BY ALEX ALAGON
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – The Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking (KHC) invests ₱3 million to strengthen digital literacy in Banilad Elementary School (BES).
Funded by a grant from the Hoffarth family, the project was rolled out in 2025 to equip the school with modern technological devices and infrastructure, digital and functional literacy training, and teacher capacity-building.
The initiative, “Bridging the Digital Divide: A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Pilot Project for Digital Literacy in Philippine Elementary Education,” was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between KHC’s Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth and the Department of Education, Schools Division of Negros Occidental on March 16, 2025. This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging the gaps in digital literacy and learning outcomes in public schools.
Laying the groundwork for a technology-integrated learning environment, KHC provided 30 Samsung A9 tablets featuring e-books and educational applications, and 20 ASUS VivoBook Go14 laptops to build foundational digital skills like typing, researching, and navigating online software.
Recognizing that technology is only as powerful as the hands that guide it, 4 laptops were donated to the faculty to help them manage grading and classroom instruction, complementing the laptops provided by DepEd to other teachers.
Dr. Hoffarth also funded the library renovation to create functional learning spaces where students can nurture their love for reading. Additional upgrades included furnishing the computer rooms, installing Google TVs for classroom demonstrations, and providing 28 headsets to enable students to engage with multimedia materials from Khan Academy.
Beyond hardware and infrastructure, the project included one-on-one reading comprehension tutorial classes for non-readers and digital literacy classes for readers in Grades 3 and 4. BES students now have access to a wider selection of children’s books in their library, with KHC donating more than 200 children’s books through a book drive.
While still in its early stages, the impact of the initiative is already felt by educators and students:
“The progress of my learners from Day 1 to the present is clear. From turning on the computer, creating their first Word document, typing essays, to shutting down their laptops—I’ve seen it all,” shared Teacher Francis Buenaflor Jr. “I saw the sparkle in their eyes when they successfully saved their work…Some clapped their hands, some shouted, ‘I did it!’”
The students’ enthusiasm was also palpable. “Ako po ay masaya dahil sa aking natutunan ngayong bakasyon. Unti-unti natutong magbasa at mag-unawa ng aking binabasa (I am happy because of what I learned during vacation… Little by little, I learned how to read and understand what I’m reading),” shared a Grade 4 pupil.
“Masaya ako na makahiram ng aklat sa library. Marami na akong nahiram na aklat sa library at marami akong natutunang mga pangyayari at kasaysayan (I feel happy that I can borrow books from the library. I have learned a lot about events and history),” another student expressed.
Looking ahead
KHC, BES, and DepEd will monitor the progress of students over a three-year period to assess the impact of these interventions.
“Functional and digital literacy are vital skills that need to be nurtured early on. We are thrilled that KHC is helping bridge the gap by providing the devices and funding for tutorial sessions for learners. Ultimately, we hope the success of this initiative serves as a blueprint, encouraging more private institutions to follow suit and uplift other public elementary schools,” says Mian Arcega, KHC’s project monitor for this initiative.
Upon completion, a final paper will document the project outcomes and provide a scalable PPP model for other public schools, better equipping learners and educators with competencies to thrive in the digital age.
KHC believes that strengthening digital and functional literacy is vital for critical thinking, empowering students to analyze information and make informed judgments. By creating a conducive learning environment, KHC hopes to nurture a generation of critical thinkers and participative citizens committed to national development.
BY RHENA JEAN H. BATOBALANI/CMU Intern
THE DAVAO Inventors Association announced the upcoming Davao Inventions and Innovations Expo 2026, from June 19 to 21, at the Abreeza Ayala Mall.
During the media forum on Wednesday, June 17, Julieto C. Mejos, association vice president, said the expo marks a significant milestone for them as they believe it will inspire participants to become inventors in the future.
In addition, Virgilio M. Sangutan, president of the Davao City Inventors, Innovators, and Creators Association, highlighted the difference between the 2025 expo and this year’s event.
According to him, Davao inventors, innovators, and creative researchers are now focusing more on developing solutions to problems faced by communities and industries, such as inland farming, for example.
