BY ALEX ALAGON
OUR PRIVATE char, este chat room had suddenly become alive. It’s just been mostly filled with years and years of collection of ‘happy birthday’ greetings and thank-you notes. But now, just like bugs out of the woodwork, old friends from grey havens and long-absent acquaintances had suddenly chipped in their centavos worth on the subject of the plight of us.
The day before, I reposted a thread that hinted trust in government could only be gained once again if it initiated the jailing of corrupt government officials. Not in it for the likes, mind you. Just something to stir the already-steaming pot with, the instigador in me thought, another carry-over impish trait from the high school days. The reactions varied (but of course), though not as rabid as those that came from trolls, sneaky lot. Despite this, I wasn’t in the least disappointed, because, truth be told, friends are definitely more colorful than those grey mountain trolls whose only talent is that they have internet.
A lola batch mate chirped, History has already proven: we have jailed officials and actors in the past, but upon their release ran again for office…so it’s back to emptying the government coffers once again. Legit. Another old-timer contributed that, if it were only possible, a clean sweep of all positions and a snap election to boot might do the trick. (he’s actually just seconding one senator’s opinion, but valid nonetheless). Meanwhile, out of all the other comments, an émigré’s wife enthused a bit resignedly, I’m holding my breath. So there.
In as much as I would’ve liked to include other friends’ inputs, as well as those from unwelcome trolls, I’m keeping it short as it is, at the expense of not being able to prove how lively it was, if but for a day. However, the more important thing in this stone-in-the-pond poke that I’ve posted has been merely to show, however minutely, the depth of how we have become as fragmented as our thousand islands because of the course of politics in the country. Enough of looking at what’s happening with the rest of the world, it’s gone to the dogs out there, we know, but where we are at the moment is all that counts, especially now.
I remember a resource person and inspirational speaker who offered the audience a trick mantra for being in the moment through all of life’s trials: “I am exactly where I want to be”. Thinking about that now, I am prone to raise a hand and ask, just where in this hell is he coming from? He’s not Pinoy, is he? Or if he was, is he someone who has already migrated to wherever and is just safely typing away from the comforts of a cozy home in some foreign land? Definitely, he’s not from where I am standing at the moment.
THE SOUTHWEST Monsoon (Habagat) season has officially ended, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Tuesday.
“Recent observations indicate that the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has been weakening during the past few weeks,” Pagasa said in a public advisory on Tuesday.
Pagasa declared that the termination of Habagat marks the end of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.
It can be noted that the Habagat started in late May this year.
The weather bureau reported that a gradual change in the country’s weather pattern has been observed due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
It added that the country is now transitioning to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season, which will be observed and declared in the coming weeks.
The weather bureau added that the Amihan is expected to bring cold and dry air to most parts of the country.
DOST-Pagasa urged the public and all concerned agencies to monitor relevant information about the country’s weather and climatic conditions regularly.
Photo by Erik Witsoe on Unsplash
THE PHILIPPINE Exporters Confederation XI (Philexport Davao) and the Philippine Banana Council, Inc. (PhilBana Council) will invite 400 banana growers, exporters, processors, and traders to the Banana Conference and Trade Exhibit 2025 (BANCON) to continue strengthening the country’s banana industry.
BANCON 2025 will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, from Nov. 5 to 6.
Philexport Davao executive director Marizon Loreto hopes that this year’s conference will engage the private sector, together with the government, to deliberate on strategic actions to expand the banana market reach, as well as address different challenges of the industry, similar to last year’s BANCON.
The conference will also be a platform to showcase innovative technologies, support services, and banana products with value-added features.
According to Stephen Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA), the Philippines’ market share of bananas has been going down in the last 10 to 12 years due to the competition posed by neighboring Southeast Asian and Latin American countries.
The banana production and exportations also plummeted due to climate change, infestation of pests and disease, and high production costs.
