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Edrian B. Banania, Junior Writer

publishing@cardmri.com | 0970-665-3223

Davao City, known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines,” is one of the top growers and exporters of various tropical fruits worldwide. Among its locally grown fruits are durian, mangosteen, banana, and mango. Hence, local fruit growers and sellers have had good success with this endeavor.

Microentrepreneur and CARD client Crisfina Berdos also tried her hand at a fruit-selling venture. She chose mangoes since they are considered a high-value crop. Her relatives also have connections to mango farm owners, so it will be easy for her to find suppliers.

Currently, the business is being run by Crisfina with the help of her family. With collective efforts, dedication, and passion, she said they can distribute as much as 5,000 kilograms per day, which is equivalent to two or three large trucks, or about PhP500,000 to PhP700,000 worth, when all the mangoes are distributed and sold to their wholesalers, retailers, and market traders.

“Our business path is a one-family success journey. Whatever comes our way, we will face and overcome it with trust in one another, drive, passion, and faith in God,” Crisfina said in an interview.

Crisfina and her family may now be reaping the fruits of success after venturing into the wholesale and retail industries, but she could vividly remember how difficult life was back then.

How It Started

Crisfina is a single mother.

She used to work hard to make a living for her family by selling tuna on a regular basis. Unfortunately, she decided to stop after years of running her small tuna business when she became ill. Yet she said she was grateful for the experience, as she had learned the value of sound financial management and budgeting.

With the support of her siblings, Crisfina survived her biggest challenge as she lost her source of income. Her siblings, who are into the mango fruit wholesale and retail business, taught her the ways of the business.

She rented a space at Bankerohan Market in Bankerohan, Davao City, for storage of their bulk supplies, which are usually sold at a wholesale price of PhP100 per kilogram and a retail price of PhP110–120 per kilogram.

Support from CARD MRI

It was in 2017 when Crisfina learned about CARD MRI’s products and services, especially the CARD loans offered to help families start up a small business. Crisfina qualified for a specific loan amount, which she used as capital for her mango fruit business.

According to her, every time she needs additional funds, CARD Bank, Inc., has been her support and partner in achieving higher business goals. Currently, she has renewed her loan amounting to PhP150,000.

Fruits of Success

Crisfina proudly shared that through their mango fruit business, she now has an information technology graduate who is now helping her out in the business as well. She said that her children grew up watching and assisting her with their business; thus, they learned skills and gained knowledge on how to run the said business.

Meanwhile, Crisfina also mentioned that their business had expanded.

Aside from the Bankerohan market, they now supply their produce to known malls and supermarkets. They also supply and distribute mangoes to their partners, who are based in Metro Manila, Cebu City, Island Garden City of Samal, Butuan City, Surigao City, Digos City, Panabo City, and Tagum City.

Over the past years, their business has remained stable in terms of supplies, manpower, sales, income, and having a strong customer and partner relationship.

In the coming years, Crisfina aims to acquire farmlands to boost business production, broaden the market reach, make additional investments, hire more people in the community, and provide them with jobs and sources of income.

“To other people out there, know that hardship is a vital part of success. Just continue to strive, and one day you’ll be reaping the fruits of your hard work, and success will be as sweet as mango,” she said.

Treñas urges concerned agencies to address flood problem

By Vincent P. Grecia

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed alarm over the occurrence of flood in almost half of the city’s 180 barangays last Tuesday, August 29, due to the torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat” enhanced by typhoon Goring.

Treñas observed that the floods experienced in the city recently was most severe ever since Typhoon Frank in June 2008.

With this Treñas urged the concerned agencies to meet in order to address the problem.

“I ask the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), and the academic community together with other experts to sit down with the LGUs in Iloilo province on the recent floods brought about by the strong rains. For the first time in Iloilo City, areas which were not previously flooded experienced intense flooding,” Treñas said in a press statement.

He urged the concerned agencies to study the situation seriously so that “we can prevent similar occurrences in the future”, noting that the projects of the DPWH in the future should be able to prevent “the same to preclude damage to property and worst, loss of lives.”

“On our part, we need to intensify our efforts for tree planting; conversion to renewable energy; bigger drainage systems; more pumping stations; more cisterns; more rain water harvesting facilities; and other measures,” he added.

Data from Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) indicated that as of 6:00 A.M., Aug. 30, 2023, a total of 90 areas in the metro became flooded; while around 12,000 individuals transferred to evacuation centers as of Aug 29, 2023.

Jaro district has the most number of flooded barangays with 24, followed by Mandurriao with 16, City Proper with 13, Arevalo with 12, Molo and La Paz with 10 and Lapuz with five barangays.

The city mayor also thanked the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for the assistance they gave to the residents, making sure that everyone has enough food.