“In inland farming, ang problema diyan sa ngayon ay mataas na presyo ng fertilizer. So, we are also engaged now in the organic fertilizer for the farmers and inland farmers. And meron din diyang product na kung saan ang problema din ng mga farmers ay kapag mag sabay-sabay ang harvest ay halos hindi na rin maibenta dahil nga sa problema sa post-harvest,” he said.
Because of the shortage of post-harvest facilities, inventors have come up with a solution to prolong the shelf life of fruit and vegetables even without proper cold storage.
Sangutan also said they want to address the challenges faced by Davao inventors who have brilliant ideas but struggle to commercialize them, preventing them from turning their prototypes into profitable businesses.
For example, the association continues to discover new talents, help them recognize the potential of their products, and match them with financiers.
With the full support of the city government and various government agencies, Sangutan is optimistic that they can harness local talents and address local societal issues at the same time.
FRANCINE ALYXIA PALMES/CMU Intern
THE CITY Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) has been going around communities to help families maximize the small spaces while growing their own food through urban gardening.
During the iSpeak forum on Thursday, June 18, Jeana M. Ablen, OIC CAgrO municipal agricultural officer of Poblacion, Talomo, and Agdao districts, said urban gardening is an approach to grow and tend to healthy vegetables without chemical inputs.
She said they also promote urban gardening to commercial establishments and workplaces, especially with the recent rise in food prices.
For instance, families can plant vegetables in backyards and small spaces using recyclable and biodegradable materials and utilize kitchen waste as fertilizer to keep costs down. To maximize space, they can adopt vertical or container gardening.
She said they work with barangays to organize a training on urban agriculture and edible landscaping, particularly among women and senior citizens.
To illustrate, some women in Catalunan Grande have already established a communal garden and a household garden with technical assistance from CAgrO.
Ablen added that they provided technical assistance to establish gardens at the Davao City Jail in Ma-a and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Bucana and Matina Crossing.
She said CAgrO offers free seedlings sourced from its community nursery in Marfori.
The official said one of the challenges in getting people to buy in is the mindset that urban gardening is difficult. “Senior citizens and the youth can participate in maintaining the urban gardening in urban areas to help households minimize the cost of buying vegetables and avoid the risk of chemical-contaminated vegetables,” she stated.
ENTREPRENEURS from across sectors gathered at the University of the Philippines in Diliman for a learning session held during the 8th BUYanihan sa Diliman, organized by the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – E-Commerce Bureau and supported by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart)
Conducted as part of UP ISSI’s Communities of Practice for Entrepreneurship (COPE) Program, which promotes inclusive and sustainable enterprise development through practical and market-relevant learning opportunities for MSMEs, the session featured PLDT and Smart-led discussions on content creation, social media marketing, and internet safety. The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing efforts under its #KonektedForLivelihoods program to empower Filipino entrepreneurs through digital learning and online safety awareness.
Stephanie Orlino, AVP for stakeholder engagement management at PLDT and Smart, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to bringing practical learning opportunities closer to local entrepreneurs. “Through #KonektedLivelihood, we recognize that connectivity becomes more meaningful when communities also have the skills to use digital tools effectively,” Orlino said. “Partnerships with organizations such as UP ISSI and DTI-ECB allow us to help more entrepreneurs strengthen their digital skills and adapt to the evolving online marketplace.”
DTI-ECB trade industry development specialist Arianne Villareal underscored the importance of helping MSMEs strengthen and promote Filipino-made products online. “Ang pinaka-goal talaga namin is to reach the MSMEs as they make up almost more than half of the enterprises in the Philippines. Sila yung kailangan nating i-empower kasi nasa kanila yung mga Tatak Pinoy na products.”
Melanie Sangalang, UP ISSI Agri-Division Delivery Division administrative officer and project coordinator, also noted the importance of helping MSMEs become more active online and better promote their products through social media.
Among the participants was Charlie M. Montero Jr., owner of Nueva C Calamansi and Charibelle’s Pastries in Taytay, Rizal.
