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Official statement on the EBL Dorm Lockdown

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Forums

The University of the Philippines Mindanao would like to express deep regrets for the inconveniences to its constituents, most especially the students, caused by the security measures and protocols during the Opening Ceremonies of the Palarong Pambansa last Sunday, 28 April 2019 at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex located at the UP Mindanao Campus.

The security measures were pursuant to protocols for national security, as well as, for public safety; hence, beyond the control of the University. Nevertheless, the UP Mindanao administration sympathizes with those affected by the security measures during the Opening Ceremonies of the Palarong Pambansa considering the unfortunate circumstances.

As partners for the management and operations of the Davao City-UP Sports Complex, the University and the Davao City government are working together to craft policies, including policies related to security protocols, to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.

The University reiterates its commitment to uphold everyone’s rights to liberty and movement.

Flood Hazard Maps turned over, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Forums

Thank you, Maiq.

Here is my revision based from your inputs:

NEWS: UPMin Researchers of Geo-SAFER Mindanao Turn Over Flood Hazard Maps to LGUs.

Researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao turned over flood hazard maps to officials of southeastern Mindanao provinces on 11 April in Davao City. Printed copies and soft-copies of the maps, showing the probable flood events based on amounts of rain, were turned over by the Geo-Informatics for the Systematic Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks for a Resilient Mindanao, or Geo-SAFER Mindanao, in the presence of representatives from Department of Science and Technology.

UP Mindanao Project Leader Prof. Joseph Acosta in his remarks said, "It has been two years of field work that included wading into riverbeds. But, in any research endeavor, the most important action is the dissemination of the research output."

Some 24 river system watersheds were mapped by the UP Mindanao Geo-SAFER project over the two-year period: Davao Oriental with seven watersheds; Davao Occidental with four; Compostela Valley with five; Davao del Norte with three; and Davao del Sur with five, including two in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her message read by Davao City Planning Officer Ivan Cortez, said, "Being in the Ring of Fire and with the advent of Climate Change, the Philippines must be pro-active in utilizing technological advancement and facilitating information dissemination."

Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario, in his message said, "Filipinos are known for their resilience, but today we aim to become more resilient in terms of preparedness and disaster risk-reduction."

Receiving the maps on behalf of the provinces were their respective Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction Management Council (PDRMMC) representatives, Mr. Ritchie Jermia of Compostela Valley, Engr. Gina Chua of Davao del Sur, Mr. Francis Jason Bendulo of Davao Oriental, Ms. Noviejane Rojas of Davao del Norte, and Mr. Harry Chester Camoro of Davao Occidental. Mr. Jermia said, "The program of Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy is to strengthen the PDRRMC, and these maps will enhance our existing Early Warning Systems." Mr. Camoro said, "These maps will surely save a thousand lives."

As a testimony, Geosafer Mindanao Program Leader Engr. Meriam Makinano-Santillan related the successful evacuation of a village in Surigao from flood earlier in the year following a forecast from the project's computer application.

DOST-XI Regional Director Anthony Sales suggested that, "These maps should be presented to the Regional Development Council-XI to be used as their basis for policy-making and to enjoin the various local government units to use these maps."

UP Mindanao technical experts also provided a mini-seminar for the officials. Mr. Gus Kali Oguis spoke on on "Flood Map Generation", Engr. Ryan Calvo on the "Field Survey", and Ms. Trisha Mae Lopena on "Data Processing". Mr. Ryan Keath de Leon in his talk on "Flood Modeling" showed how to identify the appropriate map based on the period of rain.

Dean Dominica Dacera of the UP Mindanao College of Science and Mathematics in her message invited the attendees to avail of more science and technology facilities and services from UP Mindanao and to encourage their provincial youth to apply for the UP College Admission Test.

Also present in the forum were Office of Civil Defense-XI Regional Director Manuel Ochotorena, DENR-XI Mines and Geosciences Bureau Engr. Elac Paye, Damaso Vertido of MinLand, Bema Tajones of PAGASA, Jasper Cristobal of Mindanao Development Authority, Araceli Malate of Central 911, Lee Datuin of Compostela Valley State College, and their agencies' staff members.

The Geo-SAFER Mindanao program is being implemented by various higher educational institutions in Mindanao, with UP Mindanao assigned to Region XI. It continued the work started by the UP Mindanao Phil-Lidar 1 project which created maps for 13 rivers which were, likewise, turned over to local government units in 2017. The Phil-LiDAR 1 maps are still available at https://dream.upd.edu.ph.

