BY ALEX ALAGON
SO, THERE was a real roasted crocodile served during last Sunday’s prayer rally (or suffering) in Davao City? It was in addition to the 100 or so heads of roasted cows and a crocodile-shaped cake
Crocodile is not among the animals raised for human consumption. Rather, it is to create a more authentic nature in the universe. So, with the slaughter of the reptile last Sunday and feeding its exotic meat to the hungry prayer rally attendees, what can our animal rights advocates in Davao say?
Will they be brave enough to condemn the crocodile killers and those who present the idea to the rally organizers?
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Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio announced in Nagoya, Japan, that they have now found a country that is willing to host former President Rodrigo Duterte if he were allowed an interim release. The former Philippine President is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands, for alleged crimes against humanity.
The elder Duterte’s lawyers have been petitioning the ICC for an interim release, even if the former chief executive will be allowed only to stay in another country and not in the Philippines.
In the VP’s revelation of finding a host country for her father, she did not mention where. Perhaps it is one condition set by that country’s government in agreeing to host the former Philippine leader. So, despite the efforts of media men to force the VP to name the country, she has to sustain her position not to name it.
Somehow, we could not help but suspect that if there is any country with a strong willingness to have the former Philippine leader under its embrace, it is none other than China.
The only question is whether or not the ICC is agreeable to release Duterte to a country that could make it extremely difficult for the international court to re-acquire jurisdiction of its former detainee if the progress of the case requires Duterte to be under the ICC’s custody again.
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We read the article in this issue of Mindanao Times. It was written by this paper’s top reporter, Ms. Rhoda Grace Saron.
The article we are referring to is the one on the priest’s homily in the mass held immediately prior to the start of the Pray for the Philippines rally at the San Pedro Square last Sunday. According to the article, the priest, who was not named in the story, said his homily was political in nature from start to finish.
Why was the name of the mass celebrant not mentioned in the story? Did the priest make such a request to conceal his identity?
We are just a bit bothered because in the priest’s homily, he was quite frank that he was condemning the absence of transparency and accountability of the people in power, especially in connection with the graft-laden flood control projects that have siphoned people’s money to the corrupt politicians and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) top officials and their co-conspirator greedy private contractors.
It is our take that the priest’s condemnation could have an added weight and perhaps even more convincing if the non-attendees of his mass were able to hear his homily in the air lanes, or read the news about it in the newspapers, had his name been mentioned in the article.
Of course, if the celebrant feels there is more to it in hiding his identity than making it public, there is nothing we can do about it.
After all, everyone has his or her own fear and apprehension, especially with the perceived instability of the government by a number of us Filipinos.
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Indeed, in the Philippines, there is too much freedom that makes it convenient for every person to charge anybody with alleged wrongdoings or criminal acts.
This was manifested during last Sunday’s massive simultaneous rallies supposedly to condemn the too vulgar corruption happening in the country.
In the police investigation into the riot that happened, the ones who started the melee and were later arrested were among the protesters who destroyed both public and private properties. They reportedly told the police that they were allegedly paid by well-known personalities identified with the PDP – the political party of the Duterte-led opposition.
In another rally front, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who joined the rally after doing a somersault from the administration camp, was openly heckled by a number of protesters as just another “corrupt” person trying to cleanse himself.
When asked to comment on the heckling and who they possibly were, Chavit said they were paid to do the heckling by First Lady Liza Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Indeed, with too much freedom comes the convenience of doing anything under the mantle of man’s constitutionally guaranteed rights.
CRITICAL thinking, computing, research, and communication are some of the skills students usually learn in college. However, institutions like Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) are taking it a step further by training youth on social responsibility and sustainability, and consequently use their acquired knowledge to positively impact society.
Mapúa MCM, a branch of Mapúa University’s technological and academic excellence in Mindanao that was founded in 2015, has embedded social accountability and civic duty into its culture. Despite its one decade of existence, the institution has proactively spearheaded a number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Davao.
This school year alone, Mapúa MCM launched 26 community projects. Of all these, 19 were student-led while the remaining seven were institutional efforts organized by its Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE). Included among these are ongoing learning programs Project H.E.L.P. (Help End Learning Poverty) and a Mass Tutorial, Sustainability Week, and the H.O.P.E. (Holding On to Positive Expectations) Gift Giving Activity.
