Business urged: invest in green energy
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the signing into law of the Renewable Energy Act 2008 also known as RA 9513 last December 16 should encourage businesses to explore the possibility of investing in renewable energy sources in Davao City.
“This development should even urge Hedcor to look into the possibility of going green considering that it already has the expertise and equipment needed for energy development.” Zozobrado said. It can be recalled that Hedcor came into conflict with the Davao City Water District over the use and development of the Tamugan River.
A total of US$1.23 billion investment in the renewable energy sector is expected by the Philippine government due to the passage of the bill. The country is also expected to reduce the Philippine’s energy self sufficiency rate from 56.5% in 2005 to 60% by 2010 once the law is fully implemented.
Zozobrado said the reduction of fuel prices in the world market is only temporary and it is imperative that energy-dependent countries like the Philippines find alternative sources of energy which will not only save them dollars but will also help the environment.
She said investors can tap alternative and renewable energy like wind, solar, ocean, hydropower and biomass energy. Projections by the Department of Energy shows that the country can save $1.2 billion worth of energy in the next ten year if it is able to get an additional 2.500 megawatts from alternative and renewable energy sources.
If Hedcor’s projection of an impending power crisis is true, she said, then investors should take advantage of the various incentives offered by the Energy Bill and explore the development of renewable energy sources for major cities in the Philippines like Davao.
“With the implementation of the law companies that will invest in renewable energy will be granted a 7-year income tax exemption aside of course from the other incentives provided by the law,” Zozobrado said.
RA 9513 exempts from taxation carbon credits generated from renewable sources. Investors who will invest in renewable energy sources will also enjoy a reduced 10% corporate income tax form the original 30% income tax with the expiration of their income tax holiday. Facilities dedicated to renewable energy will also be given a realty tax cap of 1.5% for facilities and equipment used to produce renewable energy.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sisterhood agreement between Turkey, Davao eyed
The City of Mersin in Turkey has signified its interest in forging a sisterhood agreement between Mersin and Davao City.
“Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Bahnarim Guinomla communicated Mersin City’s intention to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Guinomla used to be based in Davao City.
Zozobrado said all heads present during the First Conference of Heads of Philippine Honorary Consular Posts in Turkey agreed to support all the flagship projects of the Philippine Embassy which includes the forging of sisterhood agreements.
“Mersin City is one of the ten largest cities in Turkey in terms of agricultural, industrial and commercial potential. It is considered the site of the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean and is the center of maritime commerce in Turkey,” Zozobrado said.
The proposed sisterhood with Turkey aims to foster mutual understanding through people to people exchanges, tourism promotion as well as trade and investment activities. Furthermore, she added, a sisterhood agreement between Mersin City and Davao City will strengthen the overall bilateral relations between Turkey and the Philippines.
As recommended by Ambassador Guinomla, Zozobrado said, Davao should initiate the forging of a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City,
Zozobrado said the Committee on International Relations has already met to discuss the proposed sisterhood agreement.
Ivan Cortez of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center said the planned sisterhood agreement is advantageous to both cities. “The agreement should focus on the demands from both cities specifically on employment, tourism and other business opportunities,” Cortez said.
Mersin City has existing sisterhood pacts with Latakia, Syria and Kushimoto, Japan.
The City of Mersin in Turkey has signified its interest in forging a sisterhood agreement between Mersin and Davao City.
“Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Bahnarim Guinomla communicated Mersin City’s intention to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Guinomla used to be based in Davao City.
Zozobrado said all heads present during the First Conference of Heads of Philippine Honorary Consular Posts in Turkey agreed to support all the flagship projects of the Philippine Embassy which includes the forging of sisterhood agreements.
“Mersin City is one of the ten largest cities in Turkey in terms of agricultural, industrial and commercial potential. It is considered the site of the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean and is the center of maritime commerce in Turkey,” Zozobrado said.
The proposed sisterhood with Turkey aims to foster mutual understanding through people to people exchanges, tourism promotion as well as trade and investment activities. Furthermore, she added, a sisterhood agreement between Mersin City and Davao City will strengthen the overall bilateral relations between Turkey and the Philippines.
As recommended by Ambassador Guinomla, Zozobrado said, Davao should initiate the forging of a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City,
Zozobrado said the Committee on International Relations has already met to discuss the proposed sisterhood agreement.
Ivan Cortez of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center said the planned sisterhood agreement is advantageous to both cities. “The agreement should focus on the demands from both cities specifically on employment, tourism and other business opportunities,” Cortez said.
Mersin City has existing sisterhood pacts with Latakia, Syria and Kushimoto, Japan.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Winning orator urge dads:
“choose dev’t. without sacrificing env’t.”
“Please plan for Davao City’s development by considering development without sacrificing the environment,” was the plea of high school student Ernest Jan P. Mendoza during the culmination of the 2nd Jesus Z. Zozobrado Oratorical Contest held at the Mintal Gym last December 1, 2008.
“This will lead to more investors and increase our finances which will lead to progress and peace,” Mendoza said. The Sto. Nino High School student, who won the championship for his piece on “3rd District: Adopting Sustainable Land Practice For Ecological Stability”, went home richer by P5,000.
At present, he said, we see commercialism in the third district but there are only few industries established here and so far none is perceived to be harming the environment. “We like the 3rd congressional district the way it is,” he added.
He said the government should control the cutting of trees and the conversion of farms to housing projects. While the people wish for and welcome change, he said, we do not wish to see tall buildings rising here—modernization toppling the rural areas.
“The change we want is the transformation for a better agricultural system to help the farmers yet preserve the environment and the ecosystem to keep the whole of Davao City free from flood, land erosion and other natural calamities,” Mendoza said.
While we understand that Davao must provide food and shelter for its growing population as well as provide opportunities for its increasing workforce, he said, this should all be done using sustainable land practice to promote ecological stability.
“We do not want Davao to end up like Manila---polluted, dirty, overpopulated, an urban jungle,” he said.
“choose dev’t. without sacrificing env’t.”
“Please plan for Davao City’s development by considering development without sacrificing the environment,” was the plea of high school student Ernest Jan P. Mendoza during the culmination of the 2nd Jesus Z. Zozobrado Oratorical Contest held at the Mintal Gym last December 1, 2008.
“This will lead to more investors and increase our finances which will lead to progress and peace,” Mendoza said. The Sto. Nino High School student, who won the championship for his piece on “3rd District: Adopting Sustainable Land Practice For Ecological Stability”, went home richer by P5,000.
At present, he said, we see commercialism in the third district but there are only few industries established here and so far none is perceived to be harming the environment. “We like the 3rd congressional district the way it is,” he added.
He said the government should control the cutting of trees and the conversion of farms to housing projects. While the people wish for and welcome change, he said, we do not wish to see tall buildings rising here—modernization toppling the rural areas.
“The change we want is the transformation for a better agricultural system to help the farmers yet preserve the environment and the ecosystem to keep the whole of Davao City free from flood, land erosion and other natural calamities,” Mendoza said.
While we understand that Davao must provide food and shelter for its growing population as well as provide opportunities for its increasing workforce, he said, this should all be done using sustainable land practice to promote ecological stability.
“We do not want Davao to end up like Manila---polluted, dirty, overpopulated, an urban jungle,” he said.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Investors urged to look at possibility of
Growing coffee in Marilog District
Prospective investors in Davao City need not go far to start their own business ventures because there are lots of opportunities in the city’s third district particularly in barangay Buda in Marilog District.
“Coffee was one of the seven agricultural products cited as a possible income earner for small and medium enterprises during the recent Mindanao Investment Conference and the Marilog area has vast lands that can be planted to coffee,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
Even Mindanao Business Council chairperson Vicente Lao confirmed the possibility of converting the Buda area into a very productive money-earning community by it the center of coffee production in the region, she said.
Zozobrado said coffee drinking has become a way of life not only in Davao or in the Philippines but in other countries as well. As proof, she said, see the annual revenues and active marketing campaign of Starbucks, Seattle Coffee and even our very own Bluegre Café.
“Why don’t we take the cue from those who know how business operates like the MinBC,” she said. She added that Lao’s suggestion to convert Buda in Marilog into a premium coffee producer particularly Robusta coffee should give investors a hint to look into the possibility of entering into joint venture agreements with Marilog farmers some of whom are already farming and producing coffee beans although in smaller quantities.
She said the demand for coffee increases by 3% every year and Mindanao has one of the biggest areas ideal for coffee production. The Mindanao Coffee Board is even planning to produce 75,000 metric tons of coffee by 2015 to meet this demand.
“Investors should take advantage of this and invest in Marilog as it has an ideal climate and is not visited by typhoons,” she said. However, Zozobrado said Marilog is inhabited by indigenous people so government should also make sure that while they are provided livelihood opportunities, they are also not displaced from their lands by the investors.
Growing coffee in Marilog District
Prospective investors in Davao City need not go far to start their own business ventures because there are lots of opportunities in the city’s third district particularly in barangay Buda in Marilog District.
“Coffee was one of the seven agricultural products cited as a possible income earner for small and medium enterprises during the recent Mindanao Investment Conference and the Marilog area has vast lands that can be planted to coffee,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
Even Mindanao Business Council chairperson Vicente Lao confirmed the possibility of converting the Buda area into a very productive money-earning community by it the center of coffee production in the region, she said.
Zozobrado said coffee drinking has become a way of life not only in Davao or in the Philippines but in other countries as well. As proof, she said, see the annual revenues and active marketing campaign of Starbucks, Seattle Coffee and even our very own Bluegre Café.
“Why don’t we take the cue from those who know how business operates like the MinBC,” she said. She added that Lao’s suggestion to convert Buda in Marilog into a premium coffee producer particularly Robusta coffee should give investors a hint to look into the possibility of entering into joint venture agreements with Marilog farmers some of whom are already farming and producing coffee beans although in smaller quantities.