Highlights for April, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Forums

PALARONG PAMBANSA

The Davao City-University of the Philippines Sports Complex served as the venue for the Palarong Pambansa Opening Ceremonies on 28 April 2019. News reports said an estimated 20,000 people attended. Chancellor Larry N. Digal and UP Mindanao officials were present. President Rodrigo R. Duterte was the Keynote Speaker. The President said that it had been 69 years since Davao City hosted a national youth sports meet and he thanked the parties who made this possible. He advised the athletes to make their life choices wisely and to learn life lessons from sports. The Palaro is the second major event held in the Sports Complex since its opening in January 2019. The closing ceremonies were likewise held in the same venue on 4 May 2019. The games played in the DC-UP Sports Complex were swimming, volleyball, football, and archery. Vice Chancellor for Administration Aurelia Luz Gomez and Department of Human Kinetics Chairperson Erwin E. Protacio served as UP Mindanao representatives to the Palarong Pambansa Executive Committee and contributed to coordinating the overall readiness of the DC-UP Sports Complex. UP Mindanao personnel Mr. Joel N. Sagadal and Ms. Krishna H. Balaga were likewise appointed to the multi-agency coordinating committee for security.

1. FOOTBALL FIELD CERTIFIED

The Football Field at the Davao City-University of the Philippines (UP) Sports Complex was issued a Field Certificate on 19 April 2019 by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for having passed the test according to their quality program for football turf. The certificate, signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accredits the field to host international football games from 17 April 2019 until 16 April 2022.

2. SUC REGIONAL SPORTS MEET

A total of 69 UP Mindanao athletes distributed among 9 varsity teams competed in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association Region XI Meet (SCUAA-XI) hosted by Compostela Valley State College on 22-26 April 2019. UP Mindanao finished as 2nd runner up in a field of 10 state colleges and universities. UP Mindanao won as overall champion in women's swimming and in women's chess, while the men's swimming team was in 2nd place. The swimming varsity (men and women) collected 18 gold, 11 silver, and 3 bronze medals. In other categories, the women's beach volleyball team, and the women's futsal team were in 2nd place, the women's volleyball and men's badminton teams were in 4th place, the men's chess team was in 5th place, the women's badminton team was in 6th place, and the men's basketball team was in 7th place. In the newly-created demonstration sports, the women's football team was in 2nd place. Varsity Coordinator Prof. Armando R. Salazar reported that basketball officials commended the UP Mindanao team members for their sportsmanship.

3. FLOORBALL PROGRAM

The sport of floorball was played in UP Mindanao on 29-30 April 2019 through the Mindanao Floorball Development Program organized by the Philippine Floorball Association (PFA) and the Embassy of Sweden, with the participation of Hon. Harald Fries, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines. Some 85 male and female students and coaches from various schools learned and played floorball with trainers Mr. Saldio Jesus Amador and Mr. Peter Eriksson. A set of 20 playing sticks, balls, and playing field goals were donated to the UP Mindanao Department of Human Kinetics at the end of the program. Ambassador Fries, who also toured UP Mindanao and the Davao City-UP Sports Complex, said "I'm convinced that floorball will be a great game in the Philippines and this is a good start in Mindanao. We'll keep in touch about that and many other things."

4. TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS INCUBATION APPROVED

The DOST Governing Council approved the UP Mindanao proposal titled “Establishment of the Technology Business Incubation in UP Mindanao” as presented by Asst. Prof. Miguel Carlo S. Guillermo and Chancellor Larry N. Digal on 8 April 2019. UP Mindanao was one of seven higher educational institutions who earned their approval on the same occasion. This is UP Mindanao’s initiative under the DOST-PCIERRD-HEIRIT program. Following the approval of the Technology Business Incubation, the UP Mindanao Technology Transfer and Business Development Office team of Ms. Lynda A. Buernaobra and Prof. Guillermo participated in the Business Incubation Management Training organized by the DOST and held on 22-30 April 2019 in Widus Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

5. FLOOD HAZARD MAPS TURNED-OVER

The UP Mindanao Geo-Informatics for the Systematic Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks for a Resilient Mindanao, or Geo-SAFER Mindanao project, turned over flood hazard maps and provided a mini-seminar to officials of 5 southeastern Mindanao provinces on 11 April in Davao City in the presence of DOST-PCIERRD officials. The Geo-SAFER Mindanao program is being implemented by various HEIs in Mindanao, with UP Mindanao assigned to Region XI. Some 24 river system watersheds were mapped by the UP Mindanao Geo-SAFER project over the two-year period: Davao Oriental with 7 watersheds; Davao Occidental with 4; Compostela Valley with 5; Davao del Norte with 3; and Davao del Sur with 5, including 2 in Davao City.

