Importance of basic traffic rules training stressed

Davao City motorists should undergo regular seminars on the basic traffic rules and regulations so they will be able to update themselves on the latest laws and avoid violating them later on.

“A lot of road accidents happen because of drivers who do not follow traffic rules and regulations,’ councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. In most cases, she said, traffic violations lead to accidents and even deaths that could have been prevented had the drivers followed the basic traffic rules.

She said accidents do not only occur in the downtown area where there is more vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, road accidents also happen even in isolated areas in the third district primarily because of the increasing human and vehicular traffic in the area.

“But more than those reasons, it is the apparent ignorance of the drivers or just plain hard-headedness in following traffic rules that is the culprit,” she said. While basic traffic rules are already being tackled before a driver gets his license, she added, it is also important to keep them constantly aware of the basic traffic rules so they can apply this in their daily driving activities.

The defensive driving seminar conducted by the Land Transportation Office XI in Mintal, Tugbok District yesterday is thus good news for the residents of the area. Aside from basic driving skills, LTO’s Allain Lloyd Cahilog also informed the participants on the penalty updates under Department Order 2008-39.

Zozobrado said accidents and deaths involving motorcycles are on the rise. And since this is the most common form of transportation in the third district, it is important that drivers should be constantly reminded of their responsibilities not only to the legal system but also to their passengers and the pedestrians.

Youth’s role in 2010 elections is focus of speech gab

The role of the youth in the 2010 elections will be the main issue tackled by various orators from the different public high schools of the 3rd District of Davao City during the ongoing 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest.

The JAZ Oratorical Contest, which is an annual oratorical contest named after the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado has just concluded the first elimination round last Wednesday at the Lower Tamugan High School Gym for Marilog contestants.

First place is Geneva Etchoros from Tamugan National High School, with coach Ms. Cherry May Acebu; second placer is Judy Ann Pardillo from Saloy National High School, with coach Ms. Joseph Claire Celerinos and third placer is Joan Bastatas from Marilog High School of Agriculture, with coach Ms. Lanie Figueroa.

“The pieces delivered by the student orators are actually very inspiring and mirrored their perception and thoughts about the coming 2010 election,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. While the contest aims to discover the oratory skills of high school students, it is also a way of getting the youth involved in the issues that will help set the stage for their future, she added.

Zozobrado said adults really have a lot to learn from the young people and by listening to them who knows we will be able to do the right thing for the next generation. The theme for the elimination round is “My Future is in my hands, a clean and honest 2010 election has my hands printed on it.”

The 1st and 2nd prize winners will advance to the Grand Finals on Dec.7, 1PM at Mintal gymnasium. The next elimination for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held today, Friday at Calinan National High School AVR.

There are two other sub-district eliminations scheduled on November 16, 3PM at the Sto. Niño National High School for those coming from Tugbok District, and another elimination on November 19, 3PM at Doña Carmen Deña National High School for those coming from Toril District.

Criteria for judging will be 50% Manner to include mastery, diction and gesture, and 50% Matter to include relevance of the piece to the theme. All entries to the Contest must be original and have not been published in any forms of media. For more details please call the Office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at 2220855 local 426 or 226.

Dabawenyos urged to reuse waste water

Dabawenyos may still be enjoying abundant water supply but this will not be for long considering the looming water shortages all over the world. It is thus a good idea to educate the people in reusing their waste water.

“There are reports that more than half the nations all over the world will face freshwater shortage by 2025 and it is important that Dabawenyos are aware of this blessing and also of their own responsibility towards conserving water,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

This report was validated by researchers at the US-based Sandia National Laboratories which provides technology solutions to global threats to peace and freedom. Sandia water experts Mike Hightower and Suzanne Pierce also predicted that as much as 75% of the global population will face freshwater scarcity by 2050.

Zozobrado said the Dabawenyos should support legislations and activities that encourage the reuse of water. She said it is always a good idea to reuse water and the Dabawenyos should already start practicing this even without the government’s prodding.

The latest city council legislation that seeks to reuse water is the Rainwater Collection Ordinance which was authored by councilor Leonardo Avila. “This is an idea that should be followed not only by Dabawenyos but also by people throughout the country if we want to mitigate the effects of water scarcity,” she said.

She said while the marginalized sector may find it financially challenging to put up a real rainwater collector, they can however invest in a small and affordable tank. There are lots of farflung areas in Marilog that do not even have accessible water sources so saving up rainwater and using this for washing their clothers and for other purpose other than for drinking would be a good idea, she said.

“There is always a way to all the challenges that we think will hinder us from reusing water but with determination and simple logic these are easily surmountable,” she said. You do not even have to rely on the rain to reuse water, she added, because you can just collect whatever it is you use for washing the clothes and then use it for cleaning the floor or other parts of the house.

Governments all over the world are already rethinking their water management programs considering that economic development depends a lot on the availability of water. “The industries that power our economy-- including agriculture, mining and energy production---will all compete for our limited freshwater resources and we should prepare for that eventuality,” she said.

P1.6M IP dormitory at DMC opens

Indigenous Peoples and their relatives from far-flung areas of Davao City now have a place to stay while waiting for the discharge of their patients from the Davao Medical Center with the inauguration and blessing of Balay Dangpanan yesterday.

“The P1.6 million Balay Dangpanan is a halfway home for indigenous peoples and their watchers who have no place to stay here in the city while waiting for their discharge from DMC,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Also present during yesterday’s inauguration are Vice Mayor Sara Duterte as well as councilor Teresa Mata Marañon.

Zozobrado, who spoke on behalf of Duterte, said the local government will continue to extend assistance to DMC through their Lingap Program. She said the vice mayor has also discussed with Committee of German Doctors Country Director Dietmar Schug, the possibility of extending the city’s support for Balay Dangpanan.

Duterte, through Zozobrado, turned over several household appliances for the home including a refrigerator, rice cooker, folding bed and the likes, for the use of indigenous peoples and other Dabawenyos who would be using the halfway home. Zozobrado’s office also turned over several kitchen appliance and wares for the halfway home.

“Balay Dangpanan is very timely considering the plight of the IPs and the other residents from the third district who have to loiter along the hospital corners when they are waiting for their patients to be discharged,” she said.

DMC Chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega said Balay Dangpanan is really a dream come true for him since it has been a long time dream to fill in the gaps and the lapses in the country’s health care. People from far away areas in the city especially the indigenous peoples don’t know where to stay when they have patients here in the city so this is a solution to their plight, he added.

Vega said the structure was intended for doctors and nurses but since they already have houses in the city, he suggested that the structure be turned into a halfway house for marginalized IPs who does not have a place to stay while waiting for their patients to be discharged.

He said the Schug was very receptive to the idea so he pushed through with the proposal even if DMC has to pay for the maintenance of Balay Dangpanan.

Gwangyang City seeks sisterhood with Davao

Yet another Korean City is seeking close partnership with Davao City, in line with its goal of developing a global network with the world’s foremost port cities.