William Castro, president of Mindanao Banana Farmers and Exporters Association, Inc. (MBFEA), highlighted that over 80,000 hectares in Mindanao had dropped to about 40 to 50 percent in the banana industry in terms of the Cavendish banana.
“This is one of the reasons why we are trying to promote and do all these kinds of events like this BANCON to help our growers to sustain their farms to give them more technical know-how to upgrade those sustaining agricultural practices, to go back to the position where we had been before,” said during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum.
Castro said that the Philippine banana’s export market share in China is currently at 27%, and they hope to increase it some more.
THE PROVINCIAL government of Davao Oriental held a dialogue with the community to hear their issues on the mining operation in Barangay Macambol, Mati, Davao Oriental, on Monday, Oct. 6.
The dialogue was led by provincial governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang and tackled the effects of the continued operation of a mining company in the province.
The mining company was said to have already affected more than 200 hectares of land and impeded the construction of the MACALULA Road Network Loop Project, a project connecting barangays Macambol, Cabuaya, Luban, and Lanca.
Dayanghirang emphasized the significance of protecting the environment, noting that the mining project is near the buffer zone of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Mahurot ang kwarta, apan dili nato mapulihan ang atong kalibotan (The money will be used up, but we can’t replace the earth),” Dayanghirang stressed.
He urged the stakeholders to cooperate to stop the operations affecting the environment and support the province’s tourism and transportation plan.
Following the dialogue, the Sanguniang Panlalawigan will pass a resolution galvanizing public support against the mining operations in Macambol.
Vice Governor Glenda Rabat-Gayta, Mayor Joel Mayo Almario of Mati, Mayor Juanito Inojales of Governor Generoso, and Vice Mayor Sherlyn Marcojos-Casama of San Isidro, along with 26 barangay chairpersons and representatives of the church, were also present in the dialogue.
‘Responsible mining’
Meanwhile, in a statement released on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Hallmark Mining Corporation recognized the deep concern of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental for the protection of the environment, especially the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.
“We want to assure everyone that we remain firmly committed to responsible mining,” Hallmark said in a press release.
The company said they have strong safeguards such as siltation ponds, collector sumps, and active monitoring by the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team, as well as nature-based solutions to prevent harm to the surrounding ecosystems.
It added that more than 1,800 mine workers and around 3,000 more in related industries will be affected as their families depend on the continued operation of the mine.
“Behind every job is a parent, a student, a dream. This is why Hallmark Mining continues to engage openly with local leaders and stakeholders — to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of our people,” it stressed.
The company said it’s investing some of its resources into access to education, healthcare, and basic community services that improve lives in the host barangays through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
“Hallmark Mining remains a proud partner of development, contributing hundreds of millions of pesos in taxes and fees that go back to the communities through local and national programs. We believe that caring for the environment and supporting our people should go hand in hand,” it stressed.
COUNCILOR Rachel Zozobrado issued a strong warning against the rising trade of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarettes, saying these illegal products endanger public health, prey on the youth, and jeopardize years of hard-won gains in tobacco control.
Delivering a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, Zozobrado emphasized the urgency of taking decisive action to protect Davaoeños and uphold the city’s long-standing legacy of discipline and good governance.
That legacy was built under the leadership of then-Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whose pioneering anti-smoking ordinance became a model for the entire country. As president, Duterte also ensured that revenues from tobacco excise taxes would fund universal healthcare — turning sin taxes into lifelines for millions of Filipinos.
“When illegal trade flourishes, when counterfeit products flood our markets, and when public health is sacrificed for profit — it is not only our laws and ordinances that are violated; it is the very spirit of Davao that is betrayed,” she said.
The councilor expressed deep concern over the easy availability and affordability of counterfeit tobacco products, with reports indicating that some illicit cigarettes are sold for as low as P2.50 per stick. These are also often without tax stamps, health warnings, or any regulatory oversight.