She said the demand for coffee increases by 3% every year and Mindanao has one of the biggest areas ideal for coffee production. The Mindanao Coffee Board is even planning to produce 75,000 metric tons of coffee by 2015 to meet this demand.
“Investors should take advantage of this and invest in Marilog as it has an ideal climate and is not visited by typhoons,” she said. However, Zozobrado said Marilog is inhabited by indigenous people so government should also make sure that while they are provided livelihood opportunities, they are also not displaced from their lands by the investors.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Development costly for Dabawenyos
Development may have pushed Davao City to a world-class city status but it has taken its toll on the city's environment which is evident in the flooding, pollution and other problems the city is faced with.
"There is no denying the fact that we need development to further the city's growth but it should not be made at the risk of destroying our natural resources including our environment," said councilor Rachel Zozobrado when she welcomed the participants to the elimination of the 2nd Jesus A. Zozobrado oratorical contest which started last Friday.
Zozobrado said Davao City was already a picture of a fully developed city and most people thought that it had already maximized its growth in 1997. In a span of four years, she said, this was proven wrong because commercial establishments started to locate in the city like there was not tomorrow.
She said housing developments in the city also started to mushroom leaving no place unturned. Even the most rural areas were a target for development both for commercial, housing and industrial purposes.
"While this is definitely a move towards the right direction for the city, it took a toll on the city's environment," she said. The recent flooding problems being experienced by Maa resident as well as residents of other subdivisions should be a concern for everyone, she added.
Our environment is clearly the recipient of a heavy burden while we the people of Davao are enjoying these developments, she said. "Dabawenyos should realize that while we are enjoying these developments we also set to lose with the environmental problems faced by the city," she added.
Zozobrado said there are reports that the city's once-clean beaches have been monitored with coliform and other pollutive substances that are bound to affect our water resources including our fish which we brag about in the export market. A recently concluded report by several agencies indicated that even our aquifers are already polluted and this should start to worry us, she said.
Zozobrado said the city is faced with environmental issues which clash with development issues. While we need these developments to veer us to the next century and to make us more competitive, she added, we also need to preserve our environment to have a more sustainable existence.
She challenged the students to be in the forefront of environmental protection even while still in school.
While our generation is faced with the task of finding a solution for our development and our environmental problems, she said, it is today's youth who would be inheriting these problems and these choices in a few years.
Zozobrado told the participants of the oratorical contest to become aware of the challenges faced by our environment today "so that you will be able to make the right choices when your time comes."
Development may have pushed Davao City to a world-class city status but it has taken its toll on the city's environment which is evident in the flooding, pollution and other problems the city is faced with.
"There is no denying the fact that we need development to further the city's growth but it should not be made at the risk of destroying our natural resources including our environment," said councilor Rachel Zozobrado when she welcomed the participants to the elimination of the 2nd Jesus A. Zozobrado oratorical contest which started last Friday.
Zozobrado said Davao City was already a picture of a fully developed city and most people thought that it had already maximized its growth in 1997. In a span of four years, she said, this was proven wrong because commercial establishments started to locate in the city like there was not tomorrow.
She said housing developments in the city also started to mushroom leaving no place unturned. Even the most rural areas were a target for development both for commercial, housing and industrial purposes.
"While this is definitely a move towards the right direction for the city, it took a toll on the city's environment," she said. The recent flooding problems being experienced by Maa resident as well as residents of other subdivisions should be a concern for everyone, she added.
Our environment is clearly the recipient of a heavy burden while we the people of Davao are enjoying these developments, she said. "Dabawenyos should realize that while we are enjoying these developments we also set to lose with the environmental problems faced by the city," she added.
Zozobrado said there are reports that the city's once-clean beaches have been monitored with coliform and other pollutive substances that are bound to affect our water resources including our fish which we brag about in the export market. A recently concluded report by several agencies indicated that even our aquifers are already polluted and this should start to worry us, she said.
Zozobrado said the city is faced with environmental issues which clash with development issues. While we need these developments to veer us to the next century and to make us more competitive, she added, we also need to preserve our environment to have a more sustainable existence.
She challenged the students to be in the forefront of environmental protection even while still in school.
While our generation is faced with the task of finding a solution for our development and our environmental problems, she said, it is today's youth who would be inheriting these problems and these choices in a few years.
Zozobrado told the participants of the oratorical contest to become aware of the challenges faced by our environment today "so that you will be able to make the right choices when your time comes."
Friday, November 7, 2008
2nd Jesus Zozobrado Jr. Oratorical Contest Slated This Month
If you have strong sentiments on the environment and you are a student of any of the public secondary schools in the third district then this is your chance to express your sentiments and win cash prizes for you and your school as well.
“Eliminations for the 2nd Jesus A. Zozobrado Jr. Oratorical Contest will start on November 10 so we are inviting qualified third district students to sign up for the eliminations,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The oratorical contest, which is now on its second year, is being held annually in honor of the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado Jr.
Students who want to join the sub district eliminations should prepare an original oratorical piece revolving around the theme “The Role of the Youth in Preserving the Environment”.
All entries should be original and must be delivered within six minutes. All the entries (three copies each) must be submitted before the start of the contest. The contestants and their coaches are required to bring their respective school ID during the contest proper.
Winners in the sub district elimination will have a chance to represent their schools during the Grand Finals on December this year. The first three winners in the elimination round will also get trophies and certificates but only the first two winners will get a slot for the grand finals.
The first elimination round will be held on November 10, 2008, 4PM at the Doña Carmen National High School covered court in Toril District, The next rounds will be held on: November 13, 4PM at the Sto. Niño High School covered court Tugbok District; November 17, 4PM at the Calinan National High School in Calinan and Baguio Districts and on November 20, 4PM at the Lower Tamugan National High School covered court in Marilog District.
For more information please call the office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at Tel No. 2220855 local 426 and look for Gerry Soriano. You can also check the details at http://rachelzozobrado.blogspot.com/.
If you have strong sentiments on the environment and you are a student of any of the public secondary schools in the third district then this is your chance to express your sentiments and win cash prizes for you and your school as well.
“Eliminations for the 2nd Jesus A. Zozobrado Jr. Oratorical Contest will start on November 10 so we are inviting qualified third district students to sign up for the eliminations,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The oratorical contest, which is now on its second year, is being held annually in honor of the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado Jr.
Students who want to join the sub district eliminations should prepare an original oratorical piece revolving around the theme “The Role of the Youth in Preserving the Environment”.
All entries should be original and must be delivered within six minutes. All the entries (three copies each) must be submitted before the start of the contest. The contestants and their coaches are required to bring their respective school ID during the contest proper.
Winners in the sub district elimination will have a chance to represent their schools during the Grand Finals on December this year. The first three winners in the elimination round will also get trophies and certificates but only the first two winners will get a slot for the grand finals.
The first elimination round will be held on November 10, 2008, 4PM at the Doña Carmen National High School covered court in Toril District, The next rounds will be held on: November 13, 4PM at the Sto. Niño High School covered court Tugbok District; November 17, 4PM at the Calinan National High School in Calinan and Baguio Districts and on November 20, 4PM at the Lower Tamugan National High School covered court in Marilog District.
For more information please call the office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at Tel No. 2220855 local 426 and look for Gerry Soriano. You can also check the details at http://rachelzozobrado.blogspot.com/.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Davao City to renew sisterhood ties with Manado, Bitong
Davao City can look forward to a more vibrant relationship with Indonesia in the future after the renewal of the sisterhood agreements between Davao and the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia.
This was bared by councilor Rachel Zozobrado who said that they are presently preparing a better agreement with the two cities in Indonesia to pave the way for more active economic and social ties with the two cities.
“Our sisterhood agreements with these cities have expired and we are trying to formulate a new agreement that will benefit both Davao and the two Indonesian cities,” Zozobrado said. As per the terms of Davao City’s sisterhood agreements with the two cities, the agreements are automatically renewed after expiration unless expressly revoked by either of the parties. In this case, she said, both parties are trying to create an agreement that will be a step forward from the original one.
Zozobrado, who is the chairperson of the committee on international relations, said Indonesia has expressed its desire to renew the sisterhood agreement with Davao. However, she added, the Indonesia consul has requested a more detailed document that will feature the benefits that can be derived by Davao, Manado and Bitung from the sisterhood agreement.
Davao has lots of similarities with the two Indonesia cities aside from their common membership in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.
Bitung in North Sulawesi is popular for its colorful and healthy marine life while Manado in North Sulawesi is a growing city much like Davao.
Davao City can look forward to a more vibrant relationship with Indonesia in the future after the renewal of the sisterhood agreements between Davao and the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia.
This was bared by councilor Rachel Zozobrado who said that they are presently preparing a better agreement with the two cities in Indonesia to pave the way for more active economic and social ties with the two cities.
“Our sisterhood agreements with these cities have expired and we are trying to formulate a new agreement that will benefit both Davao and the two Indonesian cities,” Zozobrado said. As per the terms of Davao City’s sisterhood agreements with the two cities, the agreements are automatically renewed after expiration unless expressly revoked by either of the parties. In this case, she said, both parties are trying to create an agreement that will be a step forward from the original one.
Zozobrado, who is the chairperson of the committee on international relations, said Indonesia has expressed its desire to renew the sisterhood agreement with Davao. However, she added, the Indonesia consul has requested a more detailed document that will feature the benefits that can be derived by Davao, Manado and Bitung from the sisterhood agreement.
Davao has lots of similarities with the two Indonesia cities aside from their common membership in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.