“No less than the mayor of Gwangyang City of the Republic of Korea wrote City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to suggest the setting up of a mutual, cooperative and friendly relationship between the two cities,” International Relations Committee chairperson councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

A few months ago, Davao City signed a Letter of Intent with Uijeongbu City of the Republic of Korea in time with the visit here of a 16-man delegation from the city

Zozobrado said it is interesting to note that while Gwangyang is among the top three Free Economic Zones and Free Trade Zones in the Republic of Korea, the city is focusing on Green Growth and seeks to become a highly-developed but eco-friendly city.

She said we need all the help we can get to keep our development in line with the objective of keeping our environment safe and sound, and this city is a good model for such development.

Gwangyang City Mayor Lee Sung-Woong, in a letter to Duterte, said “we are presently working towards creating a global network with the world’s foremost port cities with the vision of constructing a free trade in North-east Asia.”

“With this in mind we are seeking your interest and truly hope to establish an international relationship that makes for friendship and mutual cooperation and development between our two cities,” he said.

Zozobrado said Gwangyang is a port city and just like Davao, it has a beautiful coast and surrounded by mountains and rivers.

“Davao can learn a lot from the development plans of Gwangyang City and we should look forward to the signing of a sisterhood agreement with them if only to be able to build closer ties with a city that is very similar to Davao in terms of its geographical make up and economic growth,” she said.

The POSCO Gwangyang Steel Works, a global steel company, has been the main driving force of Gwangyang City’s growth since 1986. The company has produced 17.45 million tons of steel in 2008.

Eliminations for 3rd Zozobrado Oration Contest Underway

Eliminations for the JAZ Oratorical Contest are underway and high school students from public schools in the third district of Davao City are encouraged to participate.

The JAZ Oratorical Contest, which is an annual oratorical contest named after the late councilor Jesus A. Zozobrado, in now on its third year. Zozobrado was known for his fiery speeches in the halls of the City Council as well as his advocacy for serious and meaningful legislation when he was still alive.

“We actually aim to make the JAZ Oratorical Contest a yearly event to celebrate my father’s passion for the youth,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. The activity itself, she added, aims to showcase the speaking skills of high school students in the district.

The sub-district eliminations for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held starting November 11, 2009, 3PM at Lower Tamugan National High School Gym for participants from Marilog District. Those from Baguio and Calinan Districts can join the elimination scheduled on November 13, 3PM at Calinan National High School AVR.

There are two other sub-district eliminations scheduled on November 16, 3PM at the Sto. Niño National High School for those coming from Tugbok District, and another elimination on November 18, 3PM at Doña Carmen Deña National High School for those coming from Toril District.

The Grand Finals for the 3rd JAZ Oratorical Contest will be held at Mintal Gym on December 7, 1PM.

Zozobrado said participants during the sub-district eliminations will be asked to deliver an oration piece with the theme “My Future is in my hands, a clean and honest 2010 election has my hands printed on it.”

Criteria for judging will be 50% Manner to include mastery, diction and gesture, and 50% Matter to include relevance of the piece to the theme. All entries to the Contest must be original have not been published in any forms of media. For more details please call the Office of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado at 2220855 local 426 or 226.

Reciprocal visits between Davao, Mersin City eyed

An exchange visit between the officials of Davao City and Mersin City in Turkey is being eyed in view of the sisterhood agreement being planned between the two cities.

Former Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Bahnarim Guinomla said Philippine Honorary Consul in Mersin Mr. Sukru Diyab recently met with the Metropole Municipality of Mersin Director of Culture and Fairs Department Mr. Suleyman Cengiz to discuss the procedures that have to be followed to make the sisterhood agreement between the two cities a reality.

“This is a welcome development considering that we have been trying to follow up the sisterhood agreement between the two cities for months now,” Council committee on International Relations chair councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said it was Ambassador Guinomla who communicated to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the possibility of forging a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City. However, she said, they have encountered some hitches in following up the agreement since Guinomla is now back in Davao City as the assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mindanao.

Zozobrado said Guinomla has been helping the committee in facilitating the sisterhood agreement.

“I was told that the procedure in forging a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City in Turkey could take about three to four months depending on how fast both sides work on it,” she said.

She said the possibility of exchange visits between the officials of Davao City and Mersin City was also mentioned during the meeting between Diyab and Cengiz. This, she added, will hopefully fast track the forging of the sisterhood agreement.

The Philippine Honorary Consul Diyab said October would be an ideal time for the Davao officials to visit Mersin City since it would coincide with the 2nd Logistics and Transport Fair of Mersin City. Zozobrado said the city could then invite officials from Mersin City during the Araw ng Dabaw 2010.

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.

Strong local governance cited as Dinagat
Islands seek sisterhood with Davao City

Davao City’s efficient local government and vibrant business sector is attracting a lot of cities and provinces, both locally and internationally, the latest of which is the Province of Dinagat Islands.

“The province has indicated their intention to form a sisterhood agreement with Davao City and we welcome this as another manifestation of Davao’s growth both socially and economically in the past years,” Council Committee on International Relations chair Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Davao City has been active in forging sisterhood agreements mostly with international cities like Manado and Bitung, Darwin, Uijeongbu and with local cities like San Juan.

The Province of Dinagat Islands is virtually a neighbor as it used to be part of the province of Surigao del Norte’s First District. However, Republic Act No, 9355 or the Official Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands paved the way for the separation of Dinagat Islands, which is now known as the country’s 81st Province.

Zozobrado said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Dinagat Islands formally informed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte about the proposal, through Resolution No. 08-768 sponsored by councilor Merlinda Lagroma, which indicates their intention to establish a “sisterhood relationship and alliance to the City of Davao.”

“The resolution requested Dinagat Islands Governor Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman to establish a sisterhood agreement and alliance with Davao City in view of the tried and tested local governance of the city,” Zozobrado said.

The resolution indicated that “the province craves for support on technological advancement on legislative approaches and executive management”, the formula of which seems to have already been tried and tested in Davao City under Duterte’s administration.

Zozobrado said the sisterhood proposal from the Province of Dinagat Islands should be a source of pride for Dabawenyos considering that it came from a neighboring province which was previously part of Surigao del Norte in Region Xiii, Northeastern Mindanao.

”This is actually a vote of confidence that the local government of the city has done its job well and continues to do so, for it to be able to inspire nearby areas to forge a sisterhood agreement with us,” she said.

The Province of Dinagat Island is historically known as the site of the Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. It was on the shore of the Municipality of Loreto where the first American flag flew on the Philippine soil. And just like Davao City, It is known for its bountiful harvest of agriculture and marine resources.

Davao promoted as premier destination during Int’l. gab

The focus of the International Sister City Summit may have been Baguio City but the Davao delegation headed by Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, along with councilors Rachel Zozobrado, Susabel Reta and Louie John Bonguyan were able to promote the city as a premiere destination not only in Mindanao but in the whole country.

The three councilors, who were directed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to represent the city in the Baguio Centennial Sister City Summit last August 31, were able to meet with the different foreign and local sister cities of Baguio.