“Mapúa MCM is not just a place for academic learning—it is also an incubator for future leaders. By emphasizing CSR and sustainability, we train students to think critically about their role in society so they can understand the impact of their decisions, in the world of business and the community,” said Marycon Delos Reyes, director for Mapúa MCM’s Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE).
Delos Reyes further explained that consistent exposure to civic engagement and volunteerism develops a sense of civic responsibility among students apart from nurturing an attitude of service, collaboration, and empathy––values that are essential building blocks of resilient, stronger communities.
The school’s efforts to ignite community involvement in its campus seem effective as 1,275 students and employees collectively joined in the four abovementioned projects.
Its ongoing Project H.E.L.P. was at the forefront of this learning poverty alleviation program at Langub Elementary School in Davao City, which has 134 student and employee volunteers who help facilitate biweekly reading sessions to students from Grades 1 to 3. Now in its second year, the institution has already conducted six interactive reading intervention sessions using learner-centered materials that adopt Fleming’s (1987) VARK (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic) teaching model.
To complement this, the institution has also been conducting a mass reading tutorial at New Matina Elementary School in Davao City. Led by the school’s National Service Training Program Department and High School Department, the ongoing remedial program is part of the Department of Education’s Catch-Up Fridays initiative at New Matina Elementary School for Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils. To date, Mapúa MCM’s 1,087 student and employee volunteers have conducted 10 reading sessions to improve pupils’ literacy skills.
To kindle students’ interest in sustainability, the institution’s Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) hosted its first-ever Sustainability Week themed “Fusion Forward: Towards a More Sustainable Mapúa MCM.” The event espoused collaboration among its student body and faculty as the campus strove to address the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, moving towards the year 2030.
At the same time, the college also organized the H.O.P.E. Gift Giving Activity. Now in its fifth year, this annual gift distribution led by CSCE uplifts jeepney drivers who ply the Mapúa MCM route.
All of these efforts have indeed left a mark on these young minds. Patrick Ivan M., Micabalo, a 22-year-old student of the Delta Batch (S.Y. 2021-2022) in the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program and a Program H.E.L.P volunteer, agreed that CSR is an excellent avenue to hone and build character among the youth.
“Mapúa MCM organizes various activities to instill a sense of civic duty in students. These activities emphasize the importance of contributing to nation-building by highlighting the role of individuals in creating positive change,” said Micabalo.
Angelica B. Diaz, a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) student, added that school-led community activities have given her a sense of fulfillment and direction.
“I wanted to be part of the Program H.E.L.P. initiative because I believe in giving back to the community. The joy on the children’s faces when they received the supplies reminded me why it’s important to help others. My inspiration came from seeing how small efforts can make a big impact,” said Diaz.
She added that community-building efforts taught her and her peers to be compassionate and proactive. It also helped develop their leadership and organizational skills that are essential in real-life scenarios.
The university’s strategy of embedding CSR into its culture and curriculum is proof that civic duty and social responsibility do have a place and should be taught in every classroom.
MANILA — Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, today released new insights from 300 technology decision makers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, revealing that while AI-assisted coding is gaining significant momentum, technology leaders are equally aligned on the importance of pairing AI with human oversight — ensuring code is rigorously reviewed and quality-controlled before reaching production.
The top global findings include:
- AI adoption is nearly universal. Ninety-two percent report using AI-assisted coding tools, with 78% of developers relying on them every day. Adoption is set to accelerate further, as two-thirds (66%) expect their organization’s use of AI coding to increase significantly over the next 12 months, with productivity gains cited by 64% as the primary driver.
- Thoughtful use required. AI is emerging as a powerful catalyst in enterprise software engineering. Rapid prototyping, exploration of new ideas, and generating first drafts of code are proving especially valuable, helping teams move faster, innovate more freely, and reduce the cost of iteration. At the same time, tech leaders emphasize the need for thoughtful use: 95% flagged potential risks when deploying AI-generated code without sufficient review, pointing to the need for guardrails around maintainability, security, and quality.
- Human-in-the-loop is critical. To maintain code quality, 93% say AI-generated code is always or often reviewed before merging. This robust peer review culture highlights that while AI can generate code in seconds, human judgment remains the essential gatekeeper to production. Governance structures reinforce this oversight, with more than half (58%) placing responsibility at the CTO and CIO level.
