Palawan: Gateway to Southern Philippines

PALAWAN has always been considered part of the Southern Philippines.

 

In fact, when the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front signed the so-called Tripoli Agreement on December 23, 1976, the province was included as the 13 ^th province of the autonomous government. However, because of the referendum, the province did not become part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

 

Because of its proximity to Mindanao, the province was also included in the broader subregional group, the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area which the four countries formed in 1994.

 

In 2000, Palawan had a population of about 755,000 with 40 percent of its people natives, while six percent are Muslims.

 

The province, declared as the natural sanctuary of the world, is endowed with natural resources and has become one of the best tourist attractions of the country. Its inclusion in the subregional group, which was created in attempt to push for developments in the identified areas, was intended to alleviate poverty of its people as its poverty incidence in 1994 was at 54.50%.

 

As a result of its inclusion in the subregion, Palawan formed a trade linkage with Kudat, which is part of Sabah in Malaysia.

 

According to the Mindanao Economic Development Concil (MedCo) the formation of the trade linkage was eyed for a port-to-port trading between Sabah and Palawan. In a memorandum of understanding on the cross-border trade linkage, the two sides agreed to undertake a concerted effort that will open the trade link promote investment areas together.

 

Based on the agreement, Palawan can supply marine products, corn, fruits, coconut, virgin coconut oil, cashew nuts and seaweeds, while Sabah, through Kudat, can sell noodles, cooking oil and other grocery items.

 

Retired general Efren Abu, Philippine special envoy for the subregion, believed that the memorandum of understanding between Palawan and Sabah will allow the flow of goods between the two areas with Brooke's Point, a municipality, serving as a gateway to Malaysia.

 

Kudat, northern town of Sabah, is just 137 miles away from Brooke's Point and is just about 12 hours by sea. Brooke's Point is the only municipality in Palawan that has a port.

 

But the subregional group leaders believed that in implementing trade linkages, they must be able to assure the protection and safety of  the business traders as they intensify their travels between and among the identified growth areas.

 

Since a year after its creation, leaders of the subregion have started discussing harmonization of customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) policies of their respective countries with the hope of coming up with a comprehensive set of policies that will apply to all the members.

 

With its inclusion in the subregion and the continuing discussions on the CIQS, Palawan may eventually become one of the key areas of development in the country. With its natural resources including the wonderful attractions, it is not far-fetched for the province to play a vital role in the development not just of itself but of Southern Philippines. After all, Palawan is nearer to Mindanao than to Metro Manila.

 

ERRATUM:

 

In the previous column, we failed to mention that the late Emmanuel Pelaez, a Mindanawan ,   was elected as vice president of the country in 1965. Our apologies.

MINDANAO NGO’S AND THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN AGENDA

Ancestral Domain, as one of the three sub-theme agendas made by the Moro International Liberation Front (MILF) for the Mindanao Peace Process, refers to the MILF's demand for territory that will constitute the Muslim native soil, sufficient control over economic resources, and a structure of government that will allow self-governance in ways that are consonant with their culture and with minimal intrusion from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).   It is assumed to be the key for a more enduring peace in Mindanao but because of its delicate nature, there are still many issues and concerns that need to be resolved.

 

This covers five Muslim autonomous provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao, and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Saranggani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes.  These communities, commonly referred to as Indigenous People (IP), include the Ata, Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Isamal, Mansaka, and Manguguanan tribes, among others.   They mostly dwell in forests but have established ancestral land and domain claims over areas and territories said to be their custody, occupied and utilized by the government.

 

As a response to the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), a number of non-government organizations (NGO's) set up programs in Mindanao. Many of these NGO's have operations that aim to benefit the tribes of Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, and Manguguanan.  Some of them would attempt to focus on the economical development of the forestry situated in the Ancestral Domain to culturally unite all IP to become socially developed, politically empowered, and economically reliant, thus establishing a productive and self-sustaining community.

 

Role of NGO's

                                                                                  

The role of the NGO's in assisting the IP's in Mindanao is very significant since it ensures that socio-economic opportunities would reach these far flung areas. There are NGO's that give them the needed technical and financial assistance and other endeavors to uplift their moral, social, and economic conditions. Most of them also aim to improve the physical and mental being, as well as health conditions of the tribal communities.

 

Provision of materials, micro-finance, and extension services and the establishment of a cooperative to bring added value to forest and agro-forest activities are among the programs being implemented.

 

Ancestral Domain Land Use

Four main productive land uses for the Ancestral Domain were identified, namely forest, agricultural, mining, and settlement.

 

The domain is endowed with a land area of 28,740 hectares and is categorized as public forest or timberland.   Within it are tenurial instruments issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which includes an area of about 480 individual Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) of approximately 1, 038.79 hectares, four forest land agreements with a total area of 187 hectares, and one community based forest management agreement enclosing about 2,766 hectares.

 

 A sustainable reforestation scheme was also designed, which included recommendation of the arbitrary harvesting of Gemelina, the establishment of nurseries for the remaining flora and fauna for its identification and propagation, and the protection of palm species such as Rattan and fiber such as Abaca. Likewise, ordinances to combat "kaingin" and illegal logging will be enforced.

 

Environmental Safeguards

To safeguard the Ancestral Domain from environmental concerns, enforcement of DENR guidelines were promoted on designated areas for mining and prospecting activities. Mining activities in the area cause disturbances such as contamination of water ecosystems, migration, solid wastes, air and liquid chemical pollution, forest degradation, erosion and siltation, and habitat destruction, among others.

 

Hunting conservation of wild animals and land mammals, as well as endangered species of birds inhabiting the Ancestral Domain is also intensified due to unconfirmed reports that unidentified specie of eagle was sighted within its southern boundary.

 

Aside from tourism purposes, there are plans to promote the establishment of bridges and landmarks to clean waterways, connecting the locals to their heritage, thus instilling pride and ownership.   The installation and maintenance of 24 kilometers farm to market roads is likewise requested, as well as the rehabilitation and electrification of identified barangays, such as Purok V Mahayahay, Baylo and Purok II, Pasian.

 

Modern Facilities and Infrastructures

Eight water systems were also solicited wherein each water generation system will have its basic aquifer and hydrologists.   All water plans will include the consumption of water for plants and garden within the residential areas.

 

Seven terminals for public transport utilities were requested with aims to offer the landscape of the overall theme of the Ancestral Domain, its heritage and interdependence upon the forest and the reefs

With the vision to develop community appreciation of sustainable reforestation and the adaptation of biodiversity as an integral part of community lifestyle, the various NGO's collaborated for the set up of nine elementary schools, three secondary schools, two day care centers, a home for the aged, and six tribal health center and medicinal gardens.   This, as a goal, fosters the establishment of 11 tribal villages/settlements with basic facilities.

