Lihuk Pederal Dabaw visits the City Council Session

Lihuk Pederal Dabaw group (Photo Credit: Team Acosta)

Members of the Lihuk Pederal Dabaw gave a courtesy visit to the 18th City Council during their 12th Regular Session. The group headed by their president Atty. Ding Estores and vice president Fr. Emmanuel Cifra gave the council an update about their efforts in educating the people about Federalism.

Lihuk Pederal Dabaw group (Photo Credit: Team Acosta)

The group has been active in giving seminars, and educational training to non-poor, urban poor leaders and sectors through the years. The group has been established since the recognition of the 1987 Philippine Constitution during the time of the late Rey Teves urging the people to shift and have charter change. The group is not directly under and mandated by any government office but a private institution that dreams of a federal Philippines.

Lihuk Pederal has been actively engaging the people in every Saturday discussions about federalism and how to apply the system change in the constitution. They came up with a proposal on how to put up federalism in the Philippines.

ASEAN Security a great success!

Photo Op of City Council with the Security forces of ASEAN Summit 2017 in Davao City (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The entrance of 2017 has been a busy yet great for the Philippines and even Davao City. It was last September 8, 2016 in Laos when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received the chairmanship of the next ASEAN Summit. With this milestone, Philippines is going to show the world what we can offer and our contribution to the betterment of the ASEAN Community.

Davao City is one of the cities wherein ASEAN meetings and gatherings will be held. Welcoming VIPs and dignitaries in the city places the local government into a high security alert. City ports are all alert for the many possibilities that may affect this major event.

Various government agencies are working hand in hand to keep the city peaceful and in order. In line with this, the Philippine Coast Guard worked really hard for the protection of all.

Photo Op of City Council with the Security forces of ASEAN Summit 2017 in Davao City (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

During the 2nd Regular Session of the City Council, Committee on Peace and Public Safety commended the officers of the Philippine Coast Guards as one of the components of the ASEAN Summit Security. Capt. Oscar Endona, Capt. Roy Echeveria, CDR Angel Viliran, CDR Gary Dale Gimotea, CDR Rejard Marfe, LCDR Dexter Torres, LCDR Restituto Concio, Jr were given the appreciation during the session in their devotion and passion to service.

Attending the Regular Session today, Ret. Major General Benito Antonio De Leon, who introduced himself as the City Council welcomes him being the new Chairperson of the Public Safety and Security Command.

He laid down the plans and programs of his office which include:
-the pursue of what is stipulated in the executive order issued by the City Government of Davao in the safety and security;
-taking a look at the security gaps in order to improve the safety of Davao;
-looking into the organizational aspect to provide coordinated mechanisms for the office;
-look into and address the lack of cctv cameras and personnels.

With the increase of visitors, tourists, politicians and influx of people in the city, there is also an increase of challenge for the team to provide maximum safety and security for the locals and visitors.

He also stated in his short speech that the security forces are "tripling" their efforts for the safety of the city and the people.

Korean Doctor Giving back to the Dabawenyos

18th City Council striking a pose with Dr. Dong Sul Lee (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Korean Oriental Doctor Dong Sul Lee paid a visit to the 18th City Council during their 2nd Regular Session last July 12, 2016.

18th City Council striking a pose with Dr. Dong Sul Lee (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Dr. Dong is a native Korean from Ulsan, South Korea. He has been serving the locals of Davao City for 2 years now. His passion for helping people started after the Korean war, when he learned that our country sent troops to South Korea to fight for their side. For him, this is his form of giving back to the Filipinos. 

He started doing free medical services in Luzon but when he came to Davao City, he fell in love with the city and the people. This made him stay and serve the communities until today. He has been going around the city, to the three districts, going from District 1 to District 3. Dr. Dong offers free oriental services as well as accupunture to the various communities in Davao City. His clinic in Ulsan, together with his partners, are his sources of funds in his advocacy.

Having his family left in South Korea, Dr. Dong goes in and out of the country to spend time for vacation and family bonding. His commitment to the service of the people made him loved by the locals. In this he was given a commendation by the City Council of Davao.