- The developer skill profile is evolving. Nearly all (94%) believe AI tools are transforming developer skillsets, with 95% comfortable with them being used in technical interviews. Yet this enthusiasm is tempered by caution: one in three (30%) cite over-reliance on AI without developer accountability as their top concern, while one in five (21%) worry that junior engineers may see their development stunted. These concerns highlight the importance of training that ensures developers not only adopt AI tools but also use them with discernment and accountability.
“AI in engineering is a real disruptive change that can’t be ignored,” said Brendan Humphreys, CTO, Canva. “When paired with human judgment and expertise, it unlocks significant benefits — from rapid prototyping to faster development cycles and greater productivity. The engineers who will thrive in this new era are adopting AI to enhance their thinking and output, not replace it. They’re bringing creativity, critical thinking, and a deep sense of ownership. That’s how organizations will move fast, innovate, and build responsibly.”These findings underscore Canva’s position that AI should amplify, not replace, human ability. The greatest value emerges when AI tools are paired with human judgment, imagination, and expertise. For insight into Canva’s stance on the use of AI-coding tools during technical interviews, read this blog here.
A TEENAGER’S heartfelt call to action set the tone for a recent Conservation Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) session organized by Alsons Power Group in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
A teenager’s heartfelt call to action set the tone for a recent Conservation Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) session organized by Alsons Power Group in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
“Our micro-efforts will have macro-effects,” said Grade 11 student Rain Lawrenz Rudis of JBT Caing Senior Memorial Integrated School, as he urged fellow students to protect Mt. Busa, a key biodiversity area and home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
The CEPA program gathered more than 300 students, teachers, and parents from two schools to raise awareness about the ecological value of Mt. Busa. The initiative reflects Alsons Power’s commitment to balance energy development with environmental protection.
Alsons Power and PEF’s partnership has already led to significant conservation milestones. In 2022, a rescued Philippine Eagle named “Sarangani” was successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, a testament to what collective action can achieve.
“For me, ‘We Power with Care’ means that the energy we use to light our homes and schools must also come with the care to protect our forests, rivers, and eagles. It means powering our future without forgetting our responsibility to nature,” Rain shared, capturing the essence of the program.
By empowering students to take the lead, Alsons Power and PEF are shaping a new generation of conservation champions dedicated to safeguarding both the environment and the future.
- ICC online document details Duterte’s murder and attempted murder charges
THE REDACTED International Criminal Court document surfaced online, which outlined several details of murder and attempted murder charges in connection to the crimes against humanity faced by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
A confidential document filed on Sept. 22, 2025, alleges that Duterte is criminally responsible for these acts as an “indirect co-perpetrator”.
The charges stem from a “Common Plan” that allegedly aimed to “neutralize” criminals and individuals associated with drug use or production through violent crimes.
The document claims this plan was first developed at a local level in Davao City during Duterte’s mayoral period before being expanded nationwide during his presidency.
The three counts of charges are:
- Count 1: Murders in Davao City. This count alleges Duterte is criminally responsible for the murder of 19 victims during his time as mayor, from 2013 to 2016. The victims were said to be “alleged criminals” such as drug pushers or thieves. The document states that Duterte, as the “Head of the DDS” (Davao Death Squad), had final approval for killings conducted by DDS members. The DDS was described as a hierarchical structure that used Davao City police and non-police hitmen to carry out the killings.
- Count 2: Murders of ‘High-Value Targets.’ This count involves the murder of 14 victims who were labeled as “high-value targets” or “drug lords”. The document claims that during the presidential period (2016-2017), a “National Network” of perpetrators—including personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)—operated similarly to the DDS. Police who killed a target on the “PRRD List” could allegedly receive payments ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱1 million.
- Count 3: Murders and Attempted Murders in Barangay Clearance Operations. This count charges Duterte with the murder and attempted murder of 45 victims who were allegedly “lower-level” criminals. These acts were said to have been perpetrated across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.
The prosecution’s document asserted that the alleged killings were “widespread and systematic,” and extended for a prolonged period.
The charges said that Duterte contributed to these crimes by designing and disseminating the policy to “neutralize” alleged criminals, instructing and authorizing violent acts, and offering financial incentives to perpetrators.
The ICC filing is currently confidential to protect victims and witnesses, but a public, redacted version is expected to be released as soon as possible.
“Barangay Clearance Operations” killings
A newly unsealed document from the International Criminal Court (ICC) gave a granular look into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s “war on drugs.”