 

Cell sites are also being built in designated areas of the Ancestral Domain.   Providers such as Smart and Globe are now racing to position posts in Pasian and Diwata.  The development of the wireless connectivity technology makes it feasible for IPO consideration as compared to the installation of conventional system throughout the domain.

 

Other plans included in the proposal facilitates the preservation of the cultural heritages, sanitation, undertaking of intensive information, education, and communication campaign to 300 member households, advanced planning on waste management, establishment of checkpoints for environmental protection, proper cutting and selling of trees, health and nutrition.

Biofuel: A Spark of Light for Mindanao

Our estimated consumption for oil is estimated to grow from 128 million barrels in 2000 to 224 million barrels in 2009. The implementation of the Bio fuel law requiring ethanol and biodegradable diesel in fuel mix will eventually result to a savings of almost $800 million worth of oil imports.

 

Brazil , the world's top exporter and leader in renewable energy uses sugar cane as raw material. It  has produced 15.9 billion liters of bio-ethanol in 2005 of which 90% went to the domestic market.  While the United States

Uses corn and produces 18.9 billion liters of bio ethanol each year.   It needs 132 billion liters to reach its goal of 20% reduction in oil consumption by 2017. With a third of its own corn production being used to produce bio ethanol, corn prices are continuously rising in the US. They are set to plant 90.5 million acres of corn this year or a 15% increase over 2006.

 

 

Corn and Sugar Cane Production

 

Corn and sugar cane are abundant in many regions in Mindanao . Corn production performed significantly with a 11.5% growth brought about by the 3.0% expansion in the harvest areas. This was further boosted through the availability of quality seeds coupled with better market prices which encouraged farmers to plant corn.

 

Corn output increments were noted in most regions particularly in Regions XIII, X and XII. In Northern Mindanao, for instance, the robust performance in corn production was brought about by the farmers' availment of loans extended by the local government units, as well as the shifting to corn from sugarcane owing to the former's higher price.

 

 However, a slowdown in output was reported in ARMM due to slight worm infestation in Basilan, floodings in Maguindanao, landslide in Lanao del Sur and dry spell in Tawi-Tawi.

 

The total corn production was 3,153.64 MT in 2004 ; and  3,143.61 MT in 2005 and 1,183.73 MT for the first six months  (January-June) of 2006. 

Whereas sugar  production  was recorded at 4863.97 MT in 2004 and 3764.10 MT in 2005 and 2925.78 MT in the first six months of 2006.

 

The corn variety in Mindanao is  most often used as feed grains   by the livestock sector.  When I was still seating in the National Corn Board, I learned that the corn farmers from the region was besieged with so many problems that calls for policy reforms or modifications - policies to build infrastructure, improve market information services, and institute relevant standards for corn grading could enhance market competition and facilitate an efficient market exchange.  Infrastructure improvements should include better inter island shipping vessels and upgrading of roads to reduce the high cost of transportation. Regular shipping schedules between major producing and consuming areas would help ensure that corn can be transported when needed. The availability of better storage and marketing facilities both in towns and villages and on-farm would make it possible for farmers to hold corn, rather than dumping it on the market immediately after harvest.

 

 

Future uses of Corn

 

The alternative use for corn as a raw material for ethanol  can provide our thousands of corn farmers an alternative market for their crops.   This may lead to an accelerated growth in the demand for corm which can result  to better  and higher pricing schemes in trading  . Direct investments may also be a major result which would mean more opportunities for livelihood for the farmers.  Perhaps, even policy reforms will be at a faster pace since the government have no other choice but to address the problems so as to increase production.

 

I could not help but remember the  happy faces of the hundreds of corn farmers who attended the recently concluded 1 ^st Mindanao Corn Congress held in South Cotabato, where a P22.8 million worth of corn post harvest, processing and trading center was launched .  All of them are pinning their hopes on this new development.

JOJI ILAGAN BIAN

Joji Ilagan-Bian has been in a total of 24 organizations—and is still currently active in six—owns four schools, and is a columnist for two broadsheets. Yet this mother of three children (yet another feat to add on her list!) has not one complaint about her jam-packed work schedule. "Do what you love and love what you do; so work becomes light and easy and pleasurable," says Joji. "You don't feel stressed out because you are happy doing it. So for me, this is really nothing."

 

"Nothing" for Joji includes taking part in effective organizations, such as the Committee on Population Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance, the Philippine Center For Population Development, the East ASEAN Business Council (EABC), the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), and the Mindanao Commission of Women, amongst many others. She also reaches the public through her two columns: MindanaWorld in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and MinBizTalk in the Mindanao Times.

 

At the start of a new year, Joji states that she is switching into expansion mode with regards to her schools and training centers. Her various educational institutions, including Joji Ilagan Foundation, Inc. College of Business and Tourism, Tumble Tots British Preschool, a fashion school, a call center and English training institute—are now all undergoing a major face lift. "We are more aggressive now than before since we see the potentials of Filipinos when property educated and trained. We will also be opening a welding and technical institute. So I could say we are also in 'pioneering mode'," says Joji.

 

When not planning steps for the country's education, Joji devotes a great chunk of her time in various organizations. She is currently the National Chair for Population and Corporate Social Responsibility for the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be the Mindanao Representative in the Export Development Council. She is also Vice President of Special Projects for the Mindanao Commission of Women, sits on the Board of the Bantay Bata and the Technical Assistance for the Development of the Rural Poor, and is Chair of the Mindanao Technical Vocational Schools Association. Indeed, this wonder woman is involved in issues that cut across all sectors: the academe, business, women, children, and the poor. "It my way of reaching out to all sectors to the best that I can," she says.

 

Joji's two major advocacies, however, are the plight of the small and micro entrepreneurs, and the uplifting of the technical vocational schools in Mindanao. These, in fact, are the causes that led to her active involvement as Chair of the Mindanao Business Council (of which she resided from 1998 to 2003, later becoming a regular consultant), the PCCI Trustee for Mindanao from 1998 to 2003, as a current Trustee of the Philippine-Australian Business Council, and as Chair of the Technical Training for Mindanao. "Through my leadership and influence, certain issues were addressed or are being addressed to further the development of these sectors. For instance, I got the support of the Australian Aid Philippine Human Resource Development Facility to focus on the upgrading of the managers and owners of tech vocational schools in Mindanao. These schools are the ones that will help alleviate poverty and provide livelihood for the magnitude of our Filipinos," says Joji. "We have piloted an enterprise-based school management system among selected schools, and one of the components of the training is an international benchmarking in Australia. This is the first time in the history that such a program has been done to the vocational sector and the impact of these will be unprecedented—the effects of these will bring quality education to the grass roots."

