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10ID launches Inter-Agency Territorial and Civil Defense Exercise

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry (Agila) Division launched its Inter-Agency Territorial Defense and Civil Defense Operations Exercise in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on May 16, to bolster operational readiness and crisis coordination among government stakeholders within the Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila’s area of responsibility.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang served as the guest of honor and speaker for the opening ceremony.

The event drew a significant assembly of military leadership, local government executives, and civil defense authorities. Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan , Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, is leading the operational coordination for the provincial-level exercise.

The exercise spans nine days and features various capability development and simulation activities designed to synchronize the responses of the military, local government units and partner agencies to security threats, natural disasters, and other public welfare contingencies.

Major General Elmer Suderio, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3), praised the initiative, stressing that unity among stakeholders is critical to safeguarding national security.

In an interview, Major General Alvin Luzon, 10th Infantry Division commander, said the exercise reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment to a “whole-of-nation” approach. It is part of a strategic shift as JTF Agila increases its focus on external security operations.

“This is the first exercise of this scale conducted within Joint Task Force Agila,” Luzon said. “We intend to institutionalize and expand this initiative across provinces and eventually throughout the region. This is not purely military in nature; it integrates the vital participation of civilian agencies and local government units.”

The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Governor Edwin Jubahib (Davao del Norte); Governor Raul Mabanglo (Davao de Oro); and director Eugenio Gepte Jr. (Office of Civil Defense Central Office).

The 10ID plans to gradually expand these exercises to its other two infantry brigades, eventually covering the entire Agila Division area.

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Community

Globe, Ayala Corporation strengthen digital resilience in Mati City

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA – More than 80 families will have safer homes and renewed hope after Globe, Ayala Foundation, and Makati Development Corporation (MDC) worked and collaborated together to distribute shelter kits to residents affected by earthquakes and fires.

The initiative aims to help families rebuild stable homes while opening opportunities for long-term recovery and community resilience.

This was made possible after over 200,000 Globe customers donated their Globe Rewards points through the Group Goals campaign starting January 2026. The local government of Mati also provided financial counterpart support through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Beyond housing, Globe also introduced new opportunities to help residents restore their livelihoods through digital tools.

Under a pilot initiative, 26 community members, including parents, local government staff, and senior citizens, were trained as Globe Digital Ambassadors. The program aims to help them operate small digital retail businesses within their communities.

Participants received Autoload Max credits and training on the Globe Benta application, enabling them to offer mobile load and other digital services.

The program seeks to expand residents’ knowledge in mobile commerce, financial management, and entrepreneurship to provide sustainable income sources from their homes.

According to Ayala Foundation Project Lead for Mindanao Cenen Milan Jr., the program demonstrates how communities can recover while enhancing their capabilities to thrive again in the digital economy.

“We are thrilled to see our communities not only recover but gain skills that empower them to thrive in the digital economy,” said Milan.

The shelter kit distribution coincided with the observance of Safer Internet Day 2026, which highlights responsible use of digital platforms. Globe also integrated its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), with 80 parents and senior citizens participating, along with 15 representatives from the local government.

Now in its tenth year, DTP aims to educate communities on online safety, data privacy awareness, critical thinking, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

It also strengthens awareness among local residents against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) to help protect children and other vulnerable sectors.

“This initiative demonstrates the value of combining disaster response with digital education. It strengthens both homes and livelihoods and allows our community to rise stronger and more resilient,” said Mati Mayor Joel Mayo Almario.

The project also highlights the collaboration of Globe, Ayala Foundation, and MDC in promoting inclusive community development.

Through the Brigadang Ayala volunteer program, employees contributed time, skills, and resources to directly support the recovery of communities in Mindanao.

“This initiative reflects the strength of partnerships within the Ayala Group in supporting communities through recovery. By working together, we can help families in Mati rebuild their homes while opening digital and livelihood opportunities that strengthen their resilience,” said Globe Mindanao External Affairs Lead and WeAreAyala Business Club Davao Chairman James Lopez.

Globe Assistant Director for Sustainability and Social Responsibility Rofil Magto said the initiative provides new opportunities for families living in the city.

“By integrating shelter support with digital literacy and micro-entrepreneurship, we are enabling the community to build a more stable and self-sustaining future,” he added.

With safer homes, strengthened digital awareness, and new livelihood opportunities, the City of Mati demonstrates how recovery efforts can lead to long-term community development.

This shows that rebuilding after disasters is not only about restoring structures, but also about providing the knowledge, connectivity, and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age.

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CommunityEnvironment

Hallmark Mining Corporation Bolsters Green Mining Initiatives by Completing the Turnover of 100,000 Seedlings

by Contributor
written by Contributor

True to its vision and mission, Hallmark Mining Company (HMC) has successfully distributed 100,000 high-value seedlings to partner People’s Organization across Mati City and Tarragona, Davao Oriental. This follows the government’s undertaking of Special Tree Cutting Permit (STCEP) Replacement Planting Initiative.