Bitung in North Sulawesi is popular for its colorful and healthy marine life while Manado in North Sulawesi is a growing city much like Davao.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Clean DFA ranks to improve services to OFWs: Zozobrado
DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the government must clean its ranks of foreign affairs personnel especially those in embassies abroad in order to improve its services to overseas Filpino workers.
This as reports of maltreatment and illegal activities of an ambassador recently surfaced.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
"[The government should] investigate those cases, impose strict sanctions on erring employees and officials and maybe stop appointing people who are not qualified for the position. Usahay man gud (Sometimes, political accommodations or by virtue of friendship ang (the) appointment," Zozobrado said Friday.
Re-orienting foreign affairs personnel, especially those assigned in embassies abroad on their functions, she added, is a way to go.
"Usahay man gud makalimot sila, imbes na maoy mutabang, sila na hinuo'y muduot (At times they forgot, instead of helping they aggravate things)," Zozobrado said.
Zozobrado, chair of the SP committee on international relations, however,
welcomed the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila on October 29-30, 2008.
"Timely ug welcome move ni siya as it would provide needed information to protect those planning to migrate or work abroad from falling prey to illegal recruiters," Zozobrado said.
Councilor Peter Laviña, meanwhile, said, that it is the responsibility of the government of both sending and receiving countries to work together to ensure rights and safety of migrant workers are promoted and respected.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should focus its services to help OFWs especially those in distress and victims of human trafficking," Laviña said. (GLP)
DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the government must clean its ranks of foreign affairs personnel especially those in embassies abroad in order to improve its services to overseas Filpino workers.
This as reports of maltreatment and illegal activities of an ambassador recently surfaced.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
"[The government should] investigate those cases, impose strict sanctions on erring employees and officials and maybe stop appointing people who are not qualified for the position. Usahay man gud (Sometimes, political accommodations or by virtue of friendship ang (the) appointment," Zozobrado said Friday.
Re-orienting foreign affairs personnel, especially those assigned in embassies abroad on their functions, she added, is a way to go.
"Usahay man gud makalimot sila, imbes na maoy mutabang, sila na hinuo'y muduot (At times they forgot, instead of helping they aggravate things)," Zozobrado said.
Zozobrado, chair of the SP committee on international relations, however,
welcomed the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila on October 29-30, 2008.
"Timely ug welcome move ni siya as it would provide needed information to protect those planning to migrate or work abroad from falling prey to illegal recruiters," Zozobrado said.
Councilor Peter Laviña, meanwhile, said, that it is the responsibility of the government of both sending and receiving countries to work together to ensure rights and safety of migrant workers are promoted and respected.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should focus its services to help OFWs especially those in distress and victims of human trafficking," Laviña said. (GLP)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
It's really fun to be with kids who take delight in even the simplest things so I make sure that in my community visits I always interact with the children. Just last Wednesday, we went on a community outreach program together with the barangay captain of Baguio, Jolibee marketing manager Jay Madulara and the Jolibee mascot. It was a blast for the children of Baguio Proper in Baguio District who really enjoyed the show with no other than the star "red bee" otherwise known as the Jolibee mascot!
Dabawenyos warned to be wary of toys that may contain lead
The panic brought about by toxic China-made milk products may have mellowed down after the health department identified the milk products containing melamine. However, Dabawenyos should still be vigilant and be wary of the toys they are buying for their children especially now that the holiday season is fast approaching.
"While the public's concern about the melamine content of milk products from China seems to be waning down, they should not stop Dabawenyos from being vigilant especially when it comes to the toys they are buying for their children," councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
Dabawenyos in particular should be wary of buying toys that may contain lead and other poisonous substances that can be harmful to children. Zozobrado said she is not just referring to cheap toys that Dabawenyos can easily buy from the sidewalks but also to other more expensive toys that can look harmless but can still contain harmful chemicals.She cited that even toy giant Mattel recalled over 9 million China-made toys last year for fear that the toys may have contained lead and tiny magnets that can be swallowed by children. Among those recalled by Mattel are selected Barbie dolls and selected Batman action figures. Over 253,000 die cast models of "Sarge" which became popular in the Cars movie were also recalled during the same period.
The Department of Health has already reminded the public to make sure that the toys they are buying especially this Christmas season are safe for children and have passed the do's and don't of toy safety..
As per the DOH advisory, she said, consumers should always check instructions for use and precautions written on the labels of the toy packaging. They should also make sure that the toys they buy are suitable for the mental and physical age of the child."There are age-appropriate toys and parents should make sure not to give toys measuring 1.75 inches or less to children of very young age to avoid choking on them," she said.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Luv ko si Lolo at Lola Pahalipay para sa mga Senior Citizen gikan kay Councilor Rachel Zozobrado
Senior Citizens of barangay Biao Escuela in Tugbok District were treated to an afternoon of singing, fun and surprises last September 26, 2008. The event was councilor Rachel Zozobrado's tribute to the senior citizens of the said barangay.
Senior Citizen president Mr. Menilio Narciso opened the program as Susan Lao delivered a message for the senior citizens who attended the afternoon's affair.
Davao’s sisterhood agreement with Keelung, Taiwan
strengthened with Lions Medical Mission-Zozobrado
The conduct of economic and medical missions between Davao City and other cities with which it has signed sisterhood agreements can help Dabawenyos who are living below poverty level.
“Last Sunday’s medical, dental and optical mission spearheaded by the Davao City Host Lions Club which was attended and facilitated by the Ambassador Donald C.T. Lee of the Republic of China-Taipei Economic and Cultural office has strengthened not only the economic but also the social ties between the two sister cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Council Committee on International Relations said.
Zozobrado said this only proves that sisterhood agreements are not solely for economic purposes but also for strengthening people linkages between the two cities. The best thing about this is that even the “common tao” are starting to feel the positive effects of Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with other cities like Nanning, China and Keelung, Taiwan.
“Most people feel that sisterhood agreements are only on paper and if ever there are positive results arising from the agreement it does not seep through the masses,” she said. The hundreds of residents of Bankerohan and nearby barangays who have benefited from the Medical Mission are living proof that the city can benefit from exploring sisterhood agreements with other cities whether located in the Philippines or in other countries.
Zozobrado also commended the efforts of the Lions Club and the doctors and nurses from the Davao Medical Center in making healthcare more accessible to the poor Dabawenyos. “Life is hard and the costs of basic commodities as well as healthcare has risen and most of our fellow Dabawenyos could not even afford the basic medical check-up as a result of lack of financial capability,” she added.
We are hoping that in partnership with the private sector and other private organizations like the Lions Club and the Taiwan Association there would be more free medical missions for the Dabawenyos, she said.
strengthened with Lions Medical Mission-Zozobrado
The conduct of economic and medical missions between Davao City and other cities with which it has signed sisterhood agreements can help Dabawenyos who are living below poverty level.
“Last Sunday’s medical, dental and optical mission spearheaded by the Davao City Host Lions Club which was attended and facilitated by the Ambassador Donald C.T. Lee of the Republic of China-Taipei Economic and Cultural office has strengthened not only the economic but also the social ties between the two sister cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Council Committee on International Relations said.
Zozobrado said this only proves that sisterhood agreements are not solely for economic purposes but also for strengthening people linkages between the two cities. The best thing about this is that even the “common tao” are starting to feel the positive effects of Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with other cities like Nanning, China and Keelung, Taiwan.
“Most people feel that sisterhood agreements are only on paper and if ever there are positive results arising from the agreement it does not seep through the masses,” she said. The hundreds of residents of Bankerohan and nearby barangays who have benefited from the Medical Mission are living proof that the city can benefit from exploring sisterhood agreements with other cities whether located in the Philippines or in other countries.
Zozobrado also commended the efforts of the Lions Club and the doctors and nurses from the Davao Medical Center in making healthcare more accessible to the poor Dabawenyos. “Life is hard and the costs of basic commodities as well as healthcare has risen and most of our fellow Dabawenyos could not even afford the basic medical check-up as a result of lack of financial capability,” she added.
We are hoping that in partnership with the private sector and other private organizations like the Lions Club and the Taiwan Association there would be more free medical missions for the Dabawenyos, she said.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Davao supermarkets, stores urged to voluntarily
Recall China-made products with melamine
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado yesterday urged Davao supermarkets and stores to voluntarily recall their China-made products that are suspected to contain melamine. She also cautioned Dabawenyos from buying and consuming milk and dairy products from China in the wake of the Chinese milk scandal which left 53,000 children in China sick and several others dead.
“There are several establishments in the city that are selling dairy and milk products from China and some of these products may contain the banned industrial chemical melamine,” Zozobrado said. Most Dabawenyos buy the food products from China since these are cheap compared to the other consumer products in the market.
Zozobrado said this should prompt the proper government agencies to conduct an inspection on the various establishments selling imported products to check if the China-made products that have been recalled and said to contain melamine are being displayed and sold in Davao City.
A voluntary recall of five of its products made in China has been made by Marudai Food Co. of Osaka after it admitted that these products may contain melamine. The products which were made by its Chinese subsidiary and which have been recalled are Cream Panda, Kakuni, Matcha Azuki Mirukuman, Gratin Crepe Corn and Mocchiri Nikumanan.
She said establishments in the city should police their ranks and should be responsible enough to check if they have products that are made in China which may contain the toxic substance melamine. On the other hand, she added, the government agencies concerned should already start inspecting these establishments.
Zozobrado said it is not only the Uyanguren stores that sell China-made food products but also the big supermarkets. However, she said, it has not been confirmed if all China-made milk and dairy products have melamine traces. It is to the advantage of these stores if they can place a sign indicating that no products with melamine content are being sold in their establishments to assure their customers of their safety.
She said even Singapore has found traces of melamine in the creamy White Rabbit candy which are sold in some Davao City stores. The authorities also found traces of melamine in yogurt bars with the Yili brand, and the strawberry milk with the Dutch Lady brand---all made in China,. In view of this the Singapore government suspended the importation and sale of milk and dairy products from China.
Recall China-made products with melamine
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado yesterday urged Davao supermarkets and stores to voluntarily recall their China-made products that are suspected to contain melamine. She also cautioned Dabawenyos from buying and consuming milk and dairy products from China in the wake of the Chinese milk scandal which left 53,000 children in China sick and several others dead.
“There are several establishments in the city that are selling dairy and milk products from China and some of these products may contain the banned industrial chemical melamine,” Zozobrado said. Most Dabawenyos buy the food products from China since these are cheap compared to the other consumer products in the market.
Zozobrado said this should prompt the proper government agencies to conduct an inspection on the various establishments selling imported products to check if the China-made products that have been recalled and said to contain melamine are being displayed and sold in Davao City.
A voluntary recall of five of its products made in China has been made by Marudai Food Co. of Osaka after it admitted that these products may contain melamine. The products which were made by its Chinese subsidiary and which have been recalled are Cream Panda, Kakuni, Matcha Azuki Mirukuman, Gratin Crepe Corn and Mocchiri Nikumanan.
She said establishments in the city should police their ranks and should be responsible enough to check if they have products that are made in China which may contain the toxic substance melamine. On the other hand, she added, the government agencies concerned should already start inspecting these establishments.
Zozobrado said it is not only the Uyanguren stores that sell China-made food products but also the big supermarkets. However, she said, it has not been confirmed if all China-made milk and dairy products have melamine traces. It is to the advantage of these stores if they can place a sign indicating that no products with melamine content are being sold in their establishments to assure their customers of their safety.
She said even Singapore has found traces of melamine in the creamy White Rabbit candy which are sold in some Davao City stores. The authorities also found traces of melamine in yogurt bars with the Yili brand, and the strawberry milk with the Dutch Lady brand---all made in China,. In view of this the Singapore government suspended the importation and sale of milk and dairy products from China.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Libre Notaryo sa Barangay
Free notary, legal services for Toril residents held
Free notarial and legal services were provided for residents of barangays Daliao and Lizada in Toril, District 3 this city from 8 to 12 AM and from 2 to 5 PM yesterday September 11, 2008.
The free notarial and legal service program was spearheaded by the office of councilor Rachel Zozobrado in coordination with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the barangay officials of the respective areas. There was also a mobile late registration of birth for the said barangays in coordination with the Local Civil Registry.
“This is one of way of making legal services more accessible to the barangays particularly to the poor people who have no way or have difficulty in securing the services of a lawyer,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
She said this is the second time they are providing the said services for free to the third district. The first free notarial and legal services program was held last August 22 in barangays Sto. Niño and Mintal of Tugbok District.
“We are hoping that people will take advantage not only of the free notarial and legal services but also of the mobile registration of birth offered by the LCR,” she said.
The group was in barangay Daliao in the morning and in barangay Lizada in the afternoon. Among those who joined yesterday's program were IBP president Manuel Quibod, councilor Rachel Zozobrado as well as other IBP members.
Free notary, legal services for Toril residents held
Free notarial and legal services were provided for residents of barangays Daliao and Lizada in Toril, District 3 this city from 8 to 12 AM and from 2 to 5 PM yesterday September 11, 2008.
The free notarial and legal service program was spearheaded by the office of councilor Rachel Zozobrado in coordination with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the barangay officials of the respective areas. There was also a mobile late registration of birth for the said barangays in coordination with the Local Civil Registry.
“This is one of way of making legal services more accessible to the barangays particularly to the poor people who have no way or have difficulty in securing the services of a lawyer,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
She said this is the second time they are providing the said services for free to the third district. The first free notarial and legal services program was held last August 22 in barangays Sto. Niño and Mintal of Tugbok District.
“We are hoping that people will take advantage not only of the free notarial and legal services but also of the mobile registration of birth offered by the LCR,” she said.
The group was in barangay Daliao in the morning and in barangay Lizada in the afternoon. Among those who joined yesterday's program were IBP president Manuel Quibod, councilor Rachel Zozobrado as well as other IBP members.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
PRIVILEGE SPEECH
Hon. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO
City Councilor
September 9, 2008
Maayong buntag sa inyong tanan!
I rise on a personal and collective privilege.
Everyone’s attention is, as it should be, on the still unresolved peace and order problems in some parts of Mindanao. Then there is that brouhaha caused by reports and charges of alleged corruption in the Court of Appeals which still leaves a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.
Amidst all these, I would like to commend the Supreme Court for its Justice On Wheels program. This program shows that while it would seem that the wheels of justice grind slowly, it does not stop grinding and is now literally within the reach of the people.
The Justice On Wheels program is a product of then Chief Justice Hilario Davide’s vision to make access to justice by the poor one of the major thrusts of the Supreme Court.
Administrative Matter No. 04-6-02-SC which mandates the implementation of Justice On Wheels was patterned from the Guatemala government’s efforts to bring justice to the grassroots through its mobile court system. This mobile travels in places where there are no judges and hears cases that involves domestic relations and labor as well as conduct mediation.
Lately, the Supreme Court added its speedy trial program and launched it through the Justice On Wheels, which is aimed at decongesting city jails all over the country. In Southern Mindanao, for instance, cases of a number of inmates who have languished in jail for years were finally and completely tried. It was reported that some 142 of these inmates were released.
The implementation of the Justice on Wheels Program of the Supreme Court of the Philippines is primarily geared towards bringing justice closer to the Filipino people. This is the same dream that my father, the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado, Jr. had, when he passed a resolution in the halls of this same council, requesting the House of Representatives for the creation of additional courts for barangays in Toril, Calinan and Sasa in Davao City. And while this dream has not been realized during his lifetime, and the aforestated Resolution is, in fact, still awaiting action from the House of Representatives, I am happy to note that with the Supreme Court’s Justice On Wheels Program, his dream of bringing justice closer to the barangays is now nearer to reality.
In approving the circular providing for the establishment of the Wheels on Justice Program, the Supreme Court noted the number of vacancies in Philippine courts particularly in the municipal trial courts and in the municipal circuit trial courts. This has resulted to delays in the resolution of cases which is not good as delayed justice can impede the country’s progress by undermining the political, social and economic stability of the country.
Let us extend our support to the Supreme Court’s Justice On Wheels Program and commend them in their efforts to ensure the effective administration of justice in our country.
Hon. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO
City Councilor
September 9, 2008
Maayong buntag sa inyong tanan!
I rise on a personal and collective privilege.
Everyone’s attention is, as it should be, on the still unresolved peace and order problems in some parts of Mindanao. Then there is that brouhaha caused by reports and charges of alleged corruption in the Court of Appeals which still leaves a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.
Amidst all these, I would like to commend the Supreme Court for its Justice On Wheels program. This program shows that while it would seem that the wheels of justice grind slowly, it does not stop grinding and is now literally within the reach of the people.
The Justice On Wheels program is a product of then Chief Justice Hilario Davide’s vision to make access to justice by the poor one of the major thrusts of the Supreme Court.
Administrative Matter No. 04-6-02-SC which mandates the implementation of Justice On Wheels was patterned from the Guatemala government’s efforts to bring justice to the grassroots through its mobile court system. This mobile travels in places where there are no judges and hears cases that involves domestic relations and labor as well as conduct mediation.
Lately, the Supreme Court added its speedy trial program and launched it through the Justice On Wheels, which is aimed at decongesting city jails all over the country. In Southern Mindanao, for instance, cases of a number of inmates who have languished in jail for years were finally and completely tried. It was reported that some 142 of these inmates were released.
The implementation of the Justice on Wheels Program of the Supreme Court of the Philippines is primarily geared towards bringing justice closer to the Filipino people. This is the same dream that my father, the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado, Jr. had, when he passed a resolution in the halls of this same council, requesting the House of Representatives for the creation of additional courts for barangays in Toril, Calinan and Sasa in Davao City. And while this dream has not been realized during his lifetime, and the aforestated Resolution is, in fact, still awaiting action from the House of Representatives, I am happy to note that with the Supreme Court’s Justice On Wheels Program, his dream of bringing justice closer to the barangays is now nearer to reality.
In approving the circular providing for the establishment of the Wheels on Justice Program, the Supreme Court noted the number of vacancies in Philippine courts particularly in the municipal trial courts and in the municipal circuit trial courts. This has resulted to delays in the resolution of cases which is not good as delayed justice can impede the country’s progress by undermining the political, social and economic stability of the country.
Let us extend our support to the Supreme Court’s Justice On Wheels Program and commend them in their efforts to ensure the effective administration of justice in our country.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Possibility of promoting tourism with North Sulawesi eyed
The International Relations Board is eyeing the promotion of tourism between Davao City and Manado in North Sulawesi once its existence has been fully legally formalized.
The City Council has approved the resolution proposing the creation of the International Relations Board but is awaiting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s approval. However, members of the Board are raring to start working on maintaining and renewing sisterhood ties with other cities particularly Manado in Sulawesi with which the city has a sisterhood agreement signed on June 22, 2004.
“Tourism promotion between Mindanao and Indonesia has already started several years ago thanks to the BIMP-Eaga initiatives,” Council Committee on International Relations chairperson Rachel Zozobrado said. BIMP-Eaga or the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area is an economic cooperation among the four regions that aims to develop their resources including tourism, education, trade and communication.
However, Zozobrado said, there is so much more that can be done to promote the two areas to their residents through the sisterhood agreement signed between the two cities. The Board, with the help of Davao City’s travel industry can explore specific strategies to promote Davao tourism to Manado, she said.
