest ranking in the PCCRP study, the first time being in 2002.

Also rated as competitive cities in the recent AIM study were Makati, Las Piñas, Marikina and Muntinlupa.

AIM professor Mario Lopez presented the study during last week’s Mindanao Coalition for Transparent Governance (MCTAG) forum held at the Apo View Hotel here.

Lopez said the AIM study measured seven major “drivers” with corresponding indicators such as the cost of doing business, dynamism of local economy, linkages and accessibility, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of the city to business needs, and quality of life.

He said Davao City ranked first in the cost of doing business, second in both dynamism of local economy and linkages and accessibility. It was 3rd in infrastructure, 4th in quality of life, 6th in responsiveness to business needs, and 11th in human resources and training.

Lopez said the 2005 PCCRP study rated 65 cities in three categories — metropolitan, midsize and small.

He said the city’s poor performance in human resources and training might have been the result of the low ratio of its schools to the appropriateness of the courses offered.

Roberto Teo, chief of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, said the 2005 rating meant the city was headed in the right direction.

“With an average economy of P100 billion and an improving economic performance, the city will surely continue to be on top of other Philippine cities in terms of competitiveness,” he said.

Lopez said the study showed that the most competitive mid-sized cities were Bacolod, Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo and San Fernando in Pampanga province, and the most competitive small cities were Dagupan; Legazpi; Koronadal; Naga; Olongapo; San Fernando in La Union province; Sta. Rosa; Surigao; Tagbilaran and Tagum.
Judy Quiros, PDI Mindanao Bureau

Davao most competitive city — study

First posted 05:32am (Mla time) May 01, 2006
Inquirer

Editor’s Note: Published on page A5 of the May 1, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

DAVAO CITY — This city was adjudged anew the most competitive among the country’s largest cities based on the 2005 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center.

It was the second time the city drew the highest ranking in the PCCRP study, the first time being in 2002.

Also rated as competitive cities in the recent AIM study were Makati, Las Piñas, Marikina and Muntinlupa.

AIM professor Mario Lopez presented the study during last week’s Mindanao Coalition for Transparent Governance (MCTAG) forum held at the Apo View Hotel here.

Lopez said the AIM study measured seven major “drivers” with corresponding indicators such as the cost of doing business, dynamism of local economy, linkages and accessibility, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of the city to business needs, and quality of life.

He said Davao City ranked first in the cost of doing business, second in both dynamism of local economy and linkages and accessibility. It was 3rd in infrastructure, 4th in quality of life, 6th in responsiveness to business needs, and 11th in human resources and training.

Lopez said the 2005 PCCRP study rated 65 cities in three categories — metropolitan, midsize and small.

He said the city’s poor performance in human resources and training might have been the result of the low ratio of its schools to the appropriateness of the courses offered.

Roberto Teo, chief of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, said the 2005 rating meant the city was headed in the right direction.

“With an average economy of P100 billion and an improving economic performance, the city will surely continue to be on top of other Philippine cities in terms of competitiveness,” he said.

Lopez said the study showed that the most competitive mid-sized cities were Bacolod, Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo and San Fernando in Pampanga province, and the most competitive small cities were Dagupan; Legazpi; Koronadal; Naga; Olongapo; San Fernando in La Union province; Sta. Rosa; Surigao; Tagbilaran and Tagum.
Judy Quiros, PDI Mindanao Bureau

Education situation in public, private schools in Davao City
By Barbara Carla R. Quiero
Sunstar Davao
Friday, April 28, 2006

EDUCATION, especially of children, is a challenging and complex process. A good educational institution must provide good teachers, adequate number of facilities such as classrooms, chairs, desks or armchairs and textbooks before it can provide what we call today ‘quality education’ to students.

A good educational institution will facilitate the learning of the students and allow them to explore and exercise their potentials.

In a developing country like the Philippines, there are several impediments to maintaining good schools: there is the lack of budget, peace and order problems, and even lack of teachers.

In Davao City, the condition of educational institutions or schools is very well keeping with today’s challenges.

Department of Education (Deped) education program specialist II Severina Tagubaso said there are a total of 1,855 public schools in Region 11.

In Davao City alone, there are 349 public schools, 65 schools for the secondary level and 284 public elementary schools.

Among them is the Maa National High School (NHS), Sta. Ana NHS, Talomo NHS for highschool students and Magallanes elementary school, Kapitan Tomas elementary school and San Roque elementary school for those in elementary.

As of August 2005, Tagubaso said there are a total of 241,593 students enrolled in all these schools.

A total of 167,070 are in grade level while 74,523 are in secondary level.

For the coming school year 2006-2007, Tagubaso said, DepEd is expecting a 2 percent increase in enrollees.

Expected number of enrollees is 170,411 for elementary level while 76,013 for high school level.

To ensure that teaching meets government standards, those aspiring to be teachers have to pass rigid screening by the DepEd office before they are allowed to teach, said DepEd press information officer Jenelito Atillo.

In addition to the regular teachers in the DepEd plantilla, City Human Resource and Management Officer Marcelino P. Escalada said city-paid teachers assigned by the Local School Board are required to be degree holders of Bachelor in Education and have passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

In Davao City, Tagubaso said there are a total of 4,247 teachers in the elementary level. The pupil teacher ratio (PTR) is 1:39.4 or one teacher in every 39.4 grade school students.

There are 1,968 high school teachers in the city. The PTR is 1:38 or one high school teacher for every 38 students.

In Davao City, Tagubase said there are a total of 3,856 classrooms. The pupil classroom ratio (PCR) is 1:43 students or 43 students in every classroom.

While classroom space is just enough, Tagubase said classroom seats are lacking in number.

For public elementary schools there are only 141,616 chairs, a ratio of one chair for every 1.18 pupil.

For public high schools, there are 54,533 chairs, which means 1,37 students to one chair.

“So if you noticed medyo kulang gyud kay dapat 1:1 unta (chair to student ratio should be 1:1),” Tagubase said in an interview Wednesday.

In terms of textbook, a graph from DepEd shows skewed ratios. Two students have to share one fourth year English textbook. The graph shows 10,000 of these textbooks are needed but there are only 5,000 available.

A Filipino subject textbook, however, has an actual need for just 2,000 but there are 13,000 in the inventory.

While seats and textbooks are sometimes the problems of public schools, this is not so in private schools.

This is so because students pay for these, said Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) high school principal Wenifreda Roderos, and students are required to acquire their own from their school bookstore.

Roderos said the HCDC high school campus has a total of 19 classrooms for all the 19 sections. There are more or less 50 students per class, she said.

Seats for students are also 1:1 or 1 seat per student. “We also have extra chairs in case there are a lot of enrollees,” Roderos said in an interview Friday.

Other than textbooks, Roderos said the school also has a library, speech lab, computer lab, audiovisual room, science laboratories and gym to facilitate the learning of their students.

According to Roderos, a school’s facility is very important in a school.

“Before a parent enrolls his or her child, nagtatanong talaga sila kung maganda ba ang mga facilities ng school,” Roderos said.

Roderos said having good teachers and adequate facilities are key to quality education.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos once said that collective passion in the implemetaion of quality education for young Filipinos is needed to wipe out poverty and other ills in the society. (BRQ)