index

Getting To & Around Davao City

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:57:50 +0100

The Davao International Airport (DIA) has daily flights to and from major cities in the Philippines and twice-weekly flights to Singapore, Manado, Indonesia and Palau.

The airport is a 15-minute ride from the city center. Metered taxicabs are available and flagdown rate is P30 for units with aircon (P26 for units without aircon). Minimum fare for a public utility vehicle is P 7.00.

Time zone is GMT +8hours.

Dress codes are normally very casual. Light clothing is most comfortable. Lightweight clothing of natural fiber is recommended. Informal clothing is acceptable almost everywhere except when visiting a church or mosque. For formal occasions, the traditional barong Tagalog is recommended. Most establishments such as bars, offices, restaurants impose dress codes strictly and consider it improper to wear shorts, slippers, and sleeveless shirts.

There is an existing No-Smoking Ordinance in the City. Smoking is prohibited inside public utility vehicles, taxis, government offices, hospitals, and theaters. In hotels, bars, and restaurants, smoking is allowed only in designated areas where the only activity being done is smoking. Curfew for unaccompanied minors starts at 10 pm to 5 am. There is a strong enforcement of laws on traffic, anti-littering, jaywalking, and anti-vandalism, among others. Drug Trafficking is a criminal offense punishable by death.

Major international credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping may not be necessary when a 10% service fee is charged to the bill but nonetheless appreciated.

Most government offices operate Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 and 1 to 5 pm except for frontline service agencies that need to operate 24 hours a day. Most banks open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and some major banks have branches that operate 7 days a week.

The City has a 220-volt electrical system. Payphones requiring the use of coins or a phone card are strategically located all over the metropolis.

If in doubt or facing an emergency situation, dial 911 (for landline phones and globe users) or 063 911 (for Smart subscribers).

Source: www.davaocity.gov.ph

Eden Nature Park

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:58:32 +0100

No man has seen the original Eden except Adam & Eve. Yet, there is such a wonderful place in Davao City called Eden Nature Park nestled 3,000 feet above sea level which many believed provides visitors somehow a glimpse of that glorious place.

So far, no one has refuted or opposed this popular perception and I guess no one would waste a single minute doing so. Eden nature Park is 95% human made. End of discussion. Yet, Eden Nature Park shall continue to usher new beginnings for every enthralled visitor.

It is paradise rebuilt. Calmly refreshing. And serenely captivating. It is a manifestation of how man is able to follow the Great Creator’s example by rebuilding on what was once broken down to nothingness.

Eden used to be a deforested area covered with nothing but wild grass. Yet, its potential as a mountain-resort was enormous given the spectacular view it provides and the cool breeze that surely enlivens tired tropical souls.

Eden Nature Park today is a wide 80 hectare- expanse of nature’s wonders and attractions with over 100,000 fully-grown pine tress spread all over to provide canopies for other trees and plants, mostly fruit-bearing to grow, flourish and serve as secondary forest.

It has numerous attractions, amenities, and facilities that are awe-inspiring such as the manicured grass-covered amphitheatre, a flower garden where flowers grow in abandon colorfully, a prayer garden, an organic vegetable garden, tree nursery, hiking trails, a vista kiosk playground that features the ever popular “Indiana Jones” ride, a deer park, the Birdwalk aviary, the firefly sanctuary, a soccer field, the Plaza Maria, jogging lane, swimming pool, campsites, log cabins, seminar halls, cafeteria, mountain pond, and many more.

The accommodation facilities are unique and diverse from campsites, log cabins, pine lodge, vista cottage, to ethnic inspired rooms that provide the usual standard hotel facilities and amenities.

I have one advice though for first timers- never try to explore the expanse of the park without the aid of a guided shuttle tour as you can’t cover the entire park through walking in a day.(by Ivan C. Cortez / DCIPC)

Sales and Reservations Office is located at

Eden Nature Park Mountain Resort, Inc.
Sales and Marketing Office
Matina Town Square
McArthur Highway, Matina
Davao City, Philippines url: www.edennaturepark.com.ph/

Contact Numbers

Voice:             +63 82 299-1020
Voice:             +63 82 296-0791
Fax: +63 82 299-0313
Cell #:             +639189307590

Send inquiry directly to: info@edennaturepark.com.ph

Kadayawan Festival

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:59:06 +0100

The Kadayawan Festival is an annual festivalin the city of Davaoin the Philippines. Its name derives from the friendly greeting "Madayaw", from the Dabawenyo word "dayaw", meaning good, valuable, superior or beautiful. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living.

Today, Kadayawan has transformed into a festival of festivals, with a number of spin-off festivals in the region. The festival honors Davao’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage, its past personified by the ancestral “lumads”, its people as they celebrate on the streets, and its floral industry as its representatives parade in full regalia in thanksgiving for the blessings granted on the city. A celebration that interfaces the three aspects: tribal; industrial and; arts and entertainment. The festivities are highlighted with floral floats, street-dancing competitions and exhibits that showcases the island's tourism products and services.

Ateneo De Davao University

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:58:51 +0100

Ateneo de Davao University
Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao

Motto	Fortes in Fide
Motto in English	Strong in Faith
Established	1948
Type	Private, Jesuit University
President	Fr. Antonio Samson, S.J
Principal	Suzette Alino GS Fr. Anthony Pabayo, S.J. HS
Students	4200 GS 2041 HS 7435 College
Location	Davao City, Philippines
Campus	Jacinto Street Campus (the university including Graduate School and College of Law) Matina Campus (Elementary and High school)
Hymn	"Blue Knight Song"
Colors	Blue and White
Website	www.addu.edu.ph

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) is a private Catholic university administered by the Society of Jesus in Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. It was established in 1948. It is divided into five units including the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Governance and College of Nursing. It also runs grade school and high school units. It has two campuses, the Jacinto Campus (which houses the schools and colleges of the university, including the Graduate Programs and the College of Law) and the Matina Campus (elementary and high school) - all located in the center of Silicon Gulf, Davao City, the de facto business, trade, commerce and education capital of Mindanao.

