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WANDERLUST | Historic visit marks Sta. Maria celebration as town eyes Chinese investments in agriculture, manpower

by Ian Ray Garcia
written by Ian Ray Garcia

​THE MUNICIPALITY of Sta. Maria recently marked a historic milestone during its 58th founding anniversary celebration, highlighted by a special visit from the Chinese Consul General in Davao, Zhao Xiuzhen, last June 17, along with the regional heads of the Department of Trade and Industry XI and the Department of Tourism XI. Sta. Maria Municipal Mayor Claude Benjamin II D. Bautista described the occasion as one of the standout moments of the celebration.

​”It is a welcome departure from the norm where foreign dignitaries typically visit our municipality and province only during times of calamities or crises. This time, we’re happy that they’re here to celebrate with us,” said the young chief executive.

​In her speech, Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen emphasized the deep ties between China and the Philippines, stating that their thousand-year history of exchanges proves that good neighborliness, mutual cooperation, and common development serve both nations’ fundamental interests. Noting that Filipinos and Chinese share similar qualities of kindness and a willingness to share, she added, “There is every reason for us to remain good neighbors.”

​The visit also sparked discussions on economic partnerships and capacity building. Bautista confirmed that Sta. Maria welcomes Chinese investments, particularly in agriculture and manpower. To meet the anticipated demand for skilled labor, the local government is focusing on training its workforce.

​Recognizing the province as a predominantly agricultural domain, Bautista also expressed a strong interest in adopting best practices from China’s advanced agricultural sector to boost local production and development.

​Currently, Chinese investments in the municipality are relatively scarce and primarily concentrated in the agricultural sector, with the most notable being the production of coconut husk or “bunut.”

​Both leaders voiced strong optimism for future cooperation. The Consul General highlighted past successes where participants from nearby provinces were sent to China to study bamboo planting and handicrafts, boosting regional industries and employment. Similarly, Bautista shared that Sta. Maria’s department heads have previously visited China for capacity building to prepare the local workforce for upcoming opportunities.

​During the visit, Bautista showcased the municipality’s development sites to the Consul General and other guest officials, including the CECBA Coffee Farm, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology – Sta. Maria Extension, Bambusetum in Barangay San Agustin, Colagsing Beach in Barangay Tanglad, and the newly inaugurated Sta. Maria Pasalubong Center.

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News

‘Generally stable’

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • DTI XI continues monitoring price of goods

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry XI reported on Monday that prices of basic goods and prime commodities in the region remain “generally stable” amid the rising global fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict. 

Romeo Vasquez Jr., DTI Consumer Protection Division chief, said the goods they monitored on shelves and markets are still within the suggested retail price (SRP).

“Based on the last three weeks’ monitoring of the prices and supply of the basic necessities and prime commodities, we do not see any significant effect on the price of fuel on the basic commodities,” Vasquez said during the Kapihan sa Dabaw on Monday.

Based on the latest monitoring, while some exceeded the SRP, the price variance is just below P1 per product, attributed to logistics and delivery being affected by rising fuel prices.

Citing, for example, a brand of sardines (155g) whose SRP is P20.5 but was priced at P20.85; and a brand of beef loaf (150g) which has a P21.75 SRP but was sold at P22.20.

Vasquez said establishments that sold products exceeding 10% of the SRP were asked to explain within 48 hours and justify the increase.

“We issue a letter of inquiry to them to explain the increase, but the major factor is the logistics affected by the high price of fuel,” Vasquez said.

If the response is unsatisfactory, the agency would issue a notice of violation and impose penalties on the retail establishments, including an administrative fine of P5,000 to P2 million, or worse, cancel the business permit. 

Vasquez also mentioned the price rollback of some canned goods brands and bottled water, according to the recent monitoring last March 16-21.

“We in DTI, we continue to intensify our monitoring activities, we monitor weekly through our provincial teams,” Vasquez said.

To note, a total of 21 manufacturers, including canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, coffee, canned meat, toilet soap, and candles, have committed to holding the prices for the next 30 days.

