DTI-Davao banners 2013 milestones for MSME development

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 20 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has bannered some milestones on micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development it has achieved in 2013.

In its annual report, the agency has identified major accomplishments that have helped bolster the status of local MSMEs.

DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said various initiatives implemented by DTI with its partners last year yielded good results that made the agency hit its annual targets.

In the generation of domestic sales for the assisted MSMEs, DTI-Davao Region has reaped a total of P942.78 million or 18 percent above its annual target of P800 million.

The products that generated much of the domestic transactions include fresh and processed fruits such as banana, durian, mango, pineapple, and coconut; processed fish (tuna and pangasius); processed meat and vegetables; juice and beverages; handcrafted products; beauty and health; jewelry; and wood products.

Ambi revealed that the major initiatives that contributed to the increased domestic sales are the conduct of and participation in local and international trade fairs, and market facilitation.

Among the new products that showed promising potential in the domestic and export markets are chili powder, chili sauce, and chili paste produced by MSMEs in the Super Typhoon Pablo-affected areas of Davao Oriental.

“Though affected by Super Typhoon Pablo in 2012, these powdered chili makers have proven that we can really rise above the challenges,” Ambi said.

In the International Food Expo (IFEX) conducted in Manila last May 16-19, Davao Region had 23 participating MSMEs, generating total sales of P15.4 million.

Meanwhile, in the Manila FAME, another trade fair which is being spearheaded by DTI’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Davao Region MSMEs generated US$30,000 in total sales.

The Tindahang Pinoy, a ‘pasalubong center that showcases Davao Region’s authentic and sustainable products, on the other hand, reaped a total sales of P1.534 million from the 26 store locators. 

To aid the local MSMEs further, DTI-Davao Region has also launched and established 34 shared service facilities (SSF) as of December last year.

The said 34 projects have a total project cost of P9.253 million, assisting 930 MSMEs and generating 1,845 jobs.

“The SSF, being an intervention that provides the needed equipment and facilities for MSMEs who are not yet capable to buy their own, is actually geared towards helping them improve their productivity so that they can increase their sales or income, Ambi said.

However, she added that since it is a shared facility, it must always be noted that MSMEs who need the same kind of facility granted to one association or organization can actually use it as well.

Ambi said this year, DTI-Davao Region will continue to implement programs, projects, and activities that will further improve the local MSMEs.

“We will continue to look for innovative and tailor-fit interventions for them,” she said. (DTI-11/JenMendoza)

Early intervention vital in managing autism

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 20 – Celebrating the Autism Consciousness Week from January 19-25, parents of children with autism as well as support groups led by Autism Society Philippines –Davao Chapter (ASP) continue to emphasize early intervention as very crucial in order to properly handle Persons with Autism (PWA).

Utilization of early and consistent intervention programs as well as correct knowledge of family members on Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD make a lot of difference in raising PWAs, pointed out Alma Yu, mother of 21-year old Pocholo, a PWA.

Alma and husband Randy have patiently and lovingly raised Pocholo whom family and friends fondly called Popo who can now interact with people and has learned to cook rice and wash dishes, among others.

Guesting in a DSWD radio program Friday over DXRP Radyo ng Bayan, Yu said, “I have brought with me Popo today as part of his continuing education and exposure. He even helped me locate the radio station. It’s a miracle! Thank God for Popo. Before, Popo could not talk, he could only shout loud. I had to borrow books and read hand outs on ASD so we could provide what he needed. I also exchanged notes with other parents just to be able to know more about the condition and deal with it head on.”

To other parents, Yu urged, “What is important is the family’s acceptance and doing what is necessary like providing early interventions and improving perception of family members and others in the immediate community. With God’s help we can do something about this. Let us not lose hope. You are not alone. We are here to help you.”

Yu as a mother and as member of ASP Davao said they will utilize all possible information dissemination outlets to let the people understand ASD and really get to them the right information in order for them to be more receptive and tolerant of PWAs.

She shared that it was through DSWD that the self-help group of parents of PWAs in Davao City was organized in 1996.

Febe Matthews, a mother of a 12-year old child with autism pointed out that her affiliation with ASP helped her in dealing with her child. She said she was able to interact and learn from other parents the best interventions for her child as each PWA is classified and unique and requires different modes of management

Matthews hopes though that government will subsidize the Php 2,000 assessment fee for ASD that is being charged by developmental paediatricians “so other families that can hardly afford could avail such procedure.”

Result of ASD Assessment is needed in prescribing and providing appropriate intervention for a particular PWA case.

ASD is a development disability that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed by the brain which causes problems in communication, learning and social behavior.

Typically, it appears during the child’s first three years and is four times more common in males than in females.

Found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds, persons with ASD live normal life spans while behaviors associated with it may change and disappear over time.

Clusters of symptoms include lack of language skills, extremely short attention span, absence of response when attention is called, little or absence of eye contact, repetitive body movements such as hand clapping and rocking, fixation on a single object such as spinning fan, and usually strong resistance to changes in routines.

The theme for the week-long observance is Katuparan ng Karapatan ng Pilipinong may Autismo, Isulong Mo, Ngayon Na.

Lined up activities include Angel’s Walk at SM Lanang Premier –January 19, Stress Management Workshop at SM City Davao Annex –January 23, and Sensory Friendly Movie at SM City Davao Cinema 4 –January 25,

ASP Davao President Eric De La Costa invites parents, teachers, professionals and friends to show their love, support and solidarity by joining the events.

“Please do help us develop our PWAs to be self-reliant, productive and socially accepted by the community,” De La Costa appealed.

Further information on ASD and ASP may be obtained by connecting to 0905-2701910. (DSWD-11/Carmela Cadigal-Duron)

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Dabaonons bid farewell to the ‘man of the masses’

DAVAO DEL NORTE – The inclement weather seemed to have expressed sympathy to the people of Davao del Norte when they sent former Governor Gelacio P. Gementiza off to his final resting place.

Amid pouring rain, hundreds of family, friends, officials and supporters accompanied the past patriarch of the province to his grave at about 2:30 pm last Sunday at his backyard in Apokon, Tagum City.

Dubbed as the governor of the masses”, Yayong’s term as governor from 2004 to 2007 was characterized as a period of sustained progress for Davao del Norte.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario acknowledged Yayong for sustaining the gains of the province and for espousing rational politics that primarily focused on the benefit of the masses.

He recalled Gementiza’s humble beginnings, describing his success story as inspirational, particularly for ordinary people who are willing to serve the public.

“Yayong is a testament that politics is not only for the rich,” he said, at the necrological services, during Gementiza’s wake at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan on Friday.

As a migrant from Bohol, Gementiza started out as a fledgling sidewalk vendor and tricycle operator before rising to become vice mayor of Tagum in 1967. Since then, he became a permanent fixture in local politics.

He became mayor in 1972 and was elected Vice Governor of Davao del Norte in 1980. He returned as mayor when Tagum became a component city in 1998, receiving yet another mandate in the 2001 polls.

In 2004, del Rosario gave way to Yayong to fulfill his dream of becoming governor.

1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario recognized Yayong for helping “shape the socio-economic, cultural and political landscape of Davao del Norte.”

The representative, who was Yayong’s vice governor at the time, said among the milestones of the former governor’s administration include the sustaining of the minimum basic needs (MBN) strategy, reorganization of the Provincial Human Resources Management Office, scholarship program on post-graduate studies for Capitol employees and extending emergency and soft loans to provincial officials and employees, and the likes.

His strong support to the sector of women and their children also capped with the start of the P23-million Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program and the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award received by the province under his watch.

Yayong also reorganized and strengthened the Provincial Task Force on Illegal Logging which led to the seizure of over ten truckloads of hot logs and more than 30 cases filed in court.

The representative further recalled Yayong’s dedication to peace and order was best exemplified in an instance when the former governor personally negotiated the successful release of a child from a deranged hostage taker.

Yayong was further respected as an astute political strategist, who often outsmarted those who took him for granted.

“He was full of surprises... He really earned my respect,” the older del Rosario said.(Noel Baguio_DavNor PIO)

New peaking power plant starts operation in Tagum

By: Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY- A 15-megawatt heavy fuel oil peaking power plant based in Magdum, Tagum City is expected to boost the electricity-starved Mindanao grid with its formal inauguration last January 17, 2014.

The 610 million-peso investment of the EEI Power Corporation, one of the firms under the Yuchengco Group of Companies, is a diesel-fired power plant, which will cater the needs of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO).

The Tagum bunker diesel-fired power plant, which will be dispatched to meet peak demand, is 100-percent owned by EEI.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon said this is a welcome development for the city, which is served by DANECO to at least curtail the power shortage in the city and make it friendlier for businesses.

The local chief executive added that this is important to entice more businessmen to pour their investments in the city.

“We don’t claim to solve the problem in power but we are here offer a little help for the city and for our people to send their children to school and feed them,” said EEI President Roberto Jose L. Castillo, referring to their 54-man team composed mainly of Tagum residents.

The plant operates on peaking hours from 8 AM to 10 PM.(Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

DavNor classes suspended anew

DAVAO DEL NORTE – Governor Rodolfo del Rosario again ordered the suspension of classes from kindergarten to high school in the province on January 20, 2014.

OIC-Provincial Information Officer Romulo Tagalo said del Rosario issued the order as part of the precautionary measures implemented by the province, after PAGASA hoisted Signal No. 1 over Davao del Norte due to Tropical Depression Agaton.

Tagalo, who is also Executive Director of the joint Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management  Council (PDRRMC) and Climate Change Adaptation Council, added the governor also activated the incident command center on Sunday, recalling the in-house RDR Rescue Team of the PDRRM Operation Center.

It can be recalled that the governor also suspended classes in the province last January 13, 2014 due to massive flooding that resulted from intermittent rains brought about by the low pressure area.

The PDRRM-Op Cen has since resumed monitoring the water level of the major rivers in the province, which swelled and caused widespread flooding in Tagum City and five other municipalities, as well as, rendered some major roads impassable to vehicles last week.

PAGASA said that as of 4:00 Sunday the center of TD Agaton was 215 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum winds of 55 km/hour and rainfall amount of 5-15 mm per hour within the 300 km diameter of the storm.

It is forecast to move southeast at 5 kph and expected to be 155 km southeast of Davao City on Monday and 60 km southeast of Gen. Santos City by Tuesday afternoon.(Noel Baguio-DavNor PIO)

Aid reaches LPA affected town

MANAY, Davao Oriental, January 20, 2014 (PIA) — Some 2,279 families have received relief goods Sunday January 19 in five barangays in the town of Manay, one of the east coast towns greatly affected by the heavy flooding and landslides brought about by the recent Low Pressure Area (LPA).

Residents in the five villages that include Central, Zaragosa, Holy Cross, San Ignacio, and San Isidro said they were happy and relieved as the promised aid finally came.

The relief packs which the provincial government requested from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) contains six kilos of rice, six cans of sardines, 10 packs of noodles and coffee.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon who personally distributed the relief goods urged the residents to stay strong and united in the face of this crisis. She appealed to everyone to continue offering prayers to spare not only the province from more calamities but as well as other places in the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Malanyaon warned the townspeople to prepare once more for the impending Tropical Depression Agaton which may hit the province.

She asked the people to follow instructions and not to resist the authorities should there be a need to evacuate. “Do not be a burden to our authorities as they are only facilitating your safety,” she said.

In her message, Gov. Malanyaon mentioned the village of Marayag in Lupon where residents heed the warnings of the Philippine Army to evacuate. “Although 164 houses were totally destroyed, which were run down by huge rocks and debris by a rushing flash flood, hardly was there any casualty,” she said.

While the desperate ordeal of the province is already in privy, help from different organizations and individuals also came, such as Senator Cynthia Villar who sent hundreds of blankets for the affected families and the Manuel V. Pangilinan Group (MVP) of Companies who recently expressed interest to help. Both came to Davao Oriental’s aid during the typhoon Pablo onslaught in 2012.

Meanwhile, relief operations are simultaneously ongoing in the affected areas in the rest of the province. These were airlifted via two military choppers while other were ferried through boats from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard or transported by land.

Governor Malanyaon thanked all the government agencies who extended help. Among them is the DSWD for the relief goods, the PNP and the Philippine Army for facilitating order and helping in the rescue and relief efforts, and the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy for battling huge waves just to transport relief goods to the areas affected. (By Karen Lou Deloso)

Davao Oriental gears up for ‘Agaton’

DAVAO ORIENTAL, January 20, 2014 (PIA) — Preparations have already been made as the province braces for ‘Agaton’, a tropical depression that recently developed into a typhoon.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said that the province which was just placed under a State of Calamity due to the recent Low Pressure Area is now gearing up for typhoon Agaton anticipated to hit a part of the province.

While weather updates are consistently monitored at the province’s Central Command Post, Governor Malanyaon said that advisories were already disseminated to all action officers as well as local officials in the whole province.

“We are already anticipating the worse. That’s why we really need to act now and be prepared,” she said.

Placed under Public Storm Warning Signal number one that may bring heavy rains and strong winds, Governor Malanyaon yesterday ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in private and public schools.

“Some school children lives in very remote areas and has to walk miles in landslide prone areas or crossing through rivers just to reach their schools. These are likely to be dangerous, should the weather worsen.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said that pre-emptive evacuation were also initiated in some parts of the province especially those located in danger zones such as landslide prone areas, shorelines, near riverbanks, and low lying zones.

Troops from the military and the police forces were also placed on standby. Col. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. 701st Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army said military forces are already mobilized, ready to respond should the disaster happen.

Meanwhile, during the relief operation yesterdayin the town of Manay, Governor Malanyaon warned the residents to heed to the advisories and instructions of the authorities.

She added that residents in the three towns of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga, which were previously devastated by typhoon Pablo in 2012 now cooperates well to authorities when it comes to disaster preparedness and evacuation.

“It’s not too difficult to convince them this time,” she said.

Furthermore, Gov. Malanyaon appealed to everyone to pray for everyone’s safety from the looming disaster. “While there can be an inevitable loss of properties, we can only hope for everybody’s safety. That is our goal,” she said. (By Karen Lou Deloso, photos by Davao Oriental Information Office)