“The Davao delegation made waves during the presentation of the cities’ best practices as we took turns in presenting the beauty of the city and the reasons why they should visit the city,” Council Committee on International Relations chair Rachel Zozobrado said.

The local and foreign visitors to the Sisterhood Summit were however impressed with the landmark legislations of the city. Among the legislations presented by the councilors are the Firecracker Ban, the Watershed Code, Tourism Code, Women Code and the No Smoking Ordinance.

“Several local and foreign delegates expressed their desire to visit the city after they were apprised of the city’s peace and order situation,” she said.

It was really a learning experience for all of us, she added, not only because we were able to establish contacts with other local and foreign cities with which we could form a sisterhood agreement with in the future.

“We were even surprised that some of the fruits and vegetables being sold in Baguio supermarkets came from Davao City,’ she said.

Zozobrado said the Davao delegation including the vice mayor, who wore an authentic Matigsalog tribal attire, participated in the Centennial parade. Duterte was escorted by Bonguyan, also wearing a Matigsalog-inspired top.

Zozobrado says no to Watershed Code amendment

Times have changed and the priorities of the government may have changed but there is still a need to continuously protect Davao City’s watersheds.

This was the call made by councilor Rachel Zozobrado, who said the need to protect the city’s sources of potable water still exists despite the changing times. “Water is one resource that we can never bring back to its original state once destroyed and polluted,” she said.

Zozobrado walked her talk and led a tree planting activity at the Tamugan Watershed in Tamugan, Marilog District last month, together with the different mountaineering organizations in the city, the Barangay Council of Tamugan, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Engineers Office.

“I am not in favor of amending the Watershed Code; nothing has changed between the time it was unanimously passed by the city council and today because the Tamugan River still needs to be protected,” she said.

Zozobrado said she could not think of a justification that would support the amendment to the Code. On the other hand, she said, the current environmental crisis should be a learning experience for us and should teach us to be more careful and circumspect in out actions concerning the environment.

“When the Watershed Code was enacted it was precisely in response to the crisis and as its author, the city council believed that putting up structures within the protected areas would cause damage, thus the provision on its prohibition,” she said. Amending it now is like saying we were not thinking right when it was passed by the council.

Zozobrado said the Watershed Code is not even fully implemented so it does not make sense to even amend it.

She said there is still a lot to be done in terms of protecting the Tamugan River and planting trees is just one of those methods.

Among those who participated in the tree planting activity are: Steward of Nature (SON, Inc) from Toril District, Ateneo Mountaineering Club (AMC), Earth and Nature Mountaineering Club, LAYAK Outdoors from Calinan, SANDAWA-APO, Team 3/4 and Team EN ROUTE Mountaineering Organization.

Tree Planting At Tamugan Watershed

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado once again made a pitch for the environment as she led a group of various mountaineering organizations in Davao City for a tree planting activity last August 1, 2009 at the Tamugan Watershed in Tamugan, Marilog District. The activity was done in cooperation with the Barangay Council of Tamugan, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Engineers Office.

Among those who participated in the tree planting activity are: Steward of Nature (SON, Inc) from Toril District, Ateneo Mountaineering Club (AMC), Earth and Nature Mountaineering Club, LAYAK Outdoors from Calinan, SANDAWA-APO, Team 3/4 and Team EN ROUTE Mountaineering Organization.

Davao Dads To Join Int’l Sister City Summit

Three Davao City councilors are set to attend the Philippines International Sisterhood and Twinning Association (PHISTA) in Baguio City from August 30 to September 2, 2009.

“In connection with the Baguio City Centennial Celebration and the Sister Cities and Town Twinning Summit you are hereby directed to travel to Baguio City to represent the city government of Davao in the said activity,” Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said in a memorandum order directed to councillors Rachel Zozobrado, Susan Isabel Reta and Louie John Bonguyan.

Reta heads the Council Committee on Tourism while Bonguyan heads the Council Committee on Cooperative and People’s Participation.

Duterte has authorized the three councillors to join the PHISTA activity in Baguio considering it is an international event that will allow the councillors to exchange experiences with domestic and international officials in the areas of trade, tourism and international relations among others.

A total of 15 international sister cities and 18 local sister cities of Baguio City are expected to participate in the event. Duterte said the participation cost of the three councillors will be shouldered by the City Government of Baguio.

“This will be a very good opportunity to learn and share experiences with the other domestic and international delegates to the event since one of the scheduled activities is the sharing of best practices both for the domestic and international participants,’ International Relations Committee chair Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said Davao is very active when it comes to twinning agreements but the committee would like to see a more active agreement that will not only remain on paper, but which will also yield positive results for both cities involved in the sisterhood agreement.

The City Council of Baguio has unanimously approved a resolution 25 years ago on February 2, 1984 to invite Davao as a sister city. The visit could perhaps rekindle the interest to form a sisterhood agreement between the two cities, even if both cities are on the opposite ends of the archipelago and they represent different cultures, heritage and customs.

While Davao City has several sisterhood agreements with international cities, one of the latest and high-profile sisterhood agreements it entered into locally is the one with San Juan City.

Exchange of medical services between Davao, Manado eyed

Patients from Manado, Indonesia will soon benefit from Davao City’s well-developed medical facilities and well-trained medical practitioners, once the sisterhood agreement between Davao and Manado is signed.

“This is possible considering that we have agreed to add Health and Wellness to the fields of cooperation between the two cities under the sisterhood agreement,” Committee on International Relations chair Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

She said the soon-to-be signed sisterhood agreement will also include other areas of cooperation including Human Resources, Science and Technology, Trade and Economic Developments, Education, Youth and Sports, Environment and Urban Management as well as Information and Communication Technology.

“We are actually very excited about the development of the terms of the sisterhood agreement and we are all hopeful that it will not only remain on paper, but will translate to actual programs and projects for both cities,” she said.

City Tourism Chief Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, who attended the International Relations Committee hearing, said during his visit in Manado, he was informed that cases which cannot be handled by the medical practitioners and facilities in Manado are being brought to Davao City for treatment.

“This would make the inclusion of health and wellness in the fields of cooperation for the Davao-Manado sisterhood agreement very viable,” he said.

This was confirmed by Indonesian Consul Lalu Malik Partawana, who said this is also the same case even for patients from Bitung, who are also brought to Manado or Davao City for treatment. He said there are a lot of possibilities with the inclusion of health in the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said Davao City is very developed when it comes to its medical services and facilities. She said the health and wellness field extends even beyond the medical tourism field which is also being eyed for promotion by the city’s tourism sector.

“We have lots of well-trained medical personnel in the city and we are also proud of the medical facilities offered by government hospitals like the Davao Medical Center and private hospitals like Davao Doctors Hospital,” she added.

She said this will add to the traffic between Davao and Manado, and will hopefully promote repeat visits for residents of both cities.

Soft loans to small investors in Tugbok, Talomo residents eyed

Microfinancing or soft loans are being eyed for the calamity-stricken districts of Tugbok and Talomo, to allow small businesses and farmers in the areas to rebuild their lives and businesses after the flashflood that hit them last month.

