BY ALEX ALAGON
ARCHITEX Philippines Inc. officially launched its flagship high-end project, ApoYama Residences, a Japanese-inspired, Scandinavian-influenced living concept in Purok 1, Barangay Lanao, Kidapawan City, on Saturday. Nov. 29, 2025,
Architect Claude Jarreau Danganan, the main project architect, highlighted that ApoYama Residences infuses Japanese inspiration with Scandinavian modern elements, a community that was intentionally planned “to deliver a higher standard of residential living compared to typical developments in the region.”
Covering 4.6 hectares with a compact total of 150 units, the project focuses on design identity rather than maximizing density.
“While most Mindanao developments prioritize maximum lot count and affordability, ApoYama intentionally trades some density for design identity, amenity, quality, and inclusivity,” Danganan said.
Architex general manager Teruo Sumida shared the company’s vision for choosing Kidapawan as their first major subdivision project in the country.
“We decided to develop here because Davao prices are much higher. It is time to level up Kidapawan City. We brought our construction methods and Japanese quality here. We provide elegant but strong houses: comfortable, sustainable, and built with precision,” Sumida said.
ApoYama Residences showcases five Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired home models: Sanderiana (2-story single-detached), Sakura (2-story single-attached), Peony (bungalow single-detached), Heather 1 (bungalow single-attached), and Heather 2 (bungalow single-attached).
Climate-ready and earthquake-resistant
Engr. Glen Palijado, project engineer, shared that the location has been certified safe from flooding and storm-related risks.
“We secured a certificate from environmental engineering sciences confirming that the Lanao area is not a flooded area. This certification assures homeowners that the community is safe even during extreme weather,” he said.
In terms of earthquake readiness, Palijado emphasized the project’s seismic safety, stating that the project secured the earthquake hazard assessment from PHIVOLCS. He also assured that all homes follow the Philippine National Building Code while integrating Japanese planning principles for layout and function.
“We confirmed that we are 7.8 kilometers west of the Makilala Fault, which makes the area safe,” he explained.
In terms of construction management, project manager Mr. Yuki Ota further explained that Japanese construction prioritizes accuracy and precision.
“I am very picky with details and I teach our workers what Japanese-quality truly means. Every component must be precise,” Ota said.
Competitive pricing
Sales and marketing manager Rhea Mae Baitan shared that all 150 units will officially enter full-scale selling with the grand launch.
“Our prices range from ₱5 million to ₱10 million, depending on the model. We believe these prices are competitive given the quality and the unique high-end nature of the project. Investors are not only from Kidapawan; many are OFWs and residents from neighboring cities seeking long-term investments,” Baitan said.
She said that market scanning confirmed ApoYama as the first genuine high-end development in Kidapawan.
“Most existing communities are socialized or economic housing. We are proud to establish the first premium community here,” she shared.
ApoYama Residences will be developed in phases, with the full project timeline extending until 2032. Turnovers will begin as each phase meets structural, aesthetic, and quality standards. Baitan said that they expect the turnover of the first batch of houses by next year.
The name ApoYama symbolizes the fusion of Filipino and Japanese culture. “Apo,” in Filipino, means elder or revered ancestor, while “Yama” in Japanese means mountain. Together, they represent strength and heritage, with its attributes inspired by the presence of Mt. Apo.
Architex Philippines Inc., backed by its mother company, the Architex Group, is rooted in Japan with a strong reputation for affordable, high-quality housing.
The Architex Group operates more than 37 offices across Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, supported by 15 years of experience and over 120 completed projects.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) lambasts the insistence of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque even echoed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro that a family of four can celebrate Christmas with a ₱500 noche buena.
“You can never ask everyday Filipinos to shrink their noche buena just because the Government refuses to raise their wages, especially at this time when our people are marching against the trillions squandered on inexistent and substandard flood control projects while our workers are still being denied the long-overdue ₱200 legislated daily wage hike. It is out of this world, out of touch, and completely out of tune with the harsh reality our people live every day,” underscored TUCP Party-list Representative and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza who authored House Bill No. 88 for the ₱200 daily minimum wage increase.