The turnover, and succeeding tree planting activity, was coordinated in close relation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that the seedlings are deployed to priority areas for reforestation sites under HMC’s Special Tree Cutting Permit and Earthballing Permit (STCEP).

On top of the priority areas are Brgy. Taguibo, Mati City and Brgy. Limot, Tarragona which received 30,000 and 20,000 seedlings respectively. This success is attributed to strong institutional partnership between government and industry.

The seedlings are guaranteed to act as a critical shield against soil erosion and flash floods during typhoon season. Simultaneously, the company ensures to provide high-value yielding seedlings to farmers.

Crops like durian and cacao are among the high-value crops donated by HMC to farmers as permanent livelihood assets, with the goal of boosting local economy.

Moreover, the involvement of communities and the company’s adherence to the internationally recognized principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) form part of their values. The recent coordination of Hallmark with Indigenous Peoples groups proves their commitment to this principle.

For HMC, complying with government efforts in combating environmental degradation is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a natural extension of the company’s core adherence to sustainable mining and community-led reforestation. HMC’s mining methods, as echoed by Davao Oriental State University president Dr. Roy Ponce, “pose only a minimal impact on local biodiversity.” By extracting minerals in strategic “patches” rather than through traditional large-scale clearing, this practice ensures minimal disruption to the forest.

Patch mining keeps the surrounding areas intact while providing the ecosystem with sufficient recovery time. While nature heals, the company continues to move forward with its sustainable practices.

Butch Sebua, HMC’s Environmental Manager, stated that Hallmark’s consistency with its company values differentiates it from other mining corporations. “Here, we recognize that we are merely borrowing from nature. That’s why as much as we can, and with the help of the local government, we do our best to give back by ensuring sustainable mining practices.”

Through their environmental and community initiatives, HMC hopes to demonstrate that mining can be achieved without compromising Indigenous rights and with strict adherence to government regulations. This underscores both realization and accountability—successfully balancing the revival of a high-potential industry with a deep-seated duty to protect the land and its ancestral stewards.

Follow and stay tuned on HMC’s Facebook page to be part of the change: https://www.facebook.com/hallmarkminingcorp

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Community

SDMP Projects Boost Education, Water Access in Barangay Macambol

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Residents of Barangay Macambol and neighboring communities are seeing tangible gains in education, livelihoods, and basic services through projects funded under the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of Hallmark Mining Corporation.

In Barangay Macambol, education-focused initiatives include the installation of a ₱750,000 solar energy system for public schools, ensuring a reliable power supply for classrooms and learning facilities—particularly critical in upland areas where electricity disruptions are common.

The company’s annual Balik Eskwela program continues to distribute school supplies, while education assistance has been extended to 219 college students from host and adjacent communities for Academic Year 2024 to the present, helping widen access to higher education for Indigenous Peoples and local youth.

Complementing classroom support, SDMP-backed skills training programs have enabled residents to earn National Certificate II (NC II) qualifications through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, opening livelihood opportunities beyond mining operations and strengthening household income resilience.

Access to clean, dependable water has also markedly improved with the completion of major water system projects. The Level III Water System connecting Sitio Silad to Sitio Banluton—worth ₱1.2 million—now serves about 250 households with direct connections, replacing years of reliance on distant and inadequate sources.

A ₱200,000 Magum Water System further benefits around 50 households in Sitio Magum. To safeguard public health, a chlorinator unit was installed to ensure water quality and potability.

Infrastructure support extends beyond Macambol. Road repair and maintenance works in nearby barangays, including Cabuaya and Luban, have improved mobility and safety for residents and motorists alike, facilitating access to markets, schools, and services.

All SDMP projects are monitored by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and validated through multipartite inspections involving local government units, tribal leaders, and community representatives in Mati City.

Community and tribal leaders noted that the water systems were priority projects advocated during the 2023 SDMP Planning process—underscoring the role of participatory planning in setting development priorities.

Residents say the initiatives have delivered practical, day-to-day improvements—strengthening education access, improving health and sanitation, and expanding livelihood pathways that extend benefits well beyond mining operations.

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News

Former Mati mayor backs VP Sara Duterte, says Rabat family united for 2028 and beyond

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

FORMER Mati City mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat has expressed her support for Vice President Sara Duterte, citing shared roots in Mindanao and what she described as the strong track record of Duterte-led programs.

“I will go for VP Sara. I am from Mindanao, and we are in the same region,” Rabat said. “We can see the good programs of Duterte.”

Rabat’s statement comes amid early political maneuvering ahead of the 2028 national elections, where alliances and endorsements are beginning to take shape well before the official campaign period.

