The first elected City Mayor, Hon. Rey T. Uy takes his oath before Hon. Lucilo Rallos. His is a tough job considering the many problems he has inherited, not to mention the cost- cuting economic measures imposed by then President Fidel V. Ramos still hanging like a millstone around the LGU's neck, putting a constraint on his efforts to start implementing the new administration's program of local governance..

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THE CUTTING EDGE

The  

 INAUGURAL  ADDRESS

(Editor’s Note: Frontier as defined in Compton’s Encyclopedia "is the cutting edge of the civilization behind it into the wilderness ahead." The term "wilderness" as used in the context of this magazine is the untapped resources, the golden opportunities waiting to be discovered and harnessed in Tagum City. As it is, we regard the Local Chief Executive, the Mayor, as our leader, the one that forges ahead, pioneering into new ventures, and cutting his way into little known avenues of local governance, across odds and challenges, opening opportunities for people and investors alike, for those who dare follow him. This page, which we boldly call the "The Cutting Edge" is the Local Chief Executive’s venue for his views, messages and other information that will give the people of Tagum a fairly good idea of the direction he is leading Tagum City in the duration of his term.In this maiden issue, The Golden Frontier features his Inaugural Address, as yet unpublished in the LGU's official publication, because here he mentions the thrusts of his administration, and what he intends to do about major issues concerning the City of Tagum.)

Greetings!

This very important moment is a time of reckoning, a call for greater glory.

Exactly a hundred years today, our forefathers, the nations heroes and martyrs, gave us our first bite of FREEDOM, our foremost taste of UNITY and NATIONALISM. One hundred years of Philippine Independence. History tells us over and over how our forefathers fought, struggled and died in pursuit of the Filipino’s undying passion for freedom. Today is indeed a celebration of LIFE and LIBERTY, a TOAST to a glorious past and an earnest HOPE for a much better future. But even as we honor the known and unknown heroes of our country, so must we also remember and pay tribute to our very own unsung heroes here in the City of Tagum. Tagum's 56 ½ years of being a municipality and the 97 days of city hood has undoubtedly meant tireless efforts, perseverance and painful struggle by our local leaders, to achieve the very status that Tagum has gained today.

Hence, it is most fitting to express the people’s gratitude and to give honors to the elders who have contributed significant changes to this community, especially in terms of its political and economic structures. Yes, we salute you for your legacies: to the first appointed Mayor Manuel Suaybaguio in 1941, who was later formally elected as the first Mayor in 1947; to the succeeding Mayors, the late Hon. Eliseo Wakan ( 1951 - 1955), the late Hon. Hermigildo Baloyo (1955 - 1971); the Hon. Gelacio Gementiza, who was mayor from 1971 - 1979 and is now the Vice-Governor- Elect of Davao del Norte Province; Hon. Leonardo Tolentino in 1979 who stayed only for eight months, and was succeeded by OIC- Mayor Prospero Estabillo in 1980-1986; Hon. OIC - Mayor Baltazar A. Sator 1986 to 1987; Hon. OIC- Mayor Antonio Lagunsad for three (3) months; the immediate past- elected Municipal and First City Mayor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Jr. (1988 - 1998) and the present OIC-City Mayor Octavio R. Valle who assumed office March 7 of this year.

I reiterate, we salute you all for your legacies and deeds. For you, my honoured predecessors, have paved the way for important changes to take place. CHANGE is vital, if we aim for true independence in our lives, in our community.

For Tagum, a component city of Davao del Norte Province, independence is yet partial. The people’s struggle does not end up here. The effort to achieve greater glory must continue until we gain complete freedom; we do not only look forward to a change in the political structure of Tagum from component city into a charter city but more so to the attainment of political maturity among our people from all walks of life.

We can only claim true freedom when we have honestly answered these questions: As collective people, what do we really want for Tagum? As separate individuals, what do we earnestly want for ourselves, our children and grandchildren? Indeed, for us, newly - elected Centennial officials of this city, greater challenges and much opportunities lie ahead for us.

We must constantly be reminded then of the VOWS we made in making this city attain its maturity. For in this era of super high-technology, the incoming administration no longer has the luxury of another 50 or 100 years, which our forefathers fortunately had.

We are faced with very little choice but to fast- track the ten-point platform of government we professed to pursue, if elected. Thus :

• Agricultural development must now be able to take off in the barangay.

• Appropriate order and functional systems in the urban centers must provide necessary environment conducive to sustainable business and economic growth, for big and small enterprises alike;

• Greater and effective partnership in development must be allowed between the private / non-government sectors;

• Most importantly, this administration is duty - bound to a mission - driven, innovative but responsive government; result-service- and people-oriented kind of governance.