Studies show that those aged 19 to 24 — students and young workers — are among the top consumers of counterfeit cigarettes and vapes. Their affordability, Zozobrado warned, risks reversing years of public health gains and weakening the enforcement of Davao City’s anti-tobacco laws.
“These products are cheaper, illegal, and aggressively marketed — especially to minors and young adults, who are drawn by low prices and deceptive packaging,” she said. “They rob our government of revenues meant for hospitals and medicines, but even worse, they rob our youth of the healthy future they deserve.”
In her speech, Zozobrado urged that the matter be referred to the committee on trade and commerce and the committee on health for an inquiry in aid of legislation aimed at determining the extent and impact of illicit and counterfeit cigarette sales, formulating stronger policy and enforcement measures, and reaffirming Davao City’s position as a national leader in smoke-free governance.
“This is not just an economic issue. It is a public health emergency and a moral crisis,” she said. “We must act now — to protect our people, to defend our legacy, and to keep Davao the city the nation looks up to.”
Local law enforcement echoed Zozobrado’s concerns, affirming their ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trade.
“Part of our law enforcement operations is the crackdown on smuggled fake cigarettes,” said Maj. Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI.
“Through intelligence monitoring, citizen reports, and checkpoint operations, we are moving to stop the illicit trade,” Dela Rey said.
THE INTEGRATED Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Davao City Chapter has issued an official statement defending its decision to confer the Golden Pillar of Law Award upon former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, emphasizing that the recognition is based purely on objective professional qualifications and is not a political endorsement.
The statement was released to address public discussions surrounding Duterte’s receipt of the award during the 2025 Law Month celebration.
Criteria: Longevity and good standing
The IBP-Davao Chapter clarified that the Golden Pillar of Law Award is a national recognition conferred across all IBP chapters to lawyers who have rendered fifty (50) years or more in the practice of law.
The award honors IBP members in good standing for distinguished service in private practice, public service, the judiciary, or academe.
The IBP-Davao Chapter alone recognized twenty-seven (27) awardees.
Under the national guidelines, a lawyer is automatically eligible if they meet established criteria, including:
Completing at least fifty (50) years in the practice of law since admission to the Philippine Bar.
Being a member in good standing (paid dues, not under suspension).
Not having been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, nor subjected to any final disciplinary action by the IBP or the Supreme Court.
The IBP-Davao Chapter asserted that based on these “established and objective qualifications,” former President Duterte “fully meets each criterion, in the same manner as all other awardees across the nation.”
Upholding presumption of innocence
The chapter directly addressed the criticism by reminding the legal community of its ethical duty to maintain professional objectivity.
“While the Chapter recognizes that certain members of the legal community have expressed their personal sentiments against the conferment of the award, we must also be reminded that as lawyers, we are duty-bound to rise above biases and to uphold this fundamental precept of our justice system: that judgment must rest on evidence and final conviction, not mere perceptions, and every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the statement read.
The IBP concluded that the Golden Pillar of Law Award “does not serve as an endorsement of political acts or personal ideologies.”
Instead, it is a recognition of professional longevity and standing under the IBP’s By-Laws, applied “without distinction, and grounded on verifiable compliance with the rules governing the legal profession.”
Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has clinched a string of awards for its hiring, employee growth and management programs that have made it still among Asia’s top workplaces.
The company – one of the Philippines’ largest – was named one of Asia’s Best Companies to Work for by HR Asia for a third straight year.
It also received top marks from an Asia-based talent and employer branding firm for its recruitment program, and was honored with two more awards for its use of technology and artificial intelligence in human resources management at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2025.
URC’s President & CEO Irwin Lee said that these awards “affirm our dedication to fostering an environment where our people feel valued, empowered and connected to a shared purpose”.
In being recognized as one of the best companies in Asia to work for, URC was lauded for its leadership programs that focus on equipping managers with skills to inspire teams, encourage collaboration and adopt agile ways of working.
The company was also cited for supporting employee growth through learning opportunities, innovation initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, alongside its recognition programs designed to celebrate initiative and engagement.