The filing, a “Document Containing the Charges” (DCC), detailed 18 specific incidents that form part of the third count against the former Philippine leader.
The incidents, which took place from 2017 to 2018, showed alleged murders and attempted murders carried out by Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and non-police assets in locations across the Philippines.
The document labels these as “barangay clearance operations,” targeting what it describes as “lower-level” criminals.
The charges, signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, held Rodrigo Duterte criminally responsible for the deaths of at least 43 victims.
The DCC alleges that Duterte is responsible for these crimes under various forms of individual criminal responsibility, including indirect co-perpetration, ordering, inducing, and aiding and abetting.
The incidents listed in the document include:
Shootings and Strangulations: The filing lists multiple instances where PNP personnel are alleged to have shot and killed individuals identified as “alleged drug users” or “drug pushers.”
In some cases, the document points to more brutal methods, with multiple incidents of strangulation also being cited.
Targets of the Campaign: The victims are consistently described as alleged drug users, drug pushers, and thieves. In one case, the document refers to the killing of an “alleged thief and drug user,” while another mentions an “alleged drug thief.”
The recurring language across the incidents suggests a consistent and targeted policy.
Geographic Scope: While some incidents are noted in Manila and Quezon City, a significant number of the detailed events, from Incident 32 to Incident 47, are listed as occurring in or around Bulacan, highlighting a concentration of these alleged crimes in that province.
The ICC document emphasized that the murders and attempted murders were perpetrated by a “National Network” of state and non-state actors who were allegedly controlled by Duterte and his “co-perpetrators.”
Meanwhile, the camp of the former president has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.
TEAM EastWest proudly celebrates a double win at the 2025 IABC Philippines Quill Awards, with EastWest Banking Corporation (EastWest) and EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA) each earning prestigious recognition for their standout communication campaigns.
Representatives from EastWest and EastWest Ageas proudly accept the double win at the 2025 IABC Quill Awards, honoring outstanding work in professional communication.
EastWest Unibank was honored for its 30th Anniversary campaign, “Further for You,” a year-long celebration of three decades of banking with ease, trust, and innovation. Anchored on the yin-yang-inspired anniversary logo and powered by ambassadors Donny Pangilinan and Carlos Yulo, the campaign combined customer-focused innovations, exclusive events, and digital rollouts such as the EasyWay App. It was a true synergy of East and West, bringing together the Eastern perspective of customer care and personal relationships with the Western drive for innovation and technology, proving EastWest’s focus on making banking easier, more personal, and more meaningful for customers.
Meanwhile, EastWest Ageas Insurance took home a Quill for “LOVE PURPLE: Uniting Employees with One Goal, One Color, One Purpose.” This internal change communication program brought EWA’s brand refresh, “What’s Your PURPLE?” to life, inspiring employees, called Stewards, to embrace and champion the PURPLE identity. Through vibrant activations, from merchandise to music festivals, the campaign united employees around a shared purpose of serving customers with passion and authenticity.
“At its core, this double win is about people; customers who inspire us, and employees who live our purpose. Both wins show that customer experience starts with engaged people who believe in the brand,” Norman Martin C. Reyes, EastWest head of marketing, said.
The Quill Awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, celebrate excellence in professional communication that drives business impact. With thousands of entries submitted each year, only a select number of campaigns are recognized, making every win a mark of distinction that is highly sought after in the industry.
EastWest’s double win reflects its fusion of warm, customer-first service with innovation and technology. With customers at the heart and employees empowered at the core, the Bank continues to build experiences that inspire trust, strengthen relationships, and deliver lasting impact, true to its drive to go Further for You.
AS THE Philippines marks National Shelter Month this October, housing developers, policymakers, and industry leaders are set to gather on Oct. 9–10, 2025, at the Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Makati City, Metro Manila, for the 33rd National Developers Convention to recalibrate strategies for delivering affordable, inclusive, and sustainable homes for Filipino families.
Organized by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the event carries the theme ‘ReCalibrate: Upgrading Housing Strategies for a Better Tomorrow’ The event will spotlight urgent housing challenges and sector commitments, including SHDA’s pledge to deliver part of the 250,000 housing units committed by private developers in support of the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). This contribution forms part of the administration’s target of building one million housing units annually.
“By working hand in hand with DHSUD, we aim to align the industry’s efforts with the government’s housing priorities, especially in expanding affordable housing and building sustainable communities,” said SHDA national chairman, Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. “This convention is not only a celebration of National Shelter Month but also a call to action for all stakeholders to shape a better housing future for Filipinos.”