CSWDO reported that they have distributed 2,561 packs of relief goods to the evacuees while the City Health Office provided Doxycycline as prophylaxis for leptospirosis for 5,093 individuals.

Meanwhile, classes from preschool to senior high school in both public and private academic institutions in Iloilo City were also suspended from August 29 until August 30, 2023. (with reports from PIA6 Iloilo)

The Department of agriculture has provided Php 10 million in financial grants to the dragon fruit industry in the Province of Guimaras.
Department of Agriculture Region 6 Agri-Business and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Maria Teresa Solis announced the "good news" during the International Business Forum on Dragon Fruit Farming held last August 10, 2023 at Olivia's Kitchen, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
The grants were given under DA's High Value Crops Development Program that promotes the production, processing, marketing and distribution of high value crops.
Solis said that the financial aid will be used for fertilizer, planting materials, crates and trainings for dragon fruit farmers in the island.
Solis also assured the support of the agency's Agri-Business and Marketing Assistance Division to expand the market of dragon fruit and dragon fruit value added products.
"Very important gid that we should know the market of our commodity that we are going to produce. Indi kita mag-produce kung wala market… wala sure market. Kay usually ma-produce kita and then later on ta lang pangitaon ang market kay gali wala man market. But dragon fruit is very promising because of its nutrients," Solis said.
Guimaras dragon fruit farmers were elated with the help provided by the agency.
Mr. Bonifacio Tespoer, president, Guimaras Dragon Fruit Growers Association, said that they did not expect the financial grant of the Department of Agriculture nevertheless, they are grateful.
He appealed to the agency to provide them a cold storage facility because this is what they need the most according to Tespoer.
Mr. Alvin Nava, provincial agriculturist, said that the financial grant is a big boost for the dragon fruit industry in the province.
The assistance will expand the dragon fruit plantation in Guimaras which will also result in higher production according to Nava.
The Province of Guimaras has just concluded the 10-day festivities for the Dragon Fruit Fest Year 2 which aims to position dragon fruit as an emerging high value crop and tourism event destination attraction in the Province of Guimaras.

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Another member of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion in Brgy Cananaman, Leon, Iloilo, on August 13, 2023.
Rebecca Aliparo alias Mara, a political instructor and a Finance Officer of Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, died after a 3-minute firefight, as soldiers responded to the repeated plea of the local residents on the presence of CPP-NPA terrorists conducting extortion in their community.
Seized from the encounter site were one Cal .45 pistol, bandoliers, magazines, several ammunitions, and assorted war materiel.
Leon Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Manahement Office (MDRRMO) retrieved the cadaver later that day and notified the family of the slain terrorist, who hails from Brgy. Bagacay, Tigbauan, Iloilo.
In a statement, Major Gen. Marion Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said that the death of Aliparo will not be the last. The government forces will continue to run after those terrorists who cause miseries and sufferings to our communities.
“You cannot escape, and while you still have time, give up the senseless armed struggle and regain your future,” Major Gen. Sison emphasized.
Meanwhile, 19 soldiers from the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion of the Philippine Army have been recognized for their exceptional courage and heroic actions during a series of encounters with members of the CPP-NPA rebels.
These engagements took place in Brgy. Camandang and Brgy. Ayabang in Leon, Iloilo, neutralizing two rebels and confiscating four firearms, anti-personnel mines, cellphones, extortion letters, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
The Military Merit Medals were presented to the soldiers in a simple ceremony held at the Battalion Headquarters in Camp Monteclaro, Brgy Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo, on August 8, 2023.
Brigadier General Michael G. Samson, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Arturo S. Balgos Jr., Commanding Officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, officiated the ceremony.
During the event, Brig. Gen. Samson commended the unwavering dedication exhibited by the 61IB troops in their efforts to locate and engage the remaining members of the Southern Front. (3ID Spearhead troopers)