 

Joji traces her passion for educational and training advocacy to her value of sharing and humility. "Sharing because I believe there's no monopoly of leadership and talents. I am willing to share and to pass on what I know to many, hoping that in the end I leave a valuable legacy. Sometimes when you have accomplished so much, you tend to be 'off the ground',   and I try very hard not to . The value of listening and empathy comes handy many times. It makes you understand people better and relate to them," she says.

 

Joji continues that there are difficulties to hurdle along the way—people who aren't comfortable with strong and successful women, overcoming the Filipino's "crab mentality", etc.   Her trick to surpass all these is to just not let these things affect her since she knows she cannot please everybody. As long as she does her best and is able to help others, Joji is perfectly happy. "Life is too short. I believe in enjoying it, loving it and making the most out of it. When you do that, its like living a heavenly life in an earthly environment," she says. "On the other hand, you also have people who appreciate what I do. These are God's gifts to me, I think. These people are my inspiration actually. They push me to do better and to do more."

ILO/SMU TRIPARTITE SYMPOSIUM ON MANAGING LABOUR MIGRATION IN EAST ASIA SINGAPORE MAY 16-18, 2007

Joji Ilagan Bian, a respected business leader from Davao City and Mindanao was invited to attend the ILO meeting in Singapore representing the Employers' Sector under the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). The symposium will be held at the Singapore Management University and will be attended by representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The forum will discuss selected issues in labor migration policies in the region and known impacts especially on the conditions of employment of migrant workers and to draw better lessons from experiences on how policies could be better designed and administered in order to narrow the gap between objectives and the outcome.

Coming Soon: Agribusiness Mindanao

Producer-leaders and representatives from various agricultural producer associations in Mindanao finally took destiny and that of the future of Mindanao agriculture into their own hands when some 500 of them met for the first-ever Mindanao Agri & Food Convention (MAFCON) in Cagayan de Oro City last April 23 -25, 2007.  Mindanao's agricultural production leaders ended MAFCON with a strong declaration of commitment and determination to pursue a unified private-sector-led development agenda for the Mindanao agriculture, fisheries and food industry.

 

"A momentous milestone," Convention Chairman Engr. Edwin Andot, President of the host Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries of Northern Mindanao (CAFFINORMIN) exclaimed.   In his opening statement at the MAFCON, Engr. Andot laid out a deeply significant self-realization in the industry:

 

"We have come to realize that unless we embrace the reality of a globalized market environment, unless we in the production sector upgrade our technologies and cultivation practices, unless we shift our mindsets to be more entrepreneurial in our approach to our farms, we will not successfully hurdle the necessary leap from traditional production to the more profitable world of agribusiness."

 

Over the next three years, the Department of Agriculture has allocated some P2.5B of irrigation funds that will service a total of 175,000 hectares in Mindanao and that another P5.5B is allocated to build over 3,400 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to ensure the realization of a vibrant, competitive Agribusiness Mindanao Super Region.

 

Technical Support for Agri Business

Beyond technical trainings, the producers of Mindanao also need more training in entrepreneurship to transform the traditional production mindset of the Mindanao farmer into being an entrepreneur.  The farmers, fisherfolks and food processors are mostly still at a disadvantage compared to traders who have ready access to market information.   They cannot afford to maintain market researchers and corporate planners who are able to monitor world trade and trends that will help them in production planning.   Along this line, the producer associations recommended that an updated marketing information system for Mindanao's export winners as well as commodity export boards should be established and regularly funded by government.  

 

Moreover, large-scale wholesale and/or auction markets need to be designed and established in strategic locations in Mindanao to provide a more transparent trading mechanism where many buyers and many sellers as possible transact on a daily basis.  This will allow the emergence of market systems with the qualities of a systematic, clear, transparent, and liquid market with defined players, standards, rules of clearing, and settlement.   Strong government support in terms of resources and local ordinance are needed.

 

 

 

One Mindanao wide Agri Body

The most significant result of the conference  was the resolution presented on the floor for the associations to convene and draw up a Mindanao-wide network of agriculture and food producers which is envisioned to take the lead role in pursuing a common agenda through policy advocacy, institutional networking, and information sharing.

 

Thus, at the end of the MAFCON, these associations committed to undertake the following initiatives: endeavor to organize a Mindanao Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Industries which will serve a the main advocacy group of local agri, fisheries and food producers; consolidate and update existing industry development plans to draw up a common private sector-led development agenda; establish and/or strengthen partnerships with other support groups such as donor institutions, non-government organizations, other industry associations to undertake relevant programs and services beneficial to their respective industries.

 

Among the producer associations who supported this initiative were CAFFINORMIN, SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing & Allied Industries, MinFruit Council, NorminVeggies, Paglas Group of Companies, CARAGA Oil Palm Producers Association, Northern Mindanao Poultry Association, Higaonaon Tribal Council of Northern Mindanao, Greater Northern Mindanao Mango Development Foundation , Inc., Northern Mindanao Cassava Industry Association, Banana Industry Development Association Region 10, and Northern Mindanao Corn Producers Association.   More producer groups in other parts of Mindanao will be invited to be part of this agri & food network and be pro-active in the realization of a competitive Agribusiness Mindanao.

 

Indeed, MAFCON has succeeded to be the main discussion and trade platform of Agribusiness Mindanao.   As Convention Director Marriz Agbon puts it, "being the brainchild of Mindanao's agricultural/rural communities, we see MAFCON growing to be the principal forum of exchange of experiences and technologies among Mindanao 's agricultural producing sector.  We envision a MAFCON emerging as the main avenue for crafting the development agenda of Mindanao agriculture.  We are looking at a MAFCON as the priority trade stage for doing business with Mindanao agriculture."

 

I say that a convergence of initiatives led by the private sector warrants full support.   And this group surely has all of us in Mindanao backing them up.

 

Onward, Agribusiness Mindanao!

Vote for Mindanao

Vote for Mindanao

 

This year's national election is less than two (2) weeks away.  As always, and as expected, candidates often talk about the "Mindanao agenda" and the "Mindanao vote" in their campaign sorties.

 

The Mindanao Agenda

 

It is good to note that since the past few elections, the Mindanao agenda has been brought to the national consciousness.   It is no longer an island concern.  It is already a national issue.

