Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 135 Supplement | August 20-21, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 135

Serving a seamless society

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KADAYAWAN FRUITS THAT CAN BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

rgans, cells, tissues, and proteins – all these comprise your immune system. “Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease,” wrote Medical News Today’s Lana Burgess.

Organs, cells, tissues, and proteins – all these comprise your immune system. “Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease,” wrote Medical News Today’s Lana Burgess. “When the immune system comes into contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response,” Burgess continued. “The immune system releases antibodies, which attach to antigens on the pathogens and kill them.”

Incorporating specific foods into the diet may strengthen your immune response. Thus, the Department of Health urges Filipinos to watch what they eat during this time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. They are advised to eat more fruits and vegetables. “Fruit is an overlooked but powerful tool to boost your immune system and keep it strong all year long,” said American journalist Jack Owens. So, instead of stressing about the prospect of being infected with the dreaded virus, why

don’t you eat the following fruits, which abound during this Kadayawan sa Dabaw festivity? Durian “If you can only have one, go for the best – durian!” said American missionary Steve Hyde. Scientist Rod Estigoy also goes for durian “because it has exotic and unique odor and flavor.” Hawaii resident Renato Tan likewise indorses durian as the fruit is “completely nutritious.” Award-winning photographer Alberto Garcia had his first taste of durian when he was invited by then Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to go with him along with then Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in a market. “Unang subo ko muntik na akong magduwal pero ‘yung pangalawang subo ko, masarap na.” Touted to be the “king of tropical fruits,” durian is very distinctive due to its large size, strong odor and thorn-covered rind. You either hate it or love it. One non-Asian scribe described the fruit this way: “It smells like hell but tastes like heaven.” The smell doesn’t go away immediately. In

fact, the odor may linger for several days that most hotels and public transportation services ban the fruit. As durian abounds this season, you get to see Dabawenyos eating durian in the street corners where the fruit is being sold. They eat it with gusto together with their favorite cold soft drinks. Durian is not only for eating. The fruit is also used to flavor a wide variety of sweet edibles such as cakes, rose biscuits, ice cream, mooncakes, and cappuccino. It can also be made into chips. In Thailand, it is often eaten fresh with sweet sticky rice. Mangosteen Miguel Ongpin, a former journalist who’s now into the food business, considers mangosteen as his most favorite. “(The fruit) has been my favorite since early childhood,” he explains. “It has an enigmatic taste I cannot adequately describe. On paper, I should not like it but I am completely in love with it.” You will definitely recognize this fruit as it stands out for its round form and purple color. Until now, no one knows where

it originated but it grows among the varieties. well in Southeast Asia. In Longkong, introduced from the Philippines, it profusely Thailand, is almost seedless grows in Davao, Cotabato, and the skin has no latex. and Zamboanga. Lanzones fruits can Mangosteen is highly be bottled in syrup. Its valued for its juicy, delicate hard wood, which is thick, texture and slightly heavy and resilient, can be sweet and sour flavor. It used in the construction is touted as the “queen of rural houses. Don’t of tropical fruits” and is throw away the skin; it can often paired with durian. be used to treat diarrhea. In Chinese food therapy, Some Filipinos burn the mangosteen is considered dried skin as a mosquito “cooling,” making it a good repellent. counterbalance to the Marang “heaty” durian. Closely related to the Mangosteen has a lot jackfruit and breadfruit, of followers. There was marang is native to this legend about Queen Palawan and Mindanao. Victoria who offered a It is considered superior reward of 100 pounds in flavor to its relatives. sterling to anyone who Marang has a strong scent could bring her the fresh like durian but not so fruit. intense. What is good is “No other fruit, for me, is that the odor is in the thick so thrillingly, intoxicatingly skin and not in the pulp. luscious… I’d rather eat one It’s hard to describe than a hot fudge sundae, its taste so here which for a big Ohio boy what Wikipedia says: is saying a lot,” wrote “The taste has hints of a journalist and gourmet R. mild creamy, almost juicy W. Apple, Jr. annona-longan like texture Lanzones with hints of the jackfruit “It’s uniquely sweet taste and there’s a mild with a jelly-like feel when hint aftertaste (similar to you bite into it,” describes the pungent outer rind, far Dr. Armando Lee of his much milder), and is best favorite fruit, lanzones. when not allowed to ripen Multi-awarded Manila- thoroughly on the tree.” based journalist Jonathan One blogger describes L. Mayuga also handpicked marang as “a fruit that this fruit as his favorite. smells like gasoline and When it comes to tastes like pears, jackfruit lanzones, Camiguin is not and pineapple.” He went on far behind as it celebrates its to say: “For those who love harvest with the Lanzones jackfruit but aren’t quite Festival. But the fruit also ready to tackle a durian yet, grows well in Davao so it is marang is a tasty middle included in the Kadayawan ground.” Festival. Once you have eaten There are three known one whole marang, don’t varieties. The Duku is sweet throw away those small with a delectable flavor; seeds, which can be roasted its fruits are round and the or boiled as a snack. Once pericarp is thick. Paete roasted or boiled, the seeds has elongated fruits and it taste like potatoes and is considered the smallest FKADAYAWAN, S13

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Dabawenyo creativity

spells resiliency

By MAYA M. PADILLO

rive or walk around the city and you will find a range of shutdown businesses -from restaurants to retail stores, hotels, and real estate companies. The list goes on and on. While some establishments ceased operations, others are not giving up. Instead, they’re testing out new ideas to make sure they stay in business. Staying afloat during Covid-19 requires new approaches and entails creativity and doing smart decisions in these challenging times. Some Dabawenyos came up with business ideas to navigate past the challenges and ensure their businesses survive. Their creative response comes in many forms. Marlon Nino B. Escalicas, licensed broker of MCLE Realty, is exploring different online avenues to push the properties that his group is selling. Real estate is one of the industries that is significantly hit by the pandemic. Although, the need for buying a house is still there, but a lot of buyers are on a wait-andsee attitude and holding their plans on buying properties. He saw the need to adopt to effective digital

marketing strategies as buyers are already shifting online when shopping for real estate properties “Thus, we need to maintain a strong online presence and develop creative contents to attract the market. It is a matter of convincing them that real estate is still a stable and less risky investment at the same time boosting their buying mode by presenting good deals from developers and sellers,” he said. Selling and transacting face-to-face with their clients remain challenging due to the observance of physical distancing and mass gathering guidelines. “So far, we are getting more inquiries and closings online. It was easier to promote our company and the projects we carry the digital way. Even closing deals are done faster since clients are already open to paying online. Digital is the future of real estate and real estate agents have to imbibe this to survive,” Escalicas said. The Covid-19 pandemic brought travel to a standstill, causing massive job and revenue losses. Travel agency and tour operator, Pia Lourdes Partoza-Montano, who owns Par Travel and

Tours, adapted business survival scheme during the pandemic such as cutting down on fixed operating expenses like rent, telephone lines, mobile lines, and electricity. “We had to get a second source of income. In my case, I got a second job teaching Tourism Subjects at a local university,” Montano said.

Covid-19 has been a wake-up call for how people manage their money and set financial goals. Some are saving for a rainy day instead of a holiday. “The investments we made in the past (example Prulife and Manulife) really helped us a lot during the pandemic. It is really wise to invest because you’ll never know when you would need it,” Montano said. She added that they moved their office in a different location and updated their clients on their new office and contact details and utilizes Googlemaps and Facebook Page. “Although the company is still on 30 percent operations, we are open to serve our clients who need our services. We may still be

on survival mode but I am hopeful that the industry will start recovery by 2022,” Montano said. Digital and e-commerce sectors have also boomed amid the Covid-19 crisis. Ruth GabuteroVelasco, owner of Angelgarnet Travel and Tours, is now doing online live selling when her travel agency was temporarily closed since March last year. But she is also generating income from a very small profit from airline bookings as well as from travel insurance issuances, local hotel bookings, and local tours. “We have to find ways to survive, online business is the latest trend, I only started selling my pre- loved items then my online selling grows bigger. I gain friends and

suppliers who consigned their items to me, since I noticed the increased in sales. I venture into another platform of selling using the live selling method,” she said. Velasco said in the past four months her sales grew. She is now doing two live selling in a week for at least two hours and per live generated income that can help sustain her daily needs. “Thus, Ruthie’s Ala Mode Fashion was created and is now selling apparels, shoes, bags both brand new and pre loved, items also from generic brands to luxury are sold in my page. Not only that, I also sell goods from Japan, Europe and USA. People sometimes laughed at me as I am also selling ramen, kitchen wares etc. Everything that

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A KADAYAWAN FOOD CELEBRATION DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Seda Abreeza’s Osso Bucco.

Luk Foo at Acacia Hotel’s Peking Duck.

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

IT is Kadayawan season once again and while the pandemic has not ended yet, there is still a reason to celebrate safely at home with Durianburg’s iconic festival going online and many of the city’s hotels offering unique Kadayawan feasts ready for pick-up or delivery for everyone to enjoy.

All boxed up For this Kadayawan, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao launched its newest Indulgence Line that offers items that are inspired by the rich and colorful culture of Davao Region. The line is made of three unique food boxes which can be ordered for pick-up or delivery. Featuring Davao’s famous Malagos Cheese, the Grazing Box is sure to add a wow factor to your tabletops. Each box comes with Malagos Goat Cheese, Flavored Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Walnut, Cashews, Pistachios, Feta Bread, Lavoush, Pepperoni, Dried Mangoes and Prunes, Hummus and Babaganoush Spread. The box also includes a bottle of non-alcoholic wine or a local fruit wine (as allowed by local liquor guidelines). For a taste of Mindanao’s unique culinary gems reflecting Davao City’s unique cultural identity, there is the Halal in a Box. Highlighting the rich flavors and recipes borrowed from the different tribes of Davao. The box comes with servings of Beef Kulma, Chicken Pyanggang, Fish Piyalam and Tuna Pastil Borettos. For those with a sweet tooth, there is the Dessert in a Box. This decadent box features Dabawenyo-infused dessert

dishes from the hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Luk Foo Palace, such as Yang Chow Fried Rice, Beef Broccoli, Buchi and even Peking Duck. Local and Western favor-

Kadayawan Set Meal with Malagos Chocolate Sauce by Park Inn by Radisson Davao. favorites. The selection includes a Tiramisu made with local civet coffee, Langka Profiteroles, Mango Cream Cake, Waterfront Davao’s famous Brigadeiro, Basque Burnt Cheesecake made with world-renowned Malagos Chocolates, Chocolate Cakesicle, Chocolate and Green Tea Mouse, Cheese Tart and Chocolate Truffle. A grilling good time What is a Filipino festival without the grill? Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s RBG is offering a unique take on your native grilled favorites. Enjoy a platter of succulent BBQ specialities served with a unique Malagos chocolate sauce. For just P2,400 for the Succulent BBQ Platter, the set includes a choice of grilled meats, soup and Park Inn’s Durian Bread Pudding. The Succulent BBQ Platter is for dine in, take out or delivery until end of August. On-the-go delights Making it easier for Dabawenyos to enjoy their favorite dishes, Acacia Hotel Davao recently launched their online

Waterfront Hotel’s Grazing Box which features Magalos Chocolate.

shop at https://shop.acaciahotelsgroup.com/#p-acacia-davao. “We want to make it easier for our guests to enjoy our specialties without compromising their safety by going outside. Delicious food can always bring joy to everyone, especially in these trying times. Now that people are more comfortable in staying at home, their favorites are made easier to reach and the feeling of dining in a restaurant or hotel is still there with the hotel’s online shop” says the Resident Manager, Agot Serrano. Home diners can order an assortment of Cantonese

Benjarong’s Gang Phed Ped Yang. ites are also available from the hotel’s All-day Dining Restaurant, Waling Waling Café at the site. Their scrumptious Party Trays such as Seafood Chopsuey, Pepper Corn Crusted Pork Loin and Chicken Cordon Bleu has generous servings that 10 persons can enjoy. These OnThe-Go Party Trays are perfect for your intimate celebrations at home. Old favorites to-go For those who wish to enjoy their favorite dishes from Seda Abreeza Hotel’s multi-awarded restaurant, Misto, Seda Abreeza offers a variety of Food-to-Go

boxes from traditional Filipino breakfast choices, to their famous Roasted Angus Short Plate, Misto Grazing Box, and succulent Baby Back Ribs. Enjoy Misto’s best-selling dishes in the privacy and convenience of your home or work place all prepared according to the highest safety and hygiene standards. To order your own Food-toGo Box, one can call 082-3228888 or email dining.abreeza@ sedahotels.com. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior. Going Thai Kadayawan is all about sharing and learning different cultures, so why not try some Thai cuisine? Authentic Thai dishes can now be relished in the comfort one’s home, as Benjarong Bar and Restaurant of Dusit Davao is now on the delivery app Foodpanda. “We are happy to share this news to everyone, to give avid Thai food lovers the option to enjoy the cuisine safely and confidently in their homes,” says Christoph Kuch, Hotel Manager. Many of the restaurant’s signature dishes are on the menu, including the famous Phad Thai, Som Tam, and Mango Sticky Rice. Chef Suthin Songmuang shares, “it is great to know that people from Davao crave for food from Benjarong, and we would be happy to reach out to them if they can’t come to the restaurant.” Other cakes and pastries were also included in the roster of culinary delights on the app. So while we may still be apart and not together dancing on the streets in this year’s Kadayawan, we can still celebrate the beauty and bounty of the season with the season’s flavors together safely at home.

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POLITICS IN TIME OF KADAYAWAN The business of politics: Sara: to run or not to run

Sara: To run or not to run?

poiler alert: This is mere speculation as no one, not even her parents and her political allies, knows whether Mayor Sara Duterte will run for President. By the way, if she were to be believed, the answer to the question would only be known within the first week of October (until October 8 including weekends), the days when presidential candidates and others who are gunning for national positions and representatives of partylist groups will troop to the Palace del Gobernador, the headquarters of the Commission on Elections, in Intramuros, Manila to file their certificates of candidacies. Unlike her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, who had to substitute a partymate days after the last day of filing of candidacies 2016 to become his party’s bet, the mayor admitted that she does not have that luxury because she does not have a national party as the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) which she founded is just considered as a regional one. However, HnP has slow-

ly become the single most powerful party in the country as national parties have been negotiating for a coalition with it that it will soon gobble up even the party of her father, the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) as the latter is not only undergoing a messy squabble within itself but that many of its leaders have signified their desire to support her candidacy. But the question lingers on. In January, the mayor said she was determined to abandon the call for her to run for the highest position. Up until last month, the mayor’s position did not change. However, last month, the tone started to slowly change. This was after several groups, including those that were part of the ones campaigning for her father’s candidacy in 2016, started to call her to run. The groups, without the mayor’s consent, even plastered banners to call her to run, thus, the battlecry “Run, Sara, Run” started populate the roads and other strategic places that it was it was impossible to

ignore the call. Last month, after failing to persuade her supporters to abandon their call, Sara decided to soften her stance as she announced that she would conduct grassroots consultations to feel the pulse of the people whether there really was a clamor for her to succeed her father. Since that announcement, the mayor has been mum over what has transpired so far in these consultations even as the HnP, through its spokesperson, former Davao del Norte governor Anthony del Rosario, announced that in case she decides to run, she will even do it as independent. One glaring difference in character between her and her father, the mayor admitted once, is that her father may rush things up, while she is a planner that everything must be laid out before she decides to undertake a major decision. And running for the highest position in the country is a major decision. But then again, after a month of consultations, is there a possibility that she is convinced that the people really wanted her to

become their leader? For outsiders, the possibility is staring her on the face, but to convince her is another story. The mayor now knows that the support has long snowballed and there is no way for her to ignore it. Running for President, therefore, is the only logical answer. But then again, she is Sara Duterte and everyone else is not. So in less than two months, she will tell everyone one the answer. So for those anxiously waiting for it, just relax and don’t speculate. (AMA)

MESSAGE I am one with my fellow Davaoeños as we celebrate this year’s Kadayawan Festival. Despite all the difficulties and challenges of our present circumstance, there are still many things that we—as Davaoeños— should be proud of and grateful for during Kadayawan. The overflowing abundance of our lands and waters and the remarkable harmony of our different cultures have made our city prosperous and vibrant and our people happy and hopeful. Let us therefore work together and help each other so that we can overcome the present pandemic and restore the vitality of our beloved city moving forward. May today’s celebration serve as a prelude to the year ahead— full of hope, joy and abundance for each and every one of us. Happy Kadayawan festival! CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE T. GO PASAY 20 August 2021

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Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office of the Vice Governor

MESSAGE Madayaw! We are one in mind and heart with Dabawenyos in celebrating the 36th anniversary of the iconic Kadayawan Festival. Cotabateños share in the pride and honor of being Nature’s abundant repository of flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples. We likewise share in Dabawenyos’ fervent prayers and hope that one day soon we will have a more joyful celebration as we overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. Happy Kadayawan everyone.

EMMYLOU-TALIÑO MENDOZA Vice Governor/Presiding Officer Sangguniang Panlalawigan

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Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives Office of the 3rd Congressional District Davao City MESSAGE Madayaw, fellow Dabawenyos! Despite the pandemic, we, Dabawenyos remember the greatness and compassion of the heavens for all the blessings that have been showered on us through the years. This has always been Kadayawan Festival’s raison d’ etre or reason for being, our way of thanking the Creator for the bountiful bonanza of development, social services, public weal and all. We in the 3rd District are aware and mighty proud that we are Nature’s repository of abundant flora, fauna and indigenous peoples, the causes celebres of this iconic celebration.

We miss the old ways of celebrating the festival but everything will be much better soon as we steadfastly remain a disciplined, united and resilient people. Happy Kadayawan! ISIDRO T. UNGAB Representative 3rd Congressional District Davao city

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Festival mood at Legacy Leisure

“O

ne of the main considerations in planning an event is the space,” said Candice Respicio of the Zegen Group, an Davao based events management company that holds an impressive list of clients from the private, corporate and political sectors. “The wide outdoor area of Legacy Leisure can be an exciting venue for a private festival like the Kadayawan for its residents. The amenities can be used for other purposes other than its intended use,” she added. Impressive and unique is how to describe the amenity area of CrisRon Legacy Leisure Residences, the rising condominium project along Ma-a Road. “It is unique because our design goes the opposite direction of the regulated community developments which allots 30% of the total area to open space. Legacy Leisure’s open space will occupy 70% of the 2.4-hectare project,” said Clark Yap of CrisRon Holiday Builders, Inc. “To make the open space impressive, Legacy Leisure is going worldclass on its amenity development. Across the wide open space will be an Olympic size swimming

pool and spray park for kids; sports areas to include basketball and tennis courts, a putting green and jogging track; family areas like the picnic area with a barbecue pit, and a park. Fun and leisure is amplified and this is a step from your door,” Yap added. Community bonding will be more exciting on a special season like this. Activities won’t be limited to a pocket-sized amenity area like the social hall or the perimeter of a small pool. Imagine visiting a world-class resort, this is what Legacy Leisure is aiming for. This though will be private, exclusive for its residents. Zegen’s concept for a Kadayawan Festival theme is incorporating the best of Davao in the venue for the weekend holiday. Zones can be created for people to mingle. The basketball court can be turned into a fruit and fresh vegetable

market from local growers; the tennis court can be the curated food zone selling special delicacies; and the park can be the “green bazaar” selling Davao’s best flowers and plants. “The wonderful thing about this novel idea is it

is private and safe, plus the residents can take part in the commerce, if not, they can be the sellers themselves. For sure, ther will be residents who are good cooks and artists,” said Candice. The tribal beats of the

11 tribes of Mindanao can get everyone into the Kadayawan vibe. A guest artist can serenade the revelers with local tunes and residents can tae part in the entertainment. The picnic area and the barbecue pit, which will serve its intend-

ed purpose, will be the perfect entertainment area. While social gatherings is a common activity in every condominium, Legacy Leisure Residences will be set apart with its capacity to host a festival level event.

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Alcantara Family donates land to boost public access road development in Alabel

LABEL, SARANGANI (July 28, 2021) – Over 12,000 square meters of land recently donated by the Alcantara Family is seen by the Municipal Local Government of Alabel to speed up the completion of a much-needed local access road which could provide link of development between the town proper and the barangays. Mr. Alejandro I. Alca- active driver of Saranntara, President and CEO gani’s growth, upholdof Sarangani Agricultural ing our parents’ vision Company, Inc. (SACI), who of enhancing the quality signed the Deed of Dona- of life in this communition (DOD) representing ty,” Alcantara added. the donor, said that as During the virtual Alabel celebrates its 50th DOD signing held on founding anniversary, the Wednesday, July 28, Mr. family has decided to turn Alcantara was joined by over a portion of their his sister, Mrs. Rosvida property to the town as Alcantara-Dominguez, gesture of gratitude to who is the Executive LGU-Alabel and the Pro- Vice President of Alsons vincial Government of Sa- Development and Inrangani for hosting their vestment Corporation company for 57 years. (Alsons Dev), the fami“This will not only ly’s real estate company provide a convenient known for building and alternate access to and nurturing vibrant resifrom Alabel but will also dential and commercial pave the way for new communities in Davao developments in the City. She is the mother of municipality. This is con- former Sarangani Goversistent with our family’s nor Migs Dominguez. commitment to be an ‘’We, at Alsons Dev,

DABAWENYO... FROMS4

are always ready to be a major contributor in establishing Alabel as the next premium address in SoCCSKSarGen Region,” Mrs. Dominguez said. For his part, Municipal Mayor Vic Paul Salarda expressed his “unwavering admiration and respect to the Alcantara Family.” “The family has been consistent in showing genuine engagement, compassion and generosity to their community,” Salarda said. “With this act of benevolence of the Alcantaras, our dream of developing a public access road to connect the Libertad Road to the Sarangani-Davao del Sur Coastal Road, is now becoming a reality,” Salarda added. For years, the Alcantara Family has been credited for donating properties used as sites of schools, among other

can be sold actually,” she said. According to her, doing online business and live selling help her and her son and sustain their bills. She is also offering her service as personal shopper. “Sometimes shoppers will make a request on a particular product and I source it,” she said. For Velasco, selling online is very reliable business since most of the people now are hesitant to go the malls but instead

buy items online. “Especially when they trust the seller and the fact that they know the authenticity of the items bought and the convenience of having the items delivered at their door steps,” she said. Joy Pasia, co-owner of Katsu Country, said the decision not to pause operations was the most challenging as to ensure business continuity amid the pandemic. Pasia said they widened their

distribution system via food apps or delivery services for the restaurant to continue catering the public while following the safety protocols. It is difficult to know what will happen next. Hence, some small business owners seized the moment to adapt smart ideas and be innovative for their businesses to be viable in this volatile and uncertain times.

chestnuts. Rambutan “Are rambutans already bearing fruits?” asked Marilou Eplite, who will be visiting Davao soon. She now lives in Florida but wants to visit her family. She hopes that when she’s home, rambutan is already in abundance. The name came from the Malay word rambut which means “hair, in reference to the numerous hair protuberances of the fruits. Recently, it has been named as the COVID-19 fruit as it resembles the coronavirus. Aside from the Philippines, rambutan is widely cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand. For those who have not tried it yet, here’s how it tastes: “The firm soft white rambutan

fruit itself is quite sweet and not so filling. It’s soft, juicy and quite sticky if you don’t wash it from your fingers. But in the mouth, it stays fresh and is very palatable.” Pomelo Neal W. Seaborn, an American missionary who used to live in Davao, hates to choose his favorite fruits but singled out pomelo as one of them. Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit and the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. Just like the grapefruit, it has potential for drug interactions. Some studies show it may cause adverse effects through the inhibition of cytochrome P450mediated metabolism of prescription drugs such as antihypertensives and anticoagulants. Nutrition-wise,

pomelo is excellent. The raw fruit is 89% water, 10% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and contains negligible fat. It is rich in vitamin C (73% of the daily value). Most Filipinos eat pomelo with salt. There are those who eat just raw and it still tastes good. Jessie Ponce, a blogger, shares an idea that pomelo is an antievil fruit. “The Chinese consider pomelo as the ‘fruit of reunion,’” he wrote. “It is among the traditional food being served during the mid-autumn festival or mooncake festival because it has a round shape and the sweet fruit is believed to scare off evil. In ritual baths, the Chinese boil the skins and the leaves of the pomelo to ‘ritually cleanse a person and repel evil.’”

KADAYAWAN... FROMS2

public projects, in Sarangani Province and General Santos City. “Salamat po sa isa na namang tulong na ibinigay sa atin ng pamilya.

Dapat din po malaman ng mga kababayan natin na kung hindi po dahil sa kagandahang-loob ng mga Alcantara, wala po tayong site na ki-

natatayuan ngayon ng kapitolyo ng Sarangani Province,” said Councilor Hermie Galzote, who witnessed for LGU-Alabel during the DOD signing.

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ver the last year since the virtual Kadayawan in 2020 we in the business community have tried our best to help many businesses not only survive, but thrive in the new normal. When we talk about such things the word innovation often comes into mind. Innovation, it must be remembered involves two main areas: doing the same thing in a new way, or doing new things to achieve the same purpose, which I this case is sustaining businesses and livelihoods. Against the backdrop of the unprecedented economic challenges of 2020, several elements of Davao’s business community stand out in how they have been able to innovate and thrive. Innovation is also a theme pushed b business groups such as the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and industry, as it partnered early with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology to form the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC), furthering the aims of the Innovation Act of 2018 to spur innovation among local businesses. It is worthwhile to look at many businesses in the city, which forged ahead with innovations to help them build resilience and creativity, which are essential elements for enterpris-

es in the new normal. In the agribusiness sector which is major component of Davao’s business community, Casuga Farms began as a producer of high quality fruits including cacao. As 2020 came in, the company, led by former Davao City Chamber of Commerce Vice President Cherrylin Casuga and her parents and other family members embarked on establishing a farm school that is one of the first agricultural training centers offering TESDA accredited farming courses including organic agriculture. Produce of their recent graduates are now sold at a major mall based supermarket in the city. This farm school also pioneered in making local cheese and milk products and the Davao Box, an innovative product that brings Davao’s favorite fruits and delicacies straight to the homes of friends and loved ones in the national capital region in the iconic pomelo box, providing a new market for local farm produce. The company ships almost 100 kilos of products weekly to Metro Manila. Likewise gaining popularity are farm resorts and farm based restaurants. Drawing in many customers is the famous Annipie bakeshop and restaurant, which has expanded in 2020 to different Mindanao cities and has recently opened Annipie at the

EDGEDAVAO Supplement

A year of

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innovation JOHN CARLO B. TRIA

Environmental Counselors, Inc. Farm , a farm based resto in the Partoza Durian Farm in Matina Biao serving their favorite dishes including their well known cinnamon pastries. This concept brings the table to the farm, creating a restful breezy ambience to make a safe, and relatively easy to reach getaway for that long lunch within which the food and local fruits are enjoyed. Another is Jamelle gardens in the cool clime of Eden in Toril, which offers open air safety for diners enjoying homemade recipes of the Solano family, which, while well known in the city’s construction sector as JFS electrical construction, has well diversified into this successful food venture. This enabled

them to preserve the employment of many of their staff. Apart from well made “humba” and heirlom suman with sikwate, now creating a following among local foodies, the draw of this new haunt is the refreshing climate and the stunning view of the city. Who knows, we may see this venture blossom by offering delivering their favorites straight to your home. In the restaurant sector, Patrick Co of the Fat Cow group was a hot new place in 2018 and 2019, earning raves from among local diners for the fusion inspired dishes, innovative desserts and high quality preparation. It transitioned early in 2020 into the takeout and delivery

craze, training their staff in new skills and new ways of enjoying their favorites as frozen dishes as well as cooked party tray entrees. In the large and important Information Technology Sector, Jobs E solutions headed by ICT Davao leader and former Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Vice President Belinda Torres was able to expand from being an outsourced provider of English language teaching to providing new products and services such as customized Learning Management System Platforms now sought by schools wishing to provide online or hybrid learning. Another successful venture capturing increased interest in home gardening is

JJI Organic Gardening and farm owned by husband and wife tandem of Jepoy and Joanne Igagamao. To offset reduced demand for garments provided by their company Shirt Style garments, they grew their farm venture to become a preferred distributor and provider of farm related equipments, inputs, planting materials and fruits including the increasingly popular Pitaya or dragon fruit. Such innovations are worth emulating. May the Kadayawan season bring not only unity, but creativity, boosting Davaoeno entreprenurial innovations, providing an inspiration for a new breed of entreprenurs I the proverbial new normal.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 135 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 20-21, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Supplement

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS a. Inventor – refers to a person who creates or discovers a new method, form, device or other useful means that becomes known as an invention; b. Investor- people who fund startups and inventors. There are three-types of investors:

19th City Council 15th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Alberto T. Ungab Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte - -On Official Business Councilor Jonard C. Dayap

ORDINANCE NO. 0546-21 Series of 2021

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE DAVAO CITY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS CENTER, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “This Ordinance shall be known as “Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES – 1. Republic Act No. 7459, Series of 1992, otherwise known as the “Investors and Inventions Incentives Act of the Philippines”, declared to be the national policy to give priority to invention and its utilization on the country’s productive systems and national life; and to this end provide incentives to investors and protect their exclusive right to their invention, particularly when the invention is beneficial to the people and contributes to national development and progress. 2. Republic Act No. 11293, Series of 2019, otherwise known as the “Philippine Innovation Act”, a policy to foster innovation as a vital component of national development and sustainable economic growth. 3. Republic Act No. 11337, Series of 2019, or an Act Providing Benefits and Programs to Strengthen, Promote and Develop the Philippine Startup Ecosystem, otherwise known as the “Innovative Startup Act”, foster inclusive growth through an innovative economy by streamlining government and nongovernment initiatives, in both local and international spheres, to create new jobs and opportunities, improve production, and advance innovation and trade in the country. 4. Republic Act. No. 10055, Series of 2009, otherwise known as “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009”, gives priority to research and development, invention, innovation and their utilization. It shall also encourage the widest and most systematic participation of all stakeholders in policy-making related to science and technology, and in the generation, transfer and utilization of intellectual property, especially for the benefit of the general public. 5. Republic Act. No. 7368, Series of 1992, otherwise known as “Countrywide Industrialization Act of 1992”, seeks to accelerate through the establishment of manufacturing, processing and related industries in all towns and cities of the country which add value to domestic resources and farm products, create employment and livelihood opportunities, enhance the well-being of the rural areas, hasten the formation and the integration of intra-provincial and regional trade and industry linkages, thus sustaining national economic growth. That the City Government of Davao shall formulate and implement policies and programs for local inventors and innovators to encourage them to promote their inventions and innovations like discovering products, processes, new methods, form, devices, technologies, services, designs, or other useful measures.

a. Shoe String Investors- usually inventor/s themselves who pool up the least amount of money to prove their idea and get it protected through intellectual property rights; b. Angel Investors- average people that has money to invest and expertise to share who wants to be involved in the thrill and rewards of a startup business; c. Venture Capitalists- seasoned investors that provide huge amounts of capital to fund a business; c. Innovation – refers to the creation of new ideas that results to the development of new or improved products, processes, or services which are then spread or transferred across the market; d. Innovative product – refers to a good or service that is new or significantly improved, such as improvements in technical specifications, component materials, software in the product, user friendliness or other functional characteristics; e. Innovator – refers to someone who introduces changes and new ideas; f. Patent- a government-issued grant of exclusive right to an inventor that exclude others from making, using, or selling the product of his invention during the life of the patent; g. Startup – refers to a person or registered entity in the Philippines which aims to develop an innovative product, process, or business model; h. Startup enabler- persons or organizations that help startups launch their business by providing assets, services, such as startup accelerators (provides funding, training, and mentoring), and incubators (provides start-up hosting, mentoring, and co-working space); i. Business Incubators- facilities that provide working spaces and mentorship for startups during the development and actualization of their innovation ideas; j. Creative Researchers – people that develop new ways to conduct research; k. Intellectual Property Rights - the assignment of property rights through patent, copyright, and trademark; l. Technology platforms - it is a virtual venue that acts as a hub where service providers and potential customers meet. This could be a mobile application or a website where service providers can showcase their products and services; this is also where potential customers search for solutions to their needs. Example, a seller can post his/her skin care products in Shopee (a technology platform), which enables potential customers looking for skin care products to access it; m. Technology entrepreneurs- people who launch business ventures which requires a technical expert or specialist in the team to develop a technology to enhance a business process or create new product. Example: Steve Jobs was the technology entrepreneur who co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak, software engineer/expert who developed the machine. SECTION 4. THE CREATION OF DAVAO CITY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS CENTER To create a venue for Davao City based inventors, innovators and creative researchers to come together in a unified and collective effort, so that their ideas, innovations, and inventions can be fully developed, promoted, and qualified for the purpose of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) application of innovative products and services. The Center shall function as “Startup Enabler” (as defined under R.A. No. 11337) to provide technical expertise in the areas of prototype building, feasibility and financial analysis, drafting of project proposals for funding, and intellectual property rights of patent assistance, applications and protection, among others. The center shall promote (i.e., internet, radio/TV broadcast, etc.) and showcase the fully developed innovative product(s), and create networks and linkages not only among inventors and innovators but also with financing institutions, investors, and the market. The center shall also have a capacity building program for inventors, innovators and startup entrepreneurs through trainings and mentoring in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). SECTION 5. CREATION OF DAVAO CITY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS COUNCIL There is hereby created a Davao City Inventions and Innovations Council which shall have the primary function of setting policies and directions of the Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center. The Council shall supervise the implementation of the policies, programs, and directions; and to secure and appropriate the annual budget of the Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center.

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SECTION 6. COMPOSITION OF THE DAVAO CITY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS COUNCIL Chairperson - City Mayor Vice Chairperson - Chairperson, SP Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture

Members: - Chairperson, SP Committee on Trade and Industry - City Planning & Development Office - Davao Investment and Promotion Center - Department of Science and Technology(DOST) (1) Representative - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (1) Representative - Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (1) Representative - Philippine Information Agency (1) Representative - Davao Inventors Group (1) Representative - Business Incubators-Public Academe Institution (1) Representative - Business Incubators (2) Representatives SECTION 7. FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL 1. To promote an innovative and creative ecosystem for the constituents of Davao City. 2. To harness and develop innovative and creative ideas. 3. To support and encourage Davao City inventors, innovators, startups, and creative researchers to develop globally competitive products and services. 4. To promote and synergize networks and linkages among researchers, product developers, government agencies, communities, industries, funding institutions and commerce. 5. To support and nurture the growth of innovative individuals who are engaged in value-added and low, medium and high-technology related activities, from design and development to commercialization. 6. To boost the manufacturing, creative research and development industries of Davao City by protecting and commercializing the outputs of inventors, innovators and creative researchers. 7. To protect and to promote all the outputs of inventors, innovators, startups, and creative researchers. 8. To assist in the patent application of local inventors and innovators. 9. To promote Davao City as a hub for innovation, science and technology.

SECTION 8. GRANTS – The Council may accept grants for the support of local inventors and innovators subject to accounting rules and regulations. The Council shall ensure an annual budget for the implementation of this Ordinance. SECTION 9. ANNUAL CITY INVENTORS FAIR DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL – The Council shall initiate an annual fair or exhibit showcasing the products of local inventors and shall designate the month of April every year as the Davao City Inventors Month in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). SECTION 10. BUDGET – The City shall appropriate Ten Million Pesos (₱10 million) for the first year of operation of the Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center and subsequent annual budget subject to accounting rules and regulations. SECTION 11. REPEALING CLAUSE – All other laws, decrees, order, issuances, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 12. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any provision of this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication. ENACTED, on the 20th day of April 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

MAY 07 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE DAVAO CITY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS CENTER, DEFINING ITS POWER AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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