6. LAND RESERVATION TRAINING AND PRODUCTION

Livelihood training on production of banana flour and related products was held at the UP Laak Land Reservation- Barangay Talle Side, on 10 and 25 April 2019. This livelihood training aims to equip indigenous people/women participants with product development and food processing techniques which they can use to process food products from the raw materials available in their community. This was organized by the Land Reservation Management Office in collaboration with Talle Barangay Council, Dibabawon Tribe of Brgy. Talle, and Talle Farmers Association.

7. INSTRUCTION & RESEARCH: CONFIRMATION CARAVAN

A UP Confirmation Caravan was carried out for qualifiers of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2019 in UP Mindanao, Davao City, on 11 April 2019 and in Koronadal City on 13 April 2019. In the UP Mindanao Caravan some 271 qualifiers attended. The Caravan in Koronadal City had a smaller group and was held at the UP Manila School of Health Science Extension Campus. In addition to the regular admission topics, student support services were discussed by the scholarships officer and the dormitory manager.

8. DEGREE PROGRAM IN SPORTS

Dean Francis Diaz of the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics visited UP Mindanao on 8 April 2019 to meet Dr. Serge Opeña of the Philippine Sports Commission, UP Mindanao VCAA Nilo Oponda, Dean Jean Marie Juanga, and the UP Mindanao Department of Human Kinetics to plan for creating or adopting degree programs in sports. Joining the discussion were Prof. Norberto R. Madrigal of CHK, and Mr. Ismail Veloso III of ASAPHIL. The meeting is part of continuing efforts towards the creation of an institution for sports education as pledged by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on 10 January 2019.

9. TUKLAS LUNAS DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM

UP Mindanao was invited to be part of the Tuklas Lunas Development Consortium in a meeting with former DOST Undersecretary Dr. Amelia Guevara and Dr. Irene Villaseñor on 23 April 2019. UP Mindanao has the capability to participate in the consortium because of its existing drug-discovery laboratory which is funded by DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. A memorandum of agreement was drafted by DOST for the review of the prospective consortium members.

10. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

•Published in Agricultural Research, “Farmers’ Adoption of Hybrid Yielding Rice Varieties and the Implications to Self-Sufficiency: The Case of the Southern Philippines” by Prof. Larry N. Digal and Ms. Shemaiah Gail P. Placencia

•Accepted for publication in Asia Pacific Journal for Science, Mathematics and Engineering, “Ions Motion Optimization Algorithm for the continuous p-center location problem,” by Mr. Ley Meynard Opeña and Asst. Prof. Ritchie Mae T. Gamot

•Accepted papers for poster presentation:

o For the 1st International Conference in Science & Mathematics, 11-13 April 2019, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, “Ions Motion Optimization Algorithm for the continuous p-center location problem,” by Asst. Prof. Ritchie Mae T. Gamot and Mr. Ley Meynard Opeña.

o For the 2019 International Food Technology Conference (IFT19), New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 2-5 June 2019,

“Utilization of alugbati (Basella Alba L.) leaves powder to increase Vitamin A content of fresh egg noodles,” by Ms. Pamela C. Soriano, Asst. Prof. Rovi Gem E. Villame, Asst. Prof. Aileen Grace D. Delima, Assoc. Prof. Juma Novie A. Alviola, Ms. Kriza Faye A. Calumba, Assoc. Prof. Pedro A. Alviola IV, and Prof. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan.

“Development of Moringa powder-fortified peanut butter cookies as potential snack item for Iron-deficient school age children in Davao City”, by Ms. Precious Sybli A. Sumaoy, RGE Villame, AGD Delima, JNA Alviola, KFA Calumba, PA Alviola IV, ERV Bayogan.

INTERNATIONALIZATION

11. VISIT OF THE AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN

Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Hon. Harald Fries and his wife Ms. Susan Fries toured UP Mindanao on 30 April 2019. In the College of Science and Mathematics, he was met by Dean Dominica D. Dacera and college officials. Briefings were given by Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies Chair. Prof. Cleto L. Nañola Jr., Dept of Food Science and Chemistry Chair. Prof. Juma Novie A. Alviola, Drug Discovery Project Leader Prof. Joel Hassan G. Tolentino, and Geo-SAFER flood hazard mapping Project Leader Prof. Joseph E. Acosta with Supervisor Gus Kali Oguis. The Ambassador also toured the Davao City-UP Sports Complex. Ambassador Fries, in closing, said he looks forward to returning to follow-up on the floorball sport and other matters of common interest.