The agency reported some manufacturers committed to doing so for up to 60 days, during a meeting with the Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on March 16, 2026.

Prices are expected to remain stable, with no increase anticipated for canned sardines such as Unipak, 555, Ligo, Lucky 7, Fresca, Morjon, Golden Town, and Mega; bread products such as Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal; bottled water such as Wilkins and Nature’s Spring; toilet and laundry soaps such as Safeguard Pure White, Tide Bar Original Scent, and Green Cross Pure White; condiments such as Datu Puti’s soy sauce and vinegar, and Lorins’ Patis: processed canned meat of CDO; and candles from Liwanag, within the next 30 days.

Meanwhile, the prices of brands such as Lucky Me, Ho-Mi, Argentina, Lucky 7, 555, Swift Premium, Wow! and Shanghai will remain at their prices for 60 days, while manufacturers of brands such as Kopiko, Nescafé, San Mig coffee 3-in-1, and Export candle have pledged to maintain current prices with no price increase at present.

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Business

DTI XI to host first regional trade fair in Metro Manila

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry XI (DTI) will launch the first “Madayaw! The Davao Region Trade Fair” to showcase the best local products at Shangri-La Plaza mall from Dec. 4 to 7.

DTI XI Business Development and Promotions chief Arriel Nengasca said 27 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will exhibit high quality commodities of cacao, coffee, coconut along with non-food products of textiles and handicrafts.

He said they hope to target P5 million in sales for the four-day event and also bring in foreign and institutional buyers.

Nengasca added the trade fair aims to expand the local markets to Manila as well as targeting the export market.

The event is planned to be held annually to organize larger venues and to promote more products from Davao Region in the future.

Madayaw! The Davao Region Trade Fair will include activities namely an opening ceremony to be attended by officials from DTI and the City Government of Davao, a fashion show, chocolate demonstrations, and many others.

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Business

Price freeze in Davao Oriental extended until January 6

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PROVINCE-wide price freeze in Davao Oriental is effective until Jan. 6, 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry Davao Oriental Provincial Office announced on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan, DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director, revealed the development during the press briefing on the response and early recovery effort relative to Manay, Davao Oriental twin earthquakes.

“The price freeze is supposed to end within 60 days after it is issued on Oct. 13, but since there is a declaration that we are in a national state of calamity instead of ending on Dec. 12, it is extended until Jan. 6,” Banlasan said.

Following the declaration of the state of calamity by the provincial government of Davao Oriental on Oct. 13, after the Oct. 10 twin earthquakes, the DTI implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in Davao Oriental. 

But on Nov. 6, 2025, President Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 1077 declaring a state of national calamity, requiring a nationwide price freeze on basic necessities from Nov. 6, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026.

“We constantly monitor our prices, and please be assured the violators will be sent show cause orders,” Banlasan said.

Based on DTI XI data, 74 establishments violated the price freeze, and 14 show-cause orders were issued from Oct. 12 to Nov. 14.

The agency monitored 145 business establishments affected by the earthquakes. Of the number, 139 are operational, and six are not. 

Initial assessments recorded an estimated P2.93-M in reported value of damages (stocks).

DTI extended assistance to the affected establishments through business development under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program. Banlasan said they already requested allocation from the central office since the program has no standby funds.

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Business

DTI: No abnormal price increase in quake-hit Davao Oriental

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI strictly imposed price caps, ensuring no manipulation by unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the situation in quake-hit Davao Oriental.

In a statement, the DTI XI reported that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remained stable and are within their prescribed suggested retail price (SRP), based on the results of the initial monitoring conducted.

The initial monitoring covered basic products such as canned goods, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap and detergents, salt, instant noodles, and bottled water, in various business establishments in Manay, Tarragona, City of Mati, Baganga, and Caraga. 

“What we did on Oct. 13 was to monitor the status of the business establishments and check the prices of goods to serve as our basis prior to the declaration of the province-wide State of Calamity on Oct. 14,” DTI Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan said.

