STATEMENT | A cry for justice for the victims and survivors of the ongoing climate disaster in Davao region
This most recent landslide is only a stark reminder that recurring disasters have occurred, pointing to a lack of corporate accountability and the failure to install mitigating measures to prevent a new landslide and prompt response when a new one occurs......»»
Rare beetle discovered in Mt. Hamiguitan sanctuary
In a recent discovery, a rare long-horned beetle, Paraskeletodes hamiguitanensis, was found in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in Davao Oriental. The beetle was unearthed during a scientific expedition led by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and conducted by a team from Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU). Dr. Milton Medina, a Filipino coleopterist, confirmed the uniqueness of P. hamiguitanensis through careful morphological examination, highlighting distinct differences from its closely related counterpart found in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The discovery sheds light on the limited knowledge of beetle taxonomy in the Philippines and underscores the need for increased scientific and conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines and Sulawesi. Concerns were raised about the global trade of beetle species and the rapid loss of forest cover in the Philippines, emphasizing the vital role of protected areas like Mt. Hamiguitan as essential sanctuaries for biodiversity. The researchers emphasized the need for cooperation with DENR-Davao in promoting biodiversity conservation and encouraged young scholars to explore beetle taxonomy. The discovery of P. hamiguitanensis and several other beetle species in the area underscores the rich biodiversity of Mt. Hamiguitan, with ongoing research aiming to describe more species and uncover many undiscovered ones in the region......»»
Search for landslide victims in Davao de Oro ends
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/23 February) – The local government of Maco, Davao de Oro has ended the search and retrieval operations for the victims of the landslide that hit Barangay Masara, Maco last Feb. 6. Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando issued Thursday Executive Order No. 17 series of 2024 halting on Thursday night the operations […].....»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
Davao USAR continues to assist in Masara search and rescue ops
THE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) 911 received a go signal from the Office of the Civil Defense to extend the number of days in assisting the ongoing rescue operations in the landslide-hit area of Masara in Maco, Davao De Oro......»»
Philippine calls for stronger action on climate change
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has called for stronger sustainable trade and development initiatives to address climate change during the second ministerial meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates......»»
Climate talk: Marcos s contradictory policies on reclamation, energy, mining
AS ALL eyes are on the COP28 conference in Dubai, reports in the country continue to highlight climate change and environmental concerns; in the process exposing the Marcos administration's policy directions on climate issues as inconsistent, even contradictory.Timely reports on reclamation, energy, and mining flag the problems that persist. Media coverage reveal that the Marcos administration's policy direction.....»»
Climate talk: Marcos s contradictory policies on reclamation, energy, mining
AS ALL eyes are on the COP28 conference in Dubai, reports in the country continue to highlight climate change and environmental concerns; in the process exposing the Marcos administration's policy directions on climate issues as inconsistent, even contradictory.Timely reports on reclamation, energy, and mining flag the problems that persist. Media coverage reveal that the Marcos administration's policy direction.....»»
Belmonte, Binay call for climate action funding from development banks
The C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, asked MDBs to increase urban climate investment, integrate urban climate action into their strategies, and implement tailored programs to support city projects. .....»»
Marcos Jr. urges developed states to rectify climate injustice
Developed countries should do more and act immediately to rectify climate “injustice,” President Marcos said yesterday, as he called for a multilateral approach to pushing back climate change......»»
Advocates call for climate emergency in Mindanao
PMCJ urged the local governments in Mindanao to strengthen the capacity of localities to deal with the impacts of climate change, provide adequate shelter to displaced communities, and review current disaster prevention and response programs......»»
Philippines 10-year nuclear plan ‘too late,’ says climate analyst
The long-term nuclear plan outlined by the Department of Energy is “too long, too late” due to the climate emergency, a climate analyst said, suggesting instead the prioritization of building renewable energy facilities......»»
ADB urged to boost climate financing to $11.5 billion
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) needs to ramp up its climate financing to at least $11.5 billion annually as vulnerable economies continue to take the hit of the impact of worsening climate change......»»
Council to appeal March 1 as special non-working holiday in Davao City
The Davao City Council is seeking to appeal to the national government to declare March 1 as a non-working holiday in honor of Araw ng Davao, the city's founding anniversary. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized the importance of this appeal for the people of Davao, expressing hope that the president will grant their request. This initiative comes as a response to a new bill that designates March 1 as the new founding anniversary, shifting the traditional celebration date from March 16. Despite the bill and law designating March 1 as a working holiday, the council aims to annually request Malacañang to recognize it as a non-working holiday. The appeal is intended to ensure that Dabawenyos can actively participate in the festivities. Additionally, the executive committee of Araw ng Davao is in the final stages of organizing events and activities for the celebration. Discussions have been ongoing, with plans anticipated to be finalized soon. This move reflects the council's commitment to honoring and celebrating the city's heritage and traditions......»»
DSWD gives P18.6M aid to fire victims in Ilocos Region
DSWD gives P18.6M aid to fire victims in Ilocos Region.....»»
Davao Oriental under state of calamity
The entire province of Davao Oriental has been declared under a state of calamity following the impact of the shear line, allowing the provincial local government unit to access its Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation efforts. The unanimous resolution was approved during a regular session in Sangguniang Panlalawigan, based on comprehensive assessment and recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Governor Niño Uy. This declaration is crucial for providing emergency aid to the affected constituents and enforcing price control on essential items. Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Assessment reports indicate that around 63,337 families are affected, with 645 families and 1,830 individuals currently displaced and in evacuation centers. The damages in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock are estimated to be significant. Several municipalities have already declared a state of calamity, and the entire province is yet to announce its final assessment on the value loss in agriculture. This declaration aims to expedite rehabilitation and recovery plans to restore normalcy in the affected areas......»»
From reactive to proactive: Bill pushes early action to mitigate climate disasters
Under House Bill 9935 filed by Rep. Jose Manuel Alba (Bukidnon), declaring a “state of imminent disaster” allows using national and local resources for proactive measures before a disaster. .....»»
Satellite tech vital in maritime security, disaster mitigation
Officials of the Philippine Navy, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources agreed that space-based technology, such as satellites, have been vital in strengthening maritime security and disaster mitigation in the country......»»
Wage determination should be region-specific: Dole-Davao
AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region (Dole-Davao) said that the determination of wages should be region-specific, taking into consideration socio-economic conditions, purchasing power, and poverty thresholds......»»
Two children rescued alive 2 days after deadly landslide in Philippines
MANILA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A three-year-old girl and a 2-month-old boy were pulled alive from the mud more than two days after a massive landslide crashed into several villages in Davao de Oro province in southern Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross said Friday. In a statement, the humanitarian agency's chairman Dick Gordon said the two survivors were immediately taken to a local hospital in a nearby town......»»