The Iloilo City Government will award corporations and individuals who topped last year’s payments on real property and business taxes as part of the 86th Charter Day celebration on August 25.
“We are always grateful to the business sector for helping in the growth and development of our city despite the previous pandemic and the uncertainty of the economy. They continue to be our staunch partners in ensuring a sustainable, livable and resilient city,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said.
The top 10 corporations and individuals for real property tax (RPT) and business tax categories will be honored in an awarding ceremony to be graced by city officials and department heads, business community, private sector, and other stakeholders.
The 2022 Top Taxpayers in Iloilo City for RPT are the following:
CORPORATIONS
Top 1 – Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC)
Top 2 – SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
Top 3 – Megaworld Corporation
Top 4 – Panay Power Corporation
Top 5 – HEVA Management Development Corporation
Top 6 – Philippine Foremost Milling Corporation
Top 7 – Robinsons Land Corporation
Top 8 – MORE Electric and Power Corporation
Top 9 – Avon River Power Holdings Corporation
Top 10 – TTK Realty and Development Corporation
INDIVIDUALS
Top 1 – Spouses (Sps.) Romeo Go and Jill Go
Top 2 – Sps. Theodore M. Valderrama and Eufemia Wilmett Wuthrich Valderrama
Top 3 – Sps. Lynn S. Kho and James Kho
Top 4 – Sps. Marcelino M. Florete, Jr. and Susan C. Florete
Top 5 – Vicky Yu Yap and Sps. Winston Vincent Yu Yap and Genivie Servidad Yap
Top 6 – Wu Bing Huai
Top 7 – Sps. Emilio S. Diez and Gina S. Diez
Top 8 – Robert U. Po
Top 9 – Marilyn Uy Ong
Top 10 – Sps. Tomas Cheng Chua and Sonita Uy Cheng Chua
Meanwhile, the Top Taxpayers for Business are the following:
CORPORATIONS
Top 1 – PEDC
Top 2 – MORE Electric and Power Corporation
Top 3 – SYL Hermanos Industrial Sales, Inc
Top 4 – Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation
Top 5 – Vic Imperial Appliance Corporation
Top 6 – Mandurriao Star, Inc.
Top 7 – ACM Landholdings, Inc
Top 8 – Philippine Foremost Milling Corporation
Top 9 – Panay Power Corporation
Top 10 – La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation
INDIVIDUALS (Single Proprietorship)
Top 1 – Gilbert F. Falcis
Top 2 – Denate Martin Crisostomo Que
Top 3 – Theodore M. Valderrama
Top 4 – Noemi Borgonia Gevero
Top 5 – Ronnie P. Primaylon
Top 6 – George O. Que
Top 7 – Manuel L. Kho
Top 8 – Alvin Hilario De Guzman Uy
Top 9 – Paul O. Que
Top 10 – Nancy C. Penit
Treñas said every year the city does not fail to recognize the corporations and individuals as a way of highlighting their significance in the city’s progress.
“Indeed, taxes are the lifeblood of the government. Our programs and services for the people are ensured because of these responsible corporations and individuals,” he added. (Iloilo City PIO)

By Vincent P. Grecia

Public schools in Iloilo province are all set for the start of the new academic year next Monday, August 29, 2023.
Department of Education (DepEd) Iloilo Superintendent Dr. Ernesto F. Servillon Jr., in a media conference on August 15, 2023, said that the schools have already started their Oplan Brigada and Balik Eskwela to ensure that all the learning facilities, including the equipment and learning materials, are all set.
“Looking into the plans sang school heads, ang mga interventions nga ginpang-plastar naton like strategies ta para ma-address ang kakulangan sang classrooms and teachers, makasiling gid kita nga ready gid kita and prepared for the opening of classes,” Servillon said.
He acknowledged that just like any other areas in the country, Iloilo is still facing the long-standing problem of classroom and teacher shortage, but revealed that the DepEd central office and the Iloilo Provincial Government are working together to address the gaps.
“Ongoing man ang pag-download sang central office sang fund para sa classroom construction. At the same time, our provincial government, ginagamit man ang aton School Board Fund para sa pag-augment para dugangan ang aton classrooms,” Servillon explained.
Part of DepEd-Iloilo’s interventions include providing temporary learning spaces; utilization of existing structures that can be converted to classrooms; shifting of schedules; and conducting blended learning modality.
Data from DepEd-Iloilo showed that the province lacks 1,652 classrooms, broken down as follows: 302 classrooms for the 1st district; 297 for the 2nd district; 3rd district (385); 4th district (219); and 5th district (449).
For the teaching personnel, DepEd-Iloilo revealed that based on the academic year 2022-2023, more than 800 teachers for Senior High School (SHS) and more than 50 teachers for SPED are needed in the province.
The department, on the other hand, thanked the provincial government for approving its proposal of hiring 500 additional remedial teachers, which will be funded by the Local School Board, to address the lack of teachers, as well as the present learning gaps and performance status of the students.
Servillon also said that they are expecting an increase in the number of enrollees this year from 493,335 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 enrolled in 2022.
Meanwhile, DepEd-Iloilo is planning to launch its program under the Alternative Learning System dubbed Enrollment to Employment, which aims to connect ALS graduate who don’t want to proceed to college to possible employment opportunities through the help of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“I have seen that there is a gap between formal and non-formal students and I thought that after graduation from ALS, ano na matabo? That is why we conceptualize the program that once mag-enroll sila dira, they will end up employed with the help of TESDA and DOLE,” Servillon said. (PIA6 Iloilo)