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MINDtheNOW

MINDtheNOW is a network of non-partisan, unaligned, and volunteer student journalists across Mindana

19/12/2024

Davao Farmer to Bring Mindanao’s Cacao Excellence to the Global Stage in Paris

DAVAO CITY — Mindanao’s cacao industry has received another boost as a farmer from Davao City’s Tugbok District, David Christopher Delaserna, has been chosen to represent the Philippines at the Cacao of Excellence (CoEx) program in Paris, France, in 2025. This prestigious recognition puts the spotlight on the island’s critical role in solidifying the country’s position as a global player in premium cacao production.

Delaserna is one of three outstanding finalists from the Philippine Cacao Quality Award (PCQA), which evaluated 29 cacao bean entries from across the nation. His success not only highlights his expertise but also underscores Mindanao’s fertile soil and dedication to sustainable farming as key drivers of its growing reputation as a cacao powerhouse.

Joining him in this honor are Bayani Garcia from Cebu and Osmeña Tajo from Samar. Together, they will showcase the Philippines’ best cacao beans in a competition that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and excellence in cacao production.

Mindanao: The Heart of Philippine Cacao Excellence
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Davao Region has lauded Delaserna’s achievement as a milestone for the local cacao sector. Marie Ann Constantino, DA Davao Region’s technical director for operations, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, "Go for Gold."

"Mindanao, particularly the Davao Region, has consistently proven its capability to produce world-class cacao. David’s journey is a testament to the hard work and innovation of farmers in the region," Constantino said.

Mindanao contributes over 70% of the country’s cacao output, with Davao City earning recognition as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines. Programs like PCQA and CoEx provide local farmers with opportunities to elevate their craft and showcase their produce on international platforms, empowering them to adapt sustainable practices and compete with the best in the world.

A History of Excellence on the World Stage
The Philippines has been a consistent performer at the CoEx competition. In 2021, three entries from the country were recognized among the 50 Best Beans in the World, with two earning gold awards and one receiving silver. This year’s finalists are aiming to surpass those achievements, with Delaserna poised to bring pride not only to Davao but to all of Mindanao.

The CoEx program, held every two years, is a global initiative that highlights the importance of cacao quality and encourages sustainable farming practices. It also serves as a platform for cacao farmers to build networks, attract global buyers, and elevate their livelihoods.

Inspiring a New Generation of Cacao Farmers in Mindanao
Delaserna’s achievement is expected to inspire more farmers across Mindanao to strive for excellence in cacao production. With its rich soils, favorable climate, and dedicated farmers, Mindanao is well-positioned to continue leading the country’s charge in the international cacao market.

The DA Davao Region and other stakeholders have expressed their full support for Delaserna as he prepares to compete in Paris. His journey symbolizes the resilience and ingenuity of Mindanao’s cacao industry and serves as a rallying cry for the region to continue pushing boundaries in agriculture.

As Delaserna sets his sights on Paris, he carries with him not just the hopes of Davao, but the pride of Mindanao and the entire Philippines. His representation is a reminder of the world-class quality that Filipino farmers can achieve and the potential of Mindanao to shine brighter on the global stage. |

19/12/2024

House QuadComm Recommends Charges Against Duterte, Dela Rosa, and Go Over Drug War Deaths

The House Quadruple Committee (QuadComm) has recommended filing charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, and Senator Christopher "B**g" Go for alleged human rights violations during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The recommendation, revealed in a report, accuses the three officials of fostering a culture of impunity that led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. It cites evidence of abuses, including police operations that bypassed due process and targeted poor communities.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to review the findings before any formal charges are filed. While human rights groups welcomed the move as a step toward justice, Duterte’s allies have called the allegations politically motivated.

This development has sparked national debate on accountability and could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape. |

18/12/2024

House Passes Bill to Postpone BARMM Elections to May 2026; Supreme Court Finalizes Sulu's Exclusion from Region

Mindanao – On December 17, 2024, the House of Representatives approved a bill postponing the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to May 11, 2026, pushing back the previously scheduled election date of May 12, 2025.

The bill, which aims to amend the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), seeks to provide the BARMM regional government with additional time to further stabilize its governance and strengthen its institutions. Supporters of the measure argue that the extra year will allow the regional government to implement essential reforms before electing officials through a regular election.

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expected to sign it into law. This marks the second postponement of the BARMM elections, after an earlier delay in 2019.

Supreme Court Rules on Sulu's Exclusion from BARMM

In a separate but significant development, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has finalized its ruling excluding the province of Sulu from the BARMM. The court's decision, issued on September 9, 2024, upheld the 2019 plebiscite results, which saw Sulu reject the inclusion of its territory in the newly created region. The court declared that Sulu’s exclusion is constitutional, reinforcing the democratic choice of its citizens during the plebiscite.

This ruling has led to the redistribution of parliamentary seats initially allocated to Sulu, with these now being reassigned to other areas within the BARMM. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has expressed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining stability despite the exclusion of one of the region’s key provinces.

While some political analysts and advocates for inclusivity in the BARMM argue that the absence of Sulu may impact the unity of the region, others emphasize that the decision is a reflection of the democratic will of the province’s residents. The focus now shifts to the implementation of the ruling and the political consequences for the BARMM’s governance.

Impact on Governance

With the exclusion of Sulu, questions regarding the future political dynamics in the BARMM have emerged. Proponents of the Bangsamoro project stress the need for inclusive governance, while critics caution that the region’s integrity may be compromised without the full participation of provinces like Sulu. As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring the next steps for both the postponed elections and the aftermath of Sulu’s exclusion from the BARMM.

As the region navigates these changes, the need for unity, effective governance, and respect for the democratic choices of its constituent areas remains crucial for the long-term success of the Bangsamoro project.

10/05/2024

LANTAWA | Dako nga banakon nadakpan ug napatay sa Purok 2, Bankerohan Norte, Montevista, probinsiya sa Davao de Oro.

Ang maong halas nadakpan human sa pagtinabangay sa mga katawhan, sumala sa netizen nga mi-post sa mga hulagway.

“Daghan salamat sa mga abtikon nga mga kalalakihan nga maoy nag tinabangay nga MAKIT-AN 😯” caption ni Roselle Generoso Atugan.

Ang banakon ukon “King Cobra” (Ophiophagus hannah) mao ang pinakataas nga malala nga halas sa kalibutan. Kini gakonsumo sa laing mga bitin sama sa Cobra (Naja).

Dugang sa pagkawala sa mga kalasangan ug mga linog, sagad manggawas kining mga halasa sa panahon sa ting-init para mangita og landong ug bugnaw nga dapit. | 📷 Roselle Generoso Atugan

29/07/2023

SkyLab in Manila?

LOOK | A father from Montevista, Davao de Oro has packed baggage on a "Skylab" en route to Manila to ask Sen. Raffy Tulfo to look for his child.

"Byaheng Montevista to manila para makita si sir Raffy Tulfo. Para matabangan ma kuha iyang anak [sic]," EJ Bastasa Potestas, the poster, said.

Mikael Mamolang of Prk. 2, Barangay Canidkid, Montevista, is driving "Skylab", a single motorcycle with 'wings' made of wooden planks at the back and tied with ropes that are used to transport agricultural produce from typically muddy, rocky, and slippery roads in remote barangays in Montevista, Davao de Oro.

The child is under the care of the man's in laws after his wife died and has been separated from him for almost four years, Postestas told MINDtheNOW.

Several netizens however raised concerns the father could be flagged by Land Transportation Office (LTO).

"Bawal jud na diri sa Manila Brother ayaw e pariha Sa probinsya nga madala rag Hangyu.. By the way good luck para sa imong anak [sic]," a netizen said.

Others also advised Mamolang to ask assistance from authorities.

"nagdool na ni siya dswd sir? maski Dili siya muadto Kay raffy tulfo mngayo diay siya assistance WCPD naa man siya katungod sa mga Bata Kay amahan man siya [sic]," a comment on the post said.

As of this writing, no one has yet confirmed of his whereabouts. |

📷EJ Bastasa Potestas

09/07/2023

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recently declared the Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte as the 53rd Heritage Park.The official...

15/06/2023

DID YOU KNOW? | The Battle of Ising occurred in Carmen town, Davao del Norte, Mindanao, from May 3-10, 1945. It was a significant clash during World War II between the Japanese forces and the 130th Infantry Regiment of the United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP). This engagement played a crucial role in expediting the liberation of Mindanao from Japanese occupation.

Lt. Silverstre Gavina, a World War II veteran from Davao City, recounted the challenges his unit faced, including navigating through unexplored jungles and enduring heavy rainfall. Led by Lt. Col. Saturnino Silva, the commanding officer of the 130th Infantry Regiment, the troops received a special order on May 1, 1945, which directed their actions in the battle.

The Battle of Ising effectively trapped the Japanese garrison in Carmen town, specifically in the area known as Ising, which was a sitio of Tuganay—a barrio of Tagum City. By blocking the Japanese soldiers' escape route to northern Davao and the Agusan jungles, the American forces, together with Silva's unit, significantly impeded their movements.

The book "Battle of Ising: The Untold Story of the 130th Infantry Regiment in the Liberation of Davao and Mindanao," authored by Marie Silva-Vallejo, provides a well-documented account of the battle. It includes narratives from 22 veterans who participated in the engagement, shedding light on their experiences and contributions. The Battle of Ising's significance within the broader context of liberating Mindanao from Japanese occupation is underscored.

Although the Battle of Ising may not be widely known, it stands as a decisive event in the history of World War II in the Philippines. It serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers involved in the campaign to free Mindanao.

25/04/2023

As the pandemic restrictions loosened, many dangerous people are again gone wild. Here are some general safety tips that can help you reduce risky encounters.

25/04/2023

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

An 18-year old young woman was found dead, today, April 25, just four days after the decomposing body of a 9-year old girl was found in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The victim, identified as Nike Andyriana W. Kassim, a resident of Barangay Libuganon, was found in an abandoned residence near a school in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Magugpo North.

“Naa patayng lawas sa [usa] ka babae nakita diri duol sa Max Mirafuentes Academy 😞
[...] Kalami lat-an sa mga taong manyak!” said, Vincent Paul Ablanque, the netizen who posted photos about the incident.

It can be recalled that another missing girl, Monalisa Pagharion, was found behind an elementary school in Purok Durian, Barangay Apokon on April 21.

Several netizens expressed fear and urged autuorities to make actions on the series of incidents.

“grabey mga manyakis ron way semana walay biktimahon . Ang kapulisan natu nagpahibalo kanunay kaning mga musakayay ug single motor always jod ninyo picturan usa ang plate number ug dgway sainyu gisakyan e sent sainyu pamilya or amiga/amigo para ang pulis naay leads ug mwala mo simbako [sic],” one comment says.

“police visibility dapat labi na sa mga mingaw2 na lugar [sic],” said another.

Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin Jibahib recently gave a statement urging “the local government and law enforcement authorities to take immediate and decisive action to address these incidents”.

Jubahib also encouraged everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Police authorities are yet to confirm if the two cases are related.

# # #

Police Hotlines:
Tagum City Police Station
0926-717-1522 for Globe
and 09197485024 for Smart

Davao del Norte Police Provicial Office
0917-711-0830 for Globe
and 0998-598-7101 for Smart

21/04/2023

Happy Eid al-Fitr! 🕋🕌 ☪

In observing the festival of breaking the fast and the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, MINDtheNOW joins our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebration.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr is a time for showing mercy, forgiveness, and love. May we all adopt and uphold these tenets.

Alhamdulillah, minna wa minkum, ta'abba.

19/04/2023

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 | Exactly 23 years ago today, April 19, the country had seen its biggest air disaster so far, killing 124 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

This tragic incident happened on April 19, 2000. Air Philippines Flight 541, a Boeing 737-2H4, left Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at about 5:30 AM bound for Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

At around 7 AM, Flight 541 approached Francisco Bangoy International runway following an Airbus 319. However, when the Boeing was about to descend, the crew observed that the runway was not yet cleared. They advised the ATC a missed approach procedure.

Flight 541 tried climbing altitude again, however the plane’s wing contacted a coconut tree, caught fire, and gutted, leading to its crash in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte across Davao bay and instantly killing all 131 aboard without survivor.

This incident remained as the deadliest aviation disaster in Philippines and the third deadliest accident involving the Boeing 737-200, after Mandala Airlines Flight 091, which crashed 5 years later, and Indian Airlines Flight 113. | MINDtheNOW

20/03/2023

“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.” – 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛

LOOK | While rats are usually seen as pests, a netizen recently shared on social media how the rodents in their home apparently horded paper bills in the crannies of their store.

"Buotan kaayo ang ilaga nga wala nila gisi-gisia ang kwarta. Ang ila ra nga gitapok, gisagol sa nga mga papel nga mao'y ilang gikuniskunis," Thelma Intes Gonzalgo Escultor said.

Esculter was dumbfounded where the money came from as she explained that she keeps the bills from her store.

"Asa kaha sila gikan ani nga matag-gabii, ginahipos man nako akong halin sa tindahan matag-gabii," Thelma added.

The netizen furthered that the horded bills amounted to ₱720.00.

"Hala! Niabot og 720.00 pesos ilang gitaguan sa luyo sa mga gamit sa divider sa tindahan," she said.

Meanhwile, several netizens also commented amusing reactions on the incident.

"What if ipon na sa ilaga kay magpalit sila og motor😶" said one.

"Bawal man gud gision ang kwarta maam kay basin mapriso unya sila maong gitapok ra na nila para palit og ilahang kaonon" commented another.

"Ayaw kwaa te kay puhon mamalhin na na silag balay, gatigom pa'g kwarta 🥰" another one said.

Regarding what happened, Escultor thanked the animals for not blasphemously consuming the money.

"Thanks mga rats, wala mo nagpasipala, she said. | 📷 Thelma Intes Gonzalgo Escultor

14/03/2023

SANDAKAN, March 6 — About 90 stilt houses in Kampung Cenderamata, Batu Sapi near here were destroyed in a fire early this morning. However, there were no reports of injuries...

14/03/2023

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TCCCII) held a consumer awareness rally on Monday, March 13.

“How can we improve the business climate diri sa atong probinsiya kun ingon-ani ang serbisyo sa atong kurente,” Lorenzo Y. Rubinos, Sr., founding member of TCCCII and Chairman of LYR Group of Companies, said during the meeting.

LYR emphasized that the assembly was not a “welga” but a peaceful awareness. He also urged both chamber members and common consumers to join the assembly.

Meanwhile, Chamber President Engr. Aerol. B. Conde requested that there will be no politicians to join the event to avoid political coloring.

“Isa sa akong hangyo lang nga kun mahimo wala’y politician nga moapil para dili mabutangan og color ang among gusto mahitabo diri. Para wala’y samok at the same time konsumante g’yud ang manguna ani,” Engr. Conde said.

Davao Consumer Movement, a consumer group, also attended the meeting thru Co-convenor Ryan Amper, who is also decrying the high rates of the current electric provider in the city.

“Isip mga yanong konsumante, isa pod mi sa naapektuhan sa kamahal sa presyo sa kuryente. Dili lang business sector ang apektado kun dili kami pod mga yanong residential consumers, apektado usab,” Amper said.

The chamber particularly supported the House Bill No. 6740 of Atty. Margarita Ignacia Nograles of Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list, bill which seeks to amend the vetoed HB 10554 and to amend Republic Act 11515.

About 3000 rallyists joined the motorcade that started at 7:00 in morning in Barangay Canocotan and ended at Rotary Park where there was a short assembly. |

14/03/2023

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 March) — The city’s streets will soon be rid of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that are over 15 years old and no longer roadworthy as the local government pre…

14/03/2023

LOOK | Landslides in Barangays Bukal, Mainit, Katipunan, and Tagnocon in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

This came after heavy rain since yesterday, March 13, 2023.

It can be recalled that this area was also hit by a series of strong earthquakes these past few days. | via LGU Nabunturan

09/03/2023

THE Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) said the series of earthquakes in Davao de Oro are tectonic in origin...

07/03/2023

: Mag-amping kita ug tumanon kining gayd panahon sa linog.

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MINDtheNOW: Residents brave flood to vote in PH2022 Elections

LOOK: Situation in Purok 4, Barangay Libudon, in Mabini, Davao de Oro morning today, May 9. Residents have to brave the strong current of river just to cross to the other side and be able to vote. “Dugay na kaayo ni nga problema sa among purok ug aduna pa mi mga kahadlok nga inig mubaha dili dayun makatabok ang mga motor inig naa’y mga emergency sa mga katawhan,” Joshua Omas-as told MINDtheNOW. Omas-as also stated that the lack of bridge caused delay to the voters earlier as they still have to help each other cross motorcycle vehicles. “Ang tanang transaction nga buhaton sa mga lumolopyo is kinahanglanon jud mo tabok,” he added. Meanwhile, asked what he wants to tell the future leaders, Omas-as said that while they deserve to win this election, he only wants them to have solution to their problem. “Ako lang ipaabot kaninyo nga tagaan unta ninyo og solusyon ang problema nga ing-ani sa among purok kay dugay na ni namo nga na-experience inig ting-ulan, ug unta dili lang puro sulti ang inyung buhaton, apilan na unta og aksyon,” Omas-as said. | via Arvin James Lupas #MINDtheNOW

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