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Davao City — A new system designed to track incidents of violence against women (VAW) has been launched in Davao City, aimed at compiling and managing cases to better protect the rights and welfare of victims. The VAW Tracking System (VTS) was introduced this week and is now operational, providing a comprehensive digital database for local authorities and agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Integrated Gender Development Division (IGDD), the system is a collaborative effort with multiple local agencies including the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Department of Education Davao City Division. The VTS is designed to consolidate and record VAW cases efficiently, allowing for real-time tracking and ensuring that victims receive appropriate services.

During a press conference on Friday, Mandin explained that the VTS also aims to eliminate duplicate reports and streamline the handling of cases. "During our soft launching, we tested the system using the data from IGDD. Since the system is working, we are now interfacing with partner agencies to track real-time updates on the cases," she stated.

Mandin emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting and addressing gender-based violence, abuse, discrimination, and harassment. She outlined multiple reporting channels available to the public, including the Davao City Reports, the Kean Gabriel Hotline, VAW desks at local barangays, and direct reports to police stations or school authorities.

The IGDD, along with its partner agencies, continues to provide necessary services and interventions to support victims and survivors of violence against women and gender-based violence in the community.

BORONGAN CITY—The participation of Miss Philippines Earth 2024 contestants in Borongan City has provided significant benefits to the local tourism sector and has enhanced efforts towards environmental awareness, according to city officials. Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda expressed his gratitude to Carousel Production for selecting the capital of Eastern Samar as the venue to emphasize the region's commitment to environmental protection.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Miss Earth Beachwear competition, which took place at Baybay Beach on Thursday evening, serves as a vital platform to increase public consciousness about protecting natural resources. He highlighted the importance of involving youth in the city’s programs, particularly those focused on climate adaptation.

The event saw the arrival of 29 pageant candidates on April 22. Makati City's Sam Samara, who donned a creation by Cathy-Mora Capistrano, secured the gold medal among the competitors. Samara is also recognized as a leading contender for this year's Miss Philippines Earth title. Meanwhile, Miss Philippines Earth Iligan Kristel Codas took the silver medal, and Miss Philippine Earth Matanao, Davao Del Sur Irha Mel Inutan Alfeche claimed the bronze.

The mayor also acknowledged the support of the Eastern Samar provincial government in hosting the competition. In the days leading up to the beachwear event, the contestants participated in various recreational and community-oriented activities. They visited Ando and Divinubo Islands, engaging in diving and other water sports, and toured the Hebacong Sea of Clouds—a local sight known for its stunning cloud formations that resemble a sea.

Additionally, the participants visited San Mateo village, where they engaged in a reading session with students at the San Mateo Elementary School and learned bamboo potting from city environmental officials. They also interacted with local coco coir makers in San Gabriel village, learning the craft and discussing with the community.

Calamba — Economists from both government and academic sectors are calling for increased infrastructure support in Calabarzon to sustain and enhance its role as a key manufacturing hub. This support is deemed crucial for the expansion of production activities and the efficient movement of goods and materials in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Calabarzon's economy surpassed the PHP3-trillion mark in 2023, maintaining its position as the second-largest contributor to the national gross domestic product at 14.7 percent, following only the National Capital Region, which contributed 31.2 percent. Despite this achievement, the region fell short of its gross regional domestic product growth target of 6 to 7 percent last year, achieving a growth rate of 5.2 percent.

Roberto Galang, Jr., dean at Ateneo de Manila's John Gokongwei School of Management, emphasized the need for substantial investment in critical infrastructure, such as the region’s air and seaports and highway networks. He highlighted the importance of projects like the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) for improving logistics and connectivity, particularly at Batangas Port which is central to the region’s industrial operations.

"Calabarzon is the industrial hub of the Philippines, hosting numerous economic zones and a significant portion of the country's manufacturing capacity," Galang stated in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. He warned that infrastructural deficiencies could lead to a manufacturing slowdown.

Agnes Tolentino, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Calabarzon, pointed to several government initiatives that are crucial for the region's economic advancement. These include the expansion of economic zones, export promotion activities, and the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program. She also noted a significant increase in tourism, with 29.17 million tourists visiting the region in 2023, boosted by the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Program.

Additionally, the region saw a 14.8 percent increase in construction activities, driven by projects like the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino program. Tolentino further mentioned plans to enhance the agricultural sector's performance through initiatives such as the Kaliwa Dam Project, aimed at providing irrigation during droughts.

"Despite challenges, Calabarzon remains optimistic about its economic future, with ongoing projects focused on infrastructure and social sector development," Tolentino concluded, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to reach the targeted growth rates.

Naga City — In response to a growing number of cybercrime cases involving minors, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) is calling on parents to closely monitor their children's online activities. This appeal was made during the 'The Impact of Cyber and Emerging Technologies on Public Safety' symposium held in Naga City on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chief of the PRO5 Anti-Cybercrime Unit, there has been a five percent increase in cybercrime cases filed in the region during the first three months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023. He noted that minors are particularly vulnerable to various forms of cyber exploitation, including deceptive invitations to participate in what appears to be modeling opportunities but are actually predatory schemes.

The types of cybercrimes reported in the region encompass identity theft, cyberlibel, cyberbullying, online threats, online scams, and violations of anti-photo and video voyeurism laws. Capt. Babagay highlighted the frequency of these complaints, stating that the unit receives at least ten reports daily.

In efforts to combat this rising issue, the PRO5 Anti-Cybercrime Unit has initiated educational visitations to schools to raise awareness among students about the risks of cybercrimes. These efforts are supplemented by collaborations with school and local village officials to broaden community awareness and prevention.

Capt. Babagay strongly encouraged individuals who suspect or experience cyber-related crimes to report them to the nearest police station promptly. The symposium where these issues were discussed was sponsored by the Information Sharing and Analysis Center at the Summit Hotel in Naga City.

DUBAI—The 10th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the largest international property and investment show from the Philippines, is scheduled to take place on May 11-12, 2024, at The Bristol Hotel in Deira, Dubai.

According to Philippines News Agency, this year's event aims to highlight the Philippines' strong economic performance and its role as a leading investment destination within the ASEAN region.

In 2023, the Philippines saw a GDP growth rate of 5.6 percent, with overseas remittances reaching a new high of AED 136.5 billion, significantly benefiting the real estate market. This surge in demand for real properties, particularly from overseas Filipinos and foreign investors, underscores the Philippines' growing appeal as an investment locale. Notable real estate firms such as Ayala Land, Hotel 101, RLC Residences, and Rockwell Land will be key exhibitors, reflecting the PPIE’s role in meeting investor demands and reinforcing its importance in the investment sector.

Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, praised the event's return, noting it as a testament to the robust growth in the Philippines' investment and real estate sectors, especially in the UAE. "This growth signifies the increasing confidence in the Philippine economy," he commented. Marford Angeles, Philippine Consul General in Dubai, emphasized the exhibition's decade-long contribution to empowering Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs in the UAE, highlighting the strengthened bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE.

Karen Remo, CEO and founder of the New Perspective Media Group, the event’s organizer, expressed optimism about the Philippines' economic prospects, projecting a growth rate of 6.4 percent for the year. "This makes the Philippines a powerhouse in the ASEAN region," she stated, affirming the exhibition's role in promoting the country as a prime investment destination.

The event will feature a variety of real estate, financial, and business solutions and services. It will include over 50 keynotes and forums by more than 50 industry experts and corporate leaders from top Philippine property developers, as well as UAE-based businesses and organizations. With the theme 'Discover, Invest, and Thrive: Revealing the Beauty of Philippine Investments,' PPIE aims to promote investment opportunities in sectors including tourism, showcasing the financial benefits and the cultural and natural heritage of the Philippines.

The PPIE, which has consistently attracted high-level delegations from both the Philippines and the UAE, is set to continue its tradition of excellence, expecting to welcome over 2,500 visitors, and will also feature the Philippine Economic and Investment Summit.

SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION—The provincial government of La Union has provided PHP 1.7 million in agricultural inputs to 40 local farmer groups, gearing up for the upcoming wet cropping season.

According to Philippines News Agency, since April 18, these groups have received a substantial supply of various types of fertilizers and pesticides including urea, ammonium phosphate, muriate of potash, organic fertilizers, and bottles of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

The aid was distributed among farmers from several towns including Bacnotan, Bangar, Luna, San Juan, Agoo, Bauang, Rosario, and Naguilian. In addition to distributing farm inputs, Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David announced that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) conducted the La Union Clustered Hybrid Advocacy Mentoring Partnership (LU-CHAMP) Technology Demonstration. This initiative aims to enhance the use of different hybrid rice varieties and to increase the capability of farmers through innovative practices.

Governor Ortega-David reiterated the provincial government's commitment to advancing agriculture and improving the livelihood of farmers. She highlighted a PHP 3 million emergency trust fund available for registered farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño. This fund is part of broader efforts to provide insurance, drought-resistant seeds, and farm equipment to those impacted by adverse weather conditions.

These measures are part of La Union's strategy to increase agricultural productivity and achieve food sufficiency, aligning with its vision to become the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.