“We are requesting government financial institutions to grant soft loans to small investors in the areas declared by the city council to be under a state of calamity,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Zozobrado has passed a resolution requesting government financial institutions such as the Philippine National Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, PAGCOR and providers of development assistance to grant soft loans not only to the small investors affected by the heavy rains and flashfloods last June 29, 2009 but also to marginal farmers and small entrepreneurs. The City Council also suggested the inclusion of Quedancor, GSIS and SSS to the list.

The City Council, which declared a state of calamity in the Districts of Talomo and Tugbok last July, also granted a total of P1,025,000 million to these areas.

She said the affected entrepreneurs and farmers are seeking immediate financial assistance from the government financial institutions to mitigate the impact of calamity to their businesses and to rehabilitate them as well.

“What they need are soft loans from government institutions and those that provide development assistant for small businesses to enable them to raise their income level and improve their living standards and to rehabilitate what was destroyed or lost by reason of the calamity,” she said.

Zozobrado said these small investors need to recover the capital they lost as a result of the calamity. By providing them soft loans, the loan providers will be able to help them start again, she added.

Env’t and urban mgt part of Davao-Manado sisterhood

Both the cities of Davao and Manado in North Sulawesi Indonesia, are growing cities, so the soon-to-be-signed sisterhood agreement between the two cities will include environment and urban management.

“The reason why we amended the sisterhood agreement before its renewal is to make it responsive to the present developments being faced by the two cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Committee on International Relations said.

The original sisterhood agreement signed between the two cities was in 1993 and a lot of changes have occurred almost 16 years after the signing, she said. It is thus very important to review the terms of the agreement, she added, so we can make it tailored-fit to the signs of the times.

Zozobrado said she has discussed the proposed amendments with Indonesian Consul Lalu Malik Partawana and they have agreed to come up with a dynamic agreement that will mirror the present developments in both cities.

She said that while the amendments will still be reviewed by the Committee on International Relations this second week of August, both parties have agreed in principle, to include not only Information and Communication Technology in the agreement, but also the very timely issue of environment and urban management.

“Both cities are becoming the urban centers of their regions and we would like to be able to contribute to each city’s development by prioritizing environment and urban management issues,” she said.

The reason why cities encounter problems with traffic and other infrastructure is because of the lack of planning. By incorporating environment and urban management in the sisterhood agreement, she said, both Davao and Manado recognizes the need for proper planning to steer both city’s development to the right direction.

“This is in fact a very exciting sisterhood agreement because it is more proactive and considers the future demands of both cities when in comes to growth and development,” she said.

Zozobrado said the Consul has been very cooperative in negotiating for the new agreement. We are confident that we have a sisterhood agreement that will be of help to both cities in the long term.

Five sisterhood agreements for Davao in the works

The realization of at least five sisterhood agreements being finalized between Davao City and other foreign cities is expected to strengthen Davao’s economy even in the face of economic recession.

“We are presently following up at least five sisterhood agreements between Davao and other cities and we expect some of these to become final before the year ends,’ Council Committee on International Relations chairperson Rachel Zozobrado said.

These agreements, she said, do not only promote exchange visits and tourism opportunities but also investments between the two cities involved in the pact.

Zozobrado said they are in the process of finalizing the renewal or the forging of sisterhood agreements with the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia, Mersin City in Turkey, Darwin City in Northern Territory, Australia, Uijeongbu City in Korea and Tacoma City in Washington, DC.

The city is confident that some of these sisterhood agreements will be renewed or forged before the year ends particularly the agreement with the cities of Manado and Bitung in Indonesia.
“We already have the additional terms requested by the Indonesia side as provided by Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana who has recently been authorized by Indonesian officials to negotiate the sisterhood agreements between Davao and the cities of Manado and Bitung,” she said.

Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with Bitung and Manado has already expired and while the agreements are automatically renewed after expiration unless revoked by either parties, both Indonesia and Davao officials would like to introduce new provisions in the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said “we have prepared the terms of the new sisterhood agreement but we are still enhancing the provisions so that the resulting agreement would be a dynamic one which would really make a difference in the development of Davao City and the cities of Bitung and Manado.’
The agreement has been scheduled for first reading and is subject to the approval of the Committee on International Relations.

She said Davao’s sisterhood agreement with Darwin City is moving at a slower but sure pace with the visit of a contingent from the city to Darwin during last May’s Arafura Games. There is also a plan to invite the Lord Mayor to visit the city during the 2010 Araw ng Dabaw.

She said prospects for the signing of an agreement with Uijeongbu is also high considering that both Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon Won have already signed a Letter of Intent that will pave the way for the sisterhood pact.

3rd District Councilors Bats For Women Empowerment

Third district councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Myrna Dalodo Ortiz are strengthening their community projects and programs for women.

“We are eyeing the conduct of livelihood programs for women to empower them,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said during this morning’s “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” television program aired over ABS CBN.

Zozobrado said women play a very important role in society so it is important to empower them. Her office is scheduled to conduct a series of livelihood trainings on cooking, sewing and recycling.

“We consulted the third district women so we can prepare livelihood programs that will meet their needs; lisod man pud na magpataka lang mi ug training unya dili pud diay sila interesado (it’s not good to just decide which livelihood programs to train them for since they might not be interested),” she said.

On the other hand, Dalodo-Ortiz who is one of those behind the drafting of the Women Development Code said her program for women is a continuing effort. Her office regularly conducts gender sensitivity programs for women.

Davao-Uijeongbu to sign LOI for sisterhood agreement

Officials of Davao City and Uijeongbu City in Korea are set to sign a Letter of Intent that will pave the way for the establishment of a sisterhood agreement between the two cities.

A 16-person delegation from Uijeongbu City consisting of representatives from the government, business sector and the media are set to arrive in the city at 4PM today in time for the signing of the LOI at the Grand Menseng Hotel on June 17. The delegation is headed by Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon won.

“The delegation from Uijeongbu has signified their intention to promote friendship and understanding between the two cities through the signing of an LOI now and a Friendship or sisterhood agreement later on,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Uijeongbu, which is a city in Gyeonggi Province of South Korea, has established sisterhood agreements with Shibata in Japan and in Richmond, Virginia in the United States.

Zozobrado said it is high time that we establish a sisterhood agreement with Uijeongbu considering that there are already existing efforts to promote tourism between the two areas. There are also Korean nationals living in the city at present and who have even established their own businesses here.

Under the terms of the LOI, Zozobrado said, both cities agree to solidify the relationship between Davao and Uijeongbu and work for a common purpose. The agreement provides the conduct of exchange visits between Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Moon won.

The LOI also provides exchanges between the two cities in the area of tourism, sports, health, economic, trade, cultural and other common interest.

The Uijeongbu delegation also includes businessmen specifically Nong Hyup Bank manager Chang Hyeong Lee, Jeong-Ah Industry CEO Han Ju Kim, Seo-kwang ENC CEO Jong Hyup Lee, Sam II Construction CEO Chan Beom Heo, Architect Hyung Ki Shin and Pyeong An Trans President San Joon Heo.