Even North Sulawesi is also excited about trade and tourism prospects between the two cities. BIMP-EAGA North Sulawesi Secretariat head Dr. Shelley Sondakh also indicated their intent to “explore collaboration and complementation areas between Sulawesi and Mindanao” particularly Davao and General Santos City.
Davao Association of Travel Agencies president Angel Puentespina said tourism packaging for the BIMP-EAGA will definitely give local tourism a boost. He said tourism players in the region have recently launched an initiative to develop tour packages that will promote EAGA destinations.
Zozobrado said a regular flight between Davao and Manado will also lead to more tourist exchange between the two cities. Merpati Airlines flies between Davao and Manado on a chartered basis.
“The Board can closely look into the various possibilities offered by our sisterhood agreements with other cities to get the most economic advantage for Davao City,” Zozobrado said.
The International Relations Board is eyeing the promotion of tourism between Davao City and Manado in North Sulawesi once its existence has been fully legally formalized.
The City Council has approved the resolution proposing the creation of the International Relations Board but is awaiting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s approval. However, members of the Board are raring to start working on maintaining and renewing sisterhood ties with other cities particularly Manado in Sulawesi with which the city has a sisterhood agreement signed on June 22, 2004.
“Tourism promotion between Mindanao and Indonesia has already started several years ago thanks to the BIMP-Eaga initiatives,” Council Committee on International Relations chairperson Rachel Zozobrado said. BIMP-Eaga or the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area is an economic cooperation among the four regions that aims to develop their resources including tourism, education, trade and communication.
However, Zozobrado said, there is so much more that can be done to promote the two areas to their residents through the sisterhood agreement signed between the two cities. The Board, with the help of Davao City’s travel industry can explore specific strategies to promote Davao tourism to Manado, she said.
Even North Sulawesi is also excited about trade and tourism prospects between the two cities. BIMP-EAGA North Sulawesi Secretariat head Dr. Shelley Sondakh also indicated their intent to “explore collaboration and complementation areas between Sulawesi and Mindanao” particularly Davao and General Santos City.
Davao Association of Travel Agencies president Angel Puentespina said tourism packaging for the BIMP-EAGA will definitely give local tourism a boost. He said tourism players in the region have recently launched an initiative to develop tour packages that will promote EAGA destinations.
Zozobrado said a regular flight between Davao and Manado will also lead to more tourist exchange between the two cities. Merpati Airlines flies between Davao and Manado on a chartered basis.
“The Board can closely look into the various possibilities offered by our sisterhood agreements with other cities to get the most economic advantage for Davao City,” Zozobrado said.
Int’l. board to help Davao renew ties with the world
Davao City is set to renew its ties with some cities in the Philippines and in other countries with the approval of the International Relations Board, a body composed of government and private agencies mostly dealing with foreign trade, relations and investment.
“We hope that with the approval of the International Relations Group we will now have a body that will intently look into the status of our existing sisterhood agreement and turn them into economic advantages for the city,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
The resolution was approved by the City Council last week and is just awaiting the signature of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for finalization.
Zozobrado, who is chair of the Council International Relations Committee, said Davao City has entered into several sisterhood agreements with various national and international cities but not too many of these agreements have succeeded in what both cities want to achieve.
Davao City Investment Promotion Center chief Roberto Teo said Davao has existing agreements with Nanning City of China and Republic of Palau. These are only among the latest twinning pacts the city has entered into after the enactment of City Ordinance No. 0297-06 or the Davao Sister Cities Program.
“There is also a sisterhood agreement with Honolulu, Hawaii which was signed last 2004 and a lot of other twinning agreements which are set to expire every five years unless terminated,” Teo added.
“We have a lot to do in terms of really exploring the opportunities that these sisterhood agreements can offer the city in terms of economic development,” Zozobrado said. Depending on the terms of the pacts, she said, Davao can explore economic activities that will lead to more jobs and income to the Dabawenyos.
Zozobrado said the membership of the DCIPC to the board will ensure that the city can explore investment opportunities with the cities we have sisterhood agreements with considering that the Center is already doing this prior to the formation of the Board.
However, she said, there are various aspects in twinning pacts including tourism and other economic and social opportunities which the Board can take care of as a body.
Davao may be in the forefront of Mindanao’s (and the Philippines’) economic development but there is a need to sustain and strengthen existing and proposed sisterhood agreements if we are to move forward, she said.
Aside from the DCIPC, the International Relations Board is composed of the Office of the City Mayor as chair, the different council committees including Tourism, Trade and Industry, Information, Communication and Technology, City Planning, City Tourism Council, City Information Office, City Agriculturist, TESDA, DOST director and DTI City director.
Davao City is set to renew its ties with some cities in the Philippines and in other countries with the approval of the International Relations Board, a body composed of government and private agencies mostly dealing with foreign trade, relations and investment.
“We hope that with the approval of the International Relations Group we will now have a body that will intently look into the status of our existing sisterhood agreement and turn them into economic advantages for the city,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
The resolution was approved by the City Council last week and is just awaiting the signature of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for finalization.
Zozobrado, who is chair of the Council International Relations Committee, said Davao City has entered into several sisterhood agreements with various national and international cities but not too many of these agreements have succeeded in what both cities want to achieve.
Davao City Investment Promotion Center chief Roberto Teo said Davao has existing agreements with Nanning City of China and Republic of Palau. These are only among the latest twinning pacts the city has entered into after the enactment of City Ordinance No. 0297-06 or the Davao Sister Cities Program.
“There is also a sisterhood agreement with Honolulu, Hawaii which was signed last 2004 and a lot of other twinning agreements which are set to expire every five years unless terminated,” Teo added.
“We have a lot to do in terms of really exploring the opportunities that these sisterhood agreements can offer the city in terms of economic development,” Zozobrado said. Depending on the terms of the pacts, she said, Davao can explore economic activities that will lead to more jobs and income to the Dabawenyos.
Zozobrado said the membership of the DCIPC to the board will ensure that the city can explore investment opportunities with the cities we have sisterhood agreements with considering that the Center is already doing this prior to the formation of the Board.
However, she said, there are various aspects in twinning pacts including tourism and other economic and social opportunities which the Board can take care of as a body.
Davao may be in the forefront of Mindanao’s (and the Philippines’) economic development but there is a need to sustain and strengthen existing and proposed sisterhood agreements if we are to move forward, she said.
Aside from the DCIPC, the International Relations Board is composed of the Office of the City Mayor as chair, the different council committees including Tourism, Trade and Industry, Information, Communication and Technology, City Planning, City Tourism Council, City Information Office, City Agriculturist, TESDA, DOST director and DTI City director.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
PRIVILEGE SPEECH
Hon. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO
City Councilor
May 6, 2008
Honorable Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, my Esteemed Colleagues in the 15th Council of the City of Davao, Department Heads, Barangay Officials, Sanggunian Employees, our friends in the media, Maayong Adlaw sa inyong tanan.
Just like the Honorable Kaloy Bello, I wish to speak up on a matter that has been out in the open since last week but has in fact been a lingering problem since time immemorial. I am rising on personal privilege and on behalf of a marginalized sector in our society---the IP's or the Indigenous People.
44-year old Dominador Diarog used to be the tribal chieftain of the Bagobo-Klata tribe until unidentified armed men took his life away at 9:15 in the evening of April 29, 2008. As per reports from Tugbok Precinct Commander Ireneo Dalugdog, Diarog and his family were inside their home in Manuel Guianga when their house was strafed by unknown gunmen, resulting to multiple gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body. During the same incident, his wife Emily as well as two of his ten children, an 8-year old and a 4-year, were also hit and had gunshot wounds in their body. Diarog and his family were immediately brought to the hospital but he did not survive.
Several Accusations and speculations have cropped out blaming different groups of suspects.
Neighbors and other witnesses allegedly told the police that one of the suspects in Diarog's murder, has offered to pay P50,000 for a 2-hectare lot owned by Diarog's family sometime in August 2007
Allegedly, Diarog refused saying "dili ko kay wala na man mi kapuy'an...." The same group allegedly followed up the offer in December 2007 and got the same negative response. In January this year, the suspect came back, this time with three armed men in tow and told Diarog that the P50,000 for the 2-hectare lot is ready. Allegedly, Diarog declined the offer once again. Thereafter, there were several attempts to burn down Diarog’s farmhouse; until their house was finally gutted by fire on April 20, 2008.
Then there is the statement that the Diarogs were allegedly members one supporters of the military and this could have angered the NPA’s, thus leading to the tragic April 29, 2008 incident.
Different angles, different speculation. One thing is certain, a total of 17 empty M-14 bullets were recovered from the area where the Diarog family was strafed. And a man, Datu Dominador Diarog, is dead.
Dominador Diarog belongs to an indigenous tribe that make up the tri-people of Davao and Mindanao. It is thus our responsibility not only as Dabawenyos but as a people to seek the truth behind the murder of Diarog and the wounding of his family. However, let us also be careful that while we seek justice for what happened to the Diarog family, we must not speculate. Thus, just like Councilor Bello did a few minutes ago, we call on a proper and impartial investigation so as not to put blame on the innocent.
In the meantime, let this incident be an eye opener on the plight of our lumads, on what they have to go through to protect their land. Let us all endeavor to adopt policies for the protection of the ancestral domain. For only then will justice be truly achieved, and then, perhaps, Datu Dominador Diarog shall not have died in vain.
Hon. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO
City Councilor
May 6, 2008
Honorable Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, my Esteemed Colleagues in the 15th Council of the City of Davao, Department Heads, Barangay Officials, Sanggunian Employees, our friends in the media, Maayong Adlaw sa inyong tanan.