DTI Secretary Roque insisted “Puwede siya talaga. Kung tutuusin, it’s really pasok for a family of four” while Press Officer Castro added that “It depends on what you’ll buy, what you’re planning to buy because there are those pre-packaged items like chopsuey. Those are cheap. Then, you buy rice noodles and soy sauce.”
“We urge Secretary Roque and Undersecretary Castro to stop lecturing Filipinos how to stretch their budgets that are already stretched to the breaking point. Rather than setting what should be ‘enough,’ the Government must ensure that everyday Filipinos earn enough, either by taking less through taxes or giving more through wage increases. Trust will never be rebuilt by a Government that can justify a ₱500 noche buena while blocking a ₱200 wage hike,” stated Mendoza.
DISSATISFIED with the service of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), the 20th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte passed a resolution opposing the utility provider’s franchise renewal.
During its 21st regular session on Nov. 25, lawmakers passed Resolution No. 1182, expressing dissatisfaction of Nordeco’s electric distribution services due to unreliability despite expensive charges.
The resolution also requested both Houses of Congress to “seriously take into consideration these sentiments in the evaluation of application for its franchise renewal” which expires 2028.
The resolution gained a vote of 13 “Yes” while District II Board Member Orly Amit voted “No.”
Board Member Al David T. Uy, proponent of the resolution last month, said the poor service from Nordeco has long been a problem, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal.
“I don’t have ill feelings towards them. Pero mao man gyud ang mulo sa mga taga Samal and I’m sure sa tibouk distrito uno pud pati ang Davao de Oro. Because everyday, gikan pa sauna pa nahimo kong konsehal, vice mayor, nahimo kong mayor mao gyud ang problema,” he said.
“We cannot attract investors in Samal. To be honest, mahirap talaga because of inefficiency, not reliable and very expensive,” Uy added.
District II Wendel Enad recognized that while the law is being challenged before the Supreme Court, the resolution is an expression of the sentiments of the Davao del Norte residents.
“It is a well-settled rule that a law cannot be implemented if it’s constitutionality is being challenged before the Supreme Court and the court has issued a status quo ante, temporary restraining order. In the absence of such an order, the law cannot be implemented but its implementation may be suspended if the Supreme Court finds the petition has merit. In other words, in (such) absence, the law enjoys the prèsumption of its validity until declared otherwise,” he said.
“The Resolution 1182 is just a mere expression of the sentiments of the constituents (and) as legislators we are just voicing the respective sentiments of the constituents,” he added.
In explaining is “No” vote, Amit expressed that he disagreed in the resolution considering that it promotes monopoly of public services, in this case the electric power.
“Ang Constitution sa Pilipinas nagsulti nga bawal ang monopoliya sa mga public services, sama sa kuryente. Ang paghatag og monopolyo sa usa ka kumpanya, sama sa kuryente, supak sa prinsipyo sa fair competition ug consumer protection nga gisiguro sa atong Constitution. (Art. XII, section 11),” he said in his Facebook post.
“Unsa man ang epekto sa monopoliya? Ang epekto niini wala này kapilian ang konsumante sa kuryente kay isa raman ang nag provide. Pildi ang consumer niini,” he added.
While he welcomes the entry of Davao Light as a provider for the benefit of the people, he said competition is critical so that the residents can receive an excellent service.
The 20th SP also passed a resolution urging action to ensure a smooth, orderly and uninterrupted transition of electrical services in the province.
RA 12144, which lapsed into law on April 6, officially expands Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
Photo courtesy: SP Davao del Norte
THE SUPREME Court (SC) En Banc issued a new resolution in the highly publicized consolidated petitions on the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Instead of rendering a decision, the High Court directed all parties involved to submit comprehensive Memoranda within a non-extendible period of 30 days.
The resolution, linked recently on the SC website, covers three consolidated cases: G.R. No. 278763 (Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus filed by Sebastian Z. Duterte), G.R. No. 278768 (Petition for Habeas Corpus filed by Veronica A. Duterte), and G.R. No. 278798 (Petition for Habeas Corpus, Certiorari, and Prohibition filed by Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte).
Seeking clarification on key jurisdictional issues
The SC’s directive aims to clarify several critical constitutional and legal questions raised by the petitions, which challenge the executive department’s actions in enforcing the ICC’s warrant.
