Former ?Mutya ng Dabaw? and Davao Today columnist Joan Mae Soco has always dreamed of enjoying the beaches of Phuket, Thailand. Little did she know that, only six hours away by land, in Baganga, Davao Oriental, is a paradise that is just as lovely. She filed this report about a recent trip there.
The indigenous peoples of the Malaysian state of Sarawak have to contend with forces of tradition and development that often clash. The resultant cultural, economic and political stirrings are not unlike what the Lumads in Mindanao go through. Davao Today associate editor Germelina A. Lacorte, who spent weeks in Sarawak earlier this year as part of her journalism fellowship with the Southeast Asia Press Alliance, chronicles the struggles of our neighboring tribes.
Davao?s exporters complain of longer travel time for their goods to reach Japanese cities. According to them, this problem has affected the competitiveness of Davao exports. Germelina A. Lacorte reports.
Business leaders in Davao City are optimistic that the city’s economy will improve next year. They cite expected growth in the information communication technology and tourism sectors, as well as an increase in small and medium enterprises.
Tuna exporters are lobbying for a direct flight between Davao City and Tokyo, in order to ensure, according to them the fresh delivery of produce from the city.