Davao-Darwin sisterhood to push for teaching of Filipino language

The planned sisterhood between Davao City and Darwin City in Australia will not only focus on the economic aspects but will also explore the possibility of promoting culture between the two cities.

“The Northern Territory government is planning to explore the possibility of teaching the Filipino language as the fourth language for their students,” International Relations committee chair councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Zozobrado headed the Sister-City Delegation that visited Darwin last month in time for the Arafura Games.

Darwin, Northern Territory’s capital city, has grown tremendously tourism and economic wise. It boasts of a new $1 billion waterfront area that houses hotels and apartment blocks, a wade pool plus a new convention center.

Zozobrado said tourism development is one area that can be jointly developed as part of the planned sisterhood agreement between Davao and Darwin Cities. However, she said, Darwin’s economy is no longer just tourism-based but they also have a new oil processing facility which is expected to further attract fresh investments.

“Northern Territory is a place where you can find lots of Filipinos; in fact, the Filipinos are now the second largest migrant community in the Northern Territory next only to the Greeks,” she said.

She said they are supporting the Northern Territory’s plan to teach the Filipino language to their students considering that the Filipinos make up a large community in the area. This, she said, could be part of the sisterhood agreement between the two cities.

Zozobrado said Northern Territory educational institutions are already teaching foreign languages to their students including Mandarin, Japanese and Bahasa Indonesia. If this plan pushes through, she added, the Filipino language will be the fourth foreign language that will be taught to NT students.

“The sisterhood agreement will not only develop economic ties between the two cities but will also push for cultural ties between the two cities especially with the proposal to teach Filipino in their schools,” she said. If the NT government is considering this possibility then this may be a sign of more economic and cultural exchanges not only between Davao and Darwin but other NT areas as well, she added.

Davao business urged: explore trading ventures in Belgium

Davao City entrepreneurs can take advantage of the various economic opportunities in Belgium particularly when it comes to the exports. While 80% of the trading activities of Belgium are done with the European Countries it however seeks the expansion of its trading opportunities with other countries like the Philippines.

“Belgium is a very rich country but it has very few natural resources making importation a substantial part of their economy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Belgium is considered by the United States as its top 12 largest export market and if Davao can only get a fraction of this market then our exporters would have a very feasible market.

Zozobrado welcomed the Belgian Business Council Mission to Davao City headed by Ambassador Gregoire Vardakis last May 26.

“Davao has always envisioned an economy that will create jobs and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the city and its residents,” Zozobrado said. She told Ambassador Vardakis and the other delegation members including Belgian Filipino Business Club officials and South-East Asia Puratos president Bernard Popilmont that the city is interested in seeking partnerships and expand commercial opportunities between Davao and Belgium.

Zozobrado said the Belgian Council Mission visited the city to establish contacts with the business community in Davao. The delegation, she said, wanted to explore possible business opportunities in the city.

Belgium imports food products, clothing and accessories and textiles and these are some of the areas that can be explored by Davao’s business sector. Its other imports are chemicals, petroleum, rough diamonds and machinery. There is also a great possibility that Belgium might be interested in the city’s Business Process Outsourcing industry.

Davao business urged: explore trading ventures in Belgium

Davao City entrepreneurs can take advantage of the various economic opportunities in Belgium particularly when it comes to the exports. While 80% of the trading activities of Belgium are done with the European Countries it however seeks the expansion of its trading opportunities with other countries like the Philippines.

“Belgium is a very rich country but it has very few natural resources making importation a substantial part of their economy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Belgium is considered by the United States as its top 12 largest export market and if Davao can only get a fraction of this market then our exporters would have a very feasible market.

Zozobrado welcomed the Belgian Business Council Mission to Davao City headed by Ambassador Gregoire Vardakis last May 26.

“Davao has always envisioned an economy that will create jobs and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the city and its residents,” Zozobrado said. She told Ambassador Vardakis and the other delegation members including Belgian Filipino Business Club officials and South-East Asia Puratos president Bernard Popilmont that the city is interested in seeking partnerships and expand commercial opportunities between Davao and Belgium.

Zozobrado said the Belgian Council Mission visited the city to establish contacts with the business community in Davao. The delegation, she said, wanted to explore possible business opportunities in the city.

Belgium imports food products, clothing and accessories and textiles and these are some of the areas that can be explored by Davao’s business sector. Its other imports are chemicals, petroleum, rough diamonds and machinery. There is also a great possibility that Belgium might be interested in the city’s Business Process Outsourcing industry.

Davao to turn green with USAID’s support

Davao City’s long-term goal of ultimately turning green is expected to become a reality with the help of the United States Agency for International Development.

USAID Office of Energy and Environment Chief Daniel C. Moore recently assured Councilor Rachel Zozobrado that USAID will “continue to support Davao City’s initiatives.” This was in response to resolution No. 01888-09 where the city council requested the National Economic Development Authority to include the city in the projects that will be implemented under the USAID-NEDA Assistance Agreement signed in September last year.

With that resolution, Moore said, the Davao City Sanggunian has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with USAID to continue to tackle the city’s critical environmental concerns.

“Davao City has been a strong lifetime partner of USAID in addressing environmental problems through a number of partnerships,” Moore said.

Among these, he said, is the Philippine Environmental Governance Project specifically aimed for coastal and forest resources management as well as solid waste management. Also included is the Sustainable Energy Development Program for cleaner through alternative fuels promotion and the Energy and Clear Air Project to reduce pollutive emissions.

“Davao City has one of the world’s cleanest drinking water and these environment-focused programs will help us maintain the city’s competitive advantage,” Zozobrado said.

Belgian Business Council In Davao For Business Mission

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado represented Vice Mayor Sara Duterte in welcoming members of a European Trade and Investment Exploratory Mission lead by Ambassador Gregorie Vardakis of the Kingdom of Belgium last May 26, 2009.



Among those who joined the delegation were Daniel Masui-President of the Belgian Filipino Business Club, Helen Grace Baisa-vice president of the Belgian Filipino Business Club, Grace Lacerna-secretary of the Belgian Filipino Business Club and Bernard Popllmont-president of East Asia Puratos Philippines,

Zozobrado Turns Over SNNHS Infra Project

3rd District Councilor Rachel Zozobrado formally turned over a concrete pathway to the parents, students and teachers of the Sto. Niño National High School in Barangay Sto. Nino, Tugbok District. The turn-over coincided with the 9th Recognition Day of the school last March 31, 2009.

The concrete pathway project worth P150,000 was made possible through Zozobrado’s ADF or Annual Development Funds. The pathway, which spans from the school gate to the academic building passing through the school Gymnasium, will make life easier for students and teachers of the school who are now able to cross the school perimeters sans the mud and the flood usually caused by heavy rains.

“We wish to thank Honorable Rachel “Baby” Zozobrado for her generosity in looking into the needs of our school.”, said Leny R. San Gaspar , the Officer In-Charge of SNNHS. (leah p. ibañez)

Conversion of durian waste into charcoal briquettes eyed

The city government of Davao and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources may have finally found a solution to the truckloads of durian waste left behind especially during the durian season. This is through a joint effort to implement a community-based project based on a resolution by councilor Rachel Zozobrado.