The Court required the parties—including the Duterte petitioners and government respondents led by the executive secretary and officials from the Departments of Justice and Interior and Local Government—to address the following:
- Continuing Obligation: Whether Article 127(2) of the Rome Statute imposes a continuing obligation on the Philippines to cooperate with the ICC, despite the country’s formal withdrawal in 2019.
- ICC Jurisdiction: Whether the ICC can still exercise exclusive jurisdiction over the former President for crimes allegedly committed while the Philippines was a member of the tribunal.
- Legality of Arrest: Whether the arrest of former President Duterte, executed by Philippine authorities based on the ICC warrant, was legal under both international and domestic laws.
- Constitutional Rights: Whether the former President’s constitutional and statutory rights were violated during his arrest and immediate transfer to the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands.
The consolidated petitions stemmed from the dramatic events of March 11, 2025, when Duterte was arrested shortly after arriving from Hong Kong and immediately flown out of the country to face charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC over his bloody “war on drugs” campaign.
The petitioners are seeking a Writ of Habeas Corpus for his immediate release and return to the Philippines, arguing that his arrest and subsequent surrender to a foreign tribunal had no legal basis following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
The Supreme Court’s decision to require exhaustive memoranda signals its intention to rule on the core legal and constitutional implications of the country’s relationship with the ICC, an issue of paramount national interest.
WHEN NEWS broke that the International Criminal Court denied former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s appeal, the nation did not react with a single voice. Instead, it split into waves of emotion. Some felt vindicated, others felt validated, many felt relieved, and a great number felt heartbroken. For millions of Filipinos who supported PRRD, the ruling felt like a heavy stone dropped into the chest. There was disbelief, sadness, anger, and a sense of mourning, as if a beloved leader had been struck by a verdict that did not match the stories of service they hold in their hearts.
As a supporter of the former president, I felt the weight of that sadness deeply. And I know I am not alone. Across the country, from Davao to the farthest islands, many are grieving. They are weeping not because they deny the existence of legal processes, but because they know a man who, for them, protected the nation in ways they experienced personally. They remember the safer nights, the reduction of fear in their communities, the infrastructure built, and the strong voice that spoke against what others were afraid to confront.
No matter the political lens, one truth remains. When a public figure who shaped a generation of leadership faces international scrutiny, the emotional impact on his supporters is immense. This is not merely about politics. It is about identity. It is about loyalty. It is about grief.
The language of grief in a divided nation
Grief is not only for those who lose a person. It is also for those who lose a narrative that shaped their hope. Supporters of the former president are experiencing a collective grief that must be acknowledged. It is grief that is often mocked or dismissed by those on the other side, which only deepens the wound.
Communication becomes crucial in moments like this. A divided nation needs conversations that do not insult or diminish the emotions of any group. Instead of people shouting at one another, there must be room for empathy. There must be room for understanding why others feel the way they do.
In development communication, we learn that healing begins with dialogue. And right now, dialogue is what we need most.
Justice, perception, and the pain of feeling unheard
Legal systems operate on evidence. Support operates on lived experience. These two realities do not always align. While the ICC follows its own rules and judicial processes, supporters of PRRD follow their memories and their perception of the man they trusted.
They remember leadership that felt decisive during times of danger. They remember a president who showed raw humanity, humor, and courage. They remember the years when local communities felt safer. They remember the strength he projected, especially in Mindanao where he is not just a politician but a symbol of home.
So when an international body makes a ruling, many supporters feel that their voices and experiences are dismissed. They feel unheard. They feel unrecognized. They feel that the world sees only accusations and not the lives improved during his administration. This emotional disconnect is what creates national tension in moments like this.
The silence of those who grieve
There is a silence rising among PRRD supporters. It is not the silence of surrender. It is the silence of mourning. It is a silence heavy with questions: How did we reach this moment? Why does it hurt so much? Why does it feel like the country is being torn between narratives that cannot reconcile?
People are trying to understand a complicated reality. They want to show loyalty, but they also fear instability. They want to defend their beloved leader, but they also want peace. They want justice, but they want justice that considers context, humanity, and lived experiences.