Lee said this recognition reflects the commitment and passion of its workforce and its goal to continue building a workplace “where people are inspired to lead, empowered to grow, and united by a common purpose.”
URC was, meanwhile, handed the Best Recruitment Innovation for Young Talents award by TalentView.
This award recognizes organizations that set benchmarks in attracting, engaging and developing future-ready professionals.
Lee said the honor highlights URC’s efforts to rethink recruitment by focusing on authenticity, purpose and growth for early-career hires.
“Today’s generation of graduates want more than job security. They want opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. This award is a reflection of how URC is meeting that challenge head-on.”
URC has rolled out initiatives such as its Comprehensive High-Impact Internship Program, which immerses students in projects guided by mentors, and the NextGen Leaders Program, a management trainee track designed to prepare high-potential graduates for leadership roles.
It also launched #GrowBeyondURDegree and #LaunchURCareer, campaigns that use social media, school partnerships and campus activations to showcase the company’s workplace culture.
BELLE’S Refreshing Juices, operated by Shechem Marketing, was recognized as a National Finalist under the Industry Sector – Small Enterprise Category during the 2025 Productivity Olympics National Awarding Ceremony held on Oct. 1, 2025, in Taguig City.
Belle’s Refreshing Juice is a family-owned business that started in 2015. As vegetarians, fruit and vegetable juicing has been part of their daily regimen. In hopes of promoting a healthier beverage option to Davaoeños, they launched this business.
From just two flavors (mango and pineapple) in 2015, they have expanded to more than 12 flavors of fruit juices. Not only that, they have also expanded their products to include fruit vinegar, virgin coconut oil, coco seasoning, and coco coffee.
Prior to being awarded as a National Finalist, Belle’s Refreshing Juice was chosen as the regional winner of the 2025 Productivity Olympics for Region XI. After a grueling national selection and judging process, they then became one of the 30 National Finalists that were awarded in Taguig City.
Belle’s Refreshing Juice was represented by its owner, Fretchen Belle Juanite, during the awarding ceremony. They received a cash price, a plaque of recognition, and priority endorsement to DOLE and NWPC trainings.
After the ceremony, Ms. Juanite expressed her heartfelt thanks to RTWPB-XI and hopes to collaborate again with the agency in the future. The Productivity Olympics, started in 2008, is a flagship advocacy program of the National Wages and Productivity Commission and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to promote productivity and quality, as well as to showcase the best productivity improvement programs and practices of micro, small, and medium (MSMEs) nationwide. Kenneth Paul Recaña/RTWPB XI
A WORKER of a local bakery was killed during a robbery, but the suspect was quickly apprehended by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) just hours later, around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2025, in Matina Aplaya.
The victim was identified as Vicmarie, 37, a resident of NHA Relocation, Bangkal. Police identified the suspect as alias Renie, a 32-year-old native of Malita, Davao Occidental, who was residing in Matina Aplaya.
The suspect reportedly used a hammer to pummel the victim to death.
According to the police report, a resident across the bakery reported hearing a shout for help moments before seeing the suspect emerge from the store and flee toward Norton Village.
Police Mobile 1127 of the PS15 Ecoland Police Station was patrolling along Matina Aplaya Road, near the Pan de Pane bakery, when they were alerted to the robbery that had just transpired, and the suspect had fled toward Norton Village.
The unit immediately initiated a hot pursuit, with Police Mobile 2120 responding to the request for backup. The teams successfully apprehended the suspect at Norton Village, Matina Aplaya.
The suspect was brought to the Ecoland Police Station 15 (PS 15) for proper disposition.
At the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, told reporters that the suspect confessed to the crime but only because he needed money for his sick daughter.
Tuazon said the suspect tried to borrow money from his colleague at work but was refused.
But she said they will still conduct further investigation to further know if the suspect is telling the truth or not. Meanwhile, Authorities are preparing a case of robbery with homicide against the suspect.
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