“Davao City is world-famous for its agricultural resources particularly durian. However, the demand for durian among locals and tourists is such that the city is left with trucks of durian waste when durian season comes,” Zozobrado said. One remedy to this problem, she said, is the establishment of a community-based project involving charcoal production out of durian waste.

Zozobrado earlier passed a resolution urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as the City Environment Office to adopt charcoal briquettes making as a community-based project. Charcoal briquettes production is not only a timely and practical community livelihood project for Dabawenyos but it is also a push for the environment, she said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI regional director Jim O. Sampulna welcomed the resolution saying they are interested in collaborating with the city government in the pursuit of this project considering that “there is a big volume of durian pulp and bukong waste generated everyday.

DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service has spearheaded the green technology of making charcoal briquettes using leaves, twigs, stems and other forest waste materials. The method is also not too complicated considering that it only requires that the forest wastes are carbonized, fed into a grinding machine, mixed with binders like gelatinized starch then compacted in a molder to produce uniform-sized charcoal briquettes.

Zozobrado said the charcoal briquettes are an environment-friendly fuel alternative which can be used by households and even business now that the price of liquefied petroleum gas has once again gone up.

She said the planned partnership between DENR XI and the local government of Davao is an ideal setup since DENR can conduct the training in coordination with the barangays. This community-based project can also provide possible livelihood for the community, she said.

More livelihood opportunities will evolve once the community is properly trained about the process of producing charcoal briquettes using forest waste, she said. This will also ease the pressure off our forests and the environment, she added.

Davao-Darwin sisterhood to promote tourism in both cities

The forging of a sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Darwin City can be mutually beneficial to the tourism industry of both sectors as this is a complementary resource between the two cities.

“I am hoping to meet with some officials from Darwin City to possibly discuss the proposed sisterhood agreement between the two cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said before she left for Darwin, Australia as part of the delegation sent by the city for the Arafura Games. She said while the primary reason for going to Darwin is the Arafura Games she will also try to follow up with the Australian official who met with her in Davao prior to the Darwin trip to discuss the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said Darwin in Northern Territory is known for its mining and tourism industry. But more than anything else, she said, it is the tourism sector which the two cities can explore since it is very feasible. At least 8% of Darwin’s residents are employed by the tourism sector and the city is gearing up for a major tourism boost both for domestic and international tourism.

Like Davao City which is proud of its Kadayawan Festival, she said, Darwin too has its own festival—the Darwin Festival. Tourism is a big thing for both cities and perhaps we can encourage exchange visits among our people to promote the tourism of both cities.

Zozobrado said that like Davao City, Darwin also has lots of beaches that offer unpolluted swimming to both locals and tourists. Sports is also another complementary area among the two cities. Darwin, she said, has been hosting the Arafura Games every two years since 1991 with the exception of the year 2003 when there was a SARS outbreak.

Indon Consul gets authority for sisterhood agreements with Davao

The renewal of the sisterhood agreements between Davao City and the cities of Manado and Bitong is expected to be fasttracked with the authority given to Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana by the Indonesia officials.

“We were informed by the office of Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana that he has been given the authority to negotiate with us for the renewal of the sisterhood agreements between the two Indonesian cities and Davao City,” Council Committee on International Relations chairperson councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with Bitung and Manado has already expired. Zozobrado said while the agreements are automatically renewed after expiration unless revoked by either parties, both Indonesia and and Davao officials would like to introduce new provisions in the sisterhood agreement.

“We have prepared the terms of the new sisterhood agreement but we are still enhancing the provisions so that the resulting agreement would be a dynamic one which would really make a difference in the development of Davao City and the cities of Bitung and Manado,” Zozobrado said.

She said they are eyeing a sisterhood agreement that pave the way for more active economic and social ties with the two cities.

Zozobrado, Indonesia has expressed its desire to renew the sisterhood agreement with Davao along time ago but the officials of both Manado and Bitung have been busy with their own state of affairs so the agreement has been stalled.

The Indonesian 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 and Zozobrado said they have already provided the Consul with said document.

“Finally we have been informed that Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana can negotiate and approve the terms of the sisterhood agreements so we can already fasttrack the signing of the sisterhood agreement,” Zozobrado said.

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.

Zozobrado, Braga now members of Housing sub-committee

A subcommittee on housing, rural, and urban development was created Tuesday to tackle proposed developments, such as subdivisions and industrial plants.

The move was spearheaded by Floor Leader Danilo Dayanghirang under suspended rules Tuesday afternoon when session resumed after lunch break.

Councilor Bonifacio Militar chairs the subcommittee, while Councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Pilar Braga are its members.

The committee on housing is still chaired by Councilor Arnmolfo Ricardo Cabling, but two of its members resigned and were thus replaced.

Councilor Peter Laviña, who resigned last week with the emergence of the LBDM issue, was replaced by Councilor Louie John Bonguyan. Councilor Wilberto Al-ag, who resigned as committee member Tuesday morning during his privilege speech, was replaced by Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad.

Al-ag said he did not want to be dragged in the controversy.

Cabling, on the other hand, is relieved that some of the workload in the committee will be relegated.

"I have been lobbying for the creation of a subcommittee since we have so many items. Puno kaayo ang committee on housing, daghan pending (There are so many items pending at the committee)," Cabling said. (Grace L. Plata)

Davao, Mersin sisterhood stalled

The forging of a sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Mersin City in Turkey may be delayed due to the transfer of lead proponent Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Bahnarim Guinomla.

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said it was Guinomla who communicated to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the possibility of forging a sisterhood agreement with Mersin City. However, she said, Guinomla is now back in Davao City as the assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mindanao.

“We have been communicating with Ambassador Guinomla to fasttrack the Davao’s sisterhood with Turkey prior to his transfer to the city but we were only able to go as far as establishing the two city’s intention to forge the agreement,” she said.

Zozobrado said Guinomla’s presence in Turkey was one of the factors that could have hastened the forging of the sisterhood agreement since he already got the commitment of all heads during the First Conference of Heads of Philippine Honorary Consular Posts in Turkey. However, she said, they will try to work things out with the new Philippine Ambassador to Turkey and the other officials there who are willing to help out in establishing a relationship between Mersin and Davao.

“I have spoken with Assistant Secretary Guinomla and he is willing to help us in forging the agreement even if he is already based here,” Zozobrado said. At least we now have someone here in Davao who can help us out in establishing the sisterhood agreement, she added.

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.

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.

Mersin City has existing sisterhood pacts with Latakia, Syria and Kushimoto, Japan.

Council declares Mintal a Japanese heritage site

BARANGAY Mintal has officially been declared a Japanese heritage site Tuesday through a resolution passed by the Davao City Council in recognition of the historical bonds between the people of Japan and Davao.

Mintal was then known as "Little Tokyo" during the World War II.