He said the discussions helped him better understand how e-commerce platforms can support small businesses. “The session on e-commerce helped us better understand how we can introduce our products online and engage with customers through digital platforms,” Montero shared.
Jessica R. Domingo, owner of the online gardening supplies business Shapes of Green, said the #BeCyberSmart discussions served as an important reminder about online scams and phishing attempts. “Kahit anong mangyari, breathe, think first, before you click,” Arduino said, recalling a previous scam experience.
Through initiatives like these, PLDT and Smart continue helping Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen their digital skills, build safer online practices, and discover new opportunities in today’s increasingly connected marketplace.
MANILA – The Philippines is making significant strides in expanding digital access across its education system, with government programs driving ICT adoption in schools nationwide. As this momentum grows, there is a clear opportunity to deepen impact by equipping teachers with the right tools, training, and support to bring technology into everyday learning.
Samsung Electronics Philippines is launching the Samsung for Education Program, an integrated ecosystem of education-ready devices, teacher development, and school recognition, designed to support schools at every stage of their digital journey.
“At Samsung, we believe that technology should empower people. In education, this means creating an ecosystem where teachers feel supported, schools are digitally ready, and students are engaged to learn with confidence. Our vision is to help schools in our region prepare for the future, ensuring every learner feels empowered and every teacher feels supported,” said Carl Nordenberg, vice president and regional head of Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania.
An integrated ecosystem for schools
Samsung for Education brings together education-ready devices, sustained teacher development, and a structured school recognition pathway, each reinforcing the other to help schools move from early digital adoption toward lasting transformation.
The foundation: education-ready devices and security
Galaxy Tab devices, paired with S Pen, Samsung Notes, and Galaxy AI, give teachers and students an intuitive platform for everyday learning. With Samsung Knox embedded across all devices, the program delivers secure, well-managed learning environments, protecting data, supporting fair assessments, and giving educators, students, and parents confidence in digital learning.
Building capability: teacher training and professional development
Technology is only as effective as the teachers using it. Through Samsung Learning Hub, the programme provides professional development and practical training to help teachers integrate technology into lesson planning and classroom delivery, with structured modules from foundational basics to advanced strategies, certificates that recognize progress, and curated content from education partners.
Beyond the platform, the program includes a professional development support framework delivered to schools for both educators and school leaders, elevating digital competency so teachers can be more productive and create more engaging lesson plans and content for their students.
Recognizing excellence: a pathway for schools
As schools grow in their digital maturity, Samsung recognizes their progress at two stages of development, each supported with structured guidance, educator resources, and a clear path forward.
• Samsung School acknowledges schools building strong foundations for meaningful digital adoption, with technology woven into everyday classroom practice, on the path to becoming Samsung Digital Lighthouse Schools.
• Samsung Digital Lighthouse School recognises schools with technology more deeply embedded in teaching, learning, and school practice, with certified educators, documented outcomes, and a strong culture of knowledge-sharing.
Supporting the Philippines’ education vision
Through the Samsung for Education Program, Samsung aims to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen digital learning and help schools build more inclusive and secure learning environments, supporting the emergence of learning environments where Filipino students can thrive.
BY MARINA O VILLEGAS/CMU Intern
THE LOCAL government is intensifying enforcement of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance to further protect the youth from picking up the deadly habit.
During the iSpeak forum on Thursday, June 18, Jalyn D. Pareja, Vice Regulations Unit (VRU) focal person and smoking cessation counselor, said the youth continue to be vulnerable to cigarettes and vapes.
For instance, based on government data, the most common violators of vape-related violations belonged to the 16-18 age group. Meanwhile, the city handed out more than 2,000 citation tickets to violators in the first three months of 2026.
The Anti-Smoking Ordinance covers cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, smokeless cigarettes, and other nicotine products. Sanctions include fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and even possible imprisonment for repeat violators.
The VRU coordinated with the City Health Office to conduct public awareness and free counseling for smokers who wish to reduce their nicotine consumption. They also hold lectures held in barangays and symposiums in schools discussing the harmful effects and strategies to abstain from smoking.