Jesuit tradition

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Each semester more than 1500 Ateneo undergraduates follow the Jesuit philosophy of "men and women for others."

The College of Law, emphasizing Christian ethics, has several active pro bono programs under the Ateneo Legal Aid Services.
Students in the Graduate Programs of the School of Business and Governance assist non-profit organizations with business planning.
The Social Work and the Psychology programs incorporate fieldwork in the Davao regional area into their curriculum.
The Graduate Programs of School of Arts and Sciences emphasizes critical thinking and communication.
The mandatory theology and philosophy courses are committed to preparing students to confront contemporary problems on ethics, cultures and church communities.

Programs

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The Ateneo Reaching for Excellence (ARETE) that tutors academically gifted undergraduates
The Faith and Justice Award, given annually to a student for outstanding community involvement and service for social justice.

The University

The Finster Building

The Chapel

School of Arts and Sciences

The SAS is subdivided into seven divisions namely: Engineering & Architecture, Humanities, Natural Science and Mathematics, Philosophy, Social Science and Education, Theology and Computer Studies.^{[citation needed]}

School of Business and Governance

The undergraduate business courses of the Ateneo de Davao University were under the School of Arts and Sciences; the MBA, MPA and MAN programs were under the Graduate business Programs and the MGA program was under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In an effort to have all the business courses integrated, the AdDU School of Business & Governance (SBG) was born.^{[citation needed]}

April 1, 2000 was the date the SBG was launched. Under its aegis are accountancy, business management, entrepreneurship, human resource management, finance, management accounting, marketing and graduate business programs as well as support programs in computer literacy and research and extension offices.^{[citation needed]}

SBG Undergraduate is subdivided into two divisions namely BSA-MA Division and Business Management (B&M) Division with seven academic programs: BS-Accountancy, BS-Business Management, BS-Entrepreneurship, BS- Finance, BS-Human Resource, BS-Management Accounting and, BS-Marketing.

College of Nursing

The University had been offering a master’s degree program in Nursing Administration since the 1970s. It opened an undergraduate BS Nursing in 2001. The program started under the auspices of the Natural Science and Math Division. The program eventually became the College of Nursing.

The first batch of Nurses graduated in 2005.^{[citation needed]} The Ateneo topped 1st place on the NLE Dec 2005.^{[citation needed]}

College of Law

In June, 1961, then Rector Rev. Hudson Mitchell, S.J. established the College of Law. In 1990, Atty. Hildegardo F. Iñigo, one of the first graduates of the College of Law and member of its faculty since 1967 assumed the position of Dean of the College of Law. The first graduates of the College took the bar examinations in 1965.

Square Off finals

The university on October 1, 2008, ousted Saint Louis University, Baguio City in the semi-finals of ABS-CBN's “Square Off: the CVC Law Debates”. in the Philippines," with St. Louis for legalization. Adjudicators Atty. Rodel Cruz, Senior Partner of CVC Law, and Senate President Franklin Drilon bestowed Ateneo de Davao’s Hanniyah Sevilla and Kristine Ferrer, the best speaker, and best texter’s choice awards, respectively. Ateneo will face Arellano University in the October 8 finals at ABS-CBN News Channel, 8-9 p.m.^[1]

The university Law Forensic Guild debating team was declared the Winner and Champion, taking home Acer laptops and the CD-ROM Lex Libris Law Library Series. Arellano's Rochelle Marie C. Roxas, Luis Warren and Charles Francis Decangchon, opposed the proposition that "term limits of elective officials should be lifted." With CVC Raoul R. Angangco, Simeon V. Marcelo, Head Judge, former defense secretary Avelino "Nonong" Cruz, Jr. bestowed upon Arellano's Luis Anthony K. Warren, the Judges' and Texters' Choice awards for Best Speaker, winning a cameraphone, a trophy and a three day trip for two to Boracay. The Best Speaker's scores were tied between Luis Warren and ADDU's Therese Gemelo. CVC's Pancho Villaraza announced: "These debates are worth doing again. We will do this again."^[2]^[3]

Student publication

The student publication of the university is Ate News. The publication was founded in the 1950s and has been a guardian of student rights.

Official radio station

Blue Knights FM (89.9 MHz), the official radio station of the University, was launched in January 2008[1]. The station serves as a training ground for Mass Communication majors. Blue Knights FM airs from 11 - 1 PM, Monday to Saturday. The station is located inside the Humanities Division. Blue Knights uses the frequency of DXGN 89.9 MHz (Generation's Best). In July 2008, Blue Knights FM ceased broadcasting due to DXGN's "management problem". Currently, both stations are nonfunctional.

Student organizations

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The Samahan Central Board, also referred to as SAMAHAN, is the official student government of the University. Together with the Campus Clubs Organization (CCO) and the General Assembly of Class Presidents (GACP), the Samahan Central Board is under the supervision of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

The Campus Clubs Organizations (CCO) has the mandate on all student organizations within the university, except the Special Organizations created by the Office of Student Affairs.

The GACP has the mandate for all duly elected class presidents.

Colleges and Degree-Granting Units

School of Arts and Sciences

Dean: Jessie B. Manuta, Ph.D.