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, City Council chair of the committee on international relations, said Barangay Mintal will construct a Japanese-themed park and will also reconstruct Japanese relic sites in the barangay.

"Ang target is mahuman siya (it will be finished) by August when most Japanese tourists visit the city. With city tourism, a barangay tourism council will be established, patterned after the Japanese Heritage declaration. This will hopefully make Mintal another tourist destination," Zozobrado said.

Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) chief Roberto Teo earlier said, "The declaration of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site will encourage residents to look at possible economic activities which they can do to attract Japanese and other tourists."

Philippine Nikkei Jinkai Inc. chairman Bernardo Fernandez said all of Mintal used to be occupied and owned by the Japanese.

Barangay captain Ramon Bargamento has already identified a site where the planned Japanese garden would be built, the small plaza beside the Mintal Gym.

However, Historical Society chair Enrica Babao said the place is too small and suggested that they scout for bigger areas since there are lots of government institutions in the area like the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Bureau of Plant Industry.

World Oceans Meet A Pitch For EAGA’s Water Resources

The World Ocean’s Conference slated in Manado, Indonesia on May 11 to 14 is another chance for the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area member economies to pitch for the region’s water resources.

“It is worthwhile to note that the World Ocean’s Conference which will be attended not only by EAGA members but also by other countries is being hosted by our neighbor and sister city Manado,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. This is a good opportunity for the EAGA members to raise their concerns about the status of their water resources.

BIMP-EAGA is an economic cooperation among the member countries which seeks to develop the region’s common and complementing resources including tourism, agriculture and education. Water might as well be a common concern among EAGA members, Zozobrado said, considering that all our shorelines are closely linked.

She said the Conference will tackle important issues involving the world’s seas and oceans. Considering the possible water crisis that we are about to experience in the future sans the passage of urgent measures, she said, the Conference should be considered an ideal venue to plan specific measures to protect our water resources.

Zozobrado said Davao City is known to have not only one of the cleanest and potable drinking water sources but it is also an area known for its pristine diving and fishing sites. It is time for us to closely share our experiences as well as our emerging problems related to our water sources and the Conference will surely be significant venue for doing that.

Davao HS Grads urged to opt for TechVoc courses

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado is urging Davao City high school graduates to consider taking technical and vocational courses for free through the Pangulong Gloria Scholarships offered through the various Tesda centers all over the country.

“Most of our high school graduates automatically choose white collar courses like accounting and this has led to an imbalance in the competencies supply of our graduates vis a vis the work being demanded here and abroad,” said Zozobrado who has been appointed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to sit as his representative in the Davao City Technical Education and Skills Development Committee.

The problem with out graduates is their propensity to veer towards course that will get them employed in offices. However this is an unwise decision most of the time because our graduates should be encouraged to enroll in courses that will give them a chance to go into business for themselves later on.

“Technical and vocational graduates are very in demand abroad and if they want to work for themselves or to work in other countries then this is the way to go,” she said. Take a look at Canada Immigration’s application form and you will be surprised at how this country puts a premium on skilled workers, she said.

Zozobrado said high school graduates whose financial incapacity prevents them from taking four-year courses in college should consider enrolling in TESDA’s technical and vocational courses which are offered for free under the Pangulong Gloria Scholarships. This scholarship program, which provides free training, funding and free competency assessment, is in line with the Arroyo administration’s Economic Resiliency Program.

The program, she said, aims to produce a pool of workers who are not only qualified but also globally competent and job ready. The Gloria Scholarship is also ideal for those who are unemployed, underemployed, displaced workers or returning overseas Filipino workers.

Zozobrado said there is no longer any reason for Davao’s high school graduates to stop their education due to financial reasons. If you are at least 15 years old then you are qualified to apply for the Gloria Scholarships. However, you have to take the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) or the Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC).

Earth hour is more than a symbol, 56MW to be saved

Observing “Earth Hour” by switching off your electricity from 8:30 to 9:30 PM today Saturday, March 28, 2009 will not only be a symbol of cooperation among those who want to stop global warming. It is also a surefire way of saving on electric consumption.

“Aside from making a political statement, the one hour Earth Hour will also save some 560 megawatts of power for the Philippines alone,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. That’s the target of the Department of Energy for this year’s Earth Hour. The country saved 80MWh from last year’s Earth hour which was joined by more than one million Filipinos. The organizers of Earth Hour are targeting 10 million Filipino participants this year thereby increasing the amount of energy saved for just an hour.

Zozobrado said Luzon saved 56MWh of power while Metro Manila saved 16 MWh of power in just one hour during last year’s Earth Hour observance. The power saved is already equivalent to shutting down a small coal-fired power plant for one hour.

“We should use this occasion to jumpstart efficient energy use not only for an hour but the whole year round,” she said. The practice of certain government offices in regulating the use of air conditioners is already a good start but needs a more serious implementation.

She said even the private sector should contribute in power conservation by regulating their power use. Observance of the one hour power outage during the Earth Hour is already a good start but it should have a follow through to be more successful, she added.

Zozobrado said the approval of the Renewable Energy Bill, which took 19 years, should also be considered a good start for the government. However, she added, it should jumpstart other energy conservation laws.

Earth Hour aims to get more people involved in reducing the greenhouse gases and in other issues involving climate change. The key here, she said, is to limit the use of non-essential lights and electrical appliances not only for an hour but for the rest of the year.

Smoke ban in Marlboro country should be eye-opener for Dabawenyos

The smoking ban in Marlboro country should be enough eye-opener for Dabawenyos violating Ordinance No. 043-02 popularly known as The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.

“The ordinance is being implemented for almost seven years now but there are still plenty of Dabawenyos violating the ordinance without even fear of being caught red-handed,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Perhaps, the risk of getting cancer and other diseases caused by smoking does not scare them but here’s one that should really make Dabawenyo smokers stand up and consider their smoking habit, she added.

The State of Virginia, known as Marlboro country because it is the home of Marlboro and the location of Philip Morris’ largest cigarette factory producing Marlboro and Virginia Slims has approved a bill that will ban smoking in most Virginia restaurants and bars. The bill, which was signed by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, will become effective December 1, 2009.

Under Virginia’s newly-approved law, smoking will be restricted to separate rooms that have their own ventilation. Exposure to cigarette smoke can increase the formation of free radicals in the body which destroy human cells. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing agents or carcinogens which damage important genes in the body.

“When the home state of a cigarette brand, which is earning millions from taxes and employment brought about by Marlboro, decides to restrict smoking in their public places then people should really be getting worried because this is proof that the health scare brought about by smoking is finally gaining grounds,” Zozobrado said.

Virginia is not however the first state in America to have banned or restricted smoking. Twenty-three of the 50 States, plus Washington, D.C. have banned smoking in public areas. The tobacco states of North Carolina and the other states of South Dakota, Kansas and Wyoming are still debating the ban.

“Davao has pioneered the smoking ban in the Philippines but it seems there is still a lot to be done in terms of convincing Dabawenyos to observe the law,” Zozobrado said. Despite the serious campaign of the city government to limit smoking to restricted areas, there are Dabawenyos who unabashedly violate the law, she added.