Youth organizations and barangay communities are also mobilized to educate peers to expand their knowledge about the risks of smoking.
She said they closely monitor community stores, especially those located within a 100-meter radius of a school. Store owners found selling to minors will face a penalty of P5,000.
Minors caught smoking or vaping are referred to the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), while schools notify the parents to ensure proper intervention and counseling.
Pareja stated that the barangays will continue to have their lectures, while the youth organization will have a meeting by next week to coordinate with the anti-smoking efforts.
“The Anti-Smoking Ordinance will be revised, especially among our minors, to further strengthen its implementation,” Pareja said.
BY KHADIJAH SALACOP/CMU Intern
THE 11TH Davao Culinary Cup drew over 200 participants representing culinary schools, hotels, restaurants, and food-related companies across Mindanao on Thursday, June 18, at SM Lanang Premier.
The opening ceremony featured a cultural performance by the Kalumon Performing Ensemble, setting the stage for the three-day culinary event that brings together aspiring chefs, culinary students, industry professionals, and hospitality stakeholders from across the region.
Organized by SM Lanang and the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, the annual competition continues to serve as a venue for participants to showcase their culinary skills while gaining exposure to industry standards and professional practices.
In his welcome message, Russel D. Alaba, senior assistant vice president for marketing of SM Supermalls Mindanao, highlighted the event’s role in nurturing culinary talent and supporting the growth of the region’s food and hospitality industry.
Joining the opening program were renowned chefs and judges from across the Philippines and abroad, including Chef James Antolin, Chef Brando Santos, Chef Buddy Trinidad, Chef Chris Balane, Chef JA Ventura, Chef Jerome Valencia, Chef Mia Yan, Chef Mike Yap, Chef Norbert Gandler, Chef Penk Ching, and Chef Waya Wijangco, who will oversee the various competition categories throughout the event.
Following the formal opening, competitors took to the floor to begin contests covering a range of culinary disciplines, including cooking, baking, pastry, and other specialty categories.
The first day also featured culinary demonstrations by guest chefs, including a U.S. beef cooking demonstration by Chef Jeramie Go of Pilgrim Restaurant, allowing participants and visitors to observe professional techniques and industry trends firsthand.
Now in its 11th year and eighth season, the Davao Culinary Cup has become a gathering point for schools, restaurants, hotels, and culinary organizations across Mindanao, providing a platform for both aspiring and established culinary professionals to exchange ideas, develop their craft, and showcase their talent.
The competition runs until June 20, with participants vying for top honors before a panel of local, national, and international culinary experts.
MORE THAN 500 former rebels (FRs) across three provinces and one city of the Davao Region can look ahead to better incomes and more economic opportunities with the implementation of the Cacaopreneur Livelihood Program and Forest Protection Program.
This developed as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental, together with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)-XI, forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a partnership that is expected to bring sustainable economic growth and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the region.
The MOA was signed by Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (PAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, Davao de Oro Governor Raul G. Mabanglo, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, and Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, NCIP XI regional director, during the International and Private Partners’ Forum (IPPF) on June 5, 2026.
Public-private partnerships
The Cacaopreneur Livelihood Program leverages strategic public-private collaboration to uplift the socioeconomic conditions of FRs through cacao production and revitalize communities that have been affected by armed conflict, transforming them into productive agricultural and entrepreneurial hubs.
To realize these objectives, the OPAPRU has sought the technical expertise of a private firm and other concerned government agencies to implement the innovative program, particularly in providing technical assistance to the beneficiaries and helping them connect to global markets.
According to Sarmiento, the OPAPRU is providing Php 7.1 million in funding support to each of the Davao PLGUs and to the City of Davao to ensure that the program is effectively carried out and achieves its objectives.
“This initiative shall capacitate our LGUs to implement targeted economic and livelihood interventions that will provide sustainable sources of income for our FRs, drive agricultural innovation, and boost employment in rural communities across the region,” he explained.