The gathering is expected to draw around 200 stakeholders, including top developers, policymakers, investors, and allied partners. Keynote speeches and panel discussions will cover innovative financing models, resilient and sustainable housing design, digital transformation in real estate, and regulatory reforms to accelerate the 4PH rollout.
“This convention is a testament to the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors,” said SHDA national president, Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas. “Our shared goal is not just to build houses, but to build communities that uplift the lives of Filipino families.”
Through the National Developers Convention, SHDA reaffirms its role as the unified voice of the housing industry, bridging public and private sector efforts for inclusive growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Photo from PIA XI
THE SPIRIT of bayanihan was instrumental in bringing health services closer to communities last Sept. 13, 2025, during the Handog ng Pangulo caravan. In the Davao Region, DOH Davao took the lead in bringing health services to more than 20 sites, serving over 2,700 individuals on a Saturday.
As early as six in the morning, residents in Barangay Langgam, Maco, Davao de Oro, for example, eagerly lined up for free services such as medical consultations, vaccinations, maternal care, infectious disease screening, hypertension and diabetes consultations, physical therapy, and more.
The event highlighted that health is not only the work of doctors and nurses, but a shared responsibility carried by the whole community. Barangay officials, tanods, youth leaders, volunteers, and health workers worked hand-in-hand with health professionals to ensure that essential services reached those who needed them most.
DOH Davao OIC regional director Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo visited the Super Health Center in Mawab, Davao de Oro, where she witnessed the community’s strong participation in Handog ng Pangulo. In her message, DOH Davao regional director Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo emphasized the essence of bayanihan:
“Bayanihan is the instrument that makes health services truly reach our people. The strength of our health system is measured by how well we work hand-in-hand as one community,” she said.
Health services were offered in Southern Philippines Medical Center, DOH Davao Wellness Clinic (Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall Buhangin), Drug Abuse and Treatment Rehabilitation Center (Davao City Jail in Davao City), Davao Occidental General Hospital, Barangay Tanglad, Sta. Maria, Barangay Lais, Malita in Davao Occidental; Super Health Center Digos City, Super Health Center Matanao, Barangay Zone II, Digos City in Davao del Sur; and Davao Regional Medical Center (BUCAS, OPD Main, and Sawata) and Mankilam Tagum City in Davao del Norte.
A range of services was also offered in the Super Health Centers in Nabunturan and Mawab in Davao de Oro; and Barangay Central, Mati, Super Health Centers Mati, Boston, Lupon, and San Isidro in Davao Oriental. (DOH Davao PR)
Manila – 2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services, Inc. (SCVASI), a subsidiary of 2GO Group Inc. and a longstanding provider of specialized logistics solutions in the Philippines, including cold chain logistics, announced the expansion of its fleet with newly acquired reefer vans and ISO tanks. This investment demonstrates SCVASI’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to serve stakeholders nationwide, supporting agribusiness, food manufacturing, quick-service restaurants, and other essential industries with bulk liquid and cold chain requirements.
The new assets include 40-foot high cube reefer containers equipped with Thermo King Magnum refrigeration systems, offering greater cargo capacity, rapid cooling performance, energy efficiency, and temperature control down to –40°C compared to the standard –30°C. The fleet expansion also features 20-foot ISO tanks with internationally certified safety features to ensure the secure transport of food-grade liquids.
With this expansion, SCVASI has increased its overall transport capacity by nearly 50%, ensuring reliable and scalable logistics solutions for temperature-sensitive and bulk liquid cargo across the country.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continuously meet the evolving needs of our customers by providing more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions,” said Gener Lim, Business Unit Head of 2GO SCVASI. “By expanding our fleet, we are supporting industries that keep communities supplied, strengthening nationwide logistics, and reinforcing our role as a partner in the country’s growth.”
The new reefer vans and ISO tanks are already in nationwide service, meeting customer demand and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains. With multimodal capabilities, SCVASI ensures goods are handled securely and efficiently end to end.
Through continuous investment in specialized equipment, 2GO SCVASI reaffirms its commitment to delivering efficient, safe, and customer-focused logistics solutions that sustain industries and contribute to nation-building.
For inquiries about 2GO SCVASI services, email special_containers@2go.com.ph.
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