For the People: Councilor Javi Garcia Campos Announces Bid for Congress with a Commitment to Davao's Second District

 

Davao City,— Second District Councilor Javi Garcia Campos announced his congressional bid on November 9, speaking to residents of Barangay Communal about his intention to elevate his public service and ensure that the needs of his district remain prioritized. Campos, who comes from a lineage of public servants, is the eldest grandson of the late Nonoy Garcia, the longtime congressman of the second district. With his candidacy, he aims to continue his family’s 40-year legacy of service and provide meaningful choices to his constituents.

Campos emphasized that his decision to run for a higher office was rooted in a principle of putting the people first, even if it means aligning with the current administration. He noted that in a democratic country like the Philippines, siding with the majority in government can bring real benefits in terms of funding and projects that support the welfare of local communities.

"In a choice between a political party and the people, it is always a logical and moral choice to pick the people," Campos stated. By aligning with the administration, he said he hopes to secure the necessary resources that will uplift the lives of residents in Davao's second district.

Campos’s candidacy not only continues his family's tradition of public service but also aims to give residents the power to choose their leaders. By running for congress, he seeks to advocate for the people’s interests directly, ensuring that their voices are heard in national discussions.

As election season approaches, Campos’s message of commitment to the people of the second district resonates, offering them a chance to engage in a leadership that prioritizes their welfare and legacy of dedicated public service.

Pilipinas Sambo Shines on the World Stage: Three Medals in 2024 Under Paolo Tancontian’s Leadership

 

The year 2024 has been a banner year for Pilipinas Sambo, the Davao City-based national sports association dedicated to the Russian martial art of Sambo. Under the guidance of President Paolo Tancontian, the organization has achieved unprecedented success, with Filipina athletes securing three medals in international competitions.

Davao City natives Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna brought pride to the Philippines by winning bronze medals at the 2024 World Beach SAMBO Championships, held on September 7-8 in Casablanca, Morocco. Competing in the -72kg category, Consigna showcased exceptional skill, clinching her bronze by defeating Dauletzhan Nazereke of Kazakhstan. Sy-Tancontian, competing in the +72kg category, also delivered a stellar performance. She advanced to the semifinals after an intense quarterfinal victory over Sylla Ramatoulaye from Guinea.

Adding to this success, Aislinn Yap emerged as a world champion, winning gold in the 80kg Combat SAMBO Women's division at the 2024 World SAMBO Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yap’s teammates in the tournament also achieved strong world rankings, further establishing Pilipinas Sambo as a competitive force internationally.

Tancontian, a proud Davaoeño, expressed his happiness over the team’s accomplishments this year. Confident that 2025 holds even greater potential, he attributes the association’s progress to a strong grassroots program that continues to nurture young talent across the country. With Tancontian’s vision and leadership, Pilipinas Sambo is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in the global Sambo community.

Digos City's Rising Star Jhonard Clarito Named PBA's Most Improved Player of 2024

 

Jhonard Clarito, a versatile basketball player hailing from Digos City, Davao del Sur, has been honored as the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Most Improved Player for 2024. Playing for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Clarito’s rise in the league has been both unexpected and inspiring, proving that hard work and dedication can yield incredible results.

Drafted 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA draft, the former Cor Jesu College standout has displayed a well-rounded game and remarkable consistency over the past two seasons. Clarito’s success as a low-draft pick, combined with his solid performances on the court, earned him this prestigious award, marking him as one of the league’s emerging talents.

Much like his townmate, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Clarito is known for his skills in rebounding and scoring—a reputation he built during his amateur days with the San Juan Knights, where he helped lead the team to championships in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Clarito’s commitment to delivering double-doubles has not only advanced his team’s efforts but also impressed fans and coaches across the league.

Reflecting on his former player’s achievement, Cor Jesu College basketball team coach Babols Senarillos expressed his pride and joy. "Jhonard's dedication and hard work have paid off, and I couldn't be prouder of his journey from Digos to the big stage," said Senarillos. Clarito’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes from Digos City and beyond, showing that big dreams are within reach for those willing to chase them.(Bob Braceros)

"Anthony Elorde, 'The Great Wall of Davao,' Shines in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers"

 

Davao City’s rising football talent, Anthony Elorde, made waves as he represented the Philippines in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers held in Cambodia from October 19 to 27. A member of the CR7 Football Club and a student at Southpoint School of Davao, Elorde played a pivotal role in the team’s strong defense, earning the nickname "The Great Wall of Davao."