Social Science and Education Division Programs
- AB ECON-Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- AB POLSCI-Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- AB PSYCH-Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- AB SOCIO-Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- AB IS-Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (Asian Studies/American Studies)
- BEED-GS-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in General Science
- BEED-MATH-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Math
- BEED-PHYS-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Physics
- BEED-PRE-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Preschool
- BEED-SS-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Social Studies
- BEED-ENGL-Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in English
- BSED-MATH-Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Math
- BSED-PHYS-Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Physics
- BSED-SS-Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies
- BSED-BIO-Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biological Sciences
- BSSW-Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Natural Science and Mathematics Division Programs
- BS BIO-Bachelor of Science in Biology
- BS CHEM-Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- BS MATH-Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Humanities Division Program
- AB ENG-Bachelor of Arts in English
- AB LIT-Bachelor of Arts in Literature
- AB MC-Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

Engineering and Architecture Division Programs
- BS Arch-Bachelor of Science in Architecture
- BS CE-Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
- BS Comp Eng-Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- BS ChE-Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- BS ECE-Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering
- BS EE-Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- BS IE-Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- BS ME-Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Computer Studies Division Programs
- BS IS-Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
- BS IT-Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- BS CS-Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Philosophy Division Program
- AB PHILO-Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy (Pre-Law)

College of Nursing

Dean: Patria V. Manalaysay, RN, MAN, Ph.D.

BSN-Bachelor of Science in Nursing

School of Business & Governance

Dean: Dr. Danilo M. Te, DBA

Business and Accounting Programs
- BSA-Bachelor of Science in AccountancyBS MA-Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting
- BS FIN-Bachelor of Science in Finance
- BS BM-Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- BS MKTG-Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- BS ENTREP-Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
- BS HRM-Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

College of Law

Dean: Atty. Manuel P. Quibod

LLB-Bachelor of Laws

Campus student organizations

For the school year 2008 - 2009, these are the organizations recognized by the Campus Clubs Organization and the Office of Student Affairs: [2]

Cathechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
Association of Chemistry Students (ADDACS)
Mathematics Society (AdDAMS)
Association of Mechanical Engineering (ADAMES)
Dance Troupe (ADT)
L'Association Internationale Des Estudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (AIESEC)[3]
Marketing Club (AMARC)
Muslim Youth Organization (AMYO)
Photographers Society (APS)
Reaching Towards Excellence (ARETE)
Company of Visual Artists (ARTCO)
Society of Industrial Engineering Majors (ASIEM)
Society of Management Students (ASMS)
Campus Liturgical Ministries (CLM)
Christian Life Community (CLC)
Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
Democratic Students' Union (DSU)
Economics Society (Ecosoc)
Future Educators of Ateneo (FEAT)
Federation of United Students of Electrical Engineering (FUSEE)
Haribon Foundation (HARIBON)
Campus Clubs Organizations (CCO)
Circle of Computer Sciences Students (ACCESS)
Filipino-Chinese Community (AFICC)
Biological Society (TABS)
Tribung Mindanaw Mountaineering Club (TRIMMOC)
Youth Community Service Club (YCSC)
Junior Ecologists' Movement (JEM)
Junior Finance Executive Club (JFINEX)
Junior Philippine Association of Management Accountants (JPAMA)
NSTP-CWTS Volunteers (NSTP-CWTS)
Pinag-Isang Lakas ng Samahan ng mga Progresibong Atenista (PIGLASAPAT)
Philippine Nursing Students' Association-AdDU Chapter (PNSA)
Red Cross Youth Club (RCYC)
Reacher's Club (Reachers)
Samahang Mag-aaral ng Sikolohiyang Filipino (SAMASIKOFIL)
Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering Club (Sandawa-Apo)
Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sining at Komunikasyon (SINIKOM)
Samahang Mag-aaral ng Agham Pulitika (SAMAPULA)
Society of Ateneo Literature and English Majors (SALEM)
Society of Electronics and Communications Engineering Students (SELECOMES)
Sub-Dominant 7 (SD7)
General Assembly of Class Presidents (GACP)

Special organizations

The following are special organizations which are not registered with the Campus Clubs:

Ateneo Debate Community
Student Affairs Committee
Dance Troupe (ADT)
Lipon ng mga Artistang Yaman ang Angking Galing sa sining at kultura (LAYAG)
Reaching Towards Excellence (ARETE)
Glee Club (Carillon)
Security Force (ASF)
Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
Teatro Ateneo (TA)
Atenews
Kalasag Official Site
BA-EXECOM

College of Law:

Law Forensic Association
Lakas Atenista

Notable alumni

Hon. Angela Librado-Trinidad, Davao City Councilor (District 1)
Juris Fernandez- Member of MYMP.
Prospero Nograles (GS and HS) - incumbent Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives
Antonio Carpio (GS and HS) - Associate Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court
Raymundo Yu (B.S. 1970 Business Administration) - Asia-Pacific Chairman of Merill Lynch
Emmylou Taliño-Santos (B.S. 1996 Accounting) - Philippine congresswoman and chairman of the Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Public Information
Norberto B. Gonzales (Pre-med) - OIC July 1 – August 3, 2007 Department of National Defense (Philippines); National Security Adviser
Jesus Dureza (College of Arts and Sciences and College of Law) - Press Secretary Office of the President
Luzviminda C. Ilagan (AB), member of the House of Representative (Gabriela Party List); former Faculty of the University for more than 41 years
Joey Ayala (BS Economics) - Musician
Dr. Paul Dominguez (GS/HS), former Presidential Adviser for Mindanao
Dr. Macario D. Tiu (AB), Palanca Awardee; Outstanding Tsinoy; Jose P. Rizal Awardee
Bro. Carlito M. Gaspar, CsSR, PhD (AB); anthropologist and development worker in Mindanao
Dr. Jose M. Tiongco, MD, (BS) founder of Mission Hospitals and Health Cooperatives
Dr. Nina Ingle, PhD, (HS) environmentalist
Atty. Ma. Lourdes G. Cabalog-Perfecto (LLB), Supreme Court of the Philippines - Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief, Judicial Records Office