In times like this, silence is a language. And it speaks of pain that words cannot fully capture.
Communication in seasons of pain
This is a moment when communicators, leaders, and citizens must choose their words with care. It is easy to inflame. It is harder to comfort. It is easy to provoke. It is harder to listen.
Development communication offers a path forward. It reminds us that conflict cannot be healed by shouting louder. It is healed through honoring the feelings of all sides, inviting meaningful dialogue, and recognizing that truth is never one-dimensional.
Supporters must be allowed to grieve without judgment. Critics must be allowed to express their views without cruelty. The nation must be allowed to process this chapter with maturity. That balance will not come from anger. It will come from communication rooted in respect.
A country searching for healing
In moments of political rupture, nations often forget that behind every position is a person with a story. The ICC ruling is not the end of that story. It is a chapter that will continue to provoke debate, compassion, division, and reflection. It will test relationships, alliances, and national patience.
But as Filipinos, we cannot allow this moment to destroy our ability to understand one another. We cannot let it erode our compassion. We cannot let it define us as enemies of one another.
For supporters, heartbreak is real. For critics, satisfaction is real. And for the country, confusion is real. No single narrative can contain the fullness of this national moment.
Spaces that speak of loyalty and love
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a figure who shaped emotion as much as he shaped policy. He inspired fierce loyalty. He sparked fierce opposition. And he created one of the most emotionally complex political landscapes this generation has ever experienced.
For his supporters, loyalty is not theoretical. It is deeply personal. It comes from experiences of safety, empowerment, and connection. This loyalty is not erased by a ruling. But it is shaken, and it is painful. Supporters carry a grief that deserves to be honored, even by those who disagree.
As the nation watches what comes next, our spaces must allow for calm, understanding, and empathy. Social media will try to divide us, but we must resist being weaponized. We must reject narratives that dehumanize. We must refuse to belittle the pain of others.
Truth is heavy. Justice is heavy. And emotions are heavy. But a nation that holds these burdens with dignity becomes stronger. A nation that weaponizes them becomes weaker.
The way forward
The ruling of the ICC is part of a larger story about accountability, sovereignty, justice, and global scrutiny. But for supporters of PRRD, it is also a deeply emotional story about loyalty and grief.
The challenge now is to allow truth, compassion, and communication to coexist. To allow the legal process to continue, while allowing citizens to feel their emotions fully. To allow debates to happen, while avoiding hatred. To allow justice to unfold, while nurturing peace.
This moment will be remembered not only for the ruling but for how the Filipino people responded. History will judge not only the leaders at the center, but the citizens who stood on either side of the divide.
The weight of the truth is heavy. But if we carry it together, it does not have to break us.
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Kethelle I. Sajonia is a college instructor at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus. She is currently in the final phase of her Doctor of Communication degree at the University of the Philippines. Her research interests include inclusivity, education, communication, and social development. She actively engages in scholarly research and community-based initiatives that advocate for inclusive and transformative communication practices.
MAYOR Sebastian “Baste” Duterte warned of a “clear downward trajectory” in the country and publicly accusing the United States and other foreign powers of deeply meddling in Philippine affairs.
In a lengthy social media post on Saturday, Nov. 29, Duterte expressed concern over what he described as a resurgence of the illegal drug trade, uneven application of the law, and the alleged manipulation of the country’s political landscape by international actors.
Duterte identified a key “turning point” years ago when foreign diplomats, particularly those from the US and other Western countries, publicly welcomed the release of high-profile figures previously linked to the drug crisis.
He argued that since then, the national environment has regressed:
“The environment appears to have shifted back toward one where illegal drugs are again pervasive, predatory actors move with relative confidence, and the practical risk of accountability feels low for those with power or connections.”
He lamented that hard-earned taxes appear to be “looted” while society continues to “absorb it, normalize it, and move on.”
The mayor also defended the controversial war on drugs pushed by his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“It is notable that an individual like former President Rodrigo Duterte, who fought relentlessly against drugs and criminality, is now treated primarily as a villain rather than as someone responding to a real and lethal problem.”
He questioned why being “at war” with drugs is now framed as a “detrimental stance for society, while tolerance of the trade and its beneficiaries is quietly normalized.”
