RADIO BROADCASTER SHOT DEAD IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

Gunmen shot dead a broadcaster for a local radio station in Davao Oriental yesterday afternoon, with a police regional director saying they are yet to determine if the attack is work-related.

Chief Supt. Jaime Morente, director of the Southern Mindanao regional police, said the incident happened at around 2 p.m. while victim Nestor Libaton was on board a motorcycle driven by a fellow reporter.

Libaton’s companion was reportedly unhurt.

Libaton, 45, is connected with the dxHM/Spirit FM as anchorman.

“The investigators are trying to determine if the attack is work-related or if he was a hard-hitting commentator, let us wait for the result of the investigation,” said Morente.

He said Libaton was shot along the Pinagsablayan highway in Barangay Don Enrique in Mati City.

Morente said the local police have immediately launched follow-up operation against the perpetrators.

The attack occurred while authorities are still scrambling to solve cases of media harassment and killings this year alone, the latest was a media worker connected with Bombo Radyo station in Kidapawan City who was gunned down inside the media vehicle last month.

More than 100 journalists were killed since 1986, most of them remain unsolved. The worst case of media killing in the country was the Maguindanao massacre wherein 32 journalists were killed in one single attack.

 

Probers eye land dispute in Davao broadcaster’s slay

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Authorities are suspecting that a land dispute could be behind the killing of a radio broadcaster who was gunned down by two assailants in a remote village in Tarragona, Davao Oriental Tuesday afternoon.

The victim was identified as Nestor Libaton, who worked for radio station dxHM run by the local Catholic archdiocese.

“Initial investigation showed that the case could be due to a land dispute since the victim was reported to have been involved in a land conflict with some relatives or friends,” said Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, Southern Mindanao police director.

Morente said Libaton was not a hard-hitting broadcaster, although he added that investigators were not discounting the possibility that the killing could also be work-related.

“In fact, his program was more on religious issues and prices of commodities. He did not hurt anyone in his radio broadcast,” Morente said.

Morente added that Libaton’s attackers did not harm his companion, a certain Eldon Cruz, also a media practitioner.

He said a special task force has been created to look into the Libaton killing.

“I also instructed our investigators in the area to likewise get the statements of the driver of the motorcycle for him to describe the faces of the suspects as they did not cover their faces during the incident,” he added.

Libaton and Cruz had just come from a fiesta celebration in Barangay Ompao, Tarragona town and were on their way back to Mati City aboard a motorcycle last Tuesday afternoon when two men, also riding a motorcycle, tailed them.

The two men reportedly fired shots in the air, prompting Libaton and Cruz to stop. Libaton reportedly alighted from their motorcycle to confront the two but he was shot several times in the face and body.

Juvy Tanio, Mati City information officer and a colleague of Libaton in dxHM, said policemen recovered six empty shells and one live bullet from .45 and .38 calibers at the crime scene.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat said they would exhaust all efforts to bring justice to Libaton’s family.

“First, we are saddened that something like this happened. There might be different circumstances but still a life was taken. Life is at stake and we know that it is sad and we believe that only God has the right for that (to take life). So whoever did this, I hope this person would realize that what he or she committed was a grave sin,” Palma said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas.

Palma lamented said Libaton’s death had to happen 12 days before the celebration of the 46th World Communications Sunday.

According to the CBCPNews, Libaton was the third media practitioner killed in the past 15 days. The two others were Rommel Palma who was killed in Koronadal City last April 24, and Michael Calanasan who was slain in Laguna last April 30.

On June 14, 2010, another Mati broadcaster, Desiderio Camangyan, was killed in a fiesta celebration in Manay, Davao Oriental. A certain PO1 Dennis Jess Lumikid was tagged in the slay.

Snorkeling site in Davao Oriental

A snorkeling site in Mati City in Davao Oriental  is now open for local and foreign enthusiasts and tourists.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Davao Region recently opened the snorkeling area at Barangay Tamisan in Mati City as an offshoot to the enterprise development efforts of DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP).
DENR-XI signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of Mati City and the Tamisan Marine Protected Area Fisherfolk Association (TAMPAFAS) in implementing the ICRMP in the city.
As part of the agreement, 17 reef rangers were trained, and are now ready to guide tourists who want to explore the surface of the bay.
The trained reef rangers received their brand new snorkeling gears such as mask, fins, life vests, goggles and diving suits after the MOA signing on March 27.
Mayor Michelle Rabat who represented Mati LGU in the MOA, emphasized the need of protecting and conserving the coastal area of Barangay Tamisan in order to lure more tourists to come and snorkel in the area.
TAMPAFAS was represented by its president Giovanni Lazaro in the MOA signing, while DENR-XI was headed by its regional technical director Emmanuel Isip.(PIA)

Bail for cop in radioman’s murder opposed

    The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) is against a petition for bail by a policeman accused in the murder of Davao Oriental brodcaster Desiderio “Jessie” Camangyan, said Jessie Casalda, Davao Chapter chairman of the media group.

inTOPNEWS PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO. 87,

Nov 28-Dec. 04, 2011

Police Officer 1 Dennis Jess Lumikid is the prime suspect in the  murder of Camangyan during a fiesta celebration in Manay, Davao Oriental on June 14, 2010.
Camangyan was holding a mike emceeing a program on a stage when shot several times in front of a crowd.
Casalda said there are many witnesses to Camangyan’s killing that could lead the court to junk the policeman’s petition to be granted bail.
But the NUJP chairman said Lumikid, like any other accused, has the right to file a petition for bail and the decision is up to the court.
The case is being handled by  Regional Trial Court Branch 14 Judge George Omelio Sr.

World Bank okays DavOr P256-M irrigation project

    CITY OF MATI — The P256 million irrigation project in Cateel municipality, has finally started after the World Bank which bankrolls half of the cost of the big-ticket irrigation project issued a “No Objection Letter,” paving the way for the start of construction activities that includes the building of a dam and canal structures over a period of two years.
The Cateel irrigation project is a joint investment of the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture-Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP). Touted to be one of the biggest irrigation projects in Mindanao is set to irrigate at least 1,600 hectares of rice fields in that second-class municipality of the province.
Governor Corazon Malanyaon, a native of Cateel town, said the municipality will now become the rice granary of Davao Oriental.
The governor disclosed that the provincial government have already successfully bid out the Cateel irrigation project which is to be divided in three packages: one for the diversion works or dam construction with fish ladder amounting P139 million, and another package for canalization amounting P65.62 million and the construction of canal structures worth P7 million.

DavOr strengthens invest promo drive

MATI CITY – The Davao Oriental Center for Promotion on Investments and Trade (C-POINT) recently conducted a two-day training tagged as “Investment Promotion Orientation and Planning Workshop for Local Chief Executives(LCEs) and Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers (LEIPOs)” in Mati City in its bid to establish a strong and cohesive investment promotion program.

The activity, facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Oriental (DTI-DO), was designed to generate the commitment and support of the LCEs in investment promotion-generation initiatives, enhance understanding and appreciation of LEIPOs on the basics and importance of investment promotion, as well as facilitate the formation of a circle or network of LEIPOs within the province.

DTI-DO Provincial Director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi set the direction for the activity emphasizing on the vital role of the LGUs in providing a condusive business environment and the cycle of prosperity that the establishment of businesses can trigger in communities.

Representatives of Davao Oriental’s ten municipalities and one city got relevant inputs on investment promotion, particularly on Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2010, investment leads, and elements of a sound investment promotion plan.

inAROUNDDAVAO

PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO.75, August 22-28, 2011

Davao Oriental 5-Point Development Agenda making significant headway

Gov. Cora Malanyaon joining farmers in rice harvest; and at launch of the Million Trees Movement with Capitol officials

The five-point development agenda of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon ranging from defeating poverty to strengthening effective governance are making significant headway owing to the governor’s strong leadership and determination to make a dent in fighting poverty.

To ensure success of its poverty alleviation program, the provincial government has initiated the Rural Entrepreneurship Advocacy Towards Change (REACH) program.

And the all-out support of all of the province’s eleven mayors to the governor’s development agenda has emboldened her to come up with highly innovative ways that would effectively address the province’s pressing problems.

Governor Malanyaon upon assuming her post in 2007 have clearly defined her administration’s five-point development agenda. These are: defeat poverty, safeguard the environment., expand access to infrastructure, utilities and social services, sustain public order and security, and the last, strengthen effective governance.

During a recent meeting with the province’s eleven mayors, Governor Malanyaon has reported that at least four of the province’s eleven municipalities have landed in the top ten of the Department of Health’s list of local government units which have higher good health indicators. These are the municipalities of Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro and the City of Mati.

The high good health indicators posted by the province was a complete reversal of the province’s previous image of having the highest malnutrition rate in the Davao Region. The provincial government was able to significantly reduce malnutrition rate in the province from 16 percent in 2007 to 6 percent in 2010.

The governor also reported that the Department of Agriculture has cited the province for consistently hitting its food production targets.

To ensure success of its poverty alleviation program, the provincial government has initiated the Rural Entrepreneurship Advocacy Towards Change (REACH) program. It is an entrepreneurship development training and advocacy program intended to propagate and influence a culture of enterprise and wealth in the province.

Governor Malanyaon also said the provincial government have obtained P286 million grant from the World Bank for a big irrigation project in the rice-producing town of Cateel. The province is also one of the recipients of the $53 million Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project, a program funded by the Asian Development Bank that give special focus on poverty reduction, natural resource and biodiversity conservation and environment protection. Ferdinand Zuasola

IN ORIENTSCOOPS

DAVAO ORIENTAL

PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO.72, August 1-7, 2011

Why Invest in Davao Oriental?

For the past several years five years, the provincial economy has been on a modest uptrend.

Most businesses sre located in the Municipality of Mati and other major trading centers such as the municipalities of Lupon, governor Generoso, Banaybanay, Baganga and Cateel.

In terms of distribution by sector, trading and services accounted for the most number of establishments.  Agribusiness, construction, wood-based and fishing also figure strongly.

The province is still wanting though for locators that are medium and large-sized that can create more jobs.

Investment generation of the province had been sustained for the same period with 2004 and 2007 recognizing the highest growth rates at 41% and 120%, respectively.  Accumulated investment for 5 years reached a total of Php 1.422 billion.

Major areas invested in are coconut, allied services and tourism, banana, and real property development / construction.

The province is blessed with a lush and wide array of natural wealth ranging from agricultural, forestry, marine, mineral and beauty spots.

Davao Oriental boasts of being the country’s premier coconut-producing province, the region’s leader in wood with the largest production forest of 37%, the biggest abaca producer in the region, having the longest coastline in the region of about 513 kilometers, the region’s largest aquaculture area at 31%, and location to 30% of the country’s various mineral deposits such as nickel, chromite, manganese, copper, cobalt, silver, gold, iron, silica, magnesite and limestones.

The province also offers a wide selection of nature’s beauties such as majestic waterfalls, mystic lakes and rivers, refreshing hot and cold springs, the wondrous site of a pygmy or bonsai forest, white-sand beaches and astounding caves and historic places. Ferdinand Zuasola

PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO.72, August 1-7, 2011

Quality Tourism in Davao Orienta

Governor Corazon Malanyaon says that the provincial government’s plans for its tourism destinations will be anchored on the principle of “sustainable and quality tourism” that is environmentally and socio-culturally manageable.

Governor Malanyaon said that while the provincial government is keen on positioning Davao Oriental as a world-class tourism destination, it cannot yet go into aggressively promoting its fabulous tourism destinations as she wants the province to be fully prepared on the influx of foreign and local tourists.

Asked by the curious travel writers on why the provincial government did not go into aggressive marketing for its “captivating tourism destinations,” the governor said that she is pushing for a sustainable and quality tourism program that requires community participation in protecting and managing natural resources, traditional culture and indigenous wisdom

She added that she wants a tourism program that fosters environmental ethics while promoting economic benefits for host communities and cultural enrichment for visitors. “I want a sustainable and quality tourism that is attractive to a diversity of foreign and local tourists, a tourism with a conscience that advocates for protection of natural resources and establishes mechanisms that are environmentally sustainable, economically rewarding and socially equitable,” says Governor Malanyaon.

PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO.72, August 1-7, 2011

Davao Oriental bullish on food sufficiency

By Ferdinand Zuasola -

Amid concerns of an emerging food crisis, the provincial government of Davao Oriental is confident of achieving its goal of food sufficiency as it moves to        accelerate investments for a long-term development of the agricultural sector.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon says her administration aims to achieve a ninety percent food self-sufficiency by advocating a strong and effective government intervention especially aimed at increasing rice output without sacrificing the environment.

Under the provincial government’s six-year agricultural development program, critical attention is focused on boosting agricultural productivity.

Among its strategies to achieve food sufficiency is the Accelerated Production Area Development (APAD) approach which identify areas best suited for specific products based on the agro-climatic suitability and availability of markets for the products. Government  support particularly the support from the local government units would then be focused in these priority areas to ensure efficient utilization of scarce government resources.

Local government interventions include concrete farm-to-market roads, small irrigation development, post harvest improvement, greater efficiency in product markets, effective access to financial services, enhancing capability of small farmers, investing in appropriate science and technology, among many others.

The local government also intends to address agricultural marketing issues as direct access to consumer markets is one of the small farmers’ biggest problems. Consumer markets are controlled by middlemen.

The provincial government says that through its Accelerated Rice Production Area Program, rice production in the province will be increased from the present 33,509 metric tons to 58,585 metric tons in 2016.

 

PUBLISHED IN THE DURIAN POST NO.72, August 1-7, 2011

Name game set for new Mati eaglet

                The Mati City government would soon launch a “name the eagle” contest for the eaglet born to eagle couple Cabu and Aya.

            Philippine Eagle Foundation Inc. (FEFI) director for research and conservation Jayson Ibanez announced Monday last week that a one-month-old eaglet was discovered in the nest of the eagle couple in Barangay Cabuaya, an eagle sanctuary.

            Ibanez bared the find during a meeting called by Mayor Michelle Rabat with members and stakeholders of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary Management Council (PESMC) composed of the Philippine Eagle Foundation Inc. (PEFI), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), representatives of Barangay Macambol, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT), along with invited guests from the mining company Asiaticus Management Corporation and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

            A prize would be at stake in the name the eagle tilt, said City Administrator Richard Villacorte

            Rabat said she would support efforts by PEFI to have the Cabuaya eagle sanctuary declared as a critical habitat to further strengthen the campaign to protect the endangered Philippine eagle.

            The report on the new chick comes as 3-year old Cabuaya born in 2007 to the couple Cabu and Aya had been reported as healthily surviving in Sitio Magum in Barangay Macambol.

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