12. MANGO INDUSTRY RESEARCH WITH NEW ZEALAND TEAM

A delegation from the Embassy of New Zealand to the Philippines visited on 30 April 2019 to discuss the status of the mango export industry in the Davao Region and its prospects for trade with New Zealand using research findings. New Zealand Honorary Consul Vicente Lao accompanied the delegation composed of a plant and food research team and trade and enterprise business development manager. For initial discussion, Prof. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan presented her findings from her research on the Philippine mango export industry. In the meeting were NZ researcher Don McNoughton, Prof. Bayogan, researcher Ms. Gwen Ortiz, Chancellor Digal, NZ delegate Declan Graham, business development manager Mica Guevarra, and NZ Honorary Consul Vicente Lao.

OPERATIONS

13. STRATEGIC PLANNING

A UNIVERSITY-WIDE Strategic Planning Workshop was led by Chancellor Digal on 15-16 April 2019. The colleges and units presented and discussed their analysis and strategic plans, ranked them in order of priority, and re-distributed these under the strategic themes: Academic excellence and student experience; Excellence in research and creativity; Sustainable and enabling environments; Leadership in public engagement; People and culture; Operational excellence; and, International outlook. This is part of a process towards crafting a final plan document which will be presented to experts, sectors, and stakeholders in order to generate support for UP Mindanao’s programs.

14. INFRASTRUCTURE

The 2019 Palarong Pambansa used the DC-UP Sports Complex Football Stadium Phases 1 and 2 with seating for 2,003 persons, while Phase 3 was still on-going but was usable with seating for an estimated 1,000 persons. Temporary bleachers were set up by the city government for an estimated 1,000 persons. The Archery area was a cleared open space. Also completed was the Aquatics Center warm-up pool and main pool with starting blocks, touch pads, and the electronic scoreboard. Holding areas for swimmers and officials, and an area for open showers were completed. However, the bleachers were not completed.

See the Chancellor's Report here.

Search for next SOM Dean, concluded

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Forums

UPDATE: ASSOC. PROF. PEDRO "PETE" A. ALVIOLA IV WAS APPOINTED DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT BY THE UP BOARD OF REGENTS IN ITS MARCH 2019 MEETING.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEXT DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT (SOM)

The Search Committee, appointed by the Chancellor, is now actively conducting a search process for the next Dean of the School of Management. The Committee’s role is to submit to the Chancellor a “frank assessment of the suitability of each committee” – it shall not rank nor indicate its preference. Nominations should be submitted along with the complete documents to the Office of the Chancellor. The deadline is 15 March 2019, 4:00PM.

NOMINATION PROCESS

A.Who may nominate

1.UP Min community: faculty, REPS, admin staff, students

2.Outside UP Min: alumni, partners, stakeholders, members of the Constituents Units

B.Who may be nominated

The Faculty, REPS, and Staff of SOM have identified the following critical qualifications:

1.Moral Integrity

Has good moral values, altruistic, credible, open-minded, and fair to everyone;

2.Academic Credentials

Possesses proven scholarly track record and credentials in instruction, research, and extension

3.Capable to lead a dynamic team

Has the humility to accept criticisms and can manage conflict and dissenting opinions

Knows how to build and sustain cooperation

4.Process and Results-Oriented

Process and results-oriented with the priorities of the School in mind

Promotes democratic governance (union rep)

Creates innovative solutions

Explores unconventional approaches and alternative forms of knowledge

Possess patience in administrative work

Understands and respects policies

5.Has experience in leading and managing an academic unit

Willing to learn along with the unit

With external linkages and has the ability to foster external linkages

Note: The nominee need not be a faculty member at the time of his/her nomination. Should he/she be appointed, he/she must have a faculty appointment.

(1198th BOR Meeting, 28 July 20015)

C.What are the nomination documents

1.A nomination letter duly signed by the nominating party with a conforme by the nominee. The nomination must contain brief descriptions about the qualifications in item B:

“The number of signatures affixed to any nomination letter is immaterial in making final choice. (Sect.II.B.1 Guidelines and Procedures for the Selection of Nominees for Dean of Academic Units)

2.A brief of the nominee’s flagship programs for the next three years. A Vision Paper is not required but the brief has to clearly situate the programs with the vision of UP Min.