Sarmiento said that the initial implementation phase of the program within the second half of this year is expected to benefit hundreds of FRs and their next of kin, as well as their communities that will be involved in the novel livelihood program.
“This is the essence of LGU-driven development wherein local governments are at the forefront of efforts to improve the living conditions of their people, especially for FRs who are in the process of rebuilding their lives,” he explained.
Sarmiento said that by harnessing the skills of FRs as farmers and entrepreneurs, they are being empowered to chart their future, while showing them that good things come to those who turn away from armed struggle and walk the path of peace.
“Through this program, the national government, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is determined to help our FRs recover and build a better life for themselves and their families,” he stressed.
“This is the essence of positive peace, and that is, no one should be left behind in the peace and development process,” Sarmiento said.
In the Philippines, cacao production has been a thriving industry. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Filipino farmers harvested an average of 10,308 metric tons of cacao between 2020 and 2024, marking a significant leap of 44% compared to the previous years.
Furthermore, the PSA reported that the country exported a total of $9.88 million worth of chocolate and cocoa products to international markets in 2024, posting an increase of 32% from the previous year.
At the center of this dynamic performance is the Davao Region, which is considered the country’s cacao capital. Based on Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 data, the region produced 7,807 metric tons in 2024, contributing 72% to the total national output.
With the launch of the Cacaopreneur Livelihood Program, the Davao Region is anticipated to further enhance its competitive advantage in cacao production by capitalizing on the innate strengths and advantages of the area.
The program integrates its main beneficiaries — former rebels who are also members of People’s Organizations (POs) and their communities — directly into the high-value commercial supply chain.
Rather than focusing solely on raw farming, the program supports players across the entire value chain, spanning high-yield cacao cultivation and farm management, localized processing technologies to increase market value, and integrated commercial sale and trade distribution.
Another key component of the initiative is the Forest Protection Program, which seeks to bridge environmental stewardship with immediate cash generation. This strategy promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly approach while raising the incomes of beneficiaries.
Essentially, the FRs become environmental stewards wherein they receive reliable financial compensation for forest protection activities, creating a stable economic safety net while safeguarding the province’s natural resources and ecological equity.
A collaborative economic blueprint
To make sure that the funds allocated for the program are maximized and have the greatest impact among beneficiaries, they will be strictly managed under a specialized Project Management Committee (PMC) consisting of representatives from OPAPRU, concerned PLGUs, DA, and nominated private sector experts.
This set-up will ensure that agricultural resources, technical training, and market access complement each other and are synchronized during program implementation.
Meanwhile, OPAPRU’s Local Conflict Transformation-Field Implementation Support Office (LCT-FISO) Director, Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista expects the program to gain traction and have a significant impact on the lives of the FRs, their families, and communities.
“Socio-economic development is crucial for enduring peace and stability to take root,” Evangelista said, pointing out that this is the goal of OPAPRU’s Transformation Program, which is not only to help FRs make the successful transition to mainstream society but also turn them into agents of peace and development.
“By improving the lives of our FRs and transforming their areas into vibrant economic zones, we are building communities that are conducive to high-value agriculture production with the aid of our trusted private sector partners,” she added.
A JOINT law enforcement operation led by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) resulted in the arrest of a street-level drug suspect and the seizure of an estimated ₱102,000 worth of suspected shabu on Tuesday afternoon.
Alias Preng was apprehended during a buy-bust operation at around 4:20 p.m. on June 16.
According to police reports, the sting took place inside Room 307 on the third floor of the property manager’s boarding house, located at Purok 4A, Pangandaman Street in Barangay 23-C.
The operation was executed by the City Drug Enforcement Unit and Special Operations Group, led by PMAJ Bernie B. Suaga.
The bust was a coordinated effort involving the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit XI (RPDEU XI), 1st and 2nd City Mobile Force Companies, Sta. Ana Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency XI.
DCPO director PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria commended the operating units for their coordination and performance.
In a statement, Madria emphasized that the arrest underscores the city’s ongoing, unified law enforcement campaign to dismantle local illegal drug networks and maintain public safety.
The suspect is currently in police custody and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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