Accusations of foreign meddling
Duterte also accused the United States of weaponizing institutions, like the International Criminal Court (ICC), “to suppress resistance to neocolonial dynamics” while advancing their own strategic interests.
“These same foreign powers pointedly remain outside the ICC, and precisely by doing so, preserve the freedom to intervene in the affairs of other countries while shielding themselves from scrutiny over their own actions.”
Duterte asserted that the Marcos Jr. administration has allowed foreign countries to “meddle so deeply in our affairs,” causing the country to drift back to a state where a “stark wealth gap” persists.
He claimed that the system is designed to “preserve the comfort of a narrow elite, manage and exploit the lower classes, and shield certain actors from real consequences,” leaving citizens exposed and crime undeterred.
Malacañang have yet to issue a statement on Duterte’s social media post.
DAVAO Tourism Association’s “Davao Tourist Passport” is now accessible for travelers and families offering discounts, promos, and travel guides in Region XI’s top destinations.
The new passport encourages tourists to visit the best hotels, resorts, and traveling spots of what Davao Region has to offer. It also comes with perks, freebies, and Department of Tourism (DOT) related activities.
For Davao City, the Philippine Eagle Center, Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Davao Bamboo Sanctuary, and others are featured to welcome new comers as well as the Central 911, Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), and Davao Doctors Hospital for essential services.
During the PEP Talks forum on Nov 28, Marissa Tionko of the Davao Tourism Association, said the passport went viral since its unveiling and has reached 1.8 million viewers as of last week.
Tionko shared that it also serves as a souvenir where owners can collect stamps and enjoy prizes.
Davao Tourist Passport costs P500 and is available at certified establishments or via the official Davao Tourism Association Facebook page.
The passport is valid from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026 that can only be used by one registered holder and is non-transferrable.
THE 89TH Infantry Battalion successfully facilitated the ceremonial turnover of 12 high-powered firearms from former rebels to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) Committee in Bukidnon on Nov. 26.
The ceremony, held at the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, marked a key step in the reintegration process for the ten “Friends Rescued” (FRs) who voluntarily returned to the fold of the law through the battalion’s efforts.
Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I, commander of the 89th IB, led the activity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the military and local partners.
Financial aid for peace
The turnover is a vital component of the ECLIP processing, specifically the Firearms Remuneration Program.
This program provides the former rebels with financial compensation for the surrendered firearms, offering them essential support as they begin their journey toward peaceful and productive civilian lives.
The initiative highlights the strengthened collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and Local Government Units in sustaining peace and security across Bukidnon province.
The successful surrender and turnover of the high-powered firearms are seen as a clear demonstration of the ongoing progress of peace-building efforts in the area.
Meanwhile, Officials expressed continued hope that the success of the ECLIP program will encourage remaining rebels to choose the path of peace and lawfulness.
THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), in coordination with the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), took part in the Philippines–France Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, concluded the two-day Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the French Navy on Nov. 28, 2025, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Luban Point, Mati, Davao Oriental.
The cooperative engagement, which aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding between the two naval forces, saw the inclusion of air assets on its final day, according to Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
Intensified at-sea exercises
The second day of the activity was marked by a series of at-sea serials as the French Navy vessel transited through Philippine archipelagic waters.
The PN vessel BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37), operating under JTF Sinaya, executed complex drills alongside its French counterpart.
Key exercises included:Maneuvering Exercise (MANNEX), Replenishment-at-Sea Approach (RASAP), and Ship Control Approach (SCA).
Air assets boost maritime awareness
A significant addition to the final day’s activities was the participation of air assets from the Philippine Air Force.
A Black Hawk helicopter and the NV392 of JTF Sinaya joined the cooperative activity prior to the execution of the RASAP.
“Moreover, the Philippine Air Force’s Black Hawk and NV392 of JTF Sinaya joined the activity prior to the execution of RASAP, intensifying maritime domain awareness and interoperability,” Lt Commander Reynante Vilela, the Public Affairs Office chief of NFEM.
The successful completion of these exercises officially marked the end of the cooperative engagement between the Philippines and France.
The activity was overseen by Commodore Ireneo D. Battung PN, Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
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