3.Along with the nomination, six (6) copies of the complete curriculum vitae (CV) of the nominee. After the ‘Personal Information’ in the CV, insert a summary of the nominee’s significant achievements in relation to potentially becoming the next dean.

Submit nominations (with complete documents) to:

The Office of the Chancellor

Admin. Bldg. UP Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City

Telefax (+63 83) 293-0310

Email a soft copy of the same set of documents to

Deadline for both submissions: 15 March 2019, 4:00PM.

D.Interview and Public Forum

In the morning of 25 March, the nominees shall be given a platform to share their views on the plans, programs, problems and priorities of the college for the next 3-6 years.

The forum will be followed by sectoral consultations (see Schedule, below).

DISSEMINATION

The Deans, Heads of Academic and Administrative Offices, Student Councils and the Public Information Office are requested to ensure wide dissemination of this Circular.

RUTH U. GAMBOA, PhD

Chair, Search Committee for the Next SOM Dean

Noted:

LARRY N. DIGAL, PhD

Chancellor

UPDATES ON THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT SOM DEAN

05 March 2019

The Search Committee for the Next SOM Dean wishes to inform the public of its schedule of activities. Everyone is encouraged to nominate and participate in these activities especially in the sectoral consultations and public forum with the nominees:

TIMETABLE:

SCHEDULE/ VENUE/ ACTIVITIES

March 4-15, 2019: Nomination Period

March 15, 2019; 4:00PM, Office of the Chancellor: Last day of Submission of Nomination Documents (Hardcopies for the Office of the Chancellor and Softcopies to be e-mailed to )

March 16, 2019: Announcement of Nominees

March 25, 2019 (Monday) at CHSS Audio Visual Room/Interviews and Public Meetings

9:00AM-11:00AM: Public Forum with Nominees

March 25, 2019 (Monday)CHSS Audio Visual Room/Sectoral Consultations:

11:00AM-12:00NN Faculty and REPS

1:00PM-2:00PM Admin Personnel

2:00PM-3:00PM Selected SOM Students

3:00PM-4:00PM Alumni and other Groups/Individuals

4:00PM-5:00PM Nominees

March 25, 2019: Consolidation of Reports

March 26, 2019: Submission of report of the Search Committee

RUTH U. GAMBOA, PhD

Chair

Highlights for March, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Forums

1. MARCH 2019 is the first month in the term of Chancellor Larry Digal. His key staff consists of professors Aurelia Luzviminda "Luz" Gomez and Nilo Oponda as vice-chancellors for administration and academic affairs, respectively. Professors John Bengan, Jackie Lou Tagubase, and Maria Teresa Escano will head the offices of the university registrar, human resource, and student affairs, respectively.

2. MARCH 4, 2019 was the first flag ceremony with Chancellor Larry Digal. In his remarks, the Chancellor Larry asked that everyone make use of the time during flag ceremony to discuss desired improvements such as in wellness or communication. He said that during his consultations the most common problem that arose was communication. He asked for everyone to contribute to better communication through announcements during flag ceremony such as new policies, or reminders of old policies, or updates in existing programs, or the revival of desired practices. He welcomed the initiative by HRDO for some exercise time.

Chancellor Digal's top agenda is REAPS: Reinforce the teaching-research-extension-production continuum; Enhance existing undergraduate and graduate programs and develop at least two new graduate programs; Accelerate research productivity; Prime and improve organizational capacity and administrative efficiency; Strengthen programs to develop a culture of teamwork, sense of community, health and wellness, and a better appreciation of the arts.

March is the International Women's Month and events on this theme are to be expected. March 16 is the Araw ng Dabaw and UP Mindanao will be part of the city parade. UP Mindanao will contribute to public awareness for Halalan 2019.

3. SEARCH FOR DEAN

Assoc. Prof. Pedro A. Alviola IV was appointed Dean of the School of Management by the UP Board of Regents on its 1343rd Meeting on 28 March 2019, "effective 28 March 2019 to 27 March 2022".

The call for nominations for the next dean of the School of Management (SOM) was opened in 4 March 2019. Nominations should be submitted along with the complete documents to the Office of the Chancellor, on or before the deadline on 15 March 2019, 4:00PM. On March 25, 2019 at CHSS Audio Visual Room are the Interviews and Public Meetings. On 26 March 2019 will be the submission of the report of the Search Committee to the Chancellor.