When asked about her own political plans for 2028, Rabat declined to make any definitive announcements, saying discussions on candidacy remain premature.

“Running for 2028 is an open book. We will cross the bridge when we get there,” she said.

Despite keeping her personal plans open-ended, Rabat underscored that political unity within her family remains firm moving forward.

“All of the Rabats will remain united in 2028 and beyond,” she said.

Rabat, a prominent political figure in Davao Oriental, is part of the influential Nakpil-Rabat clan in Mati City. Her endorsement is expected to resonate locally, particularly among Mindanao voters who continue to view regional identity as a significant factor in national leadership.

VP Sara Duterte, a former Davao City mayor, has maintained strong support in Mindanao, with backers frequently pointing to governance programs implemented during her family’s political leadership in the region.

While the 2028 race is still years away, Rabat’s remarks signal early alignment and reinforce the continuing influence of Mindanao-based political blocs as discussions about the country’s next leadership cycle gradually intensify.

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News

Former Mati mayor clarifies status, design of Dahican Bamboo Terminal amid controversy

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Former Mati City mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat has issued further clarification on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Dahican Bamboo Terminal, stressing that the project remains unfinished and that government payment for the facility has not yet been completed.

Rabat explained that the terminal, which has drawn public attention for its bamboo-based design, is still undergoing development and should not be judged as a finished structure.

“The project is not yet completed and payment is not yet in full,” Rabat said, adding that key components of the terminal are still pending installation.

Rabat

According to the former mayor, planned improvements include the construction of comfort rooms and an extension of the terminal bay to better accommodate passengers. These additions, she said, are part of the original design and functionality of the facility.

Rabat also addressed concerns about flooding and structural integrity, noting that the terminal site was intentionally elevated during construction.

“The area was previously below the level of the highway, so it was elevated to avoid flooding,” she said.

Responding to criticism over the use of bamboo as a primary material, Rabat emphasized that the structure is not purely organic in composition. She explained that the giant bamboo used in the terminal has been properly treated and reinforced.

“The bamboos are treated and supported by a strong foundation made of steel and concrete,” she said, underscoring that safety and durability were considered alongside aesthetics.

The Dahican Bamboo Terminal, located near Dahican Beach, has been defended by Rabat as a project designed specifically for a tourism area, combining visual appeal with practical function. She earlier maintained that the terminal’s bamboo architecture was a conscious aesthetic choice befitting a premier coastal destination.

As public debate continues, Rabat’s latest statement seeks to place the project in proper context—highlighting its unfinished status, planned amenities, and engineered foundations—while countering claims that the terminal is structurally weak or prematurely assessed.

Local officials have yet to announce a revised completion timeline, but Rabat reiterated that the project should be evaluated once all components are fully implemented and finalized.

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News

Mati water, Doreco provide relief to earthquake victims 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE MATI Water District implemented a moratorium on the monthly bills of consumers affected to provide financial relief to the families recovering from the aftermath of the twin earthquakes last Oct. 10.

The moratorium will take effect on the November 2025 water bill, wherein no penalty shall be imposed on the said billing.

The water district will not conduct disconnection activities for the entire month of November 2025.

“We wish to inform your good office that Mati Water District did not conduct any disconnection activities for the month of October 2025 as part of our corporate social responsibility and as a gesture of compassion and solidarity with our concessionaires during this period of restoration,” it said in a statement. 

The provincial government of Davao Oriental requested the local water district to implement a one-billing-cycle moratorium on billing. 

This initiative aims to provide temporary financial relief to affected households as the province continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts,” Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang said in an executive order. 

Meanwhile, the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative also released a statement temporarily suspending disconnection and penalties for totally damaged metered houses in Manay and other affected areas of the double earthquake. 

“Disconnection activities and imposition of penalties for identified and confirmed totally damaged metered houses in the municipality of Manay and in some affected areas in Davao Oriental with unpaid accounts for October 2025 are temporarily suspended to provide relief to our affected MCOs,” it said. 

As of Oct. 20, the provincial government recorded 202,070 affected families and 16,800 damaged houses- 1,045 are totally damaged and 15,755 partially damaged. 

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701st IB facilitates arrival of government relief, tents via Philippine Air Force C-130

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 701ST Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Allan Jose L. Taguba, facilitated the arrival of urgently needed tents and relief goods from the National Government. 

The supplies were transported aboard a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at Mati City Airport, Davao Oriental, on Oct. 12, 2025.

The tents and relief are intended for families and communities severely affected by the recent Magnitude 7.6 earthquake and its aftershocks in Davao Oriental.

Under BGen Taguba’s leadership, the 701st Brigade and its operationally controlled units coordinated closely with the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, the PDRRMO (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office), and other concerned agencies. 

This coordination ensured the swift offloading, transport, and distribution of the supplies to the affected areas.

Photos courtesy of 701st Infantry Brigade 

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