The agency reminded the business establishments to comply with the Price Freeze Advisory as issued. 

The compliance of the establishments will be monitored regularly, which will start next week.

“We at DTI will continue to closely monitor the prices of goods in business establishments to prevent overpricing, especially during this difficult time. We also encourage consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities to us,” Banlasan stressed.

Following the recent declaration of the province-wide State of Calamity through SP Resolution No. 18-152-10-2025 on Oct. 13, DTI implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in Davao Oriental. 

The DTI warned establishments found violating the price freeze will be penalized to protect consumers from price manipulation.  

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Business

Shining a new era for jewelry making in Monkayo, Davao de Oro

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MONKAYO, Davao de Oro — The signing of the Deed of Donation for the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project Addendum to Jewelry Making on Sept. 16, at the Municipal Hall of Monkayo, marked another historical milestone for the municipality’s thriving jewelry industry.

The Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project is a flagship program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed at improving the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through this initiative, modern machinery, tools, and equipment are provided to cooperatives, associations, local government units, and other institutions that serve as SSF cooperators.

DTI-Davao de Oro OIC-provincial director Art A. Hermoso shared that the SSF supplemental project, valued at ₱152,750.25, is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering local artisans and creating more livelihood opportunities.

“The facility, originally launched in 2014, has already helped revive and sustain jewelry production in Monkayo, and with this new investment, the program promises to further expand its reach and impact,” the provincial trade official said.

Since its establishment, the SSF has provided upgraded equipment—such as polishing machines, ultrasonic cleaners, and a 3D printer—that enhanced production efficiency by 40% and improved the quality of locally crafted jewelry. To date, more than 60 local artisans, including members of the Monkayo Association of Persons with Disabilities (MONKASPED), have directly benefited from the facility through training and access to modern tools, generating sustainable livelihood opportunities and positioning Monkayo as a competitive hub for handcrafted, gold-based jewelry.

Adding to this achievement, Monkayo is now home to the first-ever Technical Education (TESDA) – National Certificate II Jewelry Training and Assessment Center in the Philippines. This pioneering development ensures that local jewelers, out-of-school youth, women, and displaced miners will have direct access to world-class training, certification, and skills upgrading right in their community.

Hermoso emphasized the importance of the turnover and the collaboration behind it in ensuring that more opportunities are opening up for the industry and its stakeholders and players.

“This donation is more than just equipment. It is an investment in people’s skills, creativity, and future. With Monkayo now hosting the first TESDA-accredited Jewelry NC II Training Center, we are making sure that Davao de Oro artisans can compete not just locally, but also globally,” she said.

The Philippine jewelry market was valued at about USD 7.318 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 11.304 billion by 2033, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.95%. Domestic demand is being fueled by rising interest in gold jewelry and traditional/hybrid designs, growth of e-commerce and livestream selling, plus consumer preference shifts toward ethically sourced or lab-grown gems.

In the export arena, the Philippines shipped USD 5.43 billion worth of precious stones, metals, and pearls in 2023, making this category one of the top export commodities. Main importers of Filipino stones / precious metal goods are Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States. However, finished jewelry articles and parts made of precious metal or metal-clad metals (“HS 7113”) remain modest: about USD 26.13 million in exports in 2023.

In the meantime, Mayor Manuel N. Zamora Jr. expressed his gratitude to DTI and its partner agencies for their unwavering support.

“This project symbolizes hope and progress for Monkayo. We thank DTI, TESDA, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for believing in our people and helping us shine brighter as a community of skilled jewelers,” the mayor said.

This remarkable milestone was made possible through the strong collaboration of DTI, TESDA, DOST, DOLE, and the local government unit (LGU) of Monkayo – a testament that when government and community work hand in hand, dreams are turned into reality. And this is only the beginning. DTI announced that more SSF projects are in the pipeline to further strengthen livelihood, skills development, and innovation in the province. DTI XI

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