82nd ARAW NG DABAW

4. U.P. MINDANAO JOINED THE 82nd ARAW NG DABAW PARADE on 16 March 2019 with a delegation of non-teaching and teaching personnel as part of its commitment to offer affordable quality education, scholarly research, and public service to Mindanao and the neighboring regions. The delegation contributed good cheer and accommodated media coverage during the parade.

5. THE ARAW NG DAVAO Interschool Swimming Competition held at Ateneo De Davao University saw the UP Mindanao Swim Varsity Team win a total of 5 GOLD, 7 SILVER and 6 BRONZE MEDALS, as follows: Bhazel Anne Acac (3BSFT)- 4 GOLD and 2 SILVER; Juan Antonio Mendoza (4BSABE)- 1 GOLD, 3 SILVER and 2 BRONZE; Xenita Daniele Co (2BSArchi)- 1 SILVER, 1 BRONZE; Karl Paolo Gelito (1BSFT)- 1 SILVER and 1 BRONZE; Joshua Miguel Diaz (1BSAnthro)- 1 BRONZE; Bea Matanguihan (1BSArchi)- 1 BRONZE

6. UPMIN FOOTBALL CUP was organized by the UPMin Football Varsity and held on 16-17 March 2019 in the DC-UP Sports Complex Football Field. The 9-a-side qualifying round had the following results: Champion- DAVRAA-PALARO TEAM; 1ST Runner-Up -- PCT-MEDVIL FC; 2ND Runner-Up-- SOUTH-SHIELD FC; 3RD Runner-Up -- CATHIANA HEARTS FC; Special Award for Best Striker -- FFRANK DELA PEÑA; Best Midfield -- JOSHUA ROMERO; Best Defender -- JERICHO ROMERO; Best Goal Keeper -- ZANE GARFIN; Most Valuable Player -- ZANE GARFIN

7. STOP Rabies free vaccination and media launch

STOP Rabies, a public health research program, will hold a vaccination campaign and media launch on 25 March 2019, in UP Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City, in celebration of Rabies Awareness Month. The STOP Rabies program intends to use science-based evidence to help improve local policies and strategies on rabies control and management for a rabies-free Davao City. The Vaccination Campaign will be held at the Kalimudan Covered Court where registration for pet owners is at 7:30AM onward, to be followed by zumba exercise and fun ice-breakers. "Responsible Pet Ownership" will be discussed by veterinarian Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck at 8:30AM. The free vaccination and castration session for pets will be held until 11:30AM. Afterwards, the Media Launch will be held at 1PM in the nearby Lorenzo Hall in the Administration Building. Chancellor Larry Digal will open the program and an audio-visual presentation will follow. A talk on "Rabies Updates in the Philippines" will be given by Dr. Maria Nerissa Dominguez, National Professional Officer of the Office of the World Health Organization Representative in the Philippines. The STOP Rabies program milestones, to date, will be presented by the project leaders. The launch of the website and social media sites will culminate the event. The interested public is invited to attend, free of charge.

STOP Rabies is funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities (DARE TO) Research Grants program. The DARE TO grants aims to deliver innovative research work through collaboration among higher education institutions, which, in the case of the STOP Rabies program, are UP Mindanao and the Davao Medical School Foundation, in partnership with the Office of the City Veterinarian and the City Health Office.

8. SUMMARY EVICTION OF INFORMAL SETTLERS

The summary eviction of 15 informal settlers was conducted by the City Demolition Office under the City Engineer’s Office of the City Government of Davao on March 21, 2019. This is pursuant to the implementation of the government infrastructure projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways District II and Region XI, as the implementing agencies. These government infrastructure projects are: (a) PhP 150 Million Road Network; (b) PhP 100 Million Campus Improvement and Site Development; and (c) PhP 34 Million Completion of UP Mindanao-Manambulan Road. This is in coordination with the Philippine Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Philippine National Police (PNP), among others. This was implemented pursuant to Republic Act No. 7279 (An Act to Provide for a Comprehensive and Continuing Urban Development and Housing Program, Establish the Mechanism for its Implementation, and for Other Purposes). The summary eviction was implemented in strict compliance with the substantive and procedural due process as set forth by the aforementioned law. Series of dialogues and conferences were conducted prior to the conduct of the summary eviction. The informal settlers were also offered financial assistance and temporary relocation areas, among others. Despite these, the informal settlers refused to voluntarily demolish their illegal structures. Out of the 21 affected informal settlers, only 15 were summarily evicted due to their refusal to voluntarily demolish their illegal structures and accept the compromise agreement as offered by the implementing agencies.

Additional postings will be provided as they become available.

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