Mount Apo

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:59:41 +0100

Mount Apo
The Grandfather of 'Philippine Mountains'
Mount Apo
Elevation	2,954 m (9,692 ft)
Location	Philippines
Prominence	2,954 m (9,692 ft) Ranked 98th
Coordinates	6°59′15″N 125°16′15″E / 6.9875°N 125.27083°E / 6.9875; 125.27083Coordinates: 6°59′15″N 125°16′15″E / 6.9875°N 125.27083°E / 6.9875; 125.27083^[1]
Type	Stratovolcano
Age of rock	Unknown
Last eruption	Unknown
First ascent	1880 by Don Joaquin Rajal and party
Easiest route	Hike
Listing	Country high point Ultra

Mount Apo is a large solfataric potentially active stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is the highest mountain in the country and overlooks Davao City-40km northeast, Digos City-25km southeast, and Kidapawan City-20km west. Its name means "master" or "grandfather". Apo is flat topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500 m wide volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy, but the date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical times.

Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines, and the summit is easy to reach. The first recorded climb was on October 10, 1880 by a party led by Don Joaquin Rajal.

Conservation

On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon. The mountain is home to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic.

Although a declared National Park, the current climbing trails are littered with rubbish, opening paths for soil erosion across the already denuded mountain sides. Some mountain and social climbing groups conduct climbs after the main Easter climbing season to clean the affected areas.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has submitted Mount Apo for inclusion in the UNESCO world heritage list. Mount Apo is considered the center of endemism in Mindanao. It has one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area. It has three (3) distinct forest formations from lowland tropical rainforest to mid-mountain forests and finally to high mountain forests.

A portion of the eastern slopes are also within the scope of the UNESCO Hydrology Environment Life and Policy (HELP) Network. The Davao HELP Network is focused on building collaboration among watershed stakeholders.

Arguably the easiest route to Mt. Apo National Park is through Kidapawan City. One can register in the city's Summer Climb or the Annual October Trek / Climb. The city boasts with warm hospitality and abundance of exotic fruits from its farms. At the foot of Mt Apo is Lake Agco Resort, where tourists can dip in to the hot and warm pools sourced from the local hot springs. The completion of PNOC Geothermal Plants in Kidapawan City supplies electricity to Kidapawan and its neighboring provinces and also also boosts the city's economy.

Hiking activity

At 2954 meters, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines. This majestic peak is one of the country's most popular climbing destinations.

Several trails lead to the summit, coming from North Cotabato and Davao provinces. An average hike requires 2-4 days. Various sights include Lake Venado, one of the highest lakes in the Philippines, and the old crater of Mt. Apo near its summit. In the classification system used by local popular mountaineering website PinoyMountaineer.com, the difficulty of the hike is 7 out of 9. The mountain may be climbed year-round.

External links

Ten Highest Mountains in the Philippines

Mount Apo • Mount Dulang-dulang • Mount Pulag • Mount Kitanglad • Mount Tabayoc • Mount Kalatungan • Mount Ragang • Mount Maagnaw • Mount Singakalsa • Mount Amuyao

The Philippine Eagle

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:39 +0100

Philippine Eagle

Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)^[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Falconiformes (or Accipitriformes, q.v.)
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Pithecophaga Ogilvie-Grant, 1897
Species:	P. jefferyi
Binomial name
*Pithecophaga jefferyi* Ogilvie-Grant, 1897

Range map in blue green

The Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle or Monkey-eating Eagle, is among the tallest, rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world. A bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae, it is also known as "Haribon" or "Haring Ibon," which means "Bird King". Its local name is banog.^[2]

Taxonomy

The species was discovered in 1896 by the English explorer and naturalist John Whitehead, who observed the bird and whose servant, Juan, collected the first specimen a few weeks later.^[3] The skin of the bird was sent to William Robert Ogilvie-Grant in London in 1897, who initially showed it off in a local restaurant and described the species a few weeks later.^[4]

Upon its discovery, the Philippine Eagle was first called the Monkey-eating Eagle because of reports from natives of Bonga, Samar [1] where the specie was first discovered that it preyed exclusively on monkeys; from these reports it gained its generic name, from the Greek pithecus ("ape or monkey") and phagus ("eater of").^[5] The specific name commemorates Jeffery Whitehead, the father of John Whitehead.^[4] Later studies revealed, however, that the alleged Monkey-eating Eagle also ate other animals such as colugo, civets, large snakes, monitor lizards, and even large birds like hornbills. This, coupled with the fact that the same name applied to the African Crowned Hawk-eagle and the South American Harpy Eagle, resulted in a presidential proclamation to change its name to Philippine Eagle in 1978, and in 1995 it was declared a national emblem. This species has no recognized subspecies.^[6]

Evolutionary history

A recent study of the Philippine Eagle's DNA suggests that the bird has a unique evolutionary history. Its genetic sequence differs from those of other large eagles. Researchers from the University of Michigan analyzed the DNA isolated from blood samples of the Philippine Eagle. The sequence was then compared to those of the Harpy Eagle, Crested Eagle, and the New Guinea Harpy Eagle. All three are related genetically but they are not closely related to the Philippine Eagle. These species were once believed to be closely related due to their similar sizes, habitat, and habits; however, these similarities are now believed to be the result of convergent evolution.^[7] It is actually believed that the closest relative to the Philippine Eagle may be the much smaller snake eagles.^[7]

Description

The Philippine Eagle's nape is adorned with long brown feathers that form a shaggy crest. These feathers give it the appearance of possessing a lion's mane, which in turn resembles the mythical gryphon. The eagle has a dark face and a creamy-brown nape and crown. The back of the Philippine Eagle is dark brown, while the underside and underwings are white. The heavy legs are yellow with large, powerful dark claws, and the prominent large, high-arched, deep beak is a bluish-gray. The eagle's eyes are blue-gray. Juveniles are similar to adults except that their upperpart feathers have pale fringes.^[8]

The average female is about 102 centimeters (3.36 ft) long and weighs about 7 kilograms (15.5 lb).^[9] The adult male is about 10 to 20% smaller and averages at about 91 centimeters (3 ft) and 5 kilograms (11 lb).^[10] The Philippine Eagle is the world's largest living eagle in terms of length. The species has a wingspan of approximately 2 meters (6.6 ft).^[11] The wings of this eagle are shorter than large eagles of open country (such as the Martial Eagle, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Steller's Sea Eagle), but are quite broad and have a greater surface area than any other eagle.^[12]

The most frequently heard noises made by the Philippine Eagle are loud, high-pitched whistles. Additionally, juveniles have been known to beg for food by a series of high-pitched calls.^[8]

Distribution and habitat

The Philippine Eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The largest number of eagles reside on Mindanao, with between 82 and 233 breeding pairs. Only six pairs are found on Samar, two on Leyte, and a few on Luzon. It can be found in Northern Sierra Madre National Park on Luzon and Mount Apo and Mount Kitanglad National Parks on Mindanao.^[4] Some Palawan natives have claimed that the Philippine Eagle does exist in the island province. Some are under care of the Palawan Crocodile Farm ^[13]

This eagle is found in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas. Its elevation ranges from the lowlands to mountains of over 1,800 meters (5,905 ft). It is estimated that only 9,220 square kilometers (2,280,000 acres) of old growth forest remain in the bird's range.^[4] However, its total estimated range is about 146,000 square kilometers (56,000 sq mi).^[8]

Ecology and behavior

Philippine Eagle Pagasa in the Philippine Eagle Center

Evolution in the Philippine islands, without other predators, made the eagles the dominant hunter in the Philippine forests. Each breeding pair requires a large home range (of 25 to 50 square miles) to successfully raise a chick, and thus the species is extremely vulnerable to the regularly occurring deforestation.

The species' flight is fast and agile, resembling the smaller hawks more than similar large birds of prey.^[14]

Juveniles in play behavior have been observed gripping knotholes in trees with their talons and, using its tail and wings for balance, inserting its head into a tree cavity.^[15] Additionally, they have been known to attack inanimate objects for practice as well as attempt to hang upside down to work on their balance.^[15] As the parents are not nearby when this occurs, it has been suggested that they do not play a role in teaching the juvenile to hunt.^[15]

Life expectancy for a wild eagle is estimated to be anywhere from 30 to 60 years. A captive Philippine Eagle lived for more than 41 years old in a zoo in Rome.^[15] However, it is believed that wild birds on average live shorter than captive birds.^[15]

Diet

This eagle was initially known as the Monkey-eating Eagle because it was believed to only feed on monkeys; this has proved to be inaccurate. The Philippine Eagle's prey varies from island to island as available species vary, especially between Luzon and Mindanao. This is due to the islands being in different faunal regions. For example, Philippine flying lemurs, which are the preferred prey in Mindanao, are absent in Luzon.^[4] It is unknown what the primary prey for the species on Luzon is.^[4] The Philippine Eagles prefer flying lemurs and Asian Palm Civets, but they also occasionally eat other small mammals, reptiles and birds, such as snakes, monitor lizards, hornbills, owls, and even other birds of prey.^[4]^[14] There have additionally been reports of this eagle capturing young pigs and small dogs.^[14] It is estimated that the flying lemur could make up 90% of the bird's diet in some locations.^[14]

Videos: Philippine eagle hunting flying lemurs. [2]

The Philippine Eagle also infrequently eats monkeys.^[14] Pairs sometimes hunt troops of monkey cooperatively, with one bird perching nearby to distract the primates so that the other can soar in unnoticed for the kill.^[14]

Reproduction

The complete breeding cycle of the Philippine Eagle lasts for two years. The female sexually matures at five years of age and the male seven. Like most eagles, the Philippine Eagle is monogamous. Once paired, a couple remains together for the rest of their lives.^[3] However, if one bird of a pair dies, the survivor often finds a new mate to replace the one lost.^[15]

The beginning of courtship is signaled by nest-building and the eagle remaining near its nest. Aerial displays also play a major role in the courtship. These displays include paired soaring over a nesting territory, the male chasing the female in a diaganol dive, and mutual talon presentation, where the male presents his talons to the female's back and she flips over in mid-air to present her own talons. Advertisement displays coupled with loud calling have also been reported. The willingness of an eagle to breed is displayed by the eagle bringing nesting materials to the bird's nest. Copulation follows and occurs repeatedly both on the nest and on nearby perches. The earliest courtship has been reported in July.^[15]

Breeding begins between September and February; birds on different islands, most notably Mindanao and Luzon, begin breeding at different ends of this range.^[3] The amount of rainfall and population of prey may also affect the breeding season.^[3] The nest is normally built on an emergent dipterocarp, or any tall tree with an open crown, in primary or disturbed forest and may be nearly 1.5 meters (5 ft) across and about 30 meters (99 ft) above the ground.^[4]^[14] The eagle's nest resembles a huge platform made of sticks.^[14] The eagle frequently reuses the same nesting site for several different chicks.^[4] Eight to ten days before the egg is ready to be laid, the female is afflicted with a condition known as egg lethargy. In this experience, the female does not eat, drinks lots of water, and holds its wings droopingly.^[15] The female typically lays one egg in the late afternoon or at dusk, although occasionally two have been reported.^[14]^[15] If an egg fails to hatch or the chick dies early, the parents will likely lay another egg the following year. Copulation may last a few days after the egg is laid to enable another egg to be laid should the first one fail. The egg is incubated for 58 to 68 days after being laid. Both sexes participate in the incubation, but the female does the majority of incubating during the day and all of it at night.^[15]

Both sexes help feed the newly hatched eaglet. Additionally, the parents have been observed taking turns shielding the eaglet from the sun and rain until it is seven weeks old.^[15] The young eaglet fledges after four or five months.^[14] The earliest that a juvenile has been observed making a kill is 304 days after hatching.^[15] However, the parents will care of the eaglet for a total of twenty months.^[3]

Conservation

Sir Arny, a Philippine Eagle, The Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, Philippines

The 2008 IUCN Red List listed this species as critically endangered.^[8] The International Union for the Conservation of Nature believes that between 180 and 500 Philippine Eagles survive in the Philippines.^[3] They are threatened primarily by deforestation through logging and expanding agriculture. Old growth forest is lost at a high rate, and most of the eagle's forest in the lowlands is owned by logging companies.^[4] Mining, pollution, exposure to pesticides that affect breeding, and poaching are also major threats.^[3]^[11] Additionally, they are occasionally caught in traps laid by the local people for deer. Though this is no longer a major problem, the eagle's numbers were also reduced by being captured for zoos.^[3]

Charles Lindbergh, best known for crossing the Atlantic alone and without stopping in 1927, was fascinated by this eagle. As a representative of the World Wildlife Fund, Lindbergh travelled to the Philippines several times between 1969 and 1972, where he helped persuade the government to protect the eagle. In 1969, the Monkey-eating Eagle Conservation Program was started to help preserve this species. In 1992, the first Philippine Eagles were born in captivity through artificial insemination; however, it wasn't until 1999 that the first naturally bred eaglet hatched. The first captive-bred bird to be released in the wild, Kabayan, was released in 2004 on Mindanao; however, he was accidentally electrocuted in January 2005. Another eagle, Kagsabua, was released March 6, 2008, but was shot and eaten by a farmer.^[3] However, killing this critically endangered species is punishable under Philippine law by twelve years in jail and heavy fines.^[11]

Its numbers have slowly dwindled over the decades to the current population of 180 to 500 eagles. A series of floods and mud slides, caused by deforestation, further devastated the remaining population. The Philippine Eagle may soon no longer be found in the wild, unless direct intervention is taken. The Philippine Eagle Foundation of Davao City, Mindanao is one organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat. The Philippine Eagle Foundation has successfully bred Philippine Eagles in captivity for over a decade and conducted the first experimental release of a captive-bred eagle to the wild. The foundation has 32 eagles at its center, of which 18 were bred in captivity.^[3] Ongoing research on behavior, ecology and population dynamics is also underway. In recent years protected lands have been established specifically for this species, such as the 700 square kilometers (170,000 acres) Cabuaya Forest and the 37.2 square kilometers (9,200 acres) Taft Forest Wildlife Sanctuary on Samar.^[16] However, a large proportion of the population is found on unprotected land.^[3]

Relationship with humans

Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle was named the national bird of the Philippines in 1995 by President Fidel V. Ramos under Proclamation No. 615.^[16] This eagle, because of its size and rarity, is also a highly desired bird for birdwatchers.^[14]

The Philippine Eagle has also featured on at least twelve stamps from the Philippines, with dates ranging from 1967 to 2007.^[17]

Davao City

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:03:41 +0100

Davao City
Lungsod ng Dabaw
Dakbayan sa Dabaw

— City —

Skyline of Davao City

Seal

Motto: "Love, Peace, and Progress"

Map of Davao del Surs

Davao City

Map of Davao del Surs

Coordinates: 7°30′N 126°0′E / 7.5°N 126°E

Country

Philippines

Region

Davao Region(Region XI)

Province

None

Districts

1st to 3rd Districts of Davao City

Barangays

184

Incorporated (town)

1848

Incorporated (city)

October 16, 1936

Government

- Mayor

Rodrigo Duterte(Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod)

- Vice Mayor

Sara Duterte (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod)

Area

- Total

2,444 km² (943.6 sq mi)

Elevation

22.3 m (73 ft)

Population (2007)

- Total

1,363,337 as of August 1 2,007 (CENSUS)

- Density

558/km² (1,445.2/sq mi)

Time zone

PST(UTC+8)

Area code(s)

082

Website

'www.davaocity.gov.ph

The City of Davao (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Dabaw; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Dabaw) is the largest city located on the island of Mindanaoin the Philippines. It is also one of the Philippines' most progressive cities. Its international airportand seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the southern part of the Philippines.

Davao City is also one of several cities in the Philippinesthat are independent of any province. The city serves as the regional center for Davao Region(Region XI). It has a population of 1,363,330 (2007 census) and is named by the Foreign Direct Investment Magazineas the 10th "Asian City of the Future".^[1] In recent years, Davao City has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The city boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country and its proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.

History

Local historians of Davao claim that the word davao came from the phoneticblending of the word of three Bagobo subgroups when referring to Davao River, an essential waterway which empties itself into Davao Gulf near the city. The aboriginalObos who inhabit the hinterlandsof the region called the river, Davoh; the Clatta or Guiangans called it Duhwow, or Davau, and the Tagabawa Bagobos, Dabu. To the Obos, the word davoh also means a place "beyond the high grounds", alluding to the settlements located at the mouth of Davao River which were surrounded by high rolling hills. When asked where they were going, the usual reply is davoh, while pointing towards the direction of the town. Duhwow also refers to a trading settlement where they barter their forest goods in exchange for salt or other commodities.

Spanish influencewas hardly felt in the Davao until 1848, when an expedition led by Don Jose Uyanguren came to establish a Christiansettlement in an area of mangrove swamps that is now Bolton Riverside. Davao was then ruled by a Muslimchieftain, Datu Bago, who held his settlement at the banks of Davao River (once called Tagloc River by the Bagobos). After Uyanguren defeated Datu Bago, he renamed the region Nueva Guipúzcoa, in honor of his home in Spain, and became its first governor. Uyanguren's efforts to develop the area, however, did not prosper.

A few years after the Americanforces landed in 1900, private farm ownership grew and transportation and communication facilities were improved, thus paving the way for the region's economic growth.

A Japaneseentrepreneur named Kichisaburo Ohta was granted permission to exploit vast territories which he transformed into abacáand coconutplantations. The first wave of Japanese plantation workers came onto its shores in 1903, creating a Little Japan. They had their own school, newspapers, an embassy, and even a ShintoShrine. On the whole, they established extensive abaca plantations around the shores of Davao Gulf and developed large-scale commercial interests such as copra, timber, fishing and import-export trading. Filipinos learned the techniques of improved cultivation from the Japanese so that ultimately, agriculture became the lifeblood of the province's economic prosperity.

Davao was formally inaugurated as a chartered cityon March 1, 1937 by President Manuel L. Quezon. Thirty years later, Davao was subdivided into three independent provinces, namely Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Over the years, Davao has become an ethnic melting pot as it continues to draw migrants from all over the country, lured by the prospects of striking it rich in the country's third largest city.

On December 8, 1941 Japanese planes bombed the city. Japanese occupation started in 1942.

In 1945, American and the Philippine Commonwealth forces liberated Davao City from Japanese forces.

Culture and Heritage

The weeklong Kadayawan Festival, is dubbed as the festival of all festivals.

Easy assimilation is an integral essence of multi-cultural Davao. Being a chartered city, it has grown appreciating differences in culture and tradition by numerous ethnic groups that integrated easily to the local tribes already present during its infancy as a city.

Like most cities in the country, Catholics largely populate Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city's landscape along with some temples, mosques, and other places of worship.

Another Spanish influence that remains up to this day is the observance and celebration of barrios (or villages) of the day of their respective patron saint called "Fiesta". It is in these celebrations wherein songs, dances and other forms of arts and merrymaking from various cultures have evolved creatively into the sights and sounds of Davao now. Such showcases point to its ultimate climax as the celebration of all celebrations - the weeklong Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

Geography

Mt. Apo overlooks Davao City

The land area of Davao City is 2,443.61 square kilometers. It is divided into 3 congressional districts, which are further divided into 11 administrative districts containing a total of 184 barangays. Almost 50% of its total land area is classified as timberlandor forest. Agriculture utilizes about 43%. This is reflective of the fact that agriculture is still the largest economic sector. Big plantations that produce banana, pineapple, coffee, and coconuteat up a large chunk of the total land area.

Location

Davao City is approximately 588 statute miles southeast of Manila.

Traveling by sea, its location from Manila and Cebu is 971 and 593 nautical miles (1,098 km) respectively.

It is the capital of the Mindanao and is the biggest urban market in the growth polygon called BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area)

Presently, built-up areas used for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial purposes represent about 10% of the total land area. Under the approved land use plan built-up and settlement area will cover 15% of the total area while agricultural will be maximized with 67.19%. The remaining 17.68 will be devoted to forestry and conservation.

Climate

Davao City is typhoon-free due to it's location. Hurricanes and tidal waves are blocked by a large volcano. The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. It has no pronounced wet or dry season. Weather predictability makes it highly conducive to agricultural production. Temperature ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsiusand average rainfall is up to 2,000 mm yearly.

Language

Cebuanoor Bisaya is the most widely spoken language in the city, while Tagalogcomes a distant second. Bisaloglish, an informal mixing of the above languages, is spoken as well. Englishis the medium of instruction in schools and is widely understood and spoken especially in the business community and for all official documents.Religion

The most dominant group is the Roman Catholicat 83%, other Christian groups comprise 15% such as Protestant churches, Evangelicals, Born Again, Ang Dating Daan, Iglesia ni Cristo and the remaining 1.17% belongs to other non-Christian faiths (Islam)

Accessibility

Davao City is very accessible and is the gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.

By land

You will find roaming around the city streets accessible by the number of buses, jeepneys, multicabs, cabs (taxi) that run the city streets. Getting your way around Davao City is never a problem with the mode of transportation available.

Davao City also offers a wide bus network connection to major cities and provinces, not only in Mindanao but even as far as Manila and Pasay City in Luzon. Davao City is connected to Manila by a series of roll on roll off or inter-island ferry connection. You can reach Davao City by bus to and from all of the Cities in Mindanao like Cotabato, Kidapawan, Digos, General Santos, Koronadal, Isulan, Tacurong, Tagum, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Surigao, Butuan, Cebu city and Pasay City in Manila.

By sea

The city is also served by passenger ferries throughout the Philippines at Sasa Wharf and Sta. Ana Wharf.

Sulpicio Linestwice weekly from Manila.
SuperFerrytwice weekly to Manila.

By air

Philippine Airlines Airbus A330-301 at Davao International Airport.

You can also travel to and from Davao City at ease as it has direct flights to major cities in the Philippines and some Asian Cities. Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) is currently being served by the following carriers:

Cebu Pacific4 flights weekly to Cagayan de Oro City, 3 flights daily to Cebu City, 3x flights weekly to Iloilo City, 6 daily flights to Manila, and Once daily flight to Zamboanga City
Philippine Airlines7 flights daily flights to Manila and daily flights to Cebu City.
PAL ExpressOnce daily flight to Zamboanga
SilkAir4 flights weekly to Singapore
Zest AirwaysOnce daily flight to Manila

Economy

Bajada Business District, Davao City.

Davao City is the "Crown Jewel" of Mindanao in terms of economic activity. It is the most important economy in the island and the third most important urban center in the Philippines.

Like the rest of the country, Davao City operates on an economic system that is market-oriented, although pricing mechanisms remain regulated in a few sectors (particularly on basic commodities) to protect consumers. The competitiveness of the market has been enhanced through the dismantling of protection for "infant industries" and the breakdown of industries with monopolistic or cartel tendencies.

On the international front, the economy has been opened up to global competition, through a tariff, private investments has Davao City's economy is steadily growing in the last two decades. The City has shifted counting investments from millions in the 80s to billions in the 90s and pool of skilled workforce. With over 1.2-Million people as primary market base, the city is conducive to business as evidenced by the presence of the country's top 200 companies. Inflow of investments has been remarkable in the last ten years. Export in the City is now billion dollar industry with a growing niche market for its products. The stable banana and flourishing pineapple industries are among the country's leading export commodities. A net exporter since 1987, Davao City largely contributed in making the Philippines as the world's, papaya, mangoosten, and even flowers.

The productive linkages between established businesses and Davao City community reinforced the competitive quality of life in a city that has consistently maintained single digit inflation rate since 1993. Along with flourishing investments and exports, the low inflation rate serve as concrete illustration of the remarkable gains from Davao City's sustained competitiveness nurtured by high level of responsiveness of the local government which put priority focus in facilitating business-friendly initiatives and in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous environment.

Government

Main article: Districts of Davao City

City Hall of Davao

The Commemorative Monument of Peace and Unity with the Legislative Building in the background.

Unique to the local government set-up of the city is the designation of a deputy mayor by the city mayor. Although an appointed official only, the deputy mayor serves as a direct link to the city mayor, especially for people living outside the city proper. The deputy mayor also serves as the city mayor's representative in community events. The functions of the position are considered complementary to the functions of the city vice-mayor, given the large territorial jurisdiction of the city.

The city is politically subdivided into 184 barangays.

The current mayor of Davao City is Rodrigo Duterte, a former government prosecutorand congressman. He is assisted by city vice-mayor Sara Duterte, his daughter.

Davao City comprises 184 barangays with three legislative districts. The City Government of Davao is now proposing to add two more Congressional Districts.

Security and Civil Defense

The city government has invested millions of pesosto ensure the security of people living and working in Davao City. Aside from the usual forces of the Philippine National Police, a special military task force has been formed to insulate the city from terrorist attacks and other forms of criminality. The Task Force Davao, as it is named, is affiliated with the Philippine Armyand is headed by an army colonel.

The city government also maintains a 24-hour emergency response system patterned after the 9-1-1systems in Canada and the United States. People can dial the 911 number to report emergencies and criminal incidents.

A curfewon minors is also observed in the city. All business establishments, in particular barsand discos, are mandated by a city ordinance to refrain from selling alcoholic drinks beyond 2:00 am. Also, motorcycledrivers with no helmets and motorists with defective lights are not allowed to enter or drive in the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and at the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours to ensure the strict implementation of traffic rules.

The use of fireworksand other similar pyrotechnics, as well as smoking, is strictly prohibited in most of the city. Even outdoors, if you are under a roof of any kind, you are prohibited from smoking. Violators are made to pay hefty fines, perform community service, serve jail time, or a combination of the three. Littering is also prohibited.

Davao death squads

Main article: Davao death squads

The Davao Death Squads or DDS, are a vigilantegroup active in Davao City. The group is allegedly responsible for summary executions of delinquents and drug traffickersin Davao. As of August 2, 2004 the Mindanao Times counted 52 summary-killing incidents involving the DDS. ^[2] The International Herald Tribune reports that in the first three months of 2005 there were 72 executions. ^[3]

According to Amnesty Internationaland local human rights groups, since 1998 over 300 people have been killed in Davao City by death squads.^[4] Amnesty Internationalstates, Killings and extrajudicial executions continued throughout the year, particularly of criminal suspects. In Mindanao many such killings, including those of minors, were attributed to the so-called “Davao Death Squad” vigilante group. It was reported that local officials in some areas advocated a “shoot to kill” policy with respect to criminal suspects resisting arrest.^[5] In 2004, Thousands of people protested the killings in a "walk for peace" and ecumenical prayer service.^[6]

Foreign Relations

The influx of foreign visitors and the presence of expatriatesand migrantsin the city have prompted the governments of Japan, Malaysia, Indonesiaand the United States to open consular offices in the city.

The US Embassy in the Philippines opened a virtual consulate where inquiries regarding visaissuances, foreign relations concerns and travel to the United States can be made on the Internet by e-mailand chat. The virtual consulate website [1]is maintained in coordination with Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, University of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Cross of Davao College and AMA Computer College.

Physical Infrastructure

The presence of basic infrastructure within the city such as airport, seaports, roads, bridges, telecommunications, condominiums, mallsand first class hotels has sustained the economic growth in the last 10 years. Due to the city's unprecedented growth, a clamor for higher capacity infrastructures resulted to a number of modernization projects now ongoing to meet the demands of the new millennium.

Airport

The Davao International Airport's Air Traffic ControlTower, is considered as the most advanced ATCs in the Philippines.^[7]

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport(Davao International Airport) is the busiest airport in Mindanao. Expansion and modernization began in 1998. Today, the new DIA (opened in December 2003) has begun accommodating larger jets such as the Boeing 747, the Airbus A330and the Airbus A340.

Roads and Bridges

Construction of more roads and bridges are also underway. The construction of the City's third major road - the Buhangin underpass was completed in the 1st quarter of 2003. A Traffic Management and Computerization Scheme was also implemented. The traffic lights in the city is considered as the most modern in Asia.^[8] Davao City is ranked no. 5 among cities in Asia with better traffic flow based on vehicles per kilometer of city road. T