 

Our leaders have finally realized that there is truth to the long lament that "Mindanao is the country's cash cow that gets dog food." It is more than just a sentimental rhetoric.   It is an established fact.

 

The vast potentials

 

Mindanao is the Philippines' second largest island, with 34% of the country's land mass and 25% of its population.  

 

The island enjoys a generally fair tropical climate, because it is situated outside the typhoon belt.   It grows most of the Philippines' major crops such as rubber (100% of national production), pineapple (91%), cacao (90%) as well as banana, coffee, corn and coconut (over 50%).

 

Mindanao is likewise endowed with rich mineral resources. Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.

 

It is ironic however that Mindanao has always lagged behind the rest of the country economically.   Despite its size, vast natural resources, and comparative advantages in agro-industrial development, Mindanao's economy has been moving slow.

 

Far from the leaders hearts

 

One of the major factors of the island's  weak points is its distance from Manila, the country's capital.  Coupled with the lack of infrastructure facilities in many regions , the   businesspersons in Manila found it cheaper to do business with some neighboring countries than with Mindanao.

 

But more than the physical distance, what hurt Mindanao most was the lack of concern of the country's leaders.   The island is not just far from the country's capital, it was far from its leaders' hearts.

 

The island finally given attention

 

But as reported by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, the 1990s ushered in a new environment that signaled the start of the island's economic turnaround. The national government shifted to more market-oriented and deregulated national policies, and increased the budget allocation for improving the island's physical and social infrastructure.

 

A vast improvement in the peace and order situation was brought about by the government's efforts to resolve the Muslim-Christian conflict. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created in August 1989 to allow Muslims to govern themselves at the regional level. Thereafter, peace and development efforts were intensified.

 

The confluence of these positive developments created a more viable investment environment in the island.

 

The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) was also created aimed at facilitating an integrated island-wide socio-economic development.

 

Despite these positive developments, there is still a lot more to do for Mindanao.   It is true that in terms of budget, the share for Mindanao has posted increases, but this is still insufficient.  There is so much catching up to do, after the decades of neglect.

 

Thus, the Mindanao agenda is even more timely and relevant.  And the most important in the agenda is the principle that peace and development in the island are closely intertwined.  One cannot exist without the other.

 

Thus, peace talks with rebel groups must be pursued.  That is the only way to attain lasting peace.   All-out war policies supposedly to eradicate the rebel groups have been tried.  They did not bring peace because peace can be attained only through non-violent means.

 

More public investments must be poured to build infrastructure facilities and to catalyze private investments as well.   When investor's confidence is low because of peace and order perception problems, real or otherwise, it is the government that must remain confident.   Public and private investments will generate more jobs, and the people will have an opportunity to improve their quality of lives.

 

The tri-people of Mindanao

 

The problem of Mindanao is not as simple as it may appear.  It is rooted in history.  Thus, leaders must be sensitive to the unique Mindanao culture.  The peaceful co-existence of the Moro, lumad, and the Christian settlers is the key to sustainable peace and development.

 

The Mindanao Vote

 

But is there such thing as a Mindanao vote for those who will champion the Mindanao agenda?

 

Based on our electoral history, it seems that there is no such thing as a Mindanao vote.   If there were a solid Mindanao vote, it would be easy for a Mindanaoan to win a seat in the Senate.  It would be even enough to elect a President for that matter.

 

Mindanaoan by heart

 

But must one be a Mindanaoan to push for the Mindanao agenda?

 

Not really.  Of course, the best person to fight for Mindanao in the House of Congress is a true-bloodied Mindanaoan who has a deep understanding and strong grasp of the Mindanao problem.  However, it does not follow that given a seat in the Senate, a Mindanaoan can or will truly advocate for the Mindanao agenda.  And even a non-Mindanaoan can push for the Mindanao agenda if he really understands that the said agenda will benefit the whole country.

 

It is good to have Mindanaoan leaders elected in the Senate. On May 14, 2007 , there will be four (4)    Senatorial candidates from the Senate – Prospero Pichay, Migs  Zubiri,  Koko Pimentel, Sultan Kiram – who will rely heavily on the support of fellow Mindanaoans.      And it is also equally  important to have other  leaders who have hearts for Mindanao. 

 

Indeed, one need not be a Mindanaoan to push for the Mindanao agenda.

Business Talks in Sultan Kudarat

Created as a separate province along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato in November 22, 1973 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341 , Sultan Kudarat (SK) was once a part of the former empire province of Cotabato. Tacurong City is the center of trade and commerce while the capital town and government center is in Isulan. It is a bustling province with a population of over 500,000 growing at 3.4% annually. The Province is strategically located in the BIMP-EAGA region and the coastal areas and towns are directly facing Australia and the three major ASEAN growth partners (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei), making it a potential backdoor of the Philippines to these countries.
Untapped deposit of copper, iron, ore ,silver, gold and semi-precious stones, including guano deposits in the mountainous areas of Bagumbayan, Columbio and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig,Lebak and Esperanza. . However, as of this date, only one concessionaire has applied for guano permit in commercial quantity. Non-Metallic minerals such as marble, sand, gravel, limestone and boulders are tapped for commercial production.
Forestland covers 50% of the province total land area. Fifty-five species of commercial trees including G-melina, apitong, dao, guijo, kalantas, lawaan, molave, manggachapui,yakal and narra abound in different parts of the province.
There is sufficient water resources for irrigation, hydropower and inland fishing coming from 16 big rivers, 23 large creeks, 11 major springs and waterfalls and 2 lakes and several marshes.
Basically and primarily an agricultural province, we can see that SK is endowed with rich and vast agricultural potentials and advantages. It grows and could produce relatively all kinds of agricultural commodities with comparatively higher level of productivity, making it not only self-sufficient, but a leading producer and supplier of agricultural products in the region. It is one of the major producers of rice and corn in the country and is well-known for palm oil. The NFA-SPGC Grains Complex is the largest grain complex in Southeast Asia KENRAM Phils., a palm oil processing/extraction plant is one of the more significant landmarks of the province
SK’s vast fishing grounds and inland bodies of water are overflowing with various aquatic products considered ready sources of food and livelihood for its people. There are two (2) seaports and four (4) fish landing ports to support this business activity.
The level of business activity in a certain place is usually reflected in the number of banks operating in the area and so I was surprised to know that the province have ten(10) rural banks and twenty (20) commercial banks and three (3) shopping centers . Communication facilities is equally impressive with five (5) Telephone Companies, four (4) internet providers and twelve (12) internet cafes and eleven (11) satellite towers , four (4) FM radio stations and one (1) TV Station.
Literacy rate is high at 88% and this must be due to the adequate presence of state colleges and private universities.
There is, an on-going construction of the commercial airport at President Quirino but it was temporarily stopped. Horizontal improvement which included the construction of the runway and terminal building in the total amount of PhP 4,047,498.50 were already implemented.
Launches and other motorized bancas are used in ferrying commuters and goods from the coastal towns of Lebak and Kalamansig to Cotabato City and vise-versa, and from Palimbang to Kiamba in South Cotabato. Lately, a water jet (fast craft) started plying between Kalamansig and Cotabato City, which shortens travel hours from eight to three hours.
The province is now one of the most progressive agri-industrialized area in the SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Saranggani,Gen.Santos) region thru the full development of its agriculture, fishery and forestry potentials and sustainable utilization of its mineral resources and the formation of productive, viable and self-reliant communities thru the development of its human resources .
2ND SOCCSKSARGEN AREA BUSINESS CONFERENCE
In a bid to boost the business potentials of Sultan Kudarat and to attract investments, the province is set to host the 2nd SOCCSKSARGEN Area Business Celebration which serves as the highlight of the 1st Business Week Celebration on April 16-21, 2007. The whole week celebration will feature various activities that includes financial forum, jobs fair, trade exhibits, business matching and other activities that will showcase the trade and investment potentials of the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