Peace Keepers of Davao City

18th City Council with Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commodore Elson Aguilar and Col. Henry Robinson (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The 18th City Council of Davao City welcomed the presence of Task Force Davao Commander Col. Henry Robinson, East Min Commander Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero & Commodore Elson Aguilar during the 2nd Regular Session of the legislators.

Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo, is not a native Dabawenyo but having the opportunity to serve the people of Davao is a big privilege for him as he shared his thoughts during the regular session.

18th City Council with Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commodore Elson Aguilar and Col. Henry Robinson (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The City Council and the rest of the Dabawenyos are once again assured that their service and commitment to the protection of the people has not wavered but intensified. This is in light also of the victory of our former mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, now the president of the Republic. 

During the session recess, the councilors and the "Peace Keepers" posed for a photo op.

New Davao City Police Chief speaks

Davao City Police Chief P/Supt Michael John Dubria (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The New Davao City Police Chief P/Supt Michael John Dubria paid his courtesy call to the 18th City Council on the first regular meeting of the legislators. The police chief was given a chance to give his speech to the council reiterating his strong commitment to peace and order as well as the fight against drug and criminality. He further said that he will continue the good programs of the previous leadership of DCPO P/Supt Vicente Danao Jr. just like the "Isumbong mo kay CD" hotline.

He said that the Davao City police will strive hard to adhere to their pledged responsibilities and commitment to the Dabawenyos serving with dignity and honesty. As instructed to them by the new PNP Chief Superintendent Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, they have to take back the people's trust to the people thus making their agency credible enough to do their job. Internal cleansing is their first move in the PNP, bringing the policemen who go against the law pay for their wrong doings.

In his early days of service as DCPO Chief, there were already more or less 260 drug users and pushers who voluntarily surrendered themselves to the authorities. These people, according to Dubria, will undergo interrogation, drug test and rehabilitation. The police authorities will be using the free government facilities to accommodate these activities. 

As the call of the newly elected President Rody Duterte against drugs and criminality heightened, the pressure is on for the police authorities. Chief Dubria even felt the pressure more as he recognize that Davao City is on the spotlight. But he assured everyone that the Davao City police under his command will be strictly following the rules of their oath of service. 

18th Davao City Council with Chief P/Supt Michael John Dubria (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Chief P/Supt Michael John Dubria was a member of the PMA batch '91 together with Chief Danao Jr. 

All hopes and prayers for the police authority of Davao City and the Philippines. 

St. John Paul II College student leaders visit City Council Session

Ms. Cynthia Gallenero, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs with the student leaders of St. John Paul II College (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

As the 19th Regular Session commence, visitors from different institutions and organizations flocked the plenary hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City to witness the legislative proceedings and development of certain items.

Ms. Cynthia Gallenero, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs with the student leaders of St. John Paul II College (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

One of the many group of people who joined the session last May 24, 2016 was the group of student leaders from the St. John Paul II College of Davao. They were 2nd year-4th year student leaders of various clubs and organizations of the school. Their annual student workshop includes a tour and observation of the legislative session which allows the students to experience first hand how the City Council promulgates and discuss certain laws.
This activity was organized by the Office of the Student Affairs led by the Dean of OSA, Ms. Cynthia Gallenero.

The 17th City Council welcomes these young and bright student leaders. You are the future of our beloved Davao.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta February 23, 2016

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

 Mr. President, Mr. Floor Leader, my colleagues in the City Council, friends in the media, ladies and gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikom, Maayong buntag, Good morning! I rise on personal privilege today, to broach the possibility of having a GREEN CODE or GREEN ORDINANCE in our City.
         

What would this ordinance hope to contain or achieve? It may:

a.    provide a compilation of existing environmental laws

b.    ensure that such laws and regulations and its applications do not run counter to each other but instead complement each other

c.    encompass measures to make sure that green initiatives and innovations are applied in residential and commercial

d.    encourage business ventures and investments to become 'green compliant' through tax incentives

While I was exploring this idea with environmentalists whom I got to know because of this green space episode, I found out that the late Councilor Leo Avila, who for the longest time chaired the Committee on Environment, also had something similar in mind which went by another name.  Call it coincidence, or Fate, it remains that chance has it that people of same wavelengths would eventually gravitate toward each other.

          Having said that, it may also be a good idea to take up the standing offer of the Ateneo De Davao University, through its University president Fr. Joel Tabora, to partner with the LGU of Davao City regarding sustainable development through modern and world-class urban planning. Hopefully this opportunity paves the way for various stakeholders to come together to come up with proposals that could be supported by legislation.

Our survival as human beings, depends on how much we respect the forces of nature. Our humanity will always be challenged, either by our deep understanding, or lack thereof, of natural laws that have long existed before us. Climate change is upon us and has long been a reality check. We need urgent implementation of pro-active and forward-looking measures now, before it is too late.

Green spaces are not beautification projects. They are more than that. They actually serve a very practical purpose to mitigate the extreme conditions we are experiencing now. If trees are given permanent spaces where they are safe, secure, and will not be under any threat for its survival, we will have better chances of coping with unpredictable weather patterns and its consequences. If the green spaces are near where we live and work, so much the better.  Let us altogether work for harmony and balance where development and environmental protection go together.

In the proper time your honor, I will move that this privilege speech be considered as read on first reading so that a committee hearing may be conducted and so that a proper resolution and ordinance will be established in the near future.

Thank you.

MAGLEV MONORAIL SYSTEM (Proposed Railway System for Davao City)

(Photo credit: Maglev promotional video)

(Photo credit: Maglev promotional video)

During the 38^th Regular Session of the 17^th City Council of Davao, Project Delta Corporation presented the model of Maglev Monorail in Davao City. Maglev Monorail is a mass transport system and it is the first in the world that will be developed by Filipinos. Last October 13, 2015, during the privilege hour, its advantages were presented. According to Denis Estrella, Executive VP for Operations, it doesn’t cost much and it is good for both high and low speed.

(Photo credit: Maglev promotional video)

As of now, their team is planning a 25-meter Maglev Monorail mass transport system in Bago Oshiro, Philippine Science Centrum for the investors and users to see the working model. The working model has a 5-month target of construction and the project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). If this will be implemented, it will be replicated for commercial application along the routes of Davao City in the next five years. 

(Photo credit: Maglev promotional video)

The train has interesting features such as station charging for lesser use of energy, no power requirement as when it glides; a spin induced magnetic levitation is applied. It also has a low maintenance cost. Although its safety features are still being studied, the train shall run 85km/hr.

The proposed routes are Ecoland, Airport and Davao City loops.

Proposed Water Waste Project for Davao City

A canal in Davao City (Photo credit: Researchers)

Davao City is known for its cleanliness as well as peace and order. All these are credited to the management of the local government and disciplined citizens. Despite all the good things, Davao City still have some aspects to develop and consider.

All the way from Finland and Netherlands, Mr. Mr. Oloko Kayode Adenkule and Mr. Sean Ligtvoet came here to conduct a study regarding waste water management. Their team's objectives are to assess the current water, waste water and sanitation situation in selected parts of Davao City, Raise awareness about waste water management and come up with solutions and recommendations. They have identified that urban sanitation is very imminent wherein waste water is released into nature without treatment. This results to environmental degradation and adversely affects the economic growth. In Davao City, most of the households have septic tanks. However, these are connected to rainwater drainage and when it overflows, wastes end up in canals connected to rivers or the sea. 

Left to Right: Kayode Oloko, 26, Nigeria; Maija Vilpanen, 23, Finland; Valtteri Similä, 21, Finland (Photo credit: Researchers)

According to their study, Dabawenyos are well informed regarding sanitation and segregation. Also, people are quite confident in the quality of water the DCWD provides for the whole city.

With all the findings their team accumulated, the researchers have come up with some recommendations. According to the proponents, conversion from waste to energy is highly needed in the city. Also, advertisement on sanitation and hygiene needs to be developed for kids. It may seem that sewage system is a good option for development, however they suggest that a simple and affordable technology should be employed. According to the researchers, COMPOSTING TOILET and vertical helophyte filters would help to reduce septic tank problems and disposition. This technology has many different applications, smell free, no need for water, the waste (compost) can be used as a fertilizer and Finland, Sweden and America are leading users.

Dimensions of the Composting Toilet (Photo credit: Researchers)

Drawing model of the Composting Toilet (Photo credit: Researchers)

Social Work July 2015 Board Exam Top Notchers

Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta with the Social Worker July 2015 Examination Topnotchers (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Davao City is very proud of the latest breed of Social Workers who topped the July 2015 Licensure Exam. Out of the 1,817 passers, 5 out of the top 10 are from our City. Nikki Alburo (5th Placer)-University of Mindanao, Christine Fontecha (6th Placer) -Ateneo de Davao University, Dizza Padayao (7th Placer)- Ateneo De Davao University, Marivic Ashley Niere (7th Placer)- University of Minadanao
and Hedda Libre (9th Placer)- University of Mindanao joined the Davao City Council on its August 11, 2015 Regular Session to share and extend their thanksgiving to those who supported them.

From Left to Right: Nikki Alburo, Marivic Ashley Niere, Dizza Padayao, Christine Fontecha, Hedda Libre (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The City Council in response gave a warm congratulations to these ladies who are very passionate to practice what they have learned.

Photo with the topnotchers (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Once again we are so proud of you. Kudos!

What is Tebow Cure Hospital?

Tebow Cure Hospital (Photo credit: Tim Tebow Foundation ppt presentation)

"Health is wealth". There is definitely no need to debate this statement. Physical wellness is really important. Just like the accounts of Jesus Christ in His ministry here on earth, He gave healing to those in need and those who believed. 

Guided by these principles of giving healing to the "least of these", Tim Tebow Foundation in partnership with Cure International established the Tebow Cure Hospital in Davao City. The Tebow CURE Hospital is one of the primary outreach initiatives of the Tim Tebow Foundation. The construction of the Hospital began in 2012 and last December 2014, the hospital has started treating patients. Tebow Cure is currently led by Executive Director Leron Lehma.

Tebow Cure Hospital is located at Banawe St. Cor JP Laurel, Brgy. W. Aquino, Davao City. The hospital is open from Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. They also offer Charity clinic for disabled children every Thursday starting 9:00am. Furthermore, adult consultations for sports injuries and bone, joint, and spine conditions are also available by appointment.

Tebow Cure Hospital specializes on Orthopedics. Orthopedics is the branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles. But above all else, this hospital is also focused on spiritual health and letting their patients know that there is a God that heals and loves them dearly.

If you know someone that needs help and assistance, please do not hesitate to visit Tebow Cure Hospital and be healed. :)

Session Moments: Item 1247 (Request for the change of name of Aledia Elementary School)

Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta during the Regular session last June 30, 2015. (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Before the legislators greet one another a "Happy New Month", the Davao City Council converged for the last Regular session for the Month of June last June 30, 2015.

Of the many agenda for that regular session, Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta presented for the second reading the Item 1247- Request of Ms. Lubel A. Bañaria, School-in-charge for the approval of the change of school name from "Aledia Elementary School" to "Alfredo A. Aledia Elementary School", as requested by the heirs of the donee. 

Just a little background, the Office of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta received a letter-request from Ms. Lubel A. Bañara. It was then submitted for First reading on April 14, 2015 regular session. Then, last May 27, 2015, a committee hearing for the item was scheduled.

The reason for the change of name is to give honor to the late Alfredo A. Aledia. This is in recognition to his donation and his family's continuous support to help provide education for the children of the barangay and places nearby. 

On the June 30 session of the Davao City Council, it was endorsed to the council for the second and final reading and that the Resolution be passed and adopted.

University of Mindanao Students Attend the 25th Regular Session

Students from the University of Mindanao attended the 25th Regular Session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod here in Davao City last Tuesday (July 1). The thirty seven students belong to Ms. Helen Q. Omblero's third year Social Legislation class. They attended the session with the objective of observing and familiarizing themselves with the procedure of legislation and the standard protocol of a regular session.

The 3rd year Social Legislation students from the University of Mindanao acknowledged during session.

Hon. Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta speaking with Ms. Helen Q. Omblero.

Ms. Helen Q. Omblero and her students outside the Session Hall.