“I am appealing to the anti-smoking enforcers to please implement the law when necessary,” she said. Smoking has caused millions of deaths all over the world and if we want to protect our health and the health of our children then we must ensure that the Anti-Smoking Ordinance is properly implemented at all times no matter who gets affected.

Mintal to become new tourist attraction with heritage declaration

Barangay Mintal will soon become Davao City’s newest tourist attraction with the declaration of the barangay as a Japanese heritage site.

“The declaration of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site will encourage the residents to look at possible economic activities which they can do to attract Japanese and other tourists,” Davao City Investment Promotion Center chief Roberto Teo said.

The stakeholders and other agencies and offices agreed to finally pass for the City Council’s approval the resolution declaring barangay Mintal as a Japanese Heritage Site. This after the Committee on International Relations headed by councilor Rachel Zozobrado conducted its third and final committee hearing on the proposed resolution yesterday.

Teo said it is only fitting to declare the area as a Japanese Heritage Site considering that it has indeed been identified by researchers as an area where the Japanese settled from 1919 to 1945. The location, he said, is very important because Japanese tourists would definitely want to pay homage and visit the sites previously occupied by their ascendants.

Zozobrado, who also hails from Mintal, said the barangay has always been known as Little Tokyo. She said the passage of the resolution declaring Mintal as a Japanese heritage site is long overdue since it would have already attracted Japanese tourists last August.

Philippine Nikkei Jinkai Incorporated Chairman Bernardo Fernandez said all of Mintal before was occupied and owned by the Japanese. Historically, he said, the entire Mintal area is really a Japanese community.

Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento has already identified a site where the planned Japanese garden would be built, the small plaza beside the Mintal Gym. However, Historical Society Chair Enrica Babao said the place is too small and suggested that they scout for bigger areas in the area since there are lots of government institutions in the area like the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Bureau of Plant Industry.

The committee agreed to look into other areas where the suggested Japanese garden will be located as a symbol of Japan’s heritage.

Charcoal production to provide green livelihood for Dabawenyos

Among the two urgent things that require man’s attention today is the economy and the environment and councilor Rachel Zozobrado said there is a way to find a common ground between the two through charcoal production using forest wastes.

“Charcoal briquettes production is not only a timely and practical community livelihood project for Dabawenyos but it is also a push for the environment,” Zozobrado said while explaining the reason why she passed a resolution urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as the City Environment Office to adopt the community-based project.

DENR’s Ecosystems Research and development Bureau developed the technology of making charcoal briquettes using leaves, twigs, stems and other forest waste materials. The method is also not too complicated considering that it only requires that the forest wastes are carbonized, fed into a grinding machine, mixed with binders like gelatinized starch then compacted in a molder to produce uniform-sized charcoal briquettes.

Once the community is properly trained about the process of producing charcoal briquettes using forest waste, she said, there will be more livelihood alternatives for them which will also ease the pressure off our forests and the environment. Upland farmers traditionally cut down trees to produce charcoal but this project will reduce the practice of cutting trees in the natural forests, she added.

“The charcoal briquettes are an environment-friendly fuel alternative which can be used by households and even business now that the price of liquefied petroleum gas has once again gone up,” Zozobrado said. She said that when tested, the briquettes are easy to ignite and emit a steady heat with low clean flame.

Instead of discouraging upland farmers from cutting trees without giving them an alternative, she said, why not train them in the process of making charcoal briquettes using forest waste? This way, Zozobrado said, they will still retain their livelihood while keeping the environment safe.

The DENR can conduct the training in coordination with the barangays to provide possible livelihood for the community, she said.

Toril, Marilog urged to spearhead chevon industry

Toril and Marilog Districts in Davao City can become big economically by taking advantage of their locations and concentrate on viable business ventures such as the chevon industry.

“Demand for chevon or goat meat is so high worldwide especially in the United States that there is a lot of possibilities in terms of export,” Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. She said this was already confirmed by the Department of Trade and Industry as it urged Southern Mindanao to take advantage of the growing demand for chevon worldwide.

Reports show that up to 1.5 million pounds of goat meat is imported by the US from New Zealand and Australia every week. Goat meat is one of the leading red meat products and accounts for 63% of the red meat being consumed worldwide.

Zozobrado said the local government is at a dilemma about what to do with the unemployed including those who have just graduated and can’t find jobs as well as Overseas Filipino Workers who have been laid off from their jobs. This can be a good business venture considering that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is providing initial capitalization for OFWs who will be sent home, she said.

The chevon industry is not only a backyard industry that can provide livelihood to the barangays but it has the potential of providing employment to a lot of people including farm hands who will raise the goat, slaughterhouse staff and those in charge of marketing.

“Of all the areas in the city it is the third district which has a great potential for the chevon industry given its overall landscape,” she said. Goat meat, she said, is preferred not only for ethnic reasons but also because chevon digest more easily, is low fat and is a good alternative to fish or chicken,

DTI has already included the chevon industry under its Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program or CLEEP which is the government’s poverty alleviation program formed to address the economic crisis.

Zozobrado said most of the barangays in the third district have been identified as poor barangays and this is their chance to rise from poverty. She said they residents can take advantage of the support being offered by the Department of Agriculture in terms of goat raising training and the DTI in marketing and business planning.

Zozobrado appeals to colleagues: make laws work

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado appealed to fellow members of the 15th City Council to try to make the laws they have approved work before attempting to amend or change it to suit certain needs.

“This representation humbly appeals dear Colleagues that we make the enactments and ordinances that we have made work, just a little bit more,” Zozobrado said. If we must amend, she said, let us amend when the cobwebs of doubt have been totally cleared from our minds and our hearts.

Zozobrado’s appeal came as a result of an issue that has divided the city council into choosing between water or power. The issue stems from the hydropower plant being proposed by Hedcor in the Tamugan River which has been identified by the Watershed Code as a conservation area.

Hedcor and the Davao City Water District are fighting for the right to use the Tamugan-Panigan River. There is not question that both DCWD and Hedcor’s goals and efforts are laudable and will inure to the benefit of Dabawenyos.

However, Zozobrado said, the Tamugan-Panigan River has been identified under the Watershed Code as an environmentally-critical area where development or commercial activity of any sort is prohibited to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply.

“The Watershed Code’s goal is to shield the ecosystem and the communities benefiting from the watershed area from the dangers of commercial activity,” she said. Of course, she added, the city council can amend the Code but maybe that will defeat the purpose of enacting the Code in the first place.

Zozobrado said Dabawenyos are confronted with the stark reality that “when push comes to shove, we have to choose only one—water or power?” The fact however is that while the earth’s surface is 70% water, only a small part of the earth’s fresh water is actually potable or safe for human use.

“The importance of preserving watersheds, aquifer and other water resource for the primary purpose of sourcing potable water supply for the city could not be overemphasized,” she said. It is thus clear, she added, that the purpose of the authors of the Watershed Code in expressly prohibiting commercial activities in the watershed areas is to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply.