Monday, February 27, 2012

Davao's Titles and Monikers



Davao is no stranger to superlatives: Davao City being the largest city in the world in terns of land area, and is home to the largest and rarest eagle in the world, and the list goes on. . . Here are the different titles and monikers attributed to the "City in Bloom".

Waling-Waling - Queen of Orchids
Orchid Capital of the Philippines

Davao City is rightfully called a "City in Bloom" due to the vast plantations and garden resorts that grow rare and exotic orchids and other plants. Among florists, Davao City is specifically known all over the world for its famous Waling-Waling, the Queen of Orchids.

Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderana) grows in natural abundance in Davao City particularly at the foot of Mount Apo, the Philippines' Highest Peak, and is endemic to Mindanao. It grows on tree trunks in the rain forests of Davao, Sultan Kudarat, and other parts of Mindanao. Discovered in 1882, it is the largest of Philippine orchids; growing to 60 to 120 centimeters, it blooms when it is about 30 centimeters long and bears a few sets of flat, channeled, and re-curved leaves. A cluster of 12 to 16 flowers opens in succession, with the blossoms usually lasting for about six weeks. Waling-Waling is 7 to 12 centimeters wide, and has a characteristic two-tone look - a pale purple blotched with dark reddish-purple at the tip to the lower sepals that are greenish with a pattern of netted lines and purple-crimson spots. And because of its unique beauty and elegance, the Waling-Waling is widely used in corsages and wedding bouquets, and has been extensively used by orchid growers for the breeding and production of high quality orchid hybrids. Other top-quality orchid species that are found in the Philippines are the 'White Orchid' (Phalaenopsis amabilis) which is known for its large full flowers, and the 'Flame Orchid' (Renanthera storiei) which is widely used in the development of orchid cutflower varieties. It is worshipped as Diwata (fairy) by the native Bagobos, an indigenous tribe of Mindanao. Waling-Waling blooms best in the months of July to October.

Philippine orchids come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and colors, most of which grow only in old-growth forest, often on branches of huge trees several meters above the forest ground. With some 800 to 1,000 species of orchids, the Philippines has one of the richest orchid floras in the world. By contrast, Canada and the United States, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, have only 325 species among them. Most of the Philippine orchids are perched on tree limbs.

Davao's typhoon-free weather all year round with practically no pronounced wet or dry season, and a uniformed distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity, and air pressure, make it conducive to growing rare exotic orchids and plants. Moreover, the Davao City has more than 1,000 square kilometers of lush tropical forest, or about 47% of its total land area with rich volcanic soil that allows rare plants to thrive and flourish freely. All these qualities contributed to the eventual declaration of Davao City as the official "Orchid Capital of the Philippines", by then President Corazon C. Aquino.


Durian -  The King of Fruits
Fruit Basket of the Philippines -  Durianburg, The City of Durian

Davao is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of banana, papaya, mangosteen, and even flowers. Davao's rich fertile volcanic soil makes it most suitable for sustained production of the freshest and tastiest tropical fruits in the Philippines. Since the fruits are locally produced, the prices are comparably much cheaper than anywhere in the country.

Durian has become almost synonymous with Davao City because of its abundance, and because of its scarcity in other parts of the Philippines, many have sought after this exotic fruit.  Its distinctive large size and infamous pungent odour, and its formidable dark khaki or dull green thorn-covered husk with thick, short, pointed spines, earned its name the "King of Fruits". It can grow as large as 12 inches long and 6 inches in diameter, and it typically weighs one to three kilograms. Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk from green to brown, and its flesh from pale yellow to red, depending on the species. The edible flesh emits a distinctive pungent smell, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. While some people regard the Durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust. Its infamous odour, however, has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation. Durian is considered by many an aphrodisiac. Although Durian is usually in season during August to October, it is available year-round.

Davao City is typhoon-free and enjoys a balmy weather all year round. It is characterized by a uniformed 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 Celsius, and the average rainfall is up to 2,000 mm yearly.


Philippine Eagle - King of Philippine Skies
Home of the Great Bird of Asia –Soaring High in the New Millennium

Philippine Eagle - "King of Philippine Skies", or the Monkey-Eating Eagle, known locally as "Haribon" or "Haring Ibon," which means "Bird King", and whose scientific name is Pithecophaga Jefferyi, is the largest, and most powerful forest-dwelling eagles in the world. It is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

As early as the 1960s ornithologists have predicted its extinction, and in 1965, the Philippine Eagle was declared an endangered species. Loss of habitat due to the irresponsible exploitation of our forest, massive mining, and uncontrolled hunting is the primary cause that nearly drove the Philippine Eagle to its near extinction. It is now considered as one of the rarest eagle in the world with fewer than 500 Philippine eagles are estimated to survive and remain in the wild today.

The largest number of Philippine Eagles reside in the rain forests of Mindanao, with over 200 breeding pairs in captivity at the Philippine Eagle Center at Malagos Village, Calinan, Davao City. The Center is home to the Philippine Eagles, which are held captive, cared for, and bred. It also houses other species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Center is tasked to protect and provide sanctuary to Philippine Eagles. While it is primarily a conservation breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, it is open to the public for educational purposes. Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Center offers visitors a glimpse into the Philippines’s forest ecosystem. The facility is also considered a major tourist attraction in Davao City with its lush gardens and scenery. In July 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos declared the Philippine Eagle as the Philippines' National Bird.


Davao Convention and Trade Center
Convention Center of the Philippine South

With the increasing number of modern, sophisticated, and state-of-the-art convention facilities and exhibition centers, complemented by the establishment of numerous new first-class hotels and resorts due to the remarkable influx and steady growth of tourism and related products and services, Davao City has firmly positioned itself as the Convention Center of the Philippine South, and has become the preferred destination for conventions and conferences both locally and internationally.


Gateway to the East ASEAN Growth Area

In 1994, government representatives and businessmen from the Philippines, Brunei, Manado, North Sulawesi of Indonesia, and Sabah for Malaysia have gathered together in Davao City for the biggest historical convention ever held in the region and formally established the newest trading bloc and emerging polygon of power in Asia, the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Philippines-Malaysia East ASEAN Growth Area or the BIMP-EAGA. The BIMP-EAGA was formed mainly because the areas that comprised its member nations used to be a trading bloc during the 12th century up to the 15th century where people enjoyed borderless economies with barter trading as the most common economic practice. Centuries of colonialism, imperialism and the establishment of governments within the chain of islands halted these exchanges.

In the heart of this formation, Davao City paved the way for the re-establishment of cooperation between its member nations to advance the free movement of people, goods, services, and improve cultural and economic ties within the sub-regional trade bloc. Through these developments, direct air and sea linkages to the islands have been established making Davao City the gateway to the East ASEAN Growth Area.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Rodrigo Duterte


The Honorable Rodrigo Duterte
Photo courtesy of skyscrapercity.com

To this day, it is my firm belief that the impressive progress and much success of Davao City over the years and all the other unique qualities that make Davao City what it is today is largely due to the strong and benevolent leadership of none other than its former mayor, The Honorable Rodrigo R. Duterte, (now vice-mayor), and equally the peace-loving disciplined Dabawenyos who faithfully support him and for whom Duterte has dedicated his entire life as the city's most loyal public servant.

Born Rodrigo Roa Duterte on March 28, 1945 at Maasin, Leyte, to parents, Vicente G. Duterte and Soledad R. Duterte, public service is not something entirely new to him; his father (now deceased) was Governor of Davao in the 1950s, and his mother, who is fondly called, "Nanay Soleng", was a school teacher and a civic leader who once headed former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino's "Yellow Friday Movement" and the regionalized peace process with the communists in the 1980s.

Duterte was just like any other kid according to Nanay Soleng but adventurous in ways that other kids would not even dare or venture into. He was always out of the house looking for some action elsewhere. When Duterte was a young teenager at age 14, he piloted a small plane hovering about the neighborhood to the consternation of his parents. He was such a problem child that his father exiled him to Digos, Davao del Sur, where he finished high school in Holy Cross of Digos in 1966. Duterte graduated law at San Beda College in Manila under Class 1972, and passed the bar examination in the same year. He then had a short stint as lecturer on Criminal Law, Criminal Evidence and Criminal Procedure at the Philippine National Police Academy Regional Training Center XI before joining the government as prosecutor at the Davao City Prosecution Office from 1977 to 1986. He was then appointed officer-in-charge (OIC) vice mayor and had served as special counsel where he prosecuted cases involving police and military personnel, including subversion and rebellion cases filed against alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA), until he became assistant fiscal after the 1986 EDSA Revolution in Manila - a popular non-violent uprising known as "People Power Revolution" (February 22-25, 1986) that overthrew the 20-year dictatorship of President Ferdinand E. Marcos and installed Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino as President, mother of now incumbent President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III.

Even while Martial Law was still in effect in the entire country at that time, Duterte was known to be fearless, recommending prosecution of abusive police and military personnel. He is never afraid of criminals. He was even known to have kicked a man in the chest inside the court room which landed him in jail.

In 1988, Duterte ran for mayor and won. Since then, he never lost an election bid. As mayor, he not only ran after criminals in the city, but was instrumental in uniting the different tribes and cultures in Davao, as well as the other political groups. He designated deputy mayors that represented the Lumads and Moro in the city government, a first in the country which was later copied in other parts of the country. He was reelected mayor in 1992 and 1995. In 1998, he ran for the House of Representatives and won as Congressman for the 1st District of Davao City until 2001. In 2001, he ran again for mayor in Davao and was again elected for his fourth term. He was reelected in 2004 and in 2007. He is currently the vice mayor of Davao City, with his daughter Sarah "Inday" Duterte-Carpio taking his place as mayor.

"Digong", as his closest friends call him, or "Rody", or simply, "Duterte", may have ruled Davao City with what some call "iron-fist", and rid the city of criminals. His hatred for criminals changed Davao City; from the "Murder Capital of the Philippines" to the "One of the Most Peaceful Cities in the Philippines". Under his leadership, Davao earned a string of awards, both local and international, year after year. Duterte, who has been nicknamed "The Punisher" by Time magazine, has been criticized by human rights groups and by Amnesty International for tolerating extrajudicial killings of corrupt officials and criminals, but unknown to many, deeply hidden behind all the tough persona lies a kindhearted man with an ever soft spot for the poor, whose plight he has always championed. His effectively governance has not only brought prestige, and honor, but also the much needed investments to the city which now provide numerous jobs to all Dabawenyos. Duterte has also implemented landmark laws and city ordinances being the ever first mayor in the Philippines to enforce a city-wide ban on smoking in public places. He also banned the use of fireworks in the city. He strictly implemented a policy that prohibits selling of alcoholic drinks from 2AM to 6AM. He also created the first and only 911 Emergency hotline in all of Asia - a search and rescue unit, and fire and medical emergency response teams for Davao City.



Personal Information

Name: RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

Date of Birth: March 28, 1945
Place of Birth: Maasin, Southern Leyte
Father : Gov. Vicente G. Duterte (deceased)
Mother : Soledad R. Duterte
Marital Status : Married
Name of Children : Paolo, Sara, Sebastian, and Veronica
Occupation : Lawyer
School : San Beda College - Class 1972 - Bar 1972

Educational Attainment

Elementary - Sta. Ana Elementary School, Davao City (1956)

High School - Holy Cross of Digos, Davao Sur (1966)

College - Bachelor of Arts in Lyceum of the Philippines, graduated 1968, and Bachelor of Laws
 at the San Beda College, graduated, 1972

Work Experience

Lecturer on Criminal Law, Criminal Evidence & Criminal Procedure, Police Academy Regional Training Center XI, 1973
Special Counsel – City Prosecution Office, Davao City, 1977-1979
Fourth Assistant City Prosecutor, City Prosecution Office, Davao City, 1979-1981
Third Assistant City Prosecutor, City Prosecution Office, Davao City, 1981-1983
Second Assistant City Prosecutor, City Prosecution Office, Davao City, 1983-1986
Vice-Mayor,Davao City, 1986 - 1988
Elected City Mayor, Davao City, 1988 - 1992
Re-elected City Mayor, Davao City, 1992 - 1995
Re-elected City Mayor, Davao City, 1995 - 1998
Elected Congressman, 1st District of Davao City, 1998 - 2001
Elected City Mayor, Davao City, 2001 - 2004
Re-elected City Mayor, Davao City, 2004 - 2007
Re-elected City Mayor, Davao City, 2007 - 2010
Elected Vice Mayor, Davao City, 2010 - Present

Affiliations in Organization

Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Davao Lions International - Chinatown chapter
Member, Davao Practical Shooting Association
Member, On Any Sunday Riders


Davao City Awards and Citations:

* MOST CULTURE-FRIENDLY CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES (2009)

* ONE OF THE 20 MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN ASIA

In the annual survey made by Asiaweek on the 40 Best cities in Asia, Davao City has unfailingly made it to the top for four consecutive years (1996-1999).

* THE PHILIPPINES’ MOST LIVABLE CITY

One of the Only Three Areas in the World to have the Integrated emergency Response System 911 as Top 25 Best Practices in the Philippines.

Davao City is one of only three areas in world, after the United States and Canada to have the Integrated Emergency Response System 911, a fully computerized response system linking the people of the city to the emergency resources of the government.

Davao City received an award for its Project 911 from the League of Cities in the Philippines in 2003, as one of the Top 25 Best Practices in the Philippines.

* TOP DESTINATION OF THE YEAR, Kalakbay Awards (1997)

* CLEANEST AND GREENEST HIGHLY-URBANIZED CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Davao City received an award of excellence from the Office of the President as the 1st Runner-up in the Cleanest and Greenest Highly-Urbanized City in the Philippines-Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Awards 2004, and the second runner up for three consecutive years in 2001-2003.

* CLEANEST AND GREENEST CITY IN 1999

Davao City was awarded the Cleanest and Greenest City in 1999 for its clean and green program that focus on environmental rehabilitation, protection and conservation, intensification of solid waste management program, pollution control, re-greening of the urban areas, forest and watershed management.

* MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Davao City came out as the runaway choice for the coveted spot in the first-ever selection of the Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines in 1988 and 1999 due to its local government’s programs and initiatives directly benefiting the children.

It has also won nods for the initiative to pass a landmark legislation - the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code of 1994, the first of its kind in the country, specifically geared towards addressing the rights, services and protection of children, therefore upholding their welfare and interests in high regard.

* MOST COMPETITIVE CITY TO DO BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES

In 2002, Davao City was recognized as the Most Competitive City to do Business in the Philippines by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center and the Department of Trade and Industry in their assessment of Philippine Cities Competitiveness. In 2003, Davao was also chosen 3rd Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippine Cities Competitiveness ranking.

* MOST GENDER RESPONSIVE LGU IN THE PHILIPPINES

Gawad Galing Pook 2004 Awardee
National Commission on the Rights for Women (NCRFW) Award for Gender Responsive Local Governance 2005

* HALL OF FAME, BEST PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL IN THE PHILIPPINES

The National Peace and Order Council of the National Police Commission placed Davao City in the Hall of Fame in 2004 for winning Best Peace and Order Council in Region XI  for three consecutive years (1999-2002). It is recognition of Davao City’s sustained and exemplary accomplishments in implementing programs and projects of the Peace and Order Councils (POC’S) at various levels.

* MOST OUTSTANDING LGU: Regional Literacy Awards and 2nd Place in the 2005 National Literacy Awards

The Department of  Education hailed Davao City as the "Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the 2005 National Literacy Awards”, all under the Highly Urbanized City Category.

* REGIONAL GREEN BANNER AWARDEE

The National Nutrition Council of the Department of Agriculture awarded Davao City the "2004 Regional Green Banner" in recognition of the City Nutrition Committee’s exemplary performance in managing the nutrition program of the city, thereby contributing to the improvement of the nutritional status of its constituents.

* TOP GOVERNMENT WITHHOLDING AGENT

The Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region 19, Revenue District No. 113, Davao City recognized the City Government for its invaluable  support and contribution to RDO 113 as the "Top Government Withholding Agent" by making substantial tax payment - an act of patriotism worthy of recognition and commendation.

* TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Davao City was chosen “Destination of the Year” by the Kalakbay Awards in 1997.

* MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION

The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCII) was bestowed the "Most Outstanding Chamber Award for 2005" . DCCII was likewise recognized as the "Best Chamber in the Asia-Pacific Region" during a selection held in New Delhi in 2005.

* MOST OUTSTANDING KBP CHAPTER IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas acknowledged its Davao City local chapter as the "Best KBP Chapter for 2004." It was once again given recognition for winning "2nd Place for the Best Local Chapter Report."

* CLEANEST AIR IN THE WORLD-MEMBER OF THE CLEAN CITIES COALITION

In 2005, Davao City was launched as the second pilot area of the Clean Cities Program (CCP) implemented by the Sustainable Energy Development Program (SEDP), in partnership with the US Department of Energy (USDOE) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum, Davao del Norte


Christ the King Cathedral

This is the Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum, Davao del Norte which is the biggest cathedral in the Philippines and where the world's largest and longest Rosary can be found. The cathedral sits on a 2 hectare donated land at the corners of Gonzales Avenue and Sobrecary Street in Magugpo, South of Tagum City, about 53 kilometers north of Davao City. It was in built in 1993 solely from donations and took 12 years to finish, in time for the celebration of the silver anniversary of the Diocese of Tagum City in 2005.

Beautiful Sculptures adorn the frontage of the Basilca

Rear portion

The Altar

The Rosary

Weighing at 2,815 kilos, and measuring 85.5 meters long, this giant Rosary is the largest and longest wooden rosary in the world. Each bead weighs 35 kg. It is made of Magcomo or iron wood that is native to the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. This beautiful artwork, which  was designed by local artist Kublai Millan of Davao City, was originally intended as a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Tagum City in 2005.

The Cross of the Rosary

Rosary Beads

Tagum City is a First Class City in the 1st Congressional District of Davao del Norte. It was cited by the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project as one of the 20 most viable and competitive business sites in the Philippines in 2005. Considered as one of the fastest-growing cities in Mindanao and in the Philippines, Tagum City has become a bustling hub of culture, commerce, health services, and entertainment in the Davao Region, and in the southern Philippine region.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Balut Island


Balut Island

Unknown to many, there is a beautiful small island that lies at the southernmost tip of Davao del Sur, southwest of Sarangani Island in Mindanao, Philippines called the Balut Island, also known as Balut Volcano, or Sanguil which is starting to become a tourist attraction because of the many spectacular features the island offers such as sandy white beaches, a hot spring, a volcano, historical landmarks, lush vegetation, and a whole lot more. Beach volleyball, kayaking, skim boarding, an 11-kilometer swim across the bay, and other bay sports are only just a few fun activities in the island. The word Balut is a Maguindanaon term which means "an island". 

Balut Island is volcanic island situated 5°24'N 125°23'E and 5°24'N 125°23'E, about 3 kilometers east of Sarangani Island, and is only an hour away from the nearest Indonesian Island. It has a total land area of approximately 80 square kilometers, and about 862 meters above sea level. In the center of the island is Balut Volcano which has an elevation of 2,828 feet (862 meters). Balut is part of the Central Mindanao Arc, an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. All volcanoes in the Philippines are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. While the island is volcanic (Stratovolcano), there are no reported eruptions in historical times. 
The island is about 170 km southwest of Davao City, and 70 km southeast of General Santos City. It is composed of 12 barangays (11 of these are coastal barangays) mostly populated by Bilaan, Muslims, and the Sangils who landed in the island in the mid 14th century from Sangir Island, North of Indonesia, when the Dutch took dominion over the island. The Sangils are natives of Indonesia.

Farming is the island's major economic activity, with coconut as the major crop. An estimated 64.44% of the total land area is planted with coconuts (6,085 hectares of the total land area of 9,443 hectares).

Balut Island is endowed with rich marine and coastal resources, and fishing is a major source of livelihood. While there are only a few full-time fishers on the island, almost everyone is at least partly engaged in fishing activities and shares in the abundant marine life.

Below are just few of the places that one can explore while enjoying the beautiful sights the Island offers:

Sabung Hot Spring 

The hot spring is located in Barangay Lipol, and is a popular destination for tourists. It is about 16 meters wide with temperature reaching 80° Celsius. Its source flows from Bad-lii in the mountains of Kalisusu and Kagongkong, about a 2-hour trek from the hot spring. 

Light House

This old light house was erected by the Americans during the American regime which fronts the bay of Ulaniban, a three-kilometer of white sand encircling the 16-hectare island belonging to barangay Patuco. It was used by the Americans to guide their warships en route to Australia.

White sand beach at Ulaniban 

Marorong Islet

Marorong Islet, also called Balistic Island because of its bullet-like shape, is about 70 meters across Balut Island where the ruins of the once mighty fortress built by Spanish navigator, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos can be found. Villalobos and his army landed in the islet on his way to Moluccas Island in 1543. However, settlement and colonization was never attempted. The area was considered part of the realm of the Sultan of Maguindanao and is now changeably called the islet "Fort Villalobos".

Ruins of Fort Villalobos

Once the mighty fortress built by Spanish navigator Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, this historical ruins is one of the many landmarks of the municipality that can be found at Marorong Islet. It has a proximity of about 130 meters away from Mabila port.

View of the Island atop  Gomtago mountain

Atop Gomtago mountain down to the valley commands a magnificent view of the whole island, the open sea, and part of the mainland that connects Sarangani province, and the even the nearest islands of Indonesia on a fair weather.


Pgymy Sperm Whale

Pgymy Sperm Whale is a usual sight in the Celebes Sea. Orcas or Killer Whales are also often spotted in the Sarangani sea.

HOW TO GET TO BALUT ISLAND

There are buses from Davao City that go to General Santos City in South Cotabato where one can board a motororized boat called M/V Song of Dolly 3 which is usually docked at the Lions Beach, or via M/V Nieky 2 and M/V Sabhangat at the wharf of Puting Bato. The boat ride, which may not be as convenient as the big waves and strong surf are perilous except in the months of March to May, usually takes 5 hours.

Oh, by the way, HAPPY VALENTINE'S to ALL!!!


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

University of the Philippines Mindanao


University of the Philippines Mindanao
Photo by pinoy-ofw.com

This special post is in response to a request of one of the readers of this blog, and for whom and his son, who now studies in UP Mindanao, this post is warmly dedicated.

The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) is one of the three universities worldwide that offers degree programs in Agribusiness Economics (ABE), and because of this, the  university is regarded as one-of-a-kind in the Philippines for offering such programs. Located at Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City, UP Mindanao was created on February 20, 1995 by virtue of Republic Act 7889, whose main focus is in Mindanao studies through programs in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao with a view of attracting Muslims and Lumads, as well as marginalized and deserving students. It is one of the six universities of UP in the country, and the only one in Mindanao.

UP Mindanao is governed by an 11-member Board of Regents composed of: the UP President; the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); the chairpersons of the Committee of Higher Education of the Senate, and the House of Representatives; 4 regents representing the student, faculty, alumni, and staff sectors; and 3 regents who are appointed by the President of the Philippines. The university is directly administered by the Chancellor, who is assisted by the Vice Chancellors for Academic Affairs and Administration. The University Council is composed of the Chancellor, university professors, associate and assistant professors of the university. The Chancellor serves as Chairperson, and the University Registrar as Secretary. The Council exercises disciplinary power over the students through its Chancellor or Executive Committee within the limits prescribed by the rules of discipline approved by the Board Regents. The Executive Committee, which counts as members the Deans of the various degree-granting units of the university, acts in an advisory capacity to the Chancellors in all matters pertaining to their offices. The President of the University is an ex-officio member of the University Council of each constituent university and presides over its meetings.

The Administration Building which houses the university offices,
College of Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Management

Photo by skyscrapercity.com

The Administration Building houses the Administrative Offices and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and School of Management (SOM) classrooms. It was designed by Francisco C. Santos, Jr. inspired by Bagobo architecture and design after the Quezon Hall (Administration Building) of UP Diliman.

Atrium

The Atrium of the Administration Building is where most university events are held. As with the other UP campuses, the University is home to many student organizations that sponsor many activities, most notably during the months of July, December, and February where said organizations foster camaraderie and felowship. Most of the events are organized by the UP Mindanao University Student Council (USC) and student organizations, and are supported by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). Other events are also hosted by courses and student organizations, notably course-based organizations, fraternities and sororities.

Kanluran

Academic Building I (Kanluran) houses the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) and the DOST-SEI Regional Biotechnology Laboratory. It was aptly named "Kanluran" due to its western location in the campus. In 2007, the Philippines' Commission on Higher Education (CHED) awarded a National Center of Development (COD) to UPMin in Information Technology (College of Science and Mathematics). Currently the university is developing itself to become a Center of Culture and Languages, engaging in activities enriching the Filipino and ethnic languages and Mindanao through literature and translation. The university is also an active member of the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DCUN) in the field of cultural integration and development. It aims to become the best science university in Southern Philippines with the UP Mindanao Science and Technology Park Consortium. The university’s long term plan is to transform UPMin to a "green university town", the only one of its kind in the UP system and in the Philippines.

Elias B. Lopez Hall

Elias B. Lopez Hall houses the Student Housing Services office, dormitory rooms which can accommodate about 250 occupants, the University Clinic, and the Interactive Learning Center-Learning Resource Center. The hall was named in honor of Congressman Elias B. Lopez, the so-called "Father of UP in Mindanao" who was the main proponent of the establishment of the university. The EBL Hall serves as the student residence center of the university administered by the Student Housing Section (SHS) under the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). Several dormitories and apartments are also near the campus, located mostly at Sitio Basak and Mintal, where most of the upperclassmen coming in and outside Davao City reside.

Kalimudan

The Kalimudan Student Center was opened in August 2010, and houses commercial establishments and related facilities. Even before the establishment of UPMin, Barangay Mintal, particularly the area of Bago Oshiro, is one of the agriculture research centers within Davao, housing many of the Department of Agriculture's research centers. Centers for scientific education and research, notably the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus at Sto. Niño and the Mindanao Science Centrum at Bago Oshiro, are also within Barangay Mintal, further defining the area as an "academic and research hub". With the establishment of UPMin in Mintal, this once sleepy barangay has been rapidly transformed into a small university town within Davao City, with businesses and establishments built around the university serving the needs of the students and faculty. Furthermore, the UP Mindanao Land Use and Master Development Plan aims to create UP Mindanao a "Green University Town", being a "garden" campus with emphasis on the Mindanaoan culture, with each building reflecting each ethno-linguistic group in Mindanao.

SOM Building

The SOM Building (UP Mindanao City Campus, UP Anda) is located in F. Iñigo Street (formerly Anda Street) in downtown Davao City. It houses the old Terazza Milesa building where classes for the School of Management (SOM) major subjects and Masters Degrees, and the UP Open University Davao office. This building was formerly an old hotel rented by the former UPMin Administration for their offices and temporarily served as an extension campus while same moved from the old Ladislawa campus. Upon the completion of the SOM Building at the main campus, the remaining facilities had been moved into the new building at Mintal.

Oblation

Inspired from UP Diliman's University Avenue, the Mindanao Avenue connects the Administration Building directly into the road network of Mintal-Sitio Basak which enshrines the Oblation statue that has been the iconic figure of the university. The Oblation is the iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines represented by a man with arms wide-stretched and face facing up symbolizing selfless offering of one’s self to his countr. The original Oblation in UP Diliman was made by Professor Guillermo E. Tolentino with the help of his student apprentice, Anastacio T. Caedo. Several replicas of the Oblation were made for the university, some by national artist, Napoleon Abueva, and 2005 national artist nominee Glenn Bautista.

Maguindanao Road

Maguindanao Road (Kanluran Road) is the largest and the main road in the university. The road connects the Administration Building with the Elias B. Lopez Dormitory with Kanluran. It has a distance of 1.1 kilometers from the Administration Building to Kanluran where the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) and the DOST-SEI Regional Biotechnology Laboratory can be found. The campus has its own network of jeepney transportation called "UPMin Ikot" which is supported by motorcycles and tricycles called "Habal-habal" and "Princess", respectively. They usually ply the Admin-Kanluran, Admin-Sitio Basak, Admin-Mintal and Kanluran-Mintal routes.

UP Mindanao is composed of two colleges and one school: the College of the Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), which focuses on the cultural diversity of Mindanao; the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), which studies the local flora and pioneering scientific development; and the School of Management (SOM), which undertakes research on supply chain management. 

Degree-Granting Units: 

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (Dean: Prof. Maria Araceli Dans-Lee)

- Department of Architecture
     * Discipline in Architecture

- Department of Humanities
     * Discipline in Communication Arts
          *Media Arts
          *Speech Communication
     *Discipline in Creative Writing

- Department of Human Kinetics
     *Discipline in Physical Education

- Department of Social Sciences
     *Discipline in Anthropology
     *Discipline in Psychology
     *Discipline in Social Sciences

College of Science and Mathematics (Dean: Dr. Reynaldo G. Abad)

- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies
     *Discipline in Animal Science
     *Discipline in Biology
     *Discipline in Crop Science
     *Discipline in Ecology
     *Discipline in Microbiology
     *Discipline in Wildlife
     *Discipline in Zoology

- Department of Food Science and Chemistry
     *Discipline in Chemistry
     *Discipline in Food Science and Technology

- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
     *Discipline in Applied Mathematics
     *Discipline in Computer Science
     *Discipline in Mathematics
     *Discipline in Physics
     *Discipline in Statistics

School of Management (Dean: Dr. Sylvia B. Concepcion)
- Discipline in Agribusiness Economics
- Discipline in Management
- Graduate Program in Management

Academic Programs:

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)

- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (BAA)
- Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (BACA)
     *Major in Media Arts
     *Major in Speech and Corporate Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in English (BAE)
     *Major in Creative Writing

College of Science and Mathematics (CSM)

- Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (BSAM)
     *Major in Operations Research
- Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSB)
     *Major in Cell Biology
     *Major in Ecology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)
- Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT)
     *Specialization in Food Business
     *Specialization in Food Processing
     *Specialization in Food Science

School of Management (SOM)
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Economics (BSABE)
-Master in Management (MM)
-Diploma and Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning (MAURP)


University of the Philippines Mindanao
Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City, 
Website www.upmin.edu.ph
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