Just like the Honorable Kaloy Bello, I wish to speak up on a matter that has been out in the open since last week but has in fact been a lingering problem since time immemorial. I am rising on personal privilege and on behalf of a marginalized sector in our society---the IP's or the Indigenous People.
44-year old Dominador Diarog used to be the tribal chieftain of the Bagobo-Klata tribe until unidentified armed men took his life away at 9:15 in the evening of April 29, 2008. As per reports from Tugbok Precinct Commander Ireneo Dalugdog, Diarog and his family were inside their home in Manuel Guianga when their house was strafed by unknown gunmen, resulting to multiple gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body. During the same incident, his wife Emily as well as two of his ten children, an 8-year old and a 4-year, were also hit and had gunshot wounds in their body. Diarog and his family were immediately brought to the hospital but he did not survive.
Several Accusations and speculations have cropped out blaming different groups of suspects.
Neighbors and other witnesses allegedly told the police that one of the suspects in Diarog's murder, has offered to pay P50,000 for a 2-hectare lot owned by Diarog's family sometime in August 2007
Allegedly, Diarog refused saying "dili ko kay wala na man mi kapuy'an...." The same group allegedly followed up the offer in December 2007 and got the same negative response. In January this year, the suspect came back, this time with three armed men in tow and told Diarog that the P50,000 for the 2-hectare lot is ready. Allegedly, Diarog declined the offer once again. Thereafter, there were several attempts to burn down Diarog’s farmhouse; until their house was finally gutted by fire on April 20, 2008.
Then there is the statement that the Diarogs were allegedly members one supporters of the military and this could have angered the NPA’s, thus leading to the tragic April 29, 2008 incident.
Different angles, different speculation. One thing is certain, a total of 17 empty M-14 bullets were recovered from the area where the Diarog family was strafed. And a man, Datu Dominador Diarog, is dead.
Dominador Diarog belongs to an indigenous tribe that make up the tri-people of Davao and Mindanao. It is thus our responsibility not only as Dabawenyos but as a people to seek the truth behind the murder of Diarog and the wounding of his family. However, let us also be careful that while we seek justice for what happened to the Diarog family, we must not speculate. Thus, just like Councilor Bello did a few minutes ago, we call on a proper and impartial investigation so as not to put blame on the innocent.
In the meantime, let this incident be an eye opener on the plight of our lumads, on what they have to go through to protect their land. Let us all endeavor to adopt policies for the protection of the ancestral domain. For only then will justice be truly achieved, and then, perhaps, Datu Dominador Diarog shall not have died in vain.
Zozobrado calls for impartial investigation on Diarog murder
An impartial investigation on the murder of Bagobo-Klata chieftain Dominador Diarog should not be launched to make sure the perpetrators pay for the crime and keep innocent people’s name from being dragged into the controversy.
“We call on a proper and impartial investigation so as not to put blame on the innocent,” councillor Rachel Zozobrado said during a privilege speech delivered at the City Council.
Zozobrado said different angles of the story have come out in the media and even in the streets that it is time to finally ascertain the truth t
hrough an impartial investigation.
“Different angles, different speculation. One thing is certain---a total of 17 empty M-14 bullets were recovered from the area where the Diarog family was strafed,” she said. It is our responsibility to seek the truth behind the murder of Diarog, she added.
However, she said, “let us also be careful that while we seek justice for what happened to the Diarog family, we must not speculate.” Zozobrado said that the incident should be an eye opener on the plight of the lumads and what they have to go through to protect their ancestral land.
She has urged concern
ed government agencies to adopt policies for the protection of the ancestral domain.
Diarog was murdered last April 29 after their house was strafed by still unknown gunmen who also managed to wound his family including his wife Emily and two children ages 8 years old and 4 years old. Before that, unidentified people tried to burn his farm house three times and finally succeeded in burning down the farm house in the fourth attempt.
An influential person was allegedly forcing Diarog to sell his 2-hectare land for P50,000. Diarog’s land is located adjacent to the Jesus is Lord Prayer Mountain, the base of a religious group headed by Pastor Quiboloy.
An impartial investigation on the murder of Bagobo-Klata chieftain Dominador Diarog should not be launched to make sure the perpetrators pay for the crime and keep innocent people’s name from being dragged into the controversy.
“We call on a proper and impartial investigation so as not to put blame on the innocent,” councillor Rachel Zozobrado said during a privilege speech delivered at the City Council.
Zozobrado said different angles of the story have come out in the media and even in the streets that it is time to finally ascertain the truth t
hrough an impartial investigation.“Different angles, different speculation. One thing is certain---a total of 17 empty M-14 bullets were recovered from the area where the Diarog family was strafed,” she said. It is our responsibility to seek the truth behind the murder of Diarog, she added.
However, she said, “let us also be careful that while we seek justice for what happened to the Diarog family, we must not speculate.” Zozobrado said that the incident should be an eye opener on the plight of the lumads and what they have to go through to protect their ancestral land.
She has urged concern
ed government agencies to adopt policies for the protection of the ancestral domain.Diarog was murdered last April 29 after their house was strafed by still unknown gunmen who also managed to wound his family including his wife Emily and two children ages 8 years old and 4 years old. Before that, unidentified people tried to burn his farm house three times and finally succeeded in burning down the farm house in the fourth attempt.
An influential person was allegedly forcing Diarog to sell his 2-hectare land for P50,000. Diarog’s land is located adjacent to the Jesus is Lord Prayer Mountain, the base of a religious group headed by Pastor Quiboloy.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Beef up protection for lumads-Zozobrado
Concerned government agencies should review their policies and programs to make sure that the indigenous peoples of Davao City are being provided the protection they need from unscrupulous people.
This was the call made by councilor Rachel Zozobrado as a result of the murder of Dato Dominador Diarog, tribal chieftain of the Bagobo-Klata tribe last April 29 after his family was strafed by unknown gunmen in their abode in Sitio Kahusayan, Barangay Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District.
“I am sure that the government is doing everything it can to protect all its citizens, including the lumads. However, considering what happened to Dato Diarog, the government can do more to beef up such protection,” Zozobrado said.
She said there is a government agency specifically mandated by law to formulate and implement policies related to the recognition, promotion and protection of the rights of the indigenous people. There are also laws regulating the purchase of properties classified as ancestral domains but it all boils down to proper implementation.
Initial investigation of the Tugbok Police District shows that the murder of Diarog may be related to a land issue specifically the farmland of Diarog which is near the compound of “Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name”, a religious group headed by pastor Quiboloy.
Before his death, Diarog himself reported to the Tugbok Police about the three attempts to burn his house after he declined an offer for the purchase of his 2-hectare lot for a measly P50,000. The three attempts were foiled but the fourth once succeeded and managed to burn down his property.
Despite the “warnings”, Diarog did not budge and still refused to sell his land. The police are eyeing this angle as a possible motive for his murder and for the wounding of his wife Emily and two children ages 8 and 4.
Concerned government agencies should review their policies and programs to make sure that the indigenous peoples of Davao City are being provided the protection they need from unscrupulous people.
This was the call made by councilor Rachel Zozobrado as a result of the murder of Dato Dominador Diarog, tribal chieftain of the Bagobo-Klata tribe last April 29 after his family was strafed by unknown gunmen in their abode in Sitio Kahusayan, Barangay Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District.
“I am sure that the government is doing everything it can to protect all its citizens, including the lumads. However, considering what happened to Dato Diarog, the government can do more to beef up such protection,” Zozobrado said.
She said there is a government agency specifically mandated by law to formulate and implement policies related to the recognition, promotion and protection of the rights of the indigenous people. There are also laws regulating the purchase of properties classified as ancestral domains but it all boils down to proper implementation.
Initial investigation of the Tugbok Police District shows that the murder of Diarog may be related to a land issue specifically the farmland of Diarog which is near the compound of “Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name”, a religious group headed by pastor Quiboloy.
Before his death, Diarog himself reported to the Tugbok Police about the three attempts to burn his house after he declined an offer for the purchase of his 2-hectare lot for a measly P50,000. The three attempts were foiled but the fourth once succeeded and managed to burn down his property.
Despite the “warnings”, Diarog did not budge and still refused to sell his land. The police are eyeing this angle as a possible motive for his murder and for the wounding of his wife Emily and two children ages 8 and 4.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Zozobrado bats for cleaner environment, holds Mt. Apo clean-up with SK
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado in coordination with the SALAM-SK led the call to rid Mt. Apo of garbage through the 3rd Mt. Apo Clean-Up Drive from March 31 to April 5, 2008.
Among the participants of the climb and the clean-up are Zozobrado’s staff. former Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson and kagawads, volunteers and out of school youth. Among the goals of the week-long activity are the following: clean up Mt. Apo’s surroundings, maintain a clean and green environment within the mountain and assist the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its mission to resolve the garbage problem.
“Tourists and mountain climbers can help keep Mt. Apo clean in their own little way especially by not leaving their garbage in the mountain,” Zozobrado said. She said keeping a protected area like Mt. Apo clean and green is a way of helping the government in its sustainable development program.
At 9,690 feet, Mt. Apo is considered the country’s highest peak and is a very attractive site for mountain climbers and tourists who want to take the challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the Philippines.
More than a ton of garbage most of them non-biodegradable materials like liquor bottles, plastics and tin cans have been collected by volunteers during last year’s post-climb clean-up at Mt. Apo last year. Zozobrado said the number continues to grow as more people climb the Mt. Apo Park.
Among those who is very vocal about protecting
Mt. Apo is the Mt. Apo Foundation, Inc, headed by Atty. Ermelo Libre. He was one of those responsible for the four-year closure of Mt. Apo in the year 2000 to protect the national park.