Jointly hosted by the Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SKCCIFI) and the Isulan Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ISKCCI), the Conference, to be held on April 19-21, carries the theme “Seizing Regional and Global Opportunities: Enhancing Agribusiness Competitiveness.” The two-day event will gather members of the business community from the region and the neighboring regions, including the different national government offices and local government units to discuss economic issues and advocacies that will help make the region globally competitive.

Key government officials and business leaders have been invited to speak and present topics and issues on how the region can seize opportunities and be a major player in the economic map of Mindanao.

The conference will have six plenary sessions which will tackle the following topics: National Policies on Enhancing Agribusiness Competitiveness: Challenges and Opportunities; Overseas Development Assistance: Focus on Mindanao Competitiveness; Halal; Accessing Global Markets; Biz Buzz Opportunities: What’s New?; and Economic Platform of Political Parties: Glimpse of Philippine Future Competitiveness. There will also be breakout sessions on business opportunities in agribusiness focusing on livestock and poultry, aquamarine products and high value crops.

Mindanao Cities on the Rise

City competitiveness, as defined by the World Competitiveness Yearbook, is the ability of a city to create and maintain an environment that sustains more value creation for its enterprises and more prosperity for its people.

In the recent research of the Asian Institute for Management (AIM) on the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) 2005, Philippine cities were again ranked based on seven major drivers of competitiveness: cost of doing business, dynamism of local economy, linkages and accessibility, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of local government to business needs, and quality of life. These drivers were adopted from the World Competitiveness Yearbook of the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development.

The drivers are inter-related as one affects the other. For example, the cost of doing business driver was matched with infrastructure and quality of life. Infrastructure plays a major role in attaining economies of scale (balanced supply and demand), while efficient delivery of services improves quality of life. Dynamism of local economy also affects the cost of doing business since imbalanced supply and demand results in higher costs. A dynamic local economy also results to enhanced linkages and accessibility of resources.

Leadership affects overall competitiveness of a city. When a city is competitive, this ultimately leads to cost effective business transactions that create self-reliant Local Government Units (LGU) that are able to generate local revenues to establish a more dynamic local economy with improved infrastructure and service delivery.

The project assessed the capacity of a city to provide an environment that nurtures the dynamism of its local enterprises and industries; the general ability to attract investments and entrepreneurs, and to uplift the living standards of its residents. Lastly, the project provides a benchmarking process that will aid individual cities in measuring competitiveness. The study was intended to motivate the local governments to be economic managers, not just service providers; provide feedback mechanism for business community for local governments; and provide an assessment tool to pinpoint and analyze best practices in economic management and apply competitiveness lessons from other LGUS.

“Sixty-five cities were surveyed in PCCRP 2005, the fourth edition of the project. Cities were categorized into 13 metropolitan cities (cities comprising Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao), 15 mid-sized cities (non-metro cities each with a population greater than 200,000), and 37 small cities (each with a population less than 200,000). Geographically, 30 cities are from Luzon, 14 from Visayas, and 21 from Mindanao.

Competitiveness of Mindanao Cities
Based on the results, five Mindanao cities were named most competitive. Davao , for the metropolitan city category; Iligan for the mid-size ; Koronadal, Surigao, and Tagum for the small-sized cities.

Davao City is the only metro city in Mindanao named as one of the most competitive cities in the country ; once again confirming its role as the central economic hub of the island. The efficient LGU response to business needs, infrastructure and high quality of life also contributed to the city's high rating.

In the medium-scale category, only Iligan made it as a competitive city, ranking second in cost of doing business, efficient response of LGUs, and developed infrastructure. Butuan ranked 4th in cost of doing business, Cagayan de Oro ranked 4th in Infrastructure, General Santos was 2nd in Linkages and Accessibility, and Zamboanga was first in cost of doing business and dynamism of local economy.

Small Mindanao Cities
In the small-scale cities category Surigao was ranked first in Cost of Doing Business, seconded by Koronadal, while Tagum was third in Responsiveness of LGUs to Business needs. Others that joined the Project acquired the following results in one or two drivers: Bago was 10th and Tacurong ranked 15th in Responsiveness of LGUs to business needs; Bislig was 29th in Economic Dynamism and Responsiveness of LGUs; Cotabato ranked 15th in Human Resources and Training; Dapitan was at top 11 & Oroquieta was at top 23 in Quality of Life; Digos was at top 13 in infrastructure; Gingoog was at 3rd ,Pagadian 9th and Marawi 11th in cost of doing business, while Valencia made it to 15th; Ozamis was 19th in dynamism of local economy; and Panabo was 7th in Linkages and Accessibility.

Drivers of Competitiveness
From the competitive cities' documented best practices, the leadership value of local government officials, followed by the presence of a strong support system (business alliances and responsive civil society) were deemed necessary to become a competitive city. Other factors influencing competitiveness included quality of human resources, presence of good infrastructure and a stable peace and order situation.

These best practices were based on the basics of development, which are provision for infrastructure (roads & bridges, water, power, telecommunications); quick and simplified response from government; accurate and timely collection of statistics which builds to policy making, resulting to ordinances and regulations that are responsive to current and emergent needs. Participatory governance by engaging the constituencies to collaborate with and support government development plans, is also a major factor highlighted in the study.

The study further noted the major contribution of cities to national economic development. All Mindanao cities surveyed and studied were contributing in the over all economic development of Mindanao through improved infrastructure and efficient delivery of services.

Federal Mindanao (Part 2) : The Promise of Federalism to Mindanao

The numbers I had shown about Mindanao’s resources and its developing economy are just one facet of the island’s complex features. For many years now, Mindanao is beset by numerous problems on peace, infrastructure development and poverty. It is actually an irony that an island that holds so much promise of prosperity is home to millions of poor families, especially in the provinces of ARMM, CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), in its 2000 poverty incidence report, showed all regions in Mindanao had over 30 percent of poverty incidence. At the provincial level, Sulu (ARMM) was described as the poorest province in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence level of 63.2 percent. Tawi-Tawi had 56.5 percent. Maguindanao; 55.1 percent; Lanao del Sur, 55 percent; Sultan Kudarat, 54.3 percent; and Camiguin, 53.1 percent.

In the 2003 poverty report, CARAGA with 47.3 percent, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 45.7 percent, and Western Mindanao (Region IX) with 44.1 percent, were still among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines.

The long-standing Mindanao peace process involving the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Mindanao peace movement, is also one major concern that needs to be addressed at the structural, deep social, cultural and religious levels.

These chronic diseases beleaguering the island provided a venue for Mindanaons to meet and discuss the possible solutions or steps to take in pushing for a progressive and peaceful Mindanao. And that’s when the movement for federalism came in place.

Today, the island have an overwhelming number of “matured federalist” compared to the other regions. The movement for a federal Philippines actually originated way back December 1999, when federal advocates from the Mindanao Congress of Development NGOS (MINCON) network assembled and created Lihok Pideral Mindanao (LPM). From then on, a series of regional organizing, federal trainors’ training throughout Mindanao, Federal constitution write-shops, and consultations with key leaders in Visayas and Luzon, created the Movement for a Federal Philippines (MFP). What was once a solely Mindanaon battle cry became now, a nationwide issue. Just this week, the Technical Assistance for the Development of Rural and Urban Poor (TACDRUP) hosted a forum for Federalism and Charter Change where discussions on federalism was brought to higher grounds.

The heightened interest on the Federal System has finally made federalism a national debatable issue the active participation of key Mindanawan leaders in the historical 2005 Consultative Constitutional Commission or ConCom. Although the fate of federalism is now in the hands of congress, we want to make it clear that only a federal-parliamentary form of government and not just parliamentary system can help the country cure its many ills.

Mindanao federalists deeply believe that Federal-parliamentary is not only the most viable and a part of the lasting answer to the Mindanao problem but also the system of government most suited for the Philippines in the 21st century.

A federal Philippines would end the concentration of power in a single national center. A federal system will grant the nation that chance because only a federal system can give real power, duly constituted power, to regional governments.

Equally, this structure of government would reinforce the Mindanao peace process, thus create a chance for peace and development to many conflict-affected areas peoples. The Lumad peoples have persistently expressed their own preference for self-determination, having seen that their absorption into the unitary political system has brought about the establishment and solidification of a threat to their very own existence and the integrity of their distinct cultures.

The Bangsamoro have their own distinct identity and vested interest that must be respected and cannot be satisfied by a continued subscription to political uniformity. With the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the central government has allowed, albeit grudgingly, a departure from the stranglehold of central authority. The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 further chips away powers from central authority; the local government units from the regional autonomy to the barangay are able to exercise greater self-determination.

From an economic perspective the positive effect of federalism to Mindanao is the creation of more sustainable and competitive regional socio-economic reforms. Through a federal system, regional accountabilities would create tailor-made programs for smaller territories that are more responsive to their constituencies, particularly the infrastructure, employment/jobs creation, health, education, and various other human development programs. The environment will allow an economy where small and micro businesses will become robust ; where investments laws are designed to meet the needs of the state as well as its desired investment sectors. The traders will have more access to government services and there will be lesser layers of bureaucracy.

A smaller constituency will also make measurement of political performance easier for the voters. Regional economic and social programs are more directly felt and assessed, empowering the constituents to act more rationally in elections.

In summary, Federalism is one system that may be able to effectively address the current and peculiar Mindanao problem, and correct the years of neglect by the central government. This unique island-region that harbors three peoples - Lumads, Moros and Christians - of diverse backgrounds, customs, culture, traditions, and social systems, very succinctly calls for unity in diversity.

Federalism is the key that will unlock and unleash the true potentials of Mindanao . Then Mindanao will truly be the land of promise !

The Mindanao Promise Can Be Delivered

I am a Mindanawon. In my opinion, the phrase “Mindanao: Land of Promise” is not a cliché. It is a fact. Let me tell you about Mindanao.

Mindanao is a beautiful island. Situated in the southernmost section of the Philippine archipelago, Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. With a land area of 102,043 square kilometers, it occupies one-third of the Philippines' total land area and is larger than a number of Asian countries like Taiwan or Singapore.

Mindanao is strategically located within the East ASEAN region, almost equidistant to the eastern sections of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. This key geographic location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region.


Natural Richness

Mindanao is rich in natural resources. A third of our land is planted with the country’s major crops – 100% of national production of cacao, 91%of pineapples, 90% of cacao and over 50% of coconut, coffee and corn. And of course – the pomelos, mangosteen , rambutans , lanzones plus our own salad bar of lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflowers, cabbages,etc. Our fruit basket of bananas account to US79.5 million of our exports; fresh pineapples at US 33.5 million and the tuna that we eat as sashimi at US 22.3 million.

So its no wonder that we contribute over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and more than 30 percent to the national food trade

Mindanao is likewise endowed with rich mineral resources. Mindanao reportedly accounts for 80% of the national total deposits of copper, nickel, and gold. Currently, of the twenty-three major metallic projects operating in the Philippines, nine are in Mindanao (primarily in Surigao and Davao Oriental).Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.

Cultural diversity and the island's natural beauty make Mindanao one of Asia's favored tourist destinations. White sand beaches, scenic volcanoes, vast orchid gardens, and various ethnic festivals are only some of its unique tourist attractions. Our tourism arrival was at 2 million from January-July 2005; hovering from 25%-25% increase in arrivals


Economy

Agriculture is the driving force behind Mindanao's economy. Close to a third of its land area is devoted to agriculture. More than one-third of the island's labor force is employed in the agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors. Mindanao accounts for over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and contributes more than 30 percent to the national food trade. Mindanao's evenly distributed tropical climate makes it ideal for year-round crop production. If wisely harnessed, Mindanao's rich agricultural resources can serve as the Philippines' foundation for sustainable growth.

In the first quarter of 2005, Mindanao’s overall economic performance remained upbeat. Despite the uncontrollable hikes in oil and consumer prices, which brought down sectoral production from the rest of the country this period, Mindanao’s economy proved to withstand these pressures as exhibited by its key economic indicators. Notably significant indicators in trade and investments, and exports, among others, backed up the said performance.

The BOI and Phividec-registered investments reached P1.07 billion in 2005 posting a growth of 142% compared to its previous year’s performance; Exports sector in Mindanao exhibited a 13% growth rate; Cargo traffic growth reached 5.73% as well as a 1.99% increase in vessel traffic among the major ports in Mindanao; A stable labor force as employment rates reached 94.7% while keeping unemployment rate at 5.3%; and, Value of private building construction increased by 5.1% from P1.96 Billion in 1st Qtr. 2004 to P2.06Billion in 1st Qtr. 2005.

The banking sector likewise plays an important role in mobilizing the economic development of Mindanao. It has contributed in the development of many small and medium scale entrepreneurs, and serves as one of the safe places for deposits for the burgeoning income base of Mindanaons.

Over the last three years, the Mindanao banking sector has displayed modest increase in the number of banking offices. From the report generated by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) there was a 2% increase in the number of banks operating Mindanao, from 877 in 2003 to 896 in 2004.


People

The primary asset of Mindanao is its people. Based on the year 2000 census, 18.1 million people or a quarter of the Philippines' total population reside in Mindanao. The island is home to some 27 indigenous cultural communities, as well as migrants from Luzon and the Visayas. Rather than an impediment, the pluralism of cultures in Mindanao is a major source of strength, particularly in trading with its multi-cultural neighbor countries in East ASEAN.

Mindanao has a relatively young albeit highly literate population. One-third of its population is aged 15 to 19 with a literacy rate of 90%. The island also boasts a versatile, adaptive and English-speaking work force. Generally, Mindanaoans are known for their positive outlook, pleasant disposition and warm hospitality.


Opportunities and Development Imperatives

Due to its rich natural resources which surpass those of Luzon and the Visayas, economic opportunities in Mindanao abound. With the recent revitalization of BIMP-EAGA of which Mindanao is an organic part, economic activities in the island are seen to further expand. However, Mindanao's resources must be judiciously managed to ensure their sustainability.
In its drive towards economic development through global trade competitiveness, Mindanao's leaders must not lose sight of social issues such as poverty and peace and security. These likewise need to be urgently addressed to ensure the island's sustainable development. Economic development programs should be undertaken hand in hand with programs targeted at alleviating poverty and installing conditions that would lead to long-term peace.


Jobs and Employment

We have a total labor force of 8.2 million; 95% are working or gainfully employed while the remaining 5% or 430,000 are unemployed. These are the seasonal workers in the farms and the plantations. Due to our robust agriculture based economy, our employment rate is higher by two (2) percentage points compared to the country’s 92.7%. Majority of our workers are in the agriculture sector; followed by services and manufacturing. This is mainly due to the bright and upbeat economic performance of the economy despite the hikes in oil and energy. As to be expected, the resiliency of Mindanao withstood the pressures of the environment


Mindanao, the troubled island

Amidst its beauty, Mindanao is a complex island with its own peculiarities and intricacies. To understand Mindanao is to go back to history and look at the facets that contributed to what it is today. Over the years, Mindanao has seen the light of day and the dark of night, with hostilities stalking its shadows, and region-wide poverty incidence scarring its beauty.
For many years now, Mindanao is beset by numerous problems on peace, infrastructure development and poverty. It is actually an irony that an island that holds so much promise of prosperity is home to millions of poor families, especially in the provinces of ARMM, CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), in its 2000 poverty incidence report, showed all regions in Mindanao had over 30 percent of poverty incidence. At the provincial level, Sulu (ARMM) was described as the poorest province in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence level of 63.2 percent. Tawi-Tawi had 56.5 percent. Maguindanao; 55.1 percent; Lanao del Sur, 55 percent; Sultan Kudarat, 54.3 percent; and Camiguin, 53.1 percent.

In the 2003 poverty report, CARAGA with 47.3 percent, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 45.7 percent, and Western Mindanao (Region IX) with 44.1 percent, were still among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines.


Hope Lives

Precisely because of this scenario that Mindanao has attracted numerous international development projects, to aid it in economic, social and political development. Majority of the country’s multi-lateral donor agency-projects are based in Mindanao.

Among these are Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS), Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program, GOP-UNDP-EC Programme on Rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons and Communities in Southern Philippines, ACT for Peace Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - Industrial Development Programme, to name a few.

The hope for a progressive and peaceful Mindanao is not lost. Many Mindanawon leaders and stakeholders are now working towards making that hope a reality. We have been promoting Mindanao’s economy through the BIMP EAGA, an economic cooperation scheme involving the four countries of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. We have been pushing for a Federalism form of Government, as the effective approach to address to Mindanao’s peculiar social set up.

The GRP-MILF peace process is still underway, but negotiation is getting better. The green-leaf bearing dove, the most common symbol for peace, continues to hover around, with no solid branch or agreement to rest on. Yet the fact that the negotiation continues is a proof that a peaceful Mindanao will not remain a dream, and federalism may yet be that hope.

It’s simply a matter of time before Mindanao delivers its promise in full.

Towards a Globalized Work Force

Knowledge and skills have become very important tools to ensure the competitiveness of our workforce, in the wake of globalisation and technological advances.

The traditional worker simply needs basic skills: reading, writing, arithmetic skills. The “global” worker however, must possess a range of skills such as creativity, adaptability, decision making and interactive skills. The use of information technology and evolution of the global trade and market have greatly altered job content and skills needs. Good jobs nowadays demand new and sophisticated work skills.

The move to e-commerce and e-business brought to rise a new breed of workers-- a combination of one who is interactive, business-oriented, and can understand the business process. E-business has also led to the creation of new types of jobs we have today such as web development, data transcription, telemarketing.

Yet young graduates from our technical vocational schools and workers trying to penetrate the labor market have not been able to take advantage of the availability of such good jobs simply because they do not possess the type of skills demanded by these industries.