Throughout the tournament, Elorde's defensive prowess was instrumental in helping the Philippines secure two victories, including an impressive 2-0 win against host team Cambodia. His speed and agility on the field reflect the athletic lineage of his family—he is a descendant of the late Filipino boxing legend Flash Elorde.

Despite their determined performance and two wins in four matches, the Philippine team narrowly missed advancing to the playoff round. However, Elorde’s impressive play and solid defense provided a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine football and cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Karlo Nograles Aims to Fast-Track Digitalization to Attract Investors to Davao City

 

Davao City—Former Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairman Atty. Karlo Nograles, who is vying for the mayoral seat in Davao City in 2025, emphasized the need to accelerate digital processes to boost the city's business environment and attract investors. According to Nograles, transforming key business transactions, such as securing permits and processing payments, into seamless online procedures will reduce delays and ease the burden on businesses.

"To build a competitive and attractive environment, we must proactively draw investors to Davao City, not wait for them to come on their own," Nograles said. As a former first district congressman, he has seen firsthand the potential benefits of digitalization and made it clear that this initiative would be among his top priorities if elected. His digitalization agenda aims to cut red tape, streamline services, and foster a business-friendly climate, enhancing Davao City's appeal to both local and international investors.

Nograles' push for a digitally responsive city government is seen as part of his broader plan to position Davao as a leading investment hub in the Philippines, capitalizing on technology to improve efficiency and support economic growth.

Mlang tennis sensation wins two titles in Thailand

 

Photo:Bobie Angelo

Seventeen-year-old Tennielle Madis delivered an impressive performance in Nonthaburi, Thailand, capturing both the girls' singles and doubles titles at the ITF J60 tournament. After claiming the doubles trophy with partner Stefi Aludo earlier, Madis, a resident of Mlang, North Cotabato showcased her resilience in the singles final, rallying from a set down to defeat China’s Lingyou Ge with a thrilling 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback.

This latest singles victory marks Madis' third ITF Junior title, adding to her wins at the J30 tournament in Manila and the J60 in Sri Lanka. On the doubles front, this is her third career title and her second with Aludo.

The duo will remain in Thailand to compete in another leg of the ITF circuit before heading to Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. As scholars of the Philippine Tennis Academy, both Madis and Aludo train under the guidance of former national team member Bobie Angelo, preparing them for an even brighter future in international tennis.(Bob Braceros)

Davaoeño Sambo Practitioner Chino Sy Tancontian Eyes New Glory at Judo sa Kodokan in Japan

 

After securing a gold medal in the challenging Blue Belt Adult Super Heavy Division of the World Jiujitsu Championship in Japan on September 29, Davaoeño Sambo practitioner Chino Sy Tancontian is aiming for another triumph for the Philippines. This time, Tancontian is set to compete in the prestigious Judo sa Kodokan, an international martial arts competition in Japan, on October 3.

Pilipinas Sambo President Paolo Tancontian expressed confidence in his son’s abilities, stating that Chino is well-prepared and hopeful for another strong performance in the upcoming tournament.

Tancontian's recent success adds to his impressive record, including a gold medal win at the 2024 Dutch Open on June 1, where he dominated the 98 kg category, defeating Didier Biansomba. With his continued dedication and skill, Chino Sy Tancontian is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in international martial arts.(Bob Braceros)

Davaoeño Sambo Practitioner Chino Sy Tancontian Wins Gold at World Jiujitsu Championship in Japan

 

Davaoeno Chino Sy Tancontian, a rising star in the world of Sambo and Brazilian Jiujitsu, has claimed the gold medal in the prestigious Blue Belt Adult Super Heavy Division of the World Jiujitsu Championship held in Japan on September 29. This victory solidifies Tancontian's growing reputation in the international martial arts scene.

Pilipinas Sambo president Paolo Tancontian, Chino’s father, expressed his immense pride and gratitude for his son’s achievement, thanking all the supporters and trainers who helped Chino in his journey to international success.

This recent victory adds to Tancontian’s growing list of accolades. On June 1, he also won a gold medal at the 2024 Dutch Open, competing in the 98 kg category, where he secured a victory against Didier Biansomba.

Chino Sy Tancontian continues to shine on the world stage, bringing honor to Davao and the Philippines in the competitive world of martial arts.(Bob Braceros)

Davaoena Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna Secure Bronze Medals at 2024 World Beach SAMBO in Casablanca

 

Davao City native Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna have brought pