Tagum City Magazine

THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF TAGUM VOLUME NO. 5 ISSUE NO. 1

www.tagumcity.gov.ph

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2011

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY A closer look of the Care for School Chairs Program that gets everybody moving and inspired

stories that shape our 2011 making it the glorious year for Tagum City

contents

music and pride Tagum City’s hosting of the 3rd International Rondalla Festival implanted the city into one of the country’s emerging cultural hubs in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia

EDITORIAL

BOARD AND STAFF Chairman Hon. Rey T. Uy City Mayor Vice Chairman Hon. Allan L. Rellon City Vice Mayor Members Rafael E. Abrenica City Administrator Eduardo G. Valdez OIC-City Information Office Chief Editor Edwin B. Lasquite Writer / Layout Louie Bryan M. Lapat Lensmen Francis O. Abrenica Leo A. Timogan Videographer Ariel D. Amora Logistics Rhea Mae P. Magbanua Alexander C. Egos Anchorman Marlon N. Velez TAGUM CITY is the official magazine of the City Government of Tagum that is powered by the City Information Office. This can be viewed and downloaded online via www.tagumcity. gov.ph. You may send your comments through email at tagumcityinformation2011@gmail.com

historic win

Find out what’s the first international award conferred upon Tagum for its excellent implementation of literacy programs

Tagum debuts on world stage as it hosts Int’l Rondalla Fest

Tagumeños has finally broken the curtailed silence.

Diverse music from all over the world filled the air as the 3rd International Rondalla Festival opened on February 13 the new City Hall.

As Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy put it during the opening ceremony, “The festival is not a competition , but a showcase of talents of all participating country, and it would be a vehicle to help foster world harmony through music. ”

With the theme, ”Cuerdas sa Pagkakaysa” (String of Unity), the week-long festivals aims to celebrate the great plucked tradition that the Philippine shares with other nation of the world.

Although the weather is gloomy, the contingent from all over the country and countries went on with the parade displaying with them various banners of the world in tune with their regional hymns and folk songs.

Inside the New City Hall, the performers were introducing in their ceremonial walk as they pass through the palm leaves line along the aisle towards the stage.

Professor Felipe de Leon, Jr. of the NCCA-sub Commission of the Arts recognized the richness of the Philippine Culture referring to the assertion of the Filipino identity through Rondalla and Kulintang during the 1960 which made country know throughout the world and the local Instruments like Kudlong and Kudyapi used by the native in Mindanao like the Manobo.

Performances from different groups made the ceremony burst

with life starting with Tagum City National Comprehensive High School Rondalla that performed their pieces which they performed during the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.

Native rhythm from the kudlong was also performed by the National Living Treasures Awardee Samaon Sulayman.

Musicians from other countries have also performed their valued pieces in chants such as the Abhijit Roychoudhury Group and Soundaryalaya who also performed International Anthem, and the Suara Sama from Indonesia.

Phoenix Trio of Russia performed their controlled but jubilant music manipulating the instruments which look like the small and the triangular guitars which made the people danced and jived to their glee.

Tagum City Tourism Chairperson Alma Uy infused the story of the eagle and the frog to her speech expressing the hope that we could be better frogs and eagles through this festival.

Towards the end of the ceremony, National Artists for Literature Virgilio S. Almario read the sad piece about the reality beseting the Philippine setting today making mention of the cry for peace and unity that everyone needs clear and pure music in each heart and mind.

Finally, Festival Director Ramon P. Santos officially announced the Festival opening followed by the ceremonial seedling planting of the heads of delegates.

PNoy lauds Tagum’s excellent governance The City Government of Tagum has added another feather on its cap as the Department of Interior and Local Government conferred upon the city the 2011 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award for Davao Region awarded by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III and DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Local Government Code held last October 11, 2011 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award is given annually to all deserving local governments for their commendable performance in administrative governance, social governance, economic governance and environmental governance.

The criteria for the selection of the winner include the Seal of Good Housekeeping; a Local Government Performance Management System Overall Performance Index; acknowledged innovations; and awards or distinctions received by the city in the previous year. of r Tagum City is the sole winner for the city e n in w le o y s category for Davao Region, beating other it e c y is th ahi for the it cities in Region XI including the highlyC g m atin urbanized Davao City. ng L e Tagu b a , n n a egio d Pam avao R XI including In lieu of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy, City Gawa D r o ion y. Councilor Alan Zulueta received the award ory f categ in Reg Davao Cit consisting of a trophy and a cash prize of s ie it c d e iz n two million pesos along with City DILG other a b hly-ur ig Director Eliza P. Mendoza and Executive h e h t Assistant III Mrs. Delia B. dela Cruz.

Just recently, the city was also awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping, recognizing the city government’s excellent performance in local governance. The SGH is a mechanism comprising a set of criteria aimed at LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping, particularly in the areas of planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance management. Among the key components of the SGH criteria are compliance to the mandates of the Anti-Red Tape Act, as well as to the Transparency and Full Disclosure Policy of the DILG. LGUs stamped with SGH should also have “no adverse” report from the Commission on Audit, which means that they should have complied with all the requirements of the government’s auditing agency.

RP’s 1st child development center to rise in Tagum

Tagum wins top plum

in DavNor’s lighted float tilt

Tagum City’s participation to this year’s Lighted Float Competition of Davao del Norte’s 44th Founding Anniversary did not go in vain as it snatched the Championship Title awarded by no less than Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario last July 1, 2011.

Despite the heavy rain, Tagumeños witnessed the sheer brilliance of the Tagum’s lighted float which featured a combination of recycled and indigenous materials that are creatively crafted into icons, monuments and figures. The execution of the installation art only uses eco-friendly materials and did not apply any commercial chemical paints. Instead, it utilized organic dyes to create the panoramic monochromatic and complementary color.

Based on the official description released by the City Architect’s Office, Tagum’s lighted float is a son-et-lumiere showcase depicting the development and vision of the City of Tagum as a fully-developed urban center and agri-industrial hub that nurtures its life-supporting ecosystems from marine ecosystem to the upland agro-ecosystem.

This was designed as an interactive and multi-media lights and sound showcase.

Trailing behind Tagum is the Municipality of Talaingod which placed second while the third place trophy went to the Island Garden City of Samal.

This year’s lighted float of the city was designed by Architect Maymay Apurada with the assistance of Mr. Nestor Horfilla, the electrical division of the City Engineer’s Office and some students from Tagum National Trade School.

The City of Palms is solidifying its lead as one of the premiere child-friendly cities in the Philippines as it will soon rise within its soils the country’s first-ever Child Development Center to be financed by the Early Childhood Care and Development Council.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Johnson Borja See, consultant of the ECCD Council disclosed that Tagum City has been chosen to pilot the said center because of its extensive programs pertaining to childhood care and development.

“Tagum City is already doing what we are planning for the entire country,” stressed Mr. See who met with Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Nenita E. Lumaad at Tagum City Motorpool, Tipaz on July 21, 2011 for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement to jumpstart the construction of the edifice in Rizal Elementary School worth Php 2, 200,000.00.

Under the MOA, the ECCD Council will finance the construction of the center with the help of the City Government of Tagum in terms of engineering services as well as pay for the personnel services who will manage the said center.

DepEd Tagum, on the other hand, will select a child development teacher who will be paid by the ECCD Council and will be trained by the council on early learning curriculum as well as in nutrition, health and social welfare issues.

Also present during the MOA signing were DepEd Tagum’s ECCD Supervisor Mrs. Mayumi M. Pinzon, Dr. Arnel Florendo of the City Health Office and Mrs. Sally Balili of the City Social Welfare and Development Office and Mrs. Delia B. dela Cruz the Executive Assistant III to the Mayor.

The City Government of Tagum is solidifying its lead in ensuring people’s empowerment with the huge success of its skills training program judging by the number of its scholars who graduated and the number of people who had gained employment here and abroad.

Twenty two (22) Tagumeños who are graduates of the butcher skills training program are set to conquer the land down under and will work in two meat processing companies in Australia and Canada. Majority of them lefy the country on the 22nd of June.

On June 13, 2011, the group was acknowledged during the Flag-Raising Ceremony of Tagum City Hall employees and was given advice by Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy who spearheaded the program.

“Be a role model in your workplace so that your company will still hire skilled workers from Tagum,” said Mayor Uy in vernacular.

The team included a former police officer, a medical technician, government employees and farmers who will try their luck and explore greener pastures for the betterment of their respective families.

The city has been deploying locally trained electricians and butchers to countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, through its skillstraining program given for free by the local government since 2006.

As of February this year, thirty six (36) butchers have been deployed to Australia, Canada and Turkey with the

LGU takes pride of skill trainings’ success average salary ranging from a low of P40,000 to a high of P200,000, said Dr. Jesus Edullantes, the City Veterinarian of Tagum.

Last June 10, the local government takes pride of its new batch of graduates in the Korea-Philippines (KORPIL) Vocational Training Center in Davao City, supported under the City Vocational Technical Education Scholarship Program (CIVOTESPRO).

Sixty four (64) Tagumeño students received their national certification diplomas encompassing vocational courses such as maintenance and repair in agricultural machinery and automobile, food processing, hotel and restaurant services, industrial automation and mechatronics, information processing, mechanical processing, refrigeration and airconditioning and welding and

pipefitting.

Twenty three percent (23.97%) of the graduating class of 2011 came from Tagum.

In the speech of Mayor Uy read by Executive Assistant Delia B. dela Cruz who represented the mayor in the graduation ceremony, he pledged to continue the technical and vocational skills training program of the city.

Tagum joins Independence Day festivities The City Government of Tagum joined the whole nation and Filipinos abroad in the celebration of the country of the 113th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, June 12, 2011.

The ceremonies started with a Holy Mass attended by Tagumeños from all walks of life which was followed by a grand parade participated by people from the local government, civil society organizations and the medical sector, each waving their respective flags with pride.

No less than Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy led the flag-raising ceremonies along with Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon, Vice Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio of Davao del Norte, City Councilors Ma. Lina F. Baura and Geterito Gementiza, City Administrator Rafael E. Abrenica and Executive Assistant Delia B. dela Cruz.

Highlighting this year’s celebration is the giving of recognition to unsung heroes in the medical profession which includes the Davao del Norte Medical Society, Philippine Medical Association, North Davao Dental Society, Davao del Norte Pharmacists Association, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives and Saint Mary’s College School of Nursing including its 4th placer in the 2010 National Nurse Licensure Examination, Miss Vanessa Germa-Elumbaring.

The City’s League of War Veterans also showed their force during the short program.

In an interview, City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy highlighted the importance of celebrating the independence since this is an avenue for the Filipinos to remember the sacrifices of our heroes just to gain the independence we enjoy today.

“This is also for our children,” the mayor added.

All people who had participated in the event planted their flags at the life-size logo landmark of the City Tagum, a fitting symbol of Tagumeños’ observance of the country’s independence.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Paninindigan ng Bayan: Tagumeño sa Kalayaan…Kalusugan at Kalikasan” Right after the program, the Department of Education-Division of Tagum City launched its bid of support of President Benigno S. Aquino’s National Greening Program at the sprawling site adjacent to Tagum City’s iconic new city hall.

Around 500 students and teachers gathered at the venue to celebrate Independence Day with a tree-plating activity. On a single day, the group planted 700 molave seedlings which are provided by the City Government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.

City Officials intensify ‘Oplan Tsinelas’

School children from 37 public elementary and seven public secondary schools here are given free slippers as part of the City Government’s Oplan Tsinelas Program which aimed to distribute 48,000 pair of foot wears.

Conceptualized by the City Mayor Rey T. Uy and the full force of the city councilors, this program is anchored on lessening the number of absences especially in rural barangays which are more prone to flooding during rainy days.

In the talk with the local media, City Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” Uy noted the importance of bannering this program since many school children are going to school with a tattered pair of slippers.

“This is really a big help to our students and this means a lot, Salamat kaayo,” stressed Mrs. Teresita Baniog, OIC-Principal of Liboganon Elementary School who shed tears during an interview last July 6, 2011.

The city government allocated 1.5 million pesos from the Local School Board funds and the Mininum Basic Needs (MBN) funds of the city councilors for the purchase of the said slippers.

In an interview, City Councilor Nicandro “Nickel” Suaybaguio who also sits as Chairman of the Committee on Education of the 5th City Council said all 23 barangays in the city will benefit from this program. He recalled that this is the second time that the city government gives free slippers following last year’s distribution.

Pinky

‘Gayahin ninyo ang aquino: mayor ng Tagum’

Kindergarten students, their parents and teachers in three elementary institutions in this city were thrilled by the presence of a scion of a famous political family but most of them are happy because they have a new classroom donated by a foundation chaired by Presidential Sister Pinky AquinoAbellada.

On September 2, 2011, the elder sister of President Benigno S. Aquino III led the turn-over ceremony of the said classrooms in Mangga Elementary School at Barangay Visayan Village; La Filipina Elementary School at Barangay La Filipina and Luis Lina Elementary School at Barangay Canocotan.

Dubbed as Silid Pangarap, the said classrooms were financed by the foundation led by Abellada known as Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGGAP) which aims to provide 100 classrooms a year. She shared this is a

concrete example of the Public-Private Partnership the Aquino Administration is advocating.

It was learned that AGGAP only donated one classroom in Tagum but when Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy knew about the noble project of Abellada, he committed to donate two more classrooms—a thing that impressed the presidential sister.

“Kapag umiikot ako sa Pilipinas, sinasabi ko sa mga ibang mayor na gayahin n’yo ang mayor ng Tagum City. Ang AGGAP nagbigay ng isang classroom, mi-natch n’ya… nagbigay s’ya ng dalawa pa. Mabuhay ka mayor,” Abellada said in her speech.

Abellada said they build classrooms to reduce dropout rates of pupils.

Each classroom has a built-in library to provide pupils with learning tools, as “their way of fighting poverty.”

“That’s our dream,” Abellada said.

After the turn-over rites, Mayor Uy toured her to the Tagum City Motor Pool where the mayor shared one of the best practices of the local government which is the fabrication of school chairs, desks and tables which are later distributed to different academic institutions not just here in the city but in nearby provinces as well.

Tagum hailed for child-friendly governance For the second time, Tagum City has been recognized for institutionalizing efforts on the promotion of children’s welfare as it grabbed a spot as a National Finalist for the Presidential Search for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities awarded by no less President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang.

The city raked the said award in component city category, trailing behind the City of Vigan in the Province of Ilocos Sur and ties with the City of Tagaytay in the Province of Cavite.

Councilors De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy and Nicandro “Nickel” Suaybaguio received the award last October 27, 2011 along with Tagum DILG Director Eliza P. Mendoza, Executive Assistant to the City Mayor Mrs. Delia B. dela Cruz and Miss Sally Balili of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) chaired by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, the focal government agency child welfare policies, led in this

year’s search.

In its 9th year, the (CWC), the focal government agency for child welfare policies, gives recognition to local governments for doing their role in promoting and protecting children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

The said presidential award is granted to those administrations that have promoted the four gifts for children namely: Local Development Plan; Investment Plan; Children’s Code; and the State of the Children Report.

The main objective of the program is the institutionalization of a child-friendly environment and governance in promoting and protecting children’s rights. It furthermore encourages Local Government Units (LGUs) to prioritize children’s rights and it monitors and evaluates the implementation of programs and services for children.

Muslim Chamber of Commerce organized

The City Government of Tagum through the City Investment and Promotions Office and the City of Tagum Tourism Council took cognizance in organizing Muslim businessmen and traders operating their respective businesses in the city to further the interests of Muslim business folks as well as enhance camaraderie between them and the local government.

No less than City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy officiated the oathtaking rites of the newly-elected officers of the Tagum City Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TCMCCI), in a simple ceremony during the Monday Convocation Program attended by Tagum’s elected officials and employees of the city government last April 4, 2011 at the Freedom Park.

Clad in their colorful muslim attires, newly-elected officials of the aforementioned group recited their Oath of Office, affirming their cooperation and leadership.

Taking the lead of the TCMCCI is Mrs. Hadja Naira B. Amerol as President while Engr. Adjoumar Quitaban took the reign as the Vice President. Other officers include Hadja Potre Y. Disoma as Secretary, Rose Pia as Treasurer, Daud Ibrahim as Auditor and Malik Magondacan as Public Information Officer.

The said group also created several committees which concerns important responsibilities for the group.

Norma Brunay heads the Committee on International Affairs with Rowaida Ibrahim and Sarah Salik as members. Salasaya Pequero leads the Committee on Election with Hadji Sarma Imbin and Mappie Mama as members.

The last committee, The Committee on Community Services, is headed by Luzviminda Bandrang with members Javer Macandindang and Rohanisa Imam.

In a dialogue with Mayor Uy right after the program, the leaders of TCMCCI expressed their gratitude to the city government for giving importance to the Muslim community.

“Ma-feel gyud namo na kaming mga Muslim diri sa Tagum, ginatagaan gyud ug importansya diri sa syudad ug mapasalamaton kami niana,” quipped TCMCCI President Amerol.

THE CITY’S 1ST INT’L AWARD

UNESCO lauds Tagum’s literacy programs

The City Government of Tagum added another feather to its cap as it won its first major international award.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conferred upon the city a bronze medal and a diploma as this year’s Honourable Mention for the King Sejong International Literacy Prize awarded specifically to the City Literacy Coordinating Council of Tagum for its “Peace Management Literacy and Continuing Education through Night Market” programme last September 8, 2011 in New Delhi, Republic of India.

This programme uses peace education activities, literacy and entrepreneurship to generate employment opportunities for marginalized populations and sustain a peaceful urban environment.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, announced Tagum’s historic win after it went through a rigorous scrutiny by a UNESCOassembled international jury which met between 4 and 8 July in Paris, France.

In the official letter of Mmantsetsa Marope, Director of UNESCO’s Division for Basic to Higher Education and Learning sent to Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy, the jury appreciated the city’s initiative to introduce and institutionalize literacy programmes for out-of-school youth and adults combined with peace education activities. They were also impressed by the program for having provided accreditation in basic education and functional literacy for a great number of graduates.

The CLCC of Tagum City works closely with DepEd in the implementation of Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) on projects such as the Balik Paaralan Para sa Out-of-school Youth, Basic Literacy Program and “Palengkeskwelahan” (School in the Market).

The theme of this year’s UNESCO International Literacy Prizes is literacy and peace with special consideration to gender equality. It is awarded to individuals, governments or governmental agencies and nongovernment organizations in recognition of their effective practices and successful results in the field of literacy throughout the world.

Years before 2004, night market vendors belonging to different cultural roots were already visible in Tagum City, positioning themselves anywhere they please and leaving mounds of garbage all over the place.

This prompted City Uy to introduce the night market program which gave small and medium entrepreneurs the opportunity to sustain their businesses in accordance with an ordinance on the revised code of economic enterprise of the city.

The ordinance also offered a functional literacy program for the vendors which included lessons on values formation, literacy, health awareness, financial literacy and management, solid waste management and peace education.

“One of the most visible effects of these literacy initiatives is that many people visit the night market and roam the city streets without fearing for their lives....and a peaceful community engenders a vibrant economic activity,” explained Uy.

CLCC Head Secretariat Mr. Anwar E. Maadel, in lieu of CLCC Chairperson who is Mayor Uy, received the award from the President of India along with literacy prime mover Mrs. Leila L. Ibita of the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System and Miss Jalmaida Jamiri of the City Vice Mayor’s Office.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro congratulated Tagum City’s extraordinary feat.

In his speech before city hall employees during their monthly convocation program in the City of Tagum on August 1, 2011, Mayor Uy stressed that this award is a recognition of his administration’s bold agenda for education and later vowed to strengthen the education programs of the city “with all heart and dedication.”

“This is for the next generation” MAYOR REY T. UY

Despite Tagum City’s rise as a bustling urban hub, local authorities here is making sure to set ecological balance. Despite rapid modernization brought about by industrialization in this city wTagumeños and visitors are still enjoying the wonders of nature right at the city.

Foremost of the environmental protection programs initiated by the City Government of Tagum through the leadership of Mayor Rey T. Uy is the 50-hectare EcoTourism Park located in a sprawling cold site in Barangay San Agustin which will be planted with 2000 species of trees in a span of nine years. The EcoTourism Park, which is mountainous in nature, will feature a Botanical Park, a hiking and biking trail and will be installed with cable cars similar to that of Singapore and will be fully operational in year 2020.

“Tagum City is growing. And with that, we can’t easily stop progress but we have to make sure that we won’t sacrifice our environment just for the sake of progress. We have to do mitigating processes to jive with progress,” said Mayor Uy in a speech before the Board of Directors, officials and employees of Tagum Water District who signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the city government to help in developing the said park on April 15, 2011.

TWD, headed by General Manager Henrietto Q. Castrence, donated 1 million pesos for the development of the park, along with the help of the city government. This is the third partnership between the LGU and TWD to date. The first was the 10-hectare New Balamban Watershed and the Apokon Accretion Program which focuses on riverside reforestation—things that cement the organization’s corporate social responsibility.

Mayor Uy is thankful to TWD for becoming a staunch partner of Tagum’s environmental programs.

“Salamat sa TWD people for your neverending support for our environment. I am

happy because this is not only my responsibility but also everybody’s responsibility.”

To fully develop the park, the Mayor will send delegation last May from the City Environment and Natural Resources and City Engineering to Singapore to emulate the country’s parks system. To realize Mayor Uy’s vision of making the EcoPark a site of 2000 species of trees, the city government will acquire tree species from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and Singapore.

Mayor Uy also shared the economic benefits of improving the park by giving people living in the area other means of livelihood. He happily mentioned that when people from nearby cities and municipalities will come and visit the place by 2020, local folks will be able to do business such as honeybee production, basket-making, and the like.

But the visionary leader of Tagum won’t just settle for less just to give Tagumeño nature-lovers the gift they rightfully deserve.

Very soon, Tagum City will add another place to its long list of must-see destinations. As of press time, the local government unit of Tagum is preparing the necessary paper works to buy the 6.5 hectares of land in Barangay New Balamban which will be developed into a world-class bird sanctuary.

Tagum City also boasts of its Aviary Park located in Energy Park which is considered home to more than 10 kinds of birds of different species. Visitors here will be amazed with the varieties of colors of the bird’s feathers as well as the distinct sounds they make. The local chief executive believed that it will be more educational for kids and old folks alike to encounter real birds in life form than simply see them in books or internet.

“Dili na ni para sa akoa. Para na ni sa umaabot nga henerasyon,” he added magnifying Tagum City’s image as a progressive city which doesn’t sacrifice its environment just for the sake of progress.

LGU Tagum strengthens partnership with USeP

IT’S A DEAL. City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy and Tagum Water District General Manager Henrietto Q. Castrence pose after signing a Memorandum of Agreement for the development of the 50-hectare EcoPark in San Agustin.

The City Government of Tagum and its lone state university, the University of Southeastern Philippines jointly renewed its commitment in providing protection, conservation, and sustainable forest resources through the establishment of Satellite Forest Nursery.

Mayor Rey T. Uy of the City Government of Tagum and USeP president Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin of the state university have formally signed the memorandum of agreement on its collaborative effort to use superior quality stock planting materials for reforestation and community watershed projects in the city.

USeP has provided a land area of .75 hectares to generate technology through funded research, as they will co-manage the Satellite Forest Nursery with the forester personnel from the City Government of Tagum.

Housing czar commends Tagum’s programs on urban poor

The City Government of Tagum’s efforts on urban poor and housing is impressive and worth emulating.

This was what the chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Mr. Hernani Panganiban disclosed in his speech before urban poor leaders of Tagum City and some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during his visit in the city last April 29, 2011.

Chairman Panganiban lauded the City Government’s Lingap Pinuy-anan, a brainchild of City Mayor Rey T. Uy, saying that it is a very good framework for other local government units in the Philippines.

Lingap Pinuy-anan was launched after Mayor Uy’s inaugural speech last June 30, 2010 when he vowed to uplift the condition of less-fortunate Tagumeños who had unstable housing conditions.

Tagum eyed to become

Mindanao’s

‘retirement capital’

Launched August 10, 2011, the Eldercises 2011 gathers all senior citizens in the city and engage them to physicallyenriching and mentally-awakening activities such as ballroom dancing lessons, tai-chi exercises and the unity walk. This will end October 10, this year.

The unity walk will be held once a month in the city’s Energy Park where the senior citizens will be able to discuss their future activities as well as provide a venue for them to socialize, said Mr. Jun Jamero of the City Tourism Council.

“Those who have less in life should have more in government services,” Mayor Uy stressed.

Mr. Panganiban later expressed that as long as he is the chairman of PCUP, he will regularly state in his speeches Tagum City’s good practices.

“The strong linkage between your executive and legislative departments is unique,” he said, adding that is was his first time to encounter a local government who works hand-in-hand on matters pertinent to the urban poor sector.

Mr. Panganiban is visiting cities and municipalities since his appointment by President Benigno Aquino III last January 12, 2011 to see how far and how effective the LGUs are doing in championing the cause of the urban poor.

He paid a courtesy call to City Administrator Rafael Abrenica in lieu of Mayor Uy who was in the Island Garden City

of Samal attending the National Executive Board Meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

City Councilors Nicandro “Nickel” Suaybaguio, who also sits as the Action Officer of Shelter Assistance Program, and Joedel Caasi, also sitting as the Action Officer of Resettlement Anti-Squatting Task Force (RASTAF), shared their inputs on the impact of the program to the constituents of the city who benefited in the program.

The City Government of Tagum through the City Tourism Council is crafting this city to become the newest retirement hub in Mindanao Region with the launching of the Eldercises 2011 which converges all senior citizens from the 23 barangays here.

Jamero added that this activity is a prelude to the newest addition to Tagum City’s wide array of festivals.

By September 2012, the City Tourism Office will be launching the Senior Citizen Festival in time with the muchcelebrated Senior Citizen’s Day.

With this, Jamero added, Tagum City is boosting itself as the prime destination for senior citizens who are enjoying the beautiful sunset of their lives.

During the launching, Project Director Mrs. Erlinda Loria challenged all

senior citizens to join the festivities and show to the community that they still have the “it” factor despite their age.

“Ipakita natin sa kanila na kaya pa natin,” said Mrs. Loria who even joined fellow senior citizens in their chorale and Hawaiian dance performances during the program.

Also throwing the support to the activity are the officers of the Tagum City Federation of Senior Citizens.

RTU Music Makers

For the 26th time now since its inception way back year 2005, RTU Music Makers staged their highly-anticipated musical recital July 17, 2011 at the Tagum City Pavilion with the man who made it all possible taking the highly-acclaimed cameo performance.

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy, who jumpstarted the RTU Musical Instruments Workshop in a bid to solidify the city as the premiere Music Capital of Mindanao, elicited applause from the amused audience for his four-song repertoire which included hits of Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars.

Mayor Uy noted that the true stars of the showare the 207 graduates of the 26th batch of the workshop. The statistics are record-high: 75 for electric organ, 63 for electric guitar, 22 for drums, 20 for Bass Guitar, 10 for alto saxophone, 1 for soprano saxophone, 12 for trumpet, 1 for trombone and 2 for clarinet.

Since 2005, the RTU Musical Instrument Workshop had already produced 4,523 graduates.

The father of Tagum City, Mayor Rey T. Uy warmly welcomes the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Honorable Proceso J. Alcala in time to his agricultural project visits along with his staff, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office headed

by BFAR Assistant Director Gil Adora. Also joining the party are the Davao del Norte Governor and Vice Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario and Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Jr., respectively. This visitation was held at the Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Bincungan, Tagum City.

The Secretary’s main purpose is to see the project on the so called Soft-Shell Crab Production in the area which was owned by the Maningo’s Family. The discussion was done an hour after Mayor Uy opened by following-up the request to put up a Multi-Species Hatchery and Nursery for Marine Animals, this is at the same time to maximize production of our Soft-Shell Crab Industry and the acquisition of one (1) Unit Patrol Boat in support in the fisheries law enforcement program for the Coastal Resource and Management Program (CRMP). “This shall mark the beginning of a new endeavor in our search for new and better food products with emphasis on a value-adding and in support to the nation’s quest on food security and sufficiency, and our common agenda on environmental preservation and enhancement,” the Mayor said.

In response, Secretary Alcala expressed his gratitude to the people present during his project visits and who patiently waited for his arrival. He even thanked the hospitality extended to him by the Local Chief Executive of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and the Manigo’s Family. T Sumptuous food was served by the host family with the officials and staff enjoying the lunch with the very beautiful rural scenery of the river cruising in the Barangay. This is now an open destination of the city inviting the foreign and domestic tourists to experience river cruise, sea foods menu with the soft shell as its main dish menu.

Truly, it is another marking progress on Agri-tourism development of the Mayor’s program for a sustainable food and a bustling tourism industry today.

Agriculture Secretary visits Tagum for its

Soft-shell crabs

ICONIC. One of the winning photos of the Tagum Photo Contest. This won the Juror’s Prize for Cross-Cutting Theme Category

Photo Contest winners bared

After a rigorous screening process, winners of the Tagum Photo Contest were officially announced September 26, 2011, in time for the opening of the Tagum Photo Exhibition at Gaisano Grand Mall, this city.

The City Government of Tagum through the City Information Office and the City Tourism Office led the tribute to the most outstanding photographs in different categories such as Landmarks, Public Service, Ecosystem Enrichment, Economic Productivity, Social Services and Cross-Cutting Themes.

Clinching the said awards are (Landmarks) Leandro Daval Jr. from Davao City, (Public Service) Fr. Emerson delos Reyes from City of Tagum, (Ecosystem Enrichment) Ramil Gregorio from Municipality Lupon, Davao Oriental, (Economic Productivity) Roland Jumawan from Davao City, (Social Services) Marlito Ayala from Davao City and (CrossCutting Themes) Astrophil Reyes from City of Tagum.

Also raking the Jurors’ Choice Awards for (Landmarks) are Norman Jadulang, John Paul Castillo, Arthur Yap, Arlyn Reyes, Ronald Jumawan; (Public Service) are William Chin, Norman Jadulang, Astrophil Reyes; (Economic Productivity) are

(C) ASTROPHIL RYES

Tagumeño Muslims celebrate Eid’l Adha

Maria Theresa Halili, Marlyn Dacula, Roland Jumawan; (Economic Productivity) are Richard Combate, Arjoy Ceniza, Carlos Ng, James Ramos, Roland Jumawan; (Social Services) are Richard Combate, Maria Theresa Halili, Carlos Ng; (Cross-Cutting Themes) are Shem Torre Longakit, J Raymund Ang, Jesus Tinapay and Olan Emboscado.

City Tourism Council President Alma L. Uy expressed in a speech her gratitude to the photographers for participating in the event which took three months in the making.

The said exhibition visually narrates the city’s journey to development and will let the viewers see some of the best government practices of the city government led by Mayor Rey T. Uy which catapulted Tagum City’s rise as an expanding urban hub in the country.

Out of the 340 submitted photographs by some 39 participating shutterbugs, 214 photographs are exhibitedwhich are carefully selected by the curatorial team shared Mr. Nestor Horfilla, project director.

Meanwhile, this is an offshot to the Coffee Table Book Project which aims to document the dramatic rise of Tagum as the “city to watch for.” Horfilla said the said photo book will be launched March 7, 2011.

For the first time, Tagumeño Muslim gathered to observe Islam’s Eid’l Adha on November 6, 2011 at the city’s trade and cultural center.

Wearing their best and colorful dresses, Muslims from the five dominant tribes in Tagum such as Ka’gan, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausog and Iranon started the day with a prayer in high anticipation of forgiveness from Allah.

The celebration of the Eid’l Adha, also known as the Greater Eid or Festival of the Sacrifice, commemorates and pays tribute to the patriarch Abraham (Ibrahim among Muslims) and his willingness, as the Bible narrates, to sacrifice his son Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. According to the Qu’ran, just before Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram, thus sparing his life. Eid’l Adha is a religious holiday observed by the Muslim community worldwide.

Meanwhile, Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy hailed Tagum City’s Muslim Community as a conduit for peace and development, citing that Tagum City will never achieved its status today without the help of the Muslim Community.

Mayor Uy also urged them to be living examples of the word “sacrifice,” as espoused by the said festival, adding that collective sacrifice could really make a big difference, especially in efforts to achieve peace.

The Tagum City Muslim Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Mayor Uy for his unwavering support to the Muslim Community of Tagum City.

RTU, 22 others clinch Sandugo award anew

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy has been recognized as the Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive Hall of Fame Award by the Department of Health, the Philippine National Red Cross and the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council last July 26, 2011 in Manila.

Mayor Uy was awarded the said award, along with the 22 barangay chief executives, “for his outstanding support, commitment and active involvement in the promotion of voluntary blood donation for 7 consecutive years.”

The award-giving body noted that Mayor Uy had contributed much to the achievement of the vision of Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as the National Blood Service Act of 1994.

Giving the award is former Senator Richard Gordon who is now the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the PNRC, Mr. Edwin V. Rodriguez of the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council and Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

Public Beyond

Care

School C

How far would you go to make a difference in the learning of children?

This profound question was the guiding light for the City Government of Tagum in the year 2011 with the advent of the newest program initiated by no less than Mayor Rey T. Uy. In what could have been the noblest endeavour of the local government this year, the Care for School Chairs Program proved that the Bayanihan Spirit is indeed alive in our hearts.

Logging Ban It was in February 2011 when President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 23 mandating a total log ban in the entire country.

Five months later, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office started donating confiscated hot logs from Loreto, Agusan del Sur. The strict implementation of the President’s order paved the way for the swift turn-around of events that led to the birth of the Care for School Chairs Program.

Mayor Uy immediately ordered that these hot logs be used for the fabrication of chairs and tables which will be used by the students in the different schools of Tagum. The Fabrication Section of Tagum City Motorpool became the center of production of school furniture. The city government added new and bigger sawmills to fast-track the production of school furniture. It can be recalled that long before the existence of EO 23, the city has been fabricating armchairs and other school furniture which are distributed to the 37 public elementary and seven public secondary schools in the city.

People Power But this is not an easy job to carry out.

This means additional workforce, new resources for materials that will be used and it entails a lot of money. It is in this reason that Mayor Uy called for bayanihan which generated support not just from the employees of the local government but also from committed people from the academe, civic society organizations, fraternities and sororities, business establishments. From sun up to sun down, these volunteers keep the Fabrication Section of the Motorpool busy.

A total of 15,000 armchairs can be produced out from the first batch of confiscated hot logs. For

c Service d Borders:

e for

Chairs the record, this is more than enough for the needs of the schools of Tagum City since the city has been fabricating armchairs since the early years of the leadership of the local chief executive. It is in this reason that Mayor Uy epitomized public service as borderless through the distribution of school furniture to the different schools in Davao Region.

Thanks to the strong commitment of the volunteers displayed during Bayanihan, the fabricated school furniture of Tagum were delivered to the schools with dilapidated desks and chairs in the far-flung areas of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and even in Davao City.

Social Responsibility, Renewed Hope There’s no perfect reason for doing this than that of Mayor Uy’s succinct explanation. “We are doing this is as part of our city’s social responsibility to our neighboring cities and municipalities.”

That “social responsibility” turns out to be timely when our public schools lack of school chairs or has plenty of it but are not really not in good condition.

Each time the mayor and his team go to schools to personally deliver the school furniture, sweet, big smiles are displayed on the children’s faces as well as of their teachers. The muddy and steep roads leading to the school were not a hindrance for the team and even crossed rivers just to make a difference in the learning of children through school chairs. There’s a spark of renewed hope when desks and chairs as old as EDSA Revolution, majority of which are swinging and no armboards are replaced with new ones. Once painted blue, Tagum-fabricated school furniture are now yellow which would add illumination to dark classrooms.

As of this writing, more than 12,000 pieces of school furniture were already distributed to schools in Davao Region. Indeed, Tagum City’s Social Responsibility serves like a bridge of the youth towards a bright future.

Sen. Koko meets RTU

With Hall of Fame award in hand, Tagum eyes to become ‘Center of Literacy Excellence’ in 3 years QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES - For the uniqueness, innovation and sustainability of its literacy programs in the past years, the City Government of Tagum was officially awarded the highly-coveted Hall of Fame Award in Literacy, accorded by the National Literacy Coordinating Council in a fitting ceremony held September 29, 2011 at Imperial Palace Suites which highlighted the 2011 National Literacy Conference.

DepEd Schools Division Superintendent example to be followed by more of our local Nenita E. Lumaad accepted the award from government units,” stressed Sec. Luistro who DepEd Undersecretary for Regional Operations cited his impression on the city during his visit Rizalino D. Rivera in behalf of Tagum City Mayor here last year.

Rey T. Uy who was not able to make it to The said award came with a trophy and a Manila due to the massive strike staged by the cash prize of 100,000 pesos.

Anwar Maadel, Head Secretariat of the employees of the country’s flag carrier.

“We will continue to do our best to City Literacy Coordinating Council, was also be worthy of this very prestigious title,” Uy conferred the Outstanding National Literacy declared in his prepared acceptance speech Worker Award for 2011. delivered by Mrs. Lumaad, adding that his On their part, the Sangguniang Panlungsod administration “will continue to find ways and of Tagum headed by City Vice Mayor Allan L. means to come up with sufficiently efficient Rellon congratulated the CLCC for the twin and effective services which will guarantee victory in literacy which “brought honor and that these services are actually delivered, felt pride” to the city through the passage of Resolution No. 464, series of 2011. and enjoyed by our people.”

After this feat, the city is now eyeing to In his speech before the employees of the become the country’s first center of excellence city hall during the first Monday convocation for literacy which will be given by the same last October 3, 2011, Mayor Uy stressed the need to continue the literacy of the programs of the organization in three years time.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, who was in city as it plays a huge role in the development Paris attending an event organized by UNESCO, of its people and the city in general. also conveyed his words of congratulations to The Hall of Fame Award was conferred to the city after winning the top plum in years the city through a recorded video message.

“You are an inspiration and a worthy 2001, 2008 and 2010.

Mayor Uy destroys million-worth “bora-bora” mufflers

At least 215 modified mufflers locally known as “bora-bora” worth almost one million pesos were crushed November 18, 2011as ordered by Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy at the Tagum City Motorpool, Tipaz, Barangay East.

Saying that public interest is far more important than the interest of few, Mayor Uy disclosed in an interview that he is determined to run after motorcycle units with the said mufflers since these mufflers cause disturbance to the public through the loud noise it produce, especially during nighttime when people are sleeping.

The local chief executive further warned Tagum residents, especially students and their parents, not to dare to install this kind of mufflers to their single motorcycle units because he is ready to enforce the law.

“Maayo pa’g ipalit na ninyo ug pagkaon ug idungag sa inyong pag-eskwela kaysa ipang-hambog ninyo sa inyong mga

uyab kung muangkas na sa inyong mga motor,” Uy stressed.

Retired Police Inspector Marcus J. Villanueva of the City’s Traffic Management Unit, on the other hand vowed to intensify the campaign against “bora-bora” as he reported that the destroyed mufflers today were apprehended in a span of five months.

Villanueva shared that apprehended motorcycles will not worry to pay a penalty fee but their single motorcycle will be impounded at the motorpool and shall be released only if the owner would install the prescribed muffler.

This is the fourth time that the city destroyed “bora-bora” with a total of more than (400) four hundred already in the list since its intensified operation last year in compliance with Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Fresh from his historic oath-taking rites in Mati City in the Province of Davao Oriental, newly-proclaimed Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III dropped by at Tagum City August12, 2011 where he was able to have a brief but meaningful 30 minute-meeting with Mayor Rey T. Uy.

The two Mindanaon leaders met at the city’s motor pool where Mayor Uy gave the newest addition to the republic’s senate chamber a peak of his corporate-minded governance. Uy briefed the senator about what the Local Government of Tagum is doing with the confiscated hot logs acquired by the city from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Sen. Pimentel was impressed by how the local government utilized the said logs and produced materials such as arm chairs, tables, double deck beds and other which are distributed in schools and military camps not just in the city but in nearby municipalities in the Provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

While he lauded Mayor’s Uy initiative, the senator was quick in adding that the real score in putting the illegal logging operations into a screeching halt lies before a tree is cut down, a thing which Mayor Uy agreed.

Joining Mayor Uy in welcoming the visiting solon was City Administrator Rafael E. Abrenica.

Accompanying the Senator was his wife, Jewel, and Assistant Secretary Wendel Avisado of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

Int’l football cup kicks off May 2 12

One year after City of Tagum hosted the 3rd International Rondalla Festival which implanted the city into the roster of cultural hubs in Southeast Asia, another nerve-wracking event is expected to heat up Tagum City with its hosting of the first-ever International Children and Youth Football Challenge which will kick off on the first week of May 2012.

Months after people from all walks of life talk about the city’s hosting of the event, it’s now safe to say that indeed Tagum had won the confidence of the organizers to stage the international sports event here with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City Government of Tagum, the City of Tagum Tourism Council (CTC) and the Filipino-Chinese Heritage and Cultural Society (FCHCS), the organizer of the event with the support from the Davao and Davao del Norte Football Associations, respectively.

Signatories of the four-page document are City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy and his wife Alma L. Uy who also sits as the CTC President and Edgar Lim Tee, the secretary and one of the members of the board of trustees of FCHCS.

“Rest assured that the event will be successful,” stressed Mayor Uy in his speech before the formal signing of the memorandum.

Dubbed as the Maharlika Cup, the festival is open to all young football players and enthusiasts who represents any region or country, and qualifying

under the following age-range categories for both boys and girls: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18.

“The city is dynamic, it has good manpower, it has good government leaders who are very willing and able to work with the private sector to engage in such endeavor,” shared Mr. Tee when asked why Tagum City has been chosen by their organization to host the event.

The said football challenge will be staged in the sprawling site in Energy Park which the city government had started to develop in line with the convergence of best football players from different parts of the world next year. Thick preparations are also under way to ensure the success of the event.

Also supporting the event were mayors from nearby cities and municipalities in the Davao Region. Present during the MOA signing were Mayor Jose Silvosa of Panabo City, Mayor Jesse Bolo of Compostela, Mayor Reynald Navarro of Laak, Mayor Joseph Nilo Parreñas and Board Member Peter Gonzaga of Compostela Valley representing Governor Arturo Uy and Nemeses Nuñez representative of Gov. del Rosario of Davao del Norte.

Meanwhile, Mr. Frederick Bernard Luesi of the Indonesian Consulate to the Philippines also promised in his speech to support the festival, especially on communication matters between the Philippine and Indonesia Governments, respectively.

BPLS streamlining pushed

The City Government of Tagum along with two other component cities in Davao del Norte have been chosen to be the pilot city in streamlining the business permit and licensing system (BPLS) and thus have received technical support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the review of their BPLS in a two-day Orientation Briefing and Self-Assessment Workshop held May 10-11, 2011 at Mikos Brew Café and Restaurant.

This was done in an aim to speed up issuance of business permits and licenses, in support of President Benigno Aquino III’s inaugural vow to put up more investments in the country by streamlining these processes.

This surfaced after the signing of the joint Memorandum Circular for the Nationwide Streamlining of Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) for local government units which was signed by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo.

The program will have 4 components: Simplification and Standardization of BPLS for new registration and renewals, Computerization, Improving Customer Relations and Institutionalization of Reforms. Under the BPLS, all LGUs will use a unified form to process business permit applications and renewals. There will be four major steps for processing: Securing an application from the city or municipal government, Filing or submission of accomplished form with attached documentary requirements (e.g. SEC/DTI/CDA certificates of registration, location map, barangay clearance, etc), One-time assessment of taxes, fees, and charges and Securing a Mayor’s Permit upon submission of official receipts as proof of payment of taxes, fees, and charges imposed by the LGU.

In an interview, Davao del Norte Provincial Director Vedastito C. Galvez said that the BPLS will minimize graft and corruption by removing several steps that drag the processing.

He added that based on a nationwide survey by the department, it takes an average of 5 days to renew a business permit. Under the new system, they aim to shorten it to 2 to 3 days. In getting a new permit, meanwhile, the program aims to shorten it from an average of 10 days to 5 days.

CIVOTESPRO allots 2.5M for scholarships

Anchored on the prime goal of equipping deserving Tagumeños with the necessary skills in making them globally competitive, the City Government of Tagum had embarked on a life-changing mission by intensifying its skills training programs and scholarships.

This year, the city government will be sending 82 students to the Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center in Buhisan, Davao City which was allocated 2.5 million pesos under the City Vocational Technical Educational Scholarship Program (CIVOTESPRO), another brainchild project of Mayor Rey T. Uy.

These students, who underwent rigorous screening and selection process, will undergo one-year training on different technical trade specializations which include civil technology, information procession, mechanical processing, food processing, welding, refrigeration, automobile servicing, agricultural machinery maintenance and hotel and restaurant servicing.

CIVOTESPRO was conceptualized by the city government in year 2008 to catch up with the global demand for skilled workers, thereby replacing the old scholarship program of the city which offered four-year courses.

On June 8, 2011, these 82 scholars along with their parents fixed their signatures during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

In the two-page document, parents affirm to support their children physically, emotionally and spiritually. Under the program, the scholars will be receiving 500 pesos as monthly stipend and 750 pesos for dormitory allowances, respectively, from the city government.

This scholarship is one among the many programs initiated by the city government in equipping every deserving Tagumeño with technical skills which they can use to apply for work abroad.

IP leaders ratify landmark resolution as Dayaw Festival ends Leaders of the different clusters of indigenous peoples in the country are one in hoping in seeing a new day full of hope and change as they unanimously approved a resolution pursuing a cultural and development agenda for the national government to take upon, highlighting the finale of this year’s three-day Dayaw Festival.

The so-called Dayaw Tagum Declaration aims to pursue an active role of the indigenous peoples in community resource management, uphold their rights to self-determination expand and sustain the School of Living Traditions and reinvigorate cultural identities of the younger generation.

The group endorsed the said document during the National IP Summit convened by Sen. Loren Legarda in Manila last October 13, 2011, raising expectations of an issuance of a sound cultural and development agenda for the IPs under the Aquino Administration.

Considered to be a landmark piece of document, the Dayaw Tagum Declaration came into existence as series of forum were being held during the holding of the Dayaw Festival in Tagum which gained support from concerned agencies such as the National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry and the National Economic Development Authority.

“This forum serves as a milestone for our wishes to be heard,” stressed Commissioner Joycie D. Alegre, head of the NCCA’s Sub-commission for Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts.

The document also pursues effective interventions on peace and development including the urgent resumption of “peace process” with the participation and engagement of IPs; immediate enactment of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; effective engagement of IP councils in local development councils; and provides a bold stance in opposing the establishment or continuing presence of massive extractive industries in their respective territories such as illegal mining, logging and fishing activities.

Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, City of Tagum Tourism Council President Alma L. Uy expressed in behalf of the City Government of Tagum her profound gratitude to the people who took part in ensuring the success of the festival despite the short time of preparation.

The Ifugao of Kalinga, Apayao gave three ritual jars to the City of Tagum as their way of saying thanks to the city for hosting the event.

Tagum City grabs CROWN title The Local Government of Tagum’s programs on nutrition paid off as it was awarded the highly-coveted Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award by the Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council in fitting ceremonies at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila last October 25, 2011.

The CROWN award is given to a municipality, city or province that has been adjudged by the inter agency regional nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for three consecutive years.

Tagum City was recognized for pursuing

sustainable growth and development through transparency, development of resources, environment-friendly policies and strategies and creation of a culture of change and innovation towards economic prosperity.

This, as the award’s brochure stated, ultimately sets the tone for the city to reach out to its constituents through good nutrition.

The award came along with a cash prize of 250 thousand pesos which will be utilized to intensify the nutrition programs of the city.

Among the winning edges of the city is its purchase of the Technovan to deliver various health and nutrition services in all the city’s 23 barangays and The Bahay Lingap Pinuyanan and Remedy to Ultimate Nutrition programs, respectively.

The National Award Committee also appreciated the city’s strong advocacy on seminars on responsible parenthood, supplemental feeding, mass deworming, breastfeeding campaign, maternal and newborn child care and its monitoring compliance to the Milk Code and the ASIN law.

All of these efforts resulted to a low malnutrition prevalence rate of 3.83% and 8.48% among pre-schoolers and school children, respectively in year 2010.

In lieu of Mayor Rey T. Uy, City Nutrition Committee’s vice chair Councilor Oscar M. Bermudez and City Nutrition Action Officer Councilor Joedel Caasi received the award from Health Secretary Enrique Ona who represented President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Tagum’s best lupong tagapamayapa recognized Barangays with outstanding records in resolving conflicts in the barangay level were duly recognized by the City Government of Tagum, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice in fitting ceremonies of this year’s Search for Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa held May 13, 2011 at Molave Hotel, Tagum City.

Grabbing the spotlight this year for the urban category was the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Magugpo West with 95% over-all performance rating.

Magugpo South closely followed as second placer with 94.25% while the third placer award was conferred to Magugpo Poblacion with 92.50%. Consolation prizes were given to Barangay San Miguel and Barangay Mankilam which garnered 88.00% and 80.50%, respectively.

For the rural category, first place goes to Barangay La Filipina with 95.25% rating followed by Barangay Magdum as second placer with 90.50% rating. Coming in as third placer was Barangay Nueva Fuerza with 87.25% rating.

The hierarchy of DILG and DOJ extolled the wining barangays for being true testaments of creating a win-win solution as well as displaying the skills, talent and their dedication to “perfect the art of mediating.”

“While your award serves as a pat on your back, don’t sit on your laurels.

Instead, make it as an inspiration to strive more,” stressed Fiscal Celestina Gonzales of DOJ.

City DILG Director Eliza P. Mendoza shared that Tagum City is the only LGU in the country which includes cash prizes in its incentive program recognizing best lupong tagapamayapa.

First placers in two categories in this year’s search each received 25 thousand pesos in cold cash.

The Local Government Code mandates the establishment of a Lupong Tagapamayapa in each barangay. It is composed of the Punong Barangay and 10 to 20 other members.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa has the authority to bring together parties in a dispute and work for its settlement. Of the 39,535 barangays nationwide (except for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), around 99.52 percent or 39,348 have the said council.

King of Fruits celebrated in Tagum’s Durian Fest

All hail, Great Durian, King of all Fruits on Earth!

The rain did not hamper the opening of the 6th Season of City of Tagum’s Durian Festival - considered to be Mindanao’s Biggest Culinary Olympics - last September 9, 2011 at Rotary Park Open Field, Pioneer Avenue in this city.

No less than City Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy led the opening of the festival, highlighted by the lighting of the giant durian replica at the city’s Rotary Park Open Field which hosts many stalls selling durian and other delicacies.

This year’s edition of the festival drew participation from 17 academic institutions coming from the different parts of Mindanao who will compete in the following contests: Durian filled bread, Durian kakanin, Durian pie, Durian main dish, Durian plated dessert, Durian petit four, Durian entrement, celebration cake and durian dessert buffet to feature extreme flair factor competitions such as cocktail and mocktail, restaurant complete services like waiter’s relay, chef’s relay, fruit and vegetable carving and food basket in

the Barangay.

City Tourism Council President Mrs. Alma L. Uy noted that aside from the competitions, a forum on Integrated Disease Management of Phytophthora Diseases of Durian and Jackfruit in Southern Philippines will also be conducted for the benefit of durian and jackfruit growers in the city and which will be participated by other countries like Australia, Combodia, Thailand and Vietnam it will be on September 21 at Molave Hotel in this city.

With this, Atty. Jesus T. Albacite, one of the officers of the Tagum City Durian Growers Association, expressed that the city is indeed ready to become the country’s durian capital.

During the opening program, durian cracking and durian eating contests were held, respectively, which greatly entertained the crowd.

At the Rotary Park Open Field, Tagumeños and other people coming from nearby cities and municipalities are enjoying the overflow of durian with price ranging from 60-70 pesos a kilo.

Mayor Uy to newly-weds:

Be Responsible!

Just a day after the Royal Wedding in London, City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy challenged all sixty two (62) newly-wed couples he officiated in the third wave of Kasalang Bayan last May 1, 2011 at Tagum Trade and Cultural Center Pavilion to be responsible married couples and parents.

In a serious stance, the city mayor reminded the couples the importance of responsible parenthood so as not to add up to the problems of poverty in the society.

He encouraged them to consider family planning as it will help them to make their family’s respective lives better, citing an example he and his wife’s decision for the latter to submit for tubal ligation after the birth of their third child.

“Lalaki o babae, pareha ra na,” the mayor stressed to a smiling crowd adding that having two or three child will be just enough for one family.

Organized by the City Civil Registrar Office under the leadership of Mrs. Flordeliza J. Zulueta, Saturday’s Kasalang Bayan was the third Kasalang Bayan officiated by the city mayor.

This is in line with the city mayor’s earnest desire to lessen the number of illegitimate children just because their parents are not married.

This event was conducted for free, except for the processing of the Certificate of No Marriage in the National Statistics Office where couples have to pay.

Tagum City

River Cruise launched

Greening Programs intensified as Pagasa cites temperature dip by two degrees UMBER

BY THE N

An exciting 8.8-kilometer river cruise is the newest addition to the City of Tagum’s wide array of must-see destinations.

The Tagum City River Cruise was officially launched in a simple yet meaningful ceremony held July 30, 2011 at Punong Restaurant which aimed of preserving the “wetlands of the city” and boost the city’s ecotourism drive.

This is a joint collaboration between the City Government of Tagum, City of Tagum Tourism Council, the Barangay Local Governments and Councils of Women.

The two-and-a-half hour Tagum City River Cruise offers distinctive features such as the sight of century-old mangroves and will take visitors to an inspiring nature hug, embracing the wonders the Mangrove Forest Conservation Project spearheaded

by Mayor Rey T. Uy. In his speech, Mayor Uy urged the public to visit and experience the river cruise but also pose a challenge to the ones who are directly benefiting the project.

“We (LGU Tagum) have done our part already. It’s now your turn to preserve and develop this. This is not for our generation alone. This is for the next generation,” Mayor Uy stressed in vernacular during his speech.

For the past five years, 82, 500 seedlings were planted in the wetlands within the south and southeastern portion of the City, along the banks of waterways that stretches to more than 14 kilometers.

The River Cruise jumps off from Punong Restaurant with stopovers in Maningo Farm which features the famous softshelled crabs; the Ka’gan Village displays Muslim Trades and Delicacies; the boardwalk observatory which under the shades of century-old mangrove trees and lastly, a floating tiangge which sells packed goodies on a local gakit.

Present during the launching were Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Vice Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Department of Tourism XI Regional Director Art Boncato, Tourism Council President Mrs. Alma L. Uy, Members of the Media and Davao-and-Tagum-based Tour Operators and Photographers.

Interested participants may contact the City Tourism Office and the Tagum City Council of Women for reservations.

Tagum City residents wake up to cooler mornings wrapped with thick fogs, a strong manifestation of the temperature decline in this city as a result of the massive greening and reforestation programs spearheaded by the local government in recent years.

Reporting to students and stakeholders who attended an early morning tree planting drive in the Accretion Area in Barangay Pandapan, City Mayor Rey T. Uy proudly shared that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) noted a two degree dip of the city’s annual average temperature, from 28.35°C in 2001 to 26.70°C in 2010.

Data obtained from the nation’s weather bureau noted the annual average temperature of the city as follows: 28.08°C (2002), 27.80°C (2003), 27.65°C (2004), 27.03°C (2005), 26.85°C (2006), 26.54°C (2007), 27.03°C (2008) and 27.40°C (2009).

This is a concrete result of the greening programs such as the accretion reforestation jointly undertaken by the local government and the private sector, Uy said, adding that the city will intensify

these programs for the benefit of both the environment and the future generation.

On September 8, 2011, Uy inked another memorandum of agreement with Tagum Cooperative, Inc. to maintain the accretion area planted with fast-growing trees with a budget of two hundred thousand pesos, sourced out from the cooperative’s coffers.

DepEd Superintendent Nenita E. Lumaad, who also sits as the Chairperson of the cooperative’s Board of Directors shared that this is part of their firm’s corporate social responsibility.

Lumaad urged the students, parents and her colleagues at DepEd and Tagum Cooperative to earnestly supervise the accretion area to ensure the survival of the planted trees.

By signing the MOA, Tagum Cooperative joined the ranks of the private sectors who tied up with the local government in its green brigade. Among these are the NCCC Cares and the Tagum Water District.

Meanwhile, Mayor Uy announced that aside from tree planting activities, his administration will also launch the wall greening project in the coming days.

RTU leads turtle rescue

What’s supposed to be a taping for a television show had incidentally turned City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy’s Saturday river cruise into an exhilarating rescue of a leatherneck sea turtle.

Mayor Uy, along with City Administrator Rafael E. Abrenica, Executive Assistant III Delia B. dela Cruz, City Agriculture Office-OIC George Grandea, City Information Officer III Edwin B. Lasquite and the elite forces of the Bantay Dagat led the rescue of the two-year-old sea creature last May 7, 2011 at exactly 10:30 AM.

The Mayor along with his team was in the middle of a television interview with GMA Davao’s Isyu Karon when a local fisherman had personally reported to the mayor that a sea turtle was trapped in a bunsod in the seawaters of Baret Beach, Barangay Madaum.

Mayor Uy then gave marching orders immediately to release the said animal to the deep parts of the aforementioned coastal barangay.

Authorities had estimated that the leatherneck sea turtle weighs more than 40 kilos and measures 28 inches in width and 40 inches in length.

Local authorities here had underscored that the rescue of marine animals recently is a solid manifestation of the cleanliness of Tagum’s sea and the richness of the city’s marine biodiversity.

Last April 11, a Green Sea Turtle was also rescued and released in adjacent Barangay Liboganon. Only last week, a Risso’s Dolphin found refuge in the waters of Barangay Liboganon which beached to the shore after been allegedly attacked by a cookie cutter shark somewhere in Davao Gulf.

Mayor Uy had been strictly advocating environmental protection since assumption of office, especially on the seawaters of the city.

Effective fiscal mgt. eyed

Barangay officials from the 23 Barangays here were briefed on the standard operating procedures relating to budget operation, maintenance of the of the Registry of Appropriations and proper usage of accounts in a one-day seminarworkshop held May 6, 2011 at Miko’s Brew Café and Restaurant.

This seminar-workshop featured topics pertinent to the efficient handling of barangay funds such as the chart of accounts, budget preparation and manual discussion with top-caliber speakers Miss Emalyn G. Bermudez, CPA, Mr. Arnold Asoy, CPA and Miss Joy A. Pando, CPA of the City Accountant’s Office who spearheaded this event.

Participants to this knowledge-filled seminar workshop include the barangay captains, barangay treasurers, record keepers and the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations of the different Sangguniang Barangays of the city.

In an interview, City Accountant Ramil Y. Tiu disclosed the importance of holding this activity since they are very eager and enthusiastic in achieving an effective fiscal management in the barangay level.

Tiu added that this training aims to equip the barangay leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge for them to be effective as it will benefit not only the barangay but also the city government as well.

“We are doing this years ago na but as we all know, learning is a continuous process so we are training our barangay leaders because they are our partners and this training also aims to inspire other barangays to do better since they will be challenged to emulate and learn from other barangay’s effective fiscal management…If nabuhat nila, kaya pud namo buhaton,” Tiu added.

This event was also conducted with support from City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy, City Administrator Rafael E. Abrenica and City Budget Officer Dean C. Briz.

It can be recalled that on October 23, 2009, Mayor Uy issued Executive Order No. 43, series of 2009 that orders the creation of a committee that will oversee for the implementation of a standardized barangay processing flow system which includes the budget preparation.

Nutrition fun run successful

City of Tagum’s celebration of July as Nutrition Month ended with a fun run participated by around 892 runners from the city and nearby municipalities, proceeds of which will benefit all the Barangay Nutrition Councils of the 23 barangays in the city.

Dubbed as “Takbo para sa Kalusugan,” the said fun run was spearheaded by the Tagum City Sports Development and Physical Fitness Council in cooperation with the City Nutrition Council.

Winners of the fun run are the following: 3K, Darold Dojo (boys), Clarem Dojo (girls); 5K, Japerson Tabacon (boys), Lara June Gayramara (girls); and 10K, Roel Mahinan (boys) and Judelyn Miranda (girls).

They received medals and cash prizes ranging from 1, 500, 2,000 and 3,000, respectively.

This is one of the many activities organized by the city government in its pursuit of creating a healthy society.

One of which is the Breastfeeding Activity held at Freedom Park attended by an estimated 46 lactating mothers from the 23 barangays of the City of Tagum. This is in consonance with this year’s theme: “Isulong ang Breast-feeding - Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo.”

Pregnant women also converged in this year’s Buntis Congress held at NCCC Mall Tagum’s Convention Center last July 22, 2011.

National Library’s Director on Tagum’s lib:

‘impressive’

The accessibility of Tagum City’s public library impressed the director of the National Library of the Philippines who paid a visit here in the sidelines of their national librarian’s conference held in Davao City, July 19, 2011.

Director Antonio M. Santos, on the other hand, suggested to the city to clearly define the existence of the city library through making it as an independent arm from the City Information Office. Director Santos added that he is now lobbying in the congress to formulate a legislative agenda that would support his proposal.

Under the present system, the City Library is under the Public Information Division.

After inspecting the city library, the director who brought along with him librarians from the cities of Baguio, Angeles, Pangasinan and Davao, paid a courtesy call to Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy with the city librarian, Mr. Enrique H. Donayre.

“I can say that Tagum is indeed a city to watch,” he added citing that full support of the local government officials would really ensure the success of the existence of the city library.

The team also went to the Department of Education – Division of Tagum City’s office in Energy Park which also houses within its walls a mini-library, the University of Mindanao Tagum College’s library and was amazed by the hugeness of the still unfinished new city hall.

IN MEMORIAM

Jesus V. Ayala remembered by

Tagumeños

New Barangay

Leaders undergo orientation

To acquaint the newly-elected officials of the different barangays of the city, a two-part series, three-day Barangay NewlyElected Officials (BNEO) Orientation-Seminar was conducted by the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Department of Interior and Local Government at Emar’s Wavepool Resort, Davao City last March 17-19 and March 2830, 2011, respectively.

Around 220 participants attended the said event which comprises of elected barangay officials, barangay treasurers, secretaries and other key barangay functionaries from the 22 barangays of Tagum.

Among those barangays who made it to the said conference were Barangays Apokon, Bingcungan, Busaon, Magugpo East, Magugpo South, Magugpo Poblacion, San Miguel, San Isidro, Pandapan, Liboganon, Cuambogan, Pagsabangan, New Balamban and Nnueva Fuerza.

City DILG Director Miss Eliza P. Mendoza, MPA opened the orientation seminar by setting the direction as well as giving its rationale, objectives, house rules and also conducted the pre-evaluation.

Barangay officials were oriented on the inner workings on governance like

the barangay financial administration, governance and administration, principles governing release and disbursement offunds, the budget cycle and financial records, which were discussed by Mr. Ramil Y. Tiu, CPA, the city accountant.

DILG Provincial Director, meanwhile, shared to the participants the barangay structure and organization, powers and services, roles, duties and responsibilities and barangay-based institutions.

Both Tagum City Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon, MPA and Atty. Erwin M. Enad, the Legal Officer of DILG XI discussed all about barangay legislation, from the formulation of the IRP, the difference between resolutions and ordinances, legal issues, parliamentary procedures to important legislative documents.

Officials also shed light on matters of transparency, accountability and participation as well as principles of community mobilization, CSO and PO participation in governance and the importance of a citizen charter, which were stressed by DILG Assistant Regional Director Danilo B. Lumapas, CE, MPA in his talk.

Nat’l travel agencies group sees ecotourism boom in Tagum City

A respected national travel agencies organization is seeing a boom in ecotourism activities in the City of Tagum after they went on a one-day excursion in the said city.

In an interview, Rosemarie Sandoval Galang, President of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), Inc. expressed confidence about the city’s branding of its ecotourism sites, particularly the recentlylaunched Tagum City River Cruise.

She added that her group is “very much willing” to help promote Tagum City not just nationally but also in its international partners.

The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies-Philippines, Inc. or NAITAS is the biggest and the largest travel association in the Philippines with more than 1,000 members and 17 chapters scattered nationwide. NAITAS members are all strong marketing agents and produces 65% of outbound air tickets and 70% of domestic air tickets being

issued from all over the country.

Mrs. Galang led her 28man NAITAS delegation during the familiarization trip which itinerary includes breakfast at Punong Restaurant, the iconic New City Hall of Tagum and Banana Beach in Magdum.

The team also paid a courtesy call to Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy prior to the start of their tour. Over breakfast, the mayor encouraged the team to help promote Tagum and talked a bit of his administration’s best practices.

Erstwhile NAITAS President Sheila Johnson, who had been in Tagum six years ago, expressed amazement of the city’s transformation in terms of its ecotourism destinations.

“I was surprised because when I was here six years ago, wala pa masyadong tourist destinations and it’s really amazing how you had boomed in terms of re-branding your city to become a must-see destination,” Miss Johnson said.

It’s as if heaven cried as rain fell hard when the cremated body of Tagum’s development icon and guru Atty. Jesus V. Ayala entered the city he dearly love for the necrological service sponsored by his former employees at Hijo Resources Corporation, his family and the City Government of Tagum headed by City Mayor Rey T. Uy on April 28, 2011.

Tears shed and applause rang out in the windwhipped Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King as the urn containing JVA’s ash was carried by his eldest son, Mike, to the main altar before the start of the concelebrated requiem mass officiated by Bishop Wildfredo Manlapaz of the Diocese of Tagum.

Before this, his remains were brought to Barangay Madaum where he was once the general manager of a banana plantation since the year 1960.

Sir Chito, as he was fondly called, was remembered as a best friend, a caring boss and most especially, a source of strength to others during the event which drew hundreds of sympathizers to the city to pay their last respects to the dead.

JVA, highly considered as the guru in regional development, agri-industrialist and political kingmaker, passed away at 6:45 p.m. on April 21 due to multiple organ failure. He was 82.

In his speech, Mayor Uy extolled JVA for his selfless contribution to the development of Tagum and expressed his gratitude to the Ayala Family for donating the 12-hectare land which was utilized by the city government as the site of its iconic New City Hall, undeniably one of the city’s best landmarks and must-see destinations.

Mayor Uy would later describe JVA as “considerate and generous man, especially to Tagum.”

In his homily, Bishop Manlapaz said the Diocese is thankful to JVA since the diocese, then one parish, “had benefited from the goodness of our dear friend.”

It was known that JVA chaired as the chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council and one of the Board of Trustees of Christ the King Hospital, now known as Bishop Reagan Memorial Hospital, and he was also considered as one of the pillars of the Queen of Apostles Seminary.

“In my 25 years with JVA, I never heard him castigate or shout at the employees,” shared Mr. Ed Grapa, one of JVA’s trusted employees, during his speech.

Gov. del Rosario appreciated the fact that despite JVA’s role as a presidential adviser during the the Corazon Aquino Presidency, JVA declined a seat of national prominence by taking a powerful stint in Malacañang.

“Tagum has a special place in my father’s heart,” expressed Mike in his message in behalf of the family and urged the Tagumeño people to “live by the values my father instilled and we can honor his memory by doing our share in community building in our respective areas of responsibility.”

To this day, Tagum City named the long stretch of road leading to its new city hall after JVA, immortalizing his memories and his extraordinary contributions to the minds of Tagumeño people of today and in the generations to come.

Peace affirmed as Tagum City lights up giant holiday tree Amidst a sea of colorful ceremonies, this city’s 108.60-feet Giant Holiday Tree officially came to life November 16, 2011, drawing cheers and amazement from Tagumeños who flocked to the Freedom Park to witness the grand lighting ceremony of the city’s Christmas icon.

Tagumeños take pride of this towering holiday structure and the event itself which gathered not only Christians but also people from other dominions of faith, a resounding statement of a peaceful city, event organizers said.

In his speech, first Councilor De Carlo L. Uy described the said tree as the city’s “gift of hope, love and peace,” and later encouraged everyone to magnify the true meaning of Christmas that is unity and peace

“As we light up this holiday tree, let us rededicate ourselves to make Tagum more progressive and let us work together to build a more peaceful place,” stressed the younger Uy. Wednesday’s event gathered more than (5,000) five thousand people who were serenaded by Christmas songs and jingles of children’s choir and brass band, cementing the event’s title as one of the city’s most-attended activities.

Mayor Rey T. Uy, along with other local government officials and private stakeholders, turned on the series of Christmas lights wrapping the hexagonal-shape giant Christmas tree made of thin steel and wires, hoisted at the foreground of the Freedom Park located at the back of the city hall.

Upon lighting, the Holiday Tree burst into brightness amid 35 angel-costumed children carrying lighted candles as symbol of enlightenment among the people living in harmony with each other in the city.

This year’s celebration also paid tribute to the public market workers, laborers, vendors and dispatchers to whom Councilor Uy said this is a way of recognizing their “vital part in our city’s development and daily living.”

This year’s holiday tree—touted to be the tallest in the Philippines—is illuminated by 100,000 rice bulbs along with 7,500 yellow and green roof lights, 3,000 blue roof lights and 6,000 red roof lights. It is also adorned with 8.60-feet Bethlehem Star at the top, flowers, snowflakes, angels and birds, fruits, musical notes and staffs. 200 pieces of star lanterns are also hanged in the trees that surrounds to the freedom park. The City Government spent 700,000 pesos to put up the structure which was designed by the City Architect’s Office and was put up by the engineering office’s building and safety and electrical divisions for two months, respectively.

It was lighted 39 days before Christmas and the people who saw it during the lighting ceremony can’t help but be amazed.

“I was really amazed upon seeing this year’s holiday tree and I must say that it generated some sense of pride and excitement,” said 18-year old Katrina Solis in an interview.

For 21-year old Robin Labra, the said annual event is a perfect time for his circle of friends to bond, noting that the yearly spectacle don’t go out of taste.

It’s different every year and it’s just amazing that in every year that passes, it still sends goosebumps down my spine during its official lighting,” Labra added.

Mayor Uy stressed that the holiday structure will be lighted every night starting at six o’clock in the evening and will be turned off at two in the morning.

Major streets in the city, especially in the downtown area, are also glimmering with the installment of Christmas lights and decors which are also lighted simultaneously with that of the holiday tree.

Meanwhile, the city also launched the three-day Food Festival, a showcase of the city’s finest cuisine, courtesy of restaurant members of the United Restaurant, Hotel Owners, Managers and Executives of the city.

Tourism Council President Alma L. Uy said the festival would highlight the talents and skills in cooking of Tagumeños as well as provide a venue for the students to hone their mastery in the kitchen.

This is the second installment of the said festival which will be highlighted by the Search for the Humba Master on November 18, wherein 23 participants from the 23 barangays of the city will demonstrate their prowess in cooking adobong baboy, a favorite Filipino food.

Davao Region’s 1st

wildlife rescue center to rise in Tagum

Rescued wildlife animals from Davao City were officially turned over to CENRO and City Vetirinary Office last October 3, 2011 at Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City.

The signatures were in and history was made.

Confiscated, abandoned or donated wild animals will soon find home in the City of Tagum where they will be quarantined and properly cared for after the City Government of Tagum and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region XI inked the memorandum of agreement which paved the way f0r the establishment of Region XI’s first wildlife rescue center.

To be located inside the still-developed 5.6-hectare Bird Park in Sitio Mandapaan in Barangay New Balamban, the said wildlife rescue center will be managed

by DENR through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau with the assistance of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Veterinary Office.

No less than Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy led the simple signing ceremony at the conference room inside his office with the DENR XI’s Regional Technical Director Emmanuel E. Isip representing

Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna last July 5, 2011.

Also present during the signing was City Councilor Frank Remitar who also chairs the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the 5th City Council.

Under the MOA, both parties agreed to take temporary custody and care of all retrieved, abandoned, donated and/or confiscated wildlife to ensure their welfare and to showcase endemic animals in the region as well as to promote ecotourism for the residents and tourists of the city.

An allocation of 2.5 million pesos from the budget of DENR XI will be funded for the establishment of the facility which would include a laboratory, administration building, reptiles’ and birds’ cages.

The establishment of the aforementioned facility is pursuant to Section 32 of Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

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