Take the contact center industry as an example. Work opportunities abound, but there is an increasing realization from the industry of the difficulty in hiring qualified workers. In the recent Cyberservices Workforce Forecast (Based on Industry Reports for 2004 – 2005 sourced from CICT, BOI, BPAP and member organizations) it was determined that there is a need for 179,206 call center agents in the year 2006. This is expected to increase to 259,800 in 2007, a 45% increase, and projected to reach 506,500 in 2010. In the medical transcription industry, the workforce demand in 2006 is 13,800 employees and is expected to increase to 24,800 in 2007, an increase of 80%. However it seems unsure if this requirement can be filled up as fast as the rate the industry is growing. This is a real challenge to us in Mindanao. It is very important that we have to aggressively improve our workforce or lest find ourselves lagging behind in the fast developing ICT sector. Today, there are only three (3) call centers in Mindanao – one in Cagayan de Oro and two(2) in Davao City.

The Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) sector however performed well in terms of industry absorption. This was reflected in the Impact Assessment on the TVET Graduates (CY 1999) wherein the average employment rate of Mindanao TVET graduates was 61%. But with the high rate of obsolescence these days, we still need to improve our new graduates' chances of landing a job by improving the quality of education and providing them with skills being demanded by today's industries.

In the face of new skills requirements and expectations from our workforce, TVET institutions that train these workers have to adapt as well. The pressing need for workers with higher level skills demands new approaches and strategies in training and educating workers to enable them to stay competitive and advance their careers.

This will be the focus of the discussions in the 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD (Human Resources and Skills Development) Conference and Exhibits. The Mindanao framework for education and job training that meets the needs of today's new and growing industries will be the main point of discussion in the largest gathering of TVET school owners ,administrators and business and labor group. On July 4 – 6, 2006, some 300 participants coming from the TVET sector, composed of government and private representatives, industry, academe, labor, will gather together at the Villa Paraisao Apartelle, Mambajao, Camiguin to exchange ideas and information on policies, emerging trends, career opportunities, and critical issues affecting TVET in Mindanao .

The 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD Conference and Exhibits will provide an overview of the labor market and latest skills trends, determine regional constraints with regards to jobs generation and capability for small enterprise development, identify interventions to provide information and assistance in the areas of job search and marketing, promote the establishment of links between business and other agencies to assist schemes aimed at implementation of small scale community enterprise projects and jobs creation.

Aside from the conference, other highlights of the event are the: Camiguin Trade Exhibit – a showcase of products and services that the province is known for; Jobs Fair – a venue to provide employment facilitation assistance and opportunities to the reach of the unemployed, this is open to all fresh graduates, skilled and professional workers seeking advancement; Entrepreneurs' Fair – a venue for prospective entrepreneurs to find business opportunities particularly franchises.

Our government host is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region X Reg. Dir. Mr. Silvano Maranga and Gov. Romualdo of Camiguin .The private sector host is the Northern Mindanao Techvoc Schools Association led by Dr. Irene Antonio of Valencia College in Bukidnon . Technical support to the event is being provided by TESDA XI Reg. Dir. Mr. Gaspar Gayona.

The Mindanao TVET Association will focus its efforts this year in adding a new dimension to its initiatives which is developing a “multi skilled” workforce and improved opportunities for jobs generation and capacities for enterprise development.

Task Force Davao - Great for Business

We see them on the streets of Davao, carrying guns and ammunitions, as if quietly scouting for danger. We see them on checkpoints, securing the entrance and exits of the city. We see them on seaports and airports, with their bomb-sniffing K9 dogs. I am talking about the Task Force Davao 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

I remembered that the Task Force Davao was organized after the bombings that hit Davao International Airport on 04 March 2003 and Sasa Wharf on 02 April 2003. I heard of them when I was part of the government created “Maniwang Commission” that was asked by President Arroyo to investigate the twin bombings of the city. I had the perception then that this task force , as the name implies, will be short-lived.

The unit was officially organized on 16 April 2003 to combat terrorism but on 01 December 2003, it was further tasked to undertake counter-insurgency operations. It operates in three major cities namely, Davao City, Panabo City and Island Garden City Of Samal (IGACOS). In total, TFD covers four municipalities and 283 barangays, in a land Area of 6,240 Sq K with around 1.5 M populations.

Its mission is to conduct internal security operations within its Area of Responsibility in order to establish a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to peace and development. I particularly support the “psychologically secured” mission- seeing them even at late evenings makes one feel safe and sound while walking the streets of Davao. One night, my husband and I were having coffee in one of those convenience stores located within a gasoline station when I saw one group of TFD. Knowing how hard and tiring their work must be ; we offered to buy them coffee and midnight snacks- but they politely refused this. The more I admired them for that ! A far cry from the other soldiers that I had encountered.

Unknown to many people though, the Task Force Davao has operational activities that defy the war strategies of many army generals here and abroad. They are espousing what is called the Mass Base Operation.

When Colonel Eduardo D. Del Rosario FA (GSC) PA, assumed command of Task Force Davao (TFD) on 16 July 2004, he immediately conceptualized the organization of about 70,000 Muslims in Davao City. His intention was to organize our Muslim brothers so they can play an active role in the campaign against insurgency and terrorism to pave the way for sustainable development.

This endeavor was realized when Lieutenant Colonel Yusop A. Jimlani (INF) PA, a Tuasog Muslim Officer, was assigned to TFD as Deputy Commander on 16 August 2004. He was then tasked to spearhead the project’s implementation by coordinating with respected Muslim political as well as spiritual leaders to rationalize the necessity of leading their fellow Muslims. Likewise, Mayor Rody gave his full support knowing the critical role of the group in his campaign for peace and development.

On 30 September 2004, a symposium on Terrorism and other related topics was held at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City. Various Muslim sector representatives attended the occasion, from the Religious, Women, Youth, Business, Balik Islam, former MNLF leaders, political groups and the Muslim elites in Davao City. The activity culminated with the induction of the elected officers of the newly formed group called the United Muslim Council for Peace and Development (UMCPD).

To support the peace initiatives of the group, TFD has hosted relief goods distribution to Muslim communities in the city, and has helped in the restructuring of the Madrasah School in Ecoland and the Badjao Mosque in the Boulevard area. A medical mission to different Muslim communities was also done, and to even enhance communication and relationships of non-Muslim Soldiers and Muslim public in the region, TFD published the Soldier’s Handbook to Understand Muslims last 2005. The handbook is now a required read for every Filipino soldier, stationed in Mindanao, or not.

I am glad that they have made public information a major thrust of the TFD. Since January 2005, it was able to gather a total of 4,003 audience from schools, hotels / restaurant staff, cooperatives, private businesses, barangays / municipalities and LGUs.
With the TFD, we can all confidently continue on doing business , inviting investments and creating more jobs. Personally , I view the TFD more as allies in peace keeping and partners in business.