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado in coordination with the SALAM-SK led the call to rid Mt. Apo of garbage through the 3rd Mt. Apo Clean-Up Drive from March 31 to April 5, 2008.
Among the participants of the climb and the clean-up are Zozobrado’s staff. former Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson and kagawads, volunteers and out of school youth. Among the goals of the week-long activity are the following: clean up Mt. Apo’s surroundings, maintain a clean and green environment within the mountain and assist the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its mission to resolve the garbage problem.
“Tourists and mountain climbers can help keep Mt. Apo clean in their own little way especially by not leaving their garbage in the mountain,” Zozobrado said. She said keeping a protected area like Mt. Apo clean and green is a way of helping the government in its sustainable development program.
At 9,690 feet, Mt. Apo is considered the country’s highest peak and is a very attractive site for mountain climbers and tourists who want to take the challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the Philippines.
More than a ton of garbage most of them non-biodegradable materials like liquor bottles, plastics and tin cans have been collected by volunteers during last year’s post-climb clean-up at Mt. Apo last year. Zozobrado said the number continues to grow as more people climb the Mt. Apo Park.
Among those who is very vocal about protecting
Mt. Apo is the Mt. Apo Foundation, Inc, headed by Atty. Ermelo Libre. He was one of those responsible for the four-year closure of Mt. Apo in the year 2000 to protect the national park.
Former dad’s legacy lives on
TMC notes higher compliance rate to
Zozobrado’s helmet ordinance
It has been a year on April 26, since former councilor Jesus Zozobrado death. However, his memory lives on thanks to an ordinance he penned which continues to prevent accidents and deaths among the city’s motorists.
“Na notice namo na grabe ang compliance sa helmet ordinance sukad ikompara nato katong wala pa ang ordinansa (we noticed a high compliance rate to the helmet ordinance compared to the time when it has not been approved yet),” Traffic Management Office deputy chief Bibiano Alcuizar said yesterday.
Alcuizar was referring to City Ordinance 0189 which regulates the use of single motorcycles by limiting the number of passengers to only persons including the driver. The same ordinance also required motorcycle drivers and their passenger or backrider to wear the prescribed helmet to prevent death as a result of motorcycle accidents.
Repubic Act 4136 creating the Land Transportation Office already required the wearing of helmets but the law has not really been implemented especially in the third district of Davao where habal-habals ferry as many as five (some more than that) passengers in one motorcycles.
“Mas aware na ang mga tao karon na required gyud sila mag suot ug helmet tungod sa pagsaba-saba ni Zozobrado kaniadto,” Alcuizar said. There are a few who still violate the ordinance “pero grabe gyud ang pagbaba sa violation sa pipila ka tuig,” he added.
Zozobrado’s peers in the city council also miss the bombastic councilor who never let an argument pass if it involves corruption and the welfare of the Dabawenyos. However, the Zozobrado legacy continues to live on not only through his ordinance but also through the presence of his daughter who is now a city councilor and his son Atty. Jesus Zozobrado who is assistant regional director of LTO XI.
“In more ways than one, papa was my hero, the end all and be all of everything I did. I became a lawyer because he was a lawyer. And like him, I also served as a public prosecutor. Now, I am a public official because I want to continue the service he began, continue his legacy. And what a legacy he left us... more precious than any fame or property could ever be,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
Up to the end, she said, the former councilor made his family proud because he has never tarnished the name and reputation he had painstakingly built.
TMC notes higher compliance rate to
Zozobrado’s helmet ordinance
It has been a year on April 26, since former councilor Jesus Zozobrado death. However, his memory lives on thanks to an ordinance he penned which continues to prevent accidents and deaths among the city’s motorists.
“Na notice namo na grabe ang compliance sa helmet ordinance sukad ikompara nato katong wala pa ang ordinansa (we noticed a high compliance rate to the helmet ordinance compared to the time when it has not been approved yet),” Traffic Management Office deputy chief Bibiano Alcuizar said yesterday.
Alcuizar was referring to City Ordinance 0189 which regulates the use of single motorcycles by limiting the number of passengers to only persons including the driver. The same ordinance also required motorcycle drivers and their passenger or backrider to wear the prescribed helmet to prevent death as a result of motorcycle accidents.
Repubic Act 4136 creating the Land Transportation Office already required the wearing of helmets but the law has not really been implemented especially in the third district of Davao where habal-habals ferry as many as five (some more than that) passengers in one motorcycles.
“Mas aware na ang mga tao karon na required gyud sila mag suot ug helmet tungod sa pagsaba-saba ni Zozobrado kaniadto,” Alcuizar said. There are a few who still violate the ordinance “pero grabe gyud ang pagbaba sa violation sa pipila ka tuig,” he added.
Zozobrado’s peers in the city council also miss the bombastic councilor who never let an argument pass if it involves corruption and the welfare of the Dabawenyos. However, the Zozobrado legacy continues to live on not only through his ordinance but also through the presence of his daughter who is now a city councilor and his son Atty. Jesus Zozobrado who is assistant regional director of LTO XI.
“In more ways than one, papa was my hero, the end all and be all of everything I did. I became a lawyer because he was a lawyer. And like him, I also served as a public prosecutor. Now, I am a public official because I want to continue the service he began, continue his legacy. And what a legacy he left us... more precious than any fame or property could ever be,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.
Up to the end, she said, the former councilor made his family proud because he has never tarnished the name and reputation he had painstakingly built.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, along with the other Davao City Councilors, witnessed the launching of Eden Nature Park's "Tinubdan" last April 10. Tinubdan is Davao City's newest cultural attraction located in Eden Nature Park, Toril.
Tinubdan comes form the root word "tubod" which in the vernacular means source or origin of water. It is Eden's response to the clamor for peace and understanding in a society of mixed cultures and ancestries.
Zozobrado said Tinubdan will hopefully attract more tourists to Davao City. She said it does not only showcase the freshness of Davao's natural resources but it also enables locals and tourists to get a glimpse of Mindanao's customs, traditions and beliefs.
Zozobrado Speaks On Mindanao Alliance Youth Congress
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado commended the organizers of the Mindanao Alliance Youth Congress for providing a forum and bringing youth from different parts of Mindanao together to discuss issues that concern them now and in the future.
"The active participating of our young citizens in this congress is a concrete manifestation of eagerness in pursuit of transformation not just spiritually but holistically ---as what the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of
the Philippines is aiming for," she said.
the Philippines is aiming for," she said.Zozobrado, who represented vice mayor Sara Duterte for the Congress opening night last April 7, said the event is an opportunity for the youth express themselves and to stand and shine for something they believe in.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
5 of 8 women councilors vote YES to Children’s Dev’t. Plan
Majority of the Davao City women councilors see the Davao City Local Development Plan for Children as beneficial to women and children and to the family as a whole during last Tuesday's session.
This was evident when five of the eight women councilors in the city voted YES to the resolution which was being pushed by councilor Angela Librado despite the opposition of religious groups headed by Archbishop Fernando Capalla. A total of 18 councilors approved the resolution while 2 abstained and four voted yes.
“I voted yes because I believe nothing in the LDPC is against the law, morals and public policy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said yesterday. As a public servant, she said, “I have to think of the common good and the adoption of the LDPC will be beneficial to our children and the people of Davao in general.’
Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta asked for the deferment of the approval of the resolution saying it would be best to see the final draft including the amendments first before it is put to a vote. “Anyway the deferment will not change the minds of those who have already decided to vote for or against the resolution,” she said.
But when the councilors decided to put the resolution to a vote, Acosta voted yes. The other female councillors who voted yes for the LDPC are councilors Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Sudagar, Zozobrado and Librado-Trinidad. Councilors Dante Apostol and Conde Baluran abstained from voting.
The primary oppositors of the resolution are councilors Teresita Mata-Marañon and Pete Laviña, Pilar Braga and Susan Reta.
“The LDPC has a beautiful title but its reproductive flavour make sit objectionable as it involves contraceptives; the policy is destructive and reduces the meaning of sexual act which can lead to sexual promiscuity, abortion and teenage pregnancy,” Mata-Marañon said.
Councilor Pilar Braga said she voted NO “because of my deep Catholic faith.” Laviña said it is a Trojan horse because the reproductive law has failed to be approved in Congress and now they are using the local legislatives to have it approved.
Librado-Trinidad denied all the allegations of the religious groups and even of Archbishop Capalla saying a closer look at the resolution will show that it promotes the role of parenting and the family in moulding the character of the children and it does not promote pre-marital sex.
Majority of the Davao City women councilors see the Davao City Local Development Plan for Children as beneficial to women and children and to the family as a whole during last Tuesday's session.
This was evident when five of the eight women councilors in the city voted YES to the resolution which was being pushed by councilor Angela Librado despite the opposition of religious groups headed by Archbishop Fernando Capalla. A total of 18 councilors approved the resolution while 2 abstained and four voted yes.
“I voted yes because I believe nothing in the LDPC is against the law, morals and public policy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said yesterday. As a public servant, she said, “I have to think of the common good and the adoption of the LDPC will be beneficial to our children and the people of Davao in general.’
Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta asked for the deferment of the approval of the resolution saying it would be best to see the final draft including the amendments first before it is put to a vote. “Anyway the deferment will not change the minds of those who have already decided to vote for or against the resolution,” she said.
But when the councilors decided to put the resolution to a vote, Acosta voted yes. The other female councillors who voted yes for the LDPC are councilors Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Sudagar, Zozobrado and Librado-Trinidad. Councilors Dante Apostol and Conde Baluran abstained from voting.
The primary oppositors of the resolution are councilors Teresita Mata-Marañon and Pete Laviña, Pilar Braga and Susan Reta.