For this platform to take effect, the incoming administration shall immediately focus its FIRST ONE HUNDRED DAYS on these urgent issues:

• To firmly and finally resolve all the conflicts and obstacles surrounding the new public market, to prevent such noble project from becoming a "white elephant", at the same time, to enable the City Government to start facing its obligations to the funding institutions, the people’s obligation which has now reached to about P47 million.

• To undertake the necessary steps at the Tagum Overland Transport Integrated Terminal, paving the way for the transfer of all bus and jeep terminals into its proper place;

• Likewise, to seriously address traffic-related problems, as being clamored by the general riding public.

• If the previous administration was part of the problem in the controversial pollution issue at Barangay Apokon, the incoming administration shall become part of its solution.

An objective and comprehensive public health safety shall soon be undertaken by the City Council, the Department of Health, the University of the Philippines Institute of Public Health in cooperation with an American University in Maryland. Initial talks and negotiations between agencies, the gold milling processors and concerned sectoral groups are now in process.

Recommendations from this study shall be known publicly and shall finally determine the destiny of the gold milling industry in Apokon or anywhere else in Tagum. There shall no longer be back - passing of this problem.

* To enhance the physical image of Tagum City deserving of its new status, we shall start clearing up obstructions in the major streets specifically the National Highways, as well as pedestrians and sidewalks, for purposes of beautification, cleanliness and orderliness.

* We, the newly- elected City officials, in gratitude to our predecessors, are now tasked to firmly implement existing ordinances addressing social problems like the seemingly invisible but widespread sale and use of illegal drugs, the unregulated sale of pornographic materials made are accessible even to our young children, disturbing video - karera, especially near the schools and other problem many having social ill- effects.

To restore the prestige and dignity of our law enforcers and protectors, we shall have to upgrade our existing Police Force in terms of training, facilities and logistics and increase in number. Visibiliy of people - friendly police guards must be enhanced to prevent commission of crimes in a new city like ours.

While we upgrade some sectors of the civil service, we need to streamline some parts of the bureaucracy. This shall be done soon after a fair and objective performance - evaluation of our present civil servants.

The last but probably the most important concern for the first 100 days is to thoroughly review the budget and financial capabilities of the City Government as a prerequisite to the implementation of its programs and projects.

Given the expected increase in the Internal Revenue Allotment from the national coffers and improve efficiency in tax collections, there shall be little room for failure in pursuing these goals.

Well-respected people of the City of Tagum, these courses of action will surely painful to some but beneficial to many. These steps must be taken for this is the only path for us to tread. Towards this end, may we be

reminded too, that community and public service is definitely not a monopoly of the government officials and their employees or its structures. Community service certainly requires the response, the cooperation and active participation of EVERY INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUENT of this city.

While the government must recognize and respect the rights and privileges of every citizen corresponding to his rights. This is the core, the very fabric of democratic civil service.

Like our forefathers, our dream, our pursuit for REAL CHANGES, for TRUE FREEDOM can be achieved when we selflessly five our FULL COMMITMENT to this desire.

This is a serious calling upon you, upon me, upon us all. Indeed, "the kind of government we are is the kind of government we have. Just as the kind of government we have is the kind of people we become."

 We celebrate today the harvest of the fruits of the labors of our forefathers. Let us begin to rejoice the acceptance of this CHALLENGE, the opportunity of becoming the modern heroes for the new millennium.

MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT 

                                       SGD. REY T. UY 

                                                                                                City Mayor

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FRONTIER  EVENTS

Tagum City wins regional clean and green tilt

He is also facilitating the fast tracking of the construction of a more effective drainage system not only to enhance our efforts in the Clean and Green Program but also to address the problems on health and sanitation where an efficient drainage system plays an important role. This is also to address the threat of the coming of La Niña, that dreadful weather condition which brings as much trouble as El Niño. 

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C V B P C conducts training

TASECA holds 3rd literary-musical and sports contest

The said activity was participated in by 250 Senior Citizens coming from the different barangays of Tagum City. The theme for the occasion, was Katandaang Pilipino: Tunay na Bayan, Hiyas ng Bayan. It was a celebration which gave the elderly citizens a chance to prove that life is still worthwhile even after retirements and that they can still be contributors to development.

Different talents were displayed which lent the spirit of joviality to the celebration. Distinguished guests, visitors and judges included Hon. Noel Tabacon, Hon. Oscar Bermudez, Ms. Persy Berdos, Ms. Fe Inutan, Ms. Darvie Bonotan, Mr. Louie Selario and Mr. Gordie Sarona.

Winners of the different events were given recognition. For literary-musical contest: vocal solo- Mr. Mario Manto; poem- Mr. Amando Bantayan; chorus - Magugpo Central; ballroom dancing- Mr. Isaias Guades and Sebastiana Lalugan. For sports contest; walkathon (men)- Mr. Crecencio Paras; walkathon (women)- Mrs. Leonrica Sab-a; table tennis- Mr. Lorenzo Rubio; billiard - Mr. Jacinto Limpian; dart - Mrs. Perla Canda; chess - Mr.Joel Gavino and dama - Mrs.Loren Parrenas.