“The LDPC has a beautiful title but its reproductive flavour make sit objectionable as it involves contraceptives; the policy is destructive and reduces the meaning of sexual act which can lead to sexual promiscuity, abortion and teenage pregnancy,” Mata-Marañon said.
Councilor Pilar Braga said she voted NO “because of my deep Catholic faith.” Laviña said it is a Trojan horse because the reproductive law has failed to be approved in Congress and now they are using the local legislatives to have it approved.
Librado-Trinidad denied all the allegations of the religious groups and even of Archbishop Capalla saying a closer look at the resolution will show that it promotes the role of parenting and the family in moulding the character of the children and it does not promote pre-marital sex.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Davao Farmers Urged To Promote Products Through ALMACEN
Davao City farmers especially those from the third district should take advantage of the facilities available at the Alternative Marketing Center or ALMACEN located in Catalunan Pequeño this city.
The Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. has spent P15 million for ALMACEN, which is an alternative marketplace and marketing center for farmers, cooperatives, local government units and people’s organizations in the city
“Farmers can coordinate with ALMACEN or with their cooperatives so they can market their products using ALMACEN’s facilities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The JSF has been working with the upland farmers for the last 16 years and they know the needs of the farmers well so they can assist them in marketing their products, she added.
Zozobrado said among the problems being faced by farmers from the third district today is transportation and marketing of their produce. If they can take advantage of the assistance being offered by the Foundation in terms of providing transportation and marketing for their products then they would be better off, she added.
ALMACEN opened its doors to the public November last year and JSF is inviting farmers to coordinate with the Foundation and find the best way for them to market their products for free through the center. They have allotted ten market stalls for farmers cooperative and associations as well as people’s organizations. As of now, only one of the stall is being occupied.
Planning is underway to maximize the exposure for farmers’ products that will be displayed in the center. The center is also being eyed as the venue of night markets for selling fresh fruits, livestock, fish, seedlings and even flowers.
Davao City farmers especially those from the third district should take advantage of the facilities available at the Alternative Marketing Center or ALMACEN located in Catalunan Pequeño this city.
The Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. has spent P15 million for ALMACEN, which is an alternative marketplace and marketing center for farmers, cooperatives, local government units and people’s organizations in the city
“Farmers can coordinate with ALMACEN or with their cooperatives so they can market their products using ALMACEN’s facilities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The JSF has been working with the upland farmers for the last 16 years and they know the needs of the farmers well so they can assist them in marketing their products, she added.
Zozobrado said among the problems being faced by farmers from the third district today is transportation and marketing of their produce. If they can take advantage of the assistance being offered by the Foundation in terms of providing transportation and marketing for their products then they would be better off, she added.
ALMACEN opened its doors to the public November last year and JSF is inviting farmers to coordinate with the Foundation and find the best way for them to market their products for free through the center. They have allotted ten market stalls for farmers cooperative and associations as well as people’s organizations. As of now, only one of the stall is being occupied.
Planning is underway to maximize the exposure for farmers’ products that will be displayed in the center. The center is also being eyed as the venue of night markets for selling fresh fruits, livestock, fish, seedlings and even flowers.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
DCWD taps Bgy. Cebuda main line
50-year wait for water now over
The long wait for water is now over as residents of Purok 5, Barangay Cebuda in Bago Oshiro, Mintal this city finally saw water oozing from the main water line of the area. This came after the Davao City Water District tapped the main water line last Thursday, March 27.
50-year wait for water now over
The long wait for water is now over as residents of Purok 5, Barangay Cebuda in Bago Oshiro, Mintal this city finally saw water oozing from the main water line of the area. This came after the Davao City Water District tapped the main water line last Thursday, March 27.
“The residents of barangay Cebuda can now start applying for their own water connection,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said yesterday. The construction of the water line was a project was a project of the late councilor Jesus Zozobrado but lack of communication and other problems delayed the full implementation of the project years after it was completed.
Zozobrado, who witnessed DCWD’s tapping of the main water line, said “at long last niagas na gyud ang tubig diri sa Purok 5.”
The project encountered delays after the Bureau of Plant Industries r
efused to cooperate with the barangay and then accused the residents of the area as squatters. The project was already completed but DCWD earlier refused to activate the main water line sans the payment of the disinfection fee.
efused to cooperate with the barangay and then accused the residents of the area as squatters. The project was already completed but DCWD earlier refused to activate the main water line sans the payment of the disinfection fee.Zozobrado however criticized DCWD for not informing them about the fee earlier so as to fasttrack the project. Engineer Rosendo Almonte, chief of DCWD’s Planning and Design Division said they may have been remiss when they failed to include the P11,839.70 disinfection fee in the work program.
“Nalipay gyud mi kay diri na mi nanigulang pero wala pa gyud mi nakabitan ug tubig,” Sitio Cebuda resident Gloria Sarucam said. Sarucam has been living in Purok 5, Barangay Cebuda in Bago Oshiro all her life. She is now 49 years old. Her five children and her several grandchildren were all born, brought up and presently living in the same barangay for several decades already.
Sarucam said the water from the artesian well can only be used for cleaning and washing but not for drinking. “Pero mauga man gud sya (artesian well) kay gamay lang ang tubig unya daghan pa gyud linta nga musaka kung maugahan (water from the artesian well easily dries up and lots of leech come out of the well when the water is too low) ” she added.
With the activation of the main water line and the possibility of their applications being approved by DCWD, Sarucam and the other residents of Purok 5 no longer have to buy water at P1.50 per container per gallon.
Sarucam said the water from the artesian well can only be used for cleaning and washing but not for drinking. “Pero mauga man gud sya (artesian well) kay gamay lang ang tubig unya daghan pa gyud linta nga musaka kung maugahan (water from the artesian well easily dries up and lots of leech come out of the well when the water is too low) ” she added.
With the activation of the main water line and the possibility of their applications being approved by DCWD, Sarucam and the other residents of Purok 5 no longer have to buy water at P1.50 per container per gallon.
Zozobrado said it is high time that the people of Purok 5, Sitio Cebuda are given a chance to be able to get their own water lines for the first time in 50 years.
Monday, March 31, 2008
3rd District bgys urged to spur growth with dev’t. plans
3rd District Councilor Rachel Zozobrado challenged the third district barangays last Friday to make use of their Medium Term Barangay Development Plan or MTBDP to push the growth of their barangays.
“It is high time that each barangay be empowered to plan for their future and the development plan is a means of empowering the barangays,” she said.
The MTBDPs of 31 barangays in the third district were turned over to the barangay captains and the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator at the ALMACEN building, Catalunan Pequeño yesterday.
The MTBDP is under the Upscaling Barangay and Marketing Development Project of the Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. The project is a partnership between the Foundation and the 31 barangays in the 3rd district and will be used as a basis in the community development project of the Foundation for the said barangays.
“The government has limited resources and it will always welcome the support of the private sector to help uplift the economic status of the people especially the farmers,” Zozobrado said. The Medium Term Barangay Development Plan of the 31 barangays in the third District of Davao is a blueprint for the development of each of these barangays.
Chone Baldoza, JSF executive director, said almost all the barangays in
Calinan participated in the creation of the MTBDP except for one barangay (barangay Kawayan) who declined the offer.
Baldoza said the MTBDP project is a good example of partnership betw
een the barangay and a non-profit organization like JSF. The Foundation took care of the expenses for the creation of the development plans while the barangay provided the venue and all the information required to create the plans.
The 31 barangays who received their MTBDPs are Biao Joaquin, Calinan Poblacion, Dalagdag, Dacudao, Dominga, Inayangan, Lacson, Lamanan, Lampianao, Megkawayan, Pangyan, Riverside, Sirib, Subasta, Talomo River, Saloy, Tamayong, Wangan in Calinan District, Cadalian in Baguio District, Bantol, Baganihan, Buda, Dalag Lumot, Datu Salumay, Gumitan, Magsaysay, Malamba, Marilog, Salaysay, Suawan, Tamugan in Marilog District
3rd District Councilor Rachel Zozobrado challenged the third district barangays last Friday to make use of their Medium Term Barangay Development Plan or MTBDP to push the growth of their barangays.
“It is high time that each barangay be empowered to plan for their future and the development plan is a means of empowering the barangays,” she said.
The MTBDPs of 31 barangays in the third district were turned over to the barangay captains and the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator at the ALMACEN building, Catalunan Pequeño yesterday.
The MTBDP is under the Upscaling Barangay and Marketing Development Project of the Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. The project is a partnership between the Foundation and the 31 barangays in the 3rd district and will be used as a basis in the community development project of the Foundation for the said barangays.
“The government has limited resources and it will always welcome the support of the private sector to help uplift the economic status of the people especially the farmers,” Zozobrado said. The Medium Term Barangay Development Plan of the 31 barangays in the third District of Davao is a blueprint for the development of each of these barangays.
Chone Baldoza, JSF executive director, said almost all the barangays in
Calinan participated in the creation of the MTBDP except for one barangay (barangay Kawayan) who declined the offer.Baldoza said the MTBDP project is a good example of partnership betw
een the barangay and a non-profit organization like JSF. The Foundation took care of the expenses for the creation of the development plans while the barangay provided the venue and all the information required to create the plans.The 31 barangays who received their MTBDPs are Biao Joaquin, Calinan Poblacion, Dalagdag, Dacudao, Dominga, Inayangan, Lacson, Lamanan, Lampianao, Megkawayan, Pangyan, Riverside, Sirib, Subasta, Talomo River, Saloy, Tamayong, Wangan in Calinan District, Cadalian in Baguio District, Bantol, Baganihan, Buda, Dalag Lumot, Datu Salumay, Gumitan, Magsaysay, Malamba, Marilog, Salaysay, Suawan, Tamugan in Marilog District
Friday, March 21, 2008
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