Mr. Federico C .Velasco, Federation President of TASECA stressed that the active participation in this activity will foster closer camaraderie among senior citizens. He added that the winners will represent the city to congressional level on October 2,1998. Whoever wins in the aforesaid contest will compete for the regional level.

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FRONTIER  EVENTS

Hon. Mayor Rey T. Uy had his blood pressure taken during the CSC activity Spirit of 100 Hours: Alay sa Bayan, a voluntary blood donation program.

Lapined hailed one of the Most Outstanding HRM Officer in Region IX

Mr. Bernardino M. Lapined , HRMO IV of this city was adjudged as one among five outstanding HRM officers in Region XI in the Search for Awardees launched by the Civil Service Commission, Regional Office XI.

Lapined received the special award in a simple but fitting ceremony held last September 25, 1998 at the SGM Resource Center, USP, Davao City. The awarding ceremony is part of CSC's celebration of Linggo ng Pagkilala at Pagpapahalaga in observance of the 98th Civil Service Anniversary.

The award for the Most Outstanding HRMO was given in recognition of the invaluable deeds of the awardee which immensely contributed to the progress and aspirations for quality public service not only of the Civil Service but of the entire bureaucracy.

Lapined met the criteria set for the search : active advocacy and dedicated performance based on the 1997 work accomplishment, outstanding performance in terms of human resource relation, quality of personal actions, soundness and completeness, personal records, maintenance of personal functions and, of course, that the HRMO is incumbent to the position.

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F E A T U R E

Tagum,  the Newest Gold City of the South

Originally, Tagum was known as "Magugpo." According to a story, the meaning of Magugpo was derived from the native word "mago," a name of a certain tree and "ugpo," which means very high. The natives were occupying a river basin (the Hijo river) within thickly covered virgin forest of very tall trees and clinging vines. From their village, the natives could not see the sun. A native has to climb one of the tall mango trees just to get a glimpse of the sun.

Long before pioneer migrants from Luzon and Visayas settled in Tagum it was nothing but a vast wilderness inhabited by the natives composed of Mansaka, Maguanga, Mandaya and Kalagan in the coastal areas of Davao gulf. It became a municipality by virtue of E.O. 452 issued by then Pres. Manuel L. Quezon on June 23, 1941.

Owing to its strategic location, be it in the north, south, east or west direction, it became the capital town and the seat of Provincial Government of Davao del Norte on July 1, 1967 when was divided into three, namely : Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. This was the turning point of Tagum as an important center for various socio-economic activities.

Cavendish banana plantations were opened in 1970s creating job opportunities thereby resulting to an influx of migrants coming from different regions in the country.

The gold rush in the neighboring municipalities of Maco, Compostela, Monkayo and Pantukan during the early part of 1980 triggered the unstoppable growth of Tagum. It served as the processing center of this precious metal. The once sleepy town became a beehive of business activities and the center of commerce and trade. More banking institutions opened branches, housing subdivisions sprouted, and several private and government institutions were established in Tagum.

March 7,1998, it was a significant day for Tagumweños. It was on this day that Tagum was declared a component city by virtue of RA 8472, signalling its continued march towards progress. Mayor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Jr. became Tagum’s first city mayor.

Today, Tagum stands as a proud to be thriving city where prominent corporations and companies had either put-up their establishment signified their interest to investing here.

Nestle Experimental and Demo Farm, a research and training facility for coffee farmers is now situated in a 20-hectare lot in Magdum, Tagum City. Orient Wood Industrial Co., a chopstick, veneer, and furniture manufacturing firm is exporting their products to Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. El Coco Manufacturing & Trading Corporation and Royce Foods, Inc. are producing export quality cardava banana chips. There are also around twenty goldsmiths and jewelry shops in the city proper.

The JAKA Group of Companies is contemplating to build a four - hectare desiccated coconut plant. AMSTEEL Corporation will develop a 33 hectare memorial park, which is a unique project because it will be the only memorial park probably in the entire Region XI that will have an inland resort. Soon Pryce Gases, Inc. will be establishing their LPG Refilling Plant with a capacity of 2.64 tons/hour.

The most significant project in Tagum City however, is the proposed MADAUM SPECIAL ECOZONE, about 14 kms from the city proper roughly 15 minutes travel time via any motorized vehicle. Aggregate land area of this project is around 700 hectares. Approximately 445 has. shall be allotted for light and medium, non- pollutive, non-hazardous industries. Kawasaki industries, Mitsubishi Industries, Panasonic and Levi’s are some of the well-known multi-national companies who signified their intention to locate in the area.

On the other hand, about 298 has. shall be exclusively used for the ecotourism complex where an 18 hole golf course, wild life sanctuary, resorts, theme parks, hotels, etc. will be established. The land conversion of the ecozone was approved recently by the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC).

JS Gaisano, Inc., Tagum Gaisano Center, Buenas Supermart, Grande Supermart, and NCCC are some of the available local department stores. The latter is also planning to construct 3-storey modern shopping mall.

There are now twenty-three banks in Tagum. Some of these banking institutions offer ATM services to its clients.

Registered business, establishments reached 3,388 as of June 30, 1998. Motorized tricycles, the major mode of transport is numbered around 3,500. Ride for Davao City is now available 24 hours daily either through an air-conditioned/non air-conditioned bus, taxi, or car rental services.

According to September 1995 NSO survey, Tagum has a total population of 156,588. Estimated population as of 1998 is 180,000. Projected population for the year 2000 is 224,481 based on the average growth rate of 4.62%. Total land area is 19,000 hectares.

Albeit Tagum has already a duly approved land use plan, Mayor Rey T. Uy, the new local chief executive of this premier city is considering the revision of the aforesaid plan. This is in order to conform with the recent developmental trends specially so that Tagum is rapidly urbanizing.

In close coordination with the new set of Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice-Mayor Gerardo R. Racho, Mayor Uy isalso committed of keeping Tagum a truly conducive place to live and invest. It is summarized in his plans and visions for the city as follows: a. Free Tagum from the menace of drugs; b. Appropriate order and functional business and economic growth for big and small enterprise alike; c. Affordable social services must be made accessible, especially in far flung barangays; d. That his administration is duty-bound to a mission-driven, result, service and people-oriented kind of governance. 

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F E A T U R E

Tagum Livestock Auction Center: realization of a farmer's dream.

"Its very frustrating... I should have sold that pig at P 2,000.00," lamented a poor farmer who felt "cheated" by a middleman. The latter, locally known as "jambolero" just bought from the said Farmer a 50kg swine at a wholesale price of P 1,900.00. This mode of transaction is known in the vernacular as "pakyawan" system.

The fair market price should have be at least P 2,100.00 computed at P 42/kg multiplied by 50kg. Thus, the farmer virtually "lost" P200.00 from the above deal.

This is just one big problem that our farmers face. There is also the relatively high cost of transportation which also affects them. Jeepneys, buses, and tricycles charge the equivalent of one passenger’s fare to a head of swine. These are three major means of transport within the far flung and nearby municipalities as well as barangays of Tagum City. Single motorcycles, locally known as "habal-habal" charge a much higher freight cost. At most, they collect P1.00 per kilo for the animal.

Other than the ‘pakyawan’ market system, the prevailing malpractice done by some "jamboleros", is the use of an old measuring apparatus known in vernacular as "espada" in weighing animals. This sword-like weighing scale is another means of cheating a poor gutlible farmer who may not be familiar with the device in getting the accurate or exact weight of the animal.

The above situation discourages farmers instead of encouraging them to maximize production. It is also disadvantageous on the part of the buying public because the animal and poultry products reach them at a much higher price - courtesy of the price add-ons of the "jamboleros".

The absence of a legitimate livestock inspector is another problem detrimental to public health. We are not 100% sure that the traded live animal and poultry products are disease-free, or their meat is safe for public consumption knowing that these product are sold or displayed anywhere, be it in a busy thoroughfare or streets in the central business district of the city proper. Aside from the foul odor emitted by these products, they are also an eye-sore and negatively affects the image of a city on the rise.

The bottom line of the above scenario is the lack of a market place where farmers and the consuming public can transact business directly - minus, of course, the unscrupulous middlemen or "jamboleros".

Thus, the plan to establish a livestock market in a specific and strategic location was conceptualized by the Local Government of Tagum under the administration of then Mayor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Jr.

By the first quarter of 1995, he commissioned the City Planning and Development Office to prepare the Tagum Livestock Auction Center (TLAC) feasibility study. The City Agricultural Office and the City Engineer’s Office also assisted in preparing the study. By the second quarter of the same year, the TLAC feasibility study was completed and endorsed to the Department of Agriculture.

Lucky for Tagumweños, the national government approved the TLAC project before the end of 1995. It granted and appropriated the amount of P 950,000.00 for its initial take off. An additional of P 3,000,000.00 was later released for the completion of the facility. Senator Nikki Coseteng also allocated P 950,000.00 from her countrywide development fund. The Bureau of Animal Industry, a subsidiary division of the Department of Agriculture also provided one unit 1.2-ton capacity "dial-type" Toledo weighing scale.

Since the livestock market is relatively a new concept as an economic enterprise, the problems that came along the way, other than the funding for its completion, included the management system and the preparation of its operations manual. The latter would also serve as the basis of enacting an ordinance to operate the facility.

This is where the Local Government Support Program - XI (LGSP -XI) came into the picture. LGSP is a joint undertaking of the Regional Development Council and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The timely intervention of LGSP of enhancing and upgrading the technical capability building program is instrumental in the preparation of the City Ordinance for the TLAC Management Operations Manual. Investment promotions, agri-industrial development, gender and development, environment, value formation, eco-tourism, and land

use planning are just some of the remarkable interventions of the LGSP which helped a lot of LGUs.

Practically, the common problem that beset the LGUs as a result of the decentralization program of the national government by virtue of R.A. 7160 is the lack of adequate technical know-how among its front line personnel. 

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F E A T U R E

"suffer not the children..."

There is one dream that all Filipinos share: that our children may have a better life than we had."

"There is one vision that is distinctly Filipino: the vision to make this country, our country, a nation for our children."

These are beautiful words of aspirations, of hope for our children. There are a number of negative forces, however, that work against the realization of this dream and this vision for our children.

One of these is child labor. Child labor has always been a serious problem in many countries in the world. In the Philippines it is estimated that 2.8 million children are victims of child labor. The fast growing incidence of child labor in the country requires immediate national attention. Moreover, a lot of the actions needed to counter, reduce and eventually stop child labor have to be done right in every community. Right here in the city of Tagum, child labor has become evident that it already requires community action.

In the Philippines, the pressure that pushes children to work at a tender age is poverty. It is said that if child labor has a pusher, it is poverty. It is the principal culprit in child labor. As the country’s economic difficulties persist, and as more and more families are pushed to the brink of poverty, an increasing number of children are forced to work just to survive.

Cultural values may also push children to premature employment. Parents basically affirm that teaching children how to work is important. On top of this is the value that the family is central to one’s life and that each member must help keep the family live. This strong sense of duty makes children decide to work, especially when a job contributes to the family’s survival.

Political events also interact with economic factors to make child labor more probable. For instance, counter insurgency campaigns have led to the dislocation of families and the loss of parents, forcing children to work for their own survival.

Work among children, per se, is not wrong. Work for children, however becomes objectionable --

1) when work is hazardous to the health and morals of children because it involves exposing them to eminent risks which endanger their safety and health. The nature and conditions of work are prejudicial or harmful to their physical, psychological, emotional, moral and social well- being, especially night work and work in the streets which expose them to drug use and sexual encounter;

2) work for children also becomes objectionable when it is exploitative. Work is exploitative when the production of goods and services by children benefits the employer or the adults more than themselves in instances when work requires long working hours; provides low pay; and, is used as substitute for adult labor;

3) work for children is also objectionable when the children’s personal development are sacrificed or discriminated against in violation of their rights in instances when work prevents them from obtaining education, from enjoying the right to play and right to recreation.

Childhood, you will agree, is the period of life which should be dedicated not to work, but to education and development.

You may ask ‘Why child labor?

Unscrupulous employers resort to it because it is unskilled labor; the jobs require a minimum of skills; it is labor without employment status; it is flexible labor force that readily accepts reduction in pay and longer hours of work; it is cheap; it is profitable; and the work is well suited to children.

As you can see, child labor, in general, is wrong because it is a situation that exploits the innocence of children.

I am happy to note that a series of orientation seminars are being started towards the community, aware that child labor exists and it victimizes Filipino children.

Last September 15, 1998, the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children conducted a consultation-dialogue for the Provincial Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (PSWC) to revitalize the PSWC as a local subcommittee that will ensure the effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Right of Children (CRC) and the Philippine Plan of Action for Children or the PPAC. The PSWS is the umbrella entity that will subsume and will see to the implementation of programs and projects addressed to the welfare and protection of children, child labor including.

Last September 19, the Rotary Club of Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S., jointly with the DOLE Provincial Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office of the City Government of Tagum conducted a Child Labor Forum. And today, we have this orientation on the Child Labor Program and the Sagip Batang Manggawa Quick Action Program (SBMQAP) and the organization of the Program Implementation Committee (PIC) and the Sagip Batang Manggagawa Quick Acion Team.

These information and education campaign against child labor, I would like to believe, augur well for this formation of a potent force that will advocate against this form of child abuse.  

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F E A T U R E

What the public should know about child labor?

Child labor is employing children below 15 years old in factories and industries where they are not directly under the supervision of their parents. This jeopardizes their right to education, health and total well-being.

Getting children below 18 years to engage in hazardous occupation is child labor.

Hazardous work for children involves exposing them to imminent risks which endanger their safety and health.

The effects of hazardous occupation is both physical and psychosocial:

* High incidence of respiratory diseases

* Poor nutrition

*Susceptibility to infectious diseases

*Exposure to sexually-transmitted diseases

*Stunted intellectual and physical development

In general, child labor is a situation that exploits the innocence of children. This includes;

* using children as sexual workers (child prostitution),

* locking up children and forcing them to work (bonded labor).

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects them from:

* Economic exploitation (Art. 32)

* all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (Article 34)

which includes:

* Forcing children to engage in sexual act; inducing children into prostitution and involving them in pornographic performances and materials.

The Philippines has signed other UN conventions that protect children. Employers in our country must abide by the international standard set in these agreements:

1) Employers cannot hire children under 15 industrial Work: mining, quarrying, manufacturing, construction and transportation.

2) Employers cannot hire children under 18 in hazardous occupation.

3) Employers cannot allow children to do night work.

Republic Act 7658 on stopping child labor needs to be fully enforced. As a general rule, no child below 15 years old shall be employed. Moreover, children below 18 years shall not be employed in undertakings that are hazardous in nature.

The only exceptions are :

* When the child is working under the sole responsibility of his parents or legal guardian in the enterprise;

* Where the child’s employment is essential in public entertainment or information.

However, these exceptions come with additional responsibilities for the employer and family. As an employer, you must make sure of:

a. Protection, health, safety, morals and normal development of the child;

b. Measures to prevent the child’s exploitation or discrimination;

c. Continuing programs for training and upgrading the child’s skills; and

d. Work permit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which shall observe the above requirements. DOLE is tasked to monitor that these requirements are met.

If child labor had a pusher, it ought to be poverty. Areas with high incidence of child labor always turn up to be poverty stricken. The issue becomes more complicated because parents ask their children to work. Sometimes, children themselves volunteer out of poverty.

In cases like quarrying, parent take on pakyawan contract work to transport and crumble rocks. They bring their children to work with them. Since the contract pay is fixed, the children’s labor goes unpaid.

Although poverty is deep-seated and cannot be instantly solved, the government and its partners, including UNICEF, are taking several ways to prevent children from engaging in hazardous labor.

These steps include:

* Informing communities and making them aware of the hazards of child labor, not only to children, but also to their families;

* Informing employers about child labor issues and laws against child labor;

* Starting community self-help programs that will aid in keeping children away from child labor; and

* Making schools and other social services accessible and affordable to poor families.

Children who are already working must be released from child labor. In cases where releasing them it difficult, or takes time, action should be made to make their life more tolerable and less hazardous.

But children working or extremely hazardous work, in bonded labor, or in prostitution are the priority of rescue operation.

Record show that more than 200 young workers have so far been rescued from subhuman working conditions in factories, poultry and piggeries, and entertainment clubs. This is just a small portion of the estimated 2.8 million child victims of hazardous and exploitative labor.

After being rescued from child labor, the children-along with their families-must be given adequate services and facilities so that they will not revert to child labor. Projects in areas where families allow their children to go to work can also become a preventive measure against would-be victims of child labor.

Good projects in these areas could include livelihood programs, health, psychosocial services, and information campaigns to increase the awareness on the problem of child labor.

Ms. Raymunda Silfverberg:                 

Sterling Silver

Meet the Lady Boss in the City Administrator's Office, Ms. Raymunda R. Silfverberg, married to Jõrgen Silfverberg, a Swedish national with whom she is blessed with two winsome Nordic beauties, Nicole Mayzie, 16, and Denise Valerie, 11.

Though petite, Madame Munding, as she is fondly called by many, exudes an air of authority and class that makes her stand out in a crowd of hustling and bustling city government employees attending to the requests and demands of an impatient transacting public. But don't let that diminutive size fool you for a moment. Behind those spectacles and dazzling smile is a razor-sharp mind that can cut you down to size with a minimum of well-chosen and soft-spoken words. Others say she's strict. Maybe - if you think that reprimanding a subordinate for not being able to live up to what is expected of her as a public servant is being strict. Or, if you happen to meet her and she does not smile back or return your greetings, but instead forges ahead and goes straight to the Mayor's Office for a consultation about some urgent matters that need the Mayor's decision.

Well, maybe, she's a bit strict; but that is probably because she is a no-nonsense lady who knows what she wants and how she wants things done. After all, with all the workload on her shoulders and all the consultative meetings she has to attend not to mention the occasions she has to represent the Chief Executive, the City Administrator does not have the luxury of time to coddle and sweet-talk anyone. Right! She's direct to the point and she is not one to mince her words, as many found out during the marathon consultative meetings she has conducted for weeks in a row now. Again, this prompted some to ask, "Does she ever get tired?". She drives hard, but she has only the best of intentions. She says what's in her mind, and it will take an open-minded and similarly driven person to stand up to her.

She may appear a bit formidable, but be ready to be dazzled by a sunny, appreciative smile when she's pleased about work well done, or a happy gurgle of laughter when things are working well and are done according to how they should be done.

The present city administration could not have chosen a better city administrator than the one we have now. She's a gem: facilitative, fluent, intelligent, dynamic, and what is more, she has genuine concern for the public. Sterling qualities, indeed.

Maybe it would help us know what makes her tick and why she's the way (we say she is) if we know some of her personal circumstances. For one, the Lady Boss is a Taurus. She was born April 21. (Never mind the year.) She also had her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Ateneo de Davao College where she continued to hone her razor-sharp mind graduating as Cum Laude, after graduating as high school valedictorian from Saint Mary's College. As if that was not enough, she had to earn her Masters Degree in Economics at the School of Economics at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Among the prestigious scholarships she received was the one from the Rockefeller Foundation. With this formidable academic performance, who would wonder at all the different positions and consultancy jobs she held in various companies, organizations and local government units.

To talk about all her achievements and involvements in many endeavors would be overwhelming, to say the least. This writer is apprehensive you would start avoiding her like a plague if you know what else she has up her sleeves and behind the dignified front she keeps.

Psst..., this is just between you and me. She can be a softie, too. Just show her that you can work as hard as she does. Show your best smile and try to hide your shaking. Share with her innovative and creative ideas about your work. And presto, you have a friend - for life.

That's Ms. Raymunda R. Silfverberg, the City Administrator of Tagum.

Approved Resolutions & City Ordinances

RES. NO. 238 - Resolution creating the City Sports Development Council in the City of Tagum, Proponent; Councilor Alfredo D. de Veyra.

RES. NO. 242 - Resolution authorizing the City Mayor, Hon. Rey T. Uy, to sign for and in behalf of the City of Tagum a Memorandum of Agreement with DATELCO Global Communications, Inc. (DGCI). Tagum City. Proponent: Councilor Reynaldo P. Alba.

RES. NO. 253 - Resolution supporting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in implementing the Search for the Most Outstanding Stall Owners/Vendors in Tagum City Public Market with the corresponding budget of P7,000.00. Proponents: Councilor Geterito T. Gementiza, Councilor Agripino G. Coquilla, Jr., & Councilor Tristan Royce R. Aala.

RES. NO. 261 - Resolution requesting His Excellency Joseph E. Estrada, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to issue a Presidential Proclamation and Special Patent declaring Lot No. 26, CCS 131 situated at Barangay La Filipina Tagum City, Davao del Norte with an area of 16,630 sq. meters as Public Cemetery Site. Proponent: Councilor Macario A. Bermudez, II & Councilor Joedel T. Caasi.

RES. NO. 262 - Resolution requesting His Excellency Joseph E. Estrada, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to issue a Presidential Proclamation and a Special Patent (Original Certificate Title) declaring Lots 1 and 2 (Municipal Hall Site), 3 and 4 (Old Public Market Site) SWO-11-000001-D with an area of 22,067 square meters for government site of the City of Tagum. Proponents: Councilor Macario A. Bermudez, II & Councilor Joedel T. Caasi.

RES. NO. 263 - Resolution requesting His Excellency Joseph E. Estrada, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to issue a Presidential Proclamation and Special Patent declaring Lot No. 7218, CCS 131 situated at Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte with an area of 17,890.53 square meters as Public Cemetery Site. Proponents: Councilor Macario A. Bermudez, II & Councilor Joedel T. Caasi.

RES. NO. 265 - Resolution adopting the action plan and schedule for the codification of General Ordinances of the City of Tagum. Proponent: Councilor Allan L. Rellon.

RES. NO. 267 - Resolution creating a Technical Committee for the codification of General Ordinances of the City of Tagum and providing for its Composition and Functions, Proponent: Councilor Allan L. Rellon.

RES. NO. 269 - Resolution granting financial assistance to the four (4) Police Non-Commission Officers who are presently undergoing the Public Safety Senior / Junior Leadership Course in Mintal, Davao City which all be taken from Training and Seminars fund in the Office of the City Mayor. Proponent: Councilor Tristan Royce R. Aala.

RES. NO. 283 - Resolution requesting the transfer without cost, a Mighty Mite with Chassis No. M 101-30483, Engine No. 16068 in the name of the City Government of Tagum Proponent: Councilor Agripino G. Coquilla, Jr.

RES. NO. 284 - Resolution authorizing the Honorable City Mayor of Tagum, to scout and negotiate for more or less Three Hundred Hectares of land not necessarily contiguous in boundaries anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of Tagum City thru donation and or purchase at reasonable price and accept them as the offer comes for public use as site for socialized housing and shelter for displaced residents, new city hall, forest park and plaza, demonstration farm, training center, complex institution for abused, abandoned and battered children and women and for other city government purposes. Proponents: Councilor Fortunato A. Dayot & Councilor Alfredo D. de Veyra.

RES. NO. 285 - Resolution creating a Project Local Office (PLO) of the Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project (ARCDP) of the City of Tagum and providing for its compositions and functions thereof. Proponent: Councilor Agripino G. Coquilla, Jr.

RES. NO. 291 - Resolution authorizing the COMELEC to occupy a portion of the City Library for the storage of COMELEC files and other documents and paraphernalia. Proponent: Councilor Oscar M. Bermudez.

RES. NO. 286 - Resolution requesting His Excellency Joseph E. Estrada, to turn over without cost the NIA office and area there of located at Barangay Magdum, City of Tagum for the establishment of community High School and/or technical school, Proponent: Councilor Francisco C. Remitar.

RES. NO. 313 - Resolution declaring Appro. Ord. No. 04, s-1998 of the Sangguniang Barangay of Magugpo West, Tagum City, operative effective upon its approval. Proponent: Councilor Francisco C. Remitar.

RES. NO. 314 - Resolution donating portions of salvaged building materials such as G.L sheets or lumber, etc. from the demolished old market to Barangay Magugpo West, this city, sufficient for use in the construction of Barangay Health Center. Proponent: Councilor Fortunato A. Dayot

RES. NO. 330 - Resolution requesting His Excellency Joseph E. Estrada, President of the Republic of the Philippines to issue a Presidential Proclamation and special patent on Lot No. 596-A situated at Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte containing an area of 826,040 sq. m. a reserve for school site and other city government purposes. Councilor Allan L. Rellon.

RES. NO. 339 - Resolution authorizing the city Mayor, Hon. Rey T. Uy, a sign for and be half of he city of Tagum, a Memorandum of agreement with a Sacred Heart Homeowners Association, Tagum City, for a soft loan financial assistance of One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos, as equity of land acquisition with National Housing Authority (NHA). Proponent; Councilor Macario A. Bermudez, II, Councilor Reynaldo P. Alba and Councilor Joedel T. Caasi.

RES. NO. 340 - Resolution creating the City Reorganization Committee in the city of Tagum and providing its composition an function. Proponent; Councilor Allan L. Rellon.

RES. NO. 341 - Resolution confirming Barangay Ord. No. 08, s-1998 of the Sangguniang Barangay of Magdum, Tagum City. Proponent; Councilor Francisco C. Remitar.

RES. NO. 342 - Resolution declaring 8,6176 hectares of land which is a portion of 12,6397 hectares covered by tax declaration No. 37112, Lot No. 2146-B owned by Consorio Mirafuentes (Represented by Ricardo Mirafunetes), the whole area of 12,1154 hectares covered by TCT No. (F-897) T-153, Lot No. 2145-B owned by Martina Mirafuentes (represented by Modesto Cabreros) both situated at Barangay Nueva Fuersa; and the area covered by OCT. No. P-17596, Lot No. 2548, CAD 276 with an area of 11,6698 hectares owned by Rodolfo Alonsagay (Represented by Engr. Rolando Alonsagay) as substantially greater economic value for residential commercial and industrial purpose. Proponents; Councilor Joedel T. Caasi and Councilor Alfredo D. de Veyra.

RES. NO. 347 - Resolution requesting Tagum Water District (TWD) to furnish Tagum City with an estimated cost of piping material from Merville subdivision to Barangay Magdum for possible inclusion in the 1999 Annual budget, Proponent: Councilor Alfredo D. de Veyra.

RES. NO. 348 - Resolution urging Tagum Water District (WD) immediately facilitate water connection to Country Homes Subdivision located at Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. Proponent; Councilor Alfredo D. de Veyra.

RES. NO. 349 - Resolution declaring Lot No. 956, CAD-276 containing an area of 39,184 sq. m. situated in Barangay Bincungan as property of the city of Tagum to be subdivided into Lot No.956-A with an of 13,033 sq. m. Bincungan Elementary School, Lot No. 956 -B with an area of 998 sq. m. for Government road, Lot No. 956-C with an area of 13,312 sq. m. for Jose Tuazon Jr. Memorial National High School Annex, NO. 956-D with an area of 9,862 sq. m. for Government relocation site, and Lot No. 956-E casement purposes. Proponent: Councilor Allan L Rellon.

The word frontier, for most people, traditionally connotes the wilderness. Others think of it as primitive. In the very physical meaning of the word, this basic definition of the frontier is true. But as used in this publication, the frontier connotes not the wilderness but the many untapped resources, the many promising potential and the seemingly endless opportunities one may find in Tagum City. That is why the preceding definition is printed here so that readers will think of Tagum City as the Golden Frontier. This is how we would like the readers to regard Tagum City---a golden frontier where opportunities and challenges lie waiting to be transformed into realities that will make life for the people of Tagum even better.

Events, people, ideas, impressions, opinions will merge in a wellspring of development communication intended to open a flood gate of information which the city government hopes would propel the constituents to strive more, to rise above the adversities of life and to prosper through what the land can give and the opportunities the local government can create with the people's support and cooperation.

We have moved into the frontier of a component city. What should keep us from moving ahead and developing into a highly urbanized city? The answer lies in the officials' and constituents' courage to venture into unfamiliar paths, the will to hold on in the face of odds, the heart to care for the environment and the generosity to give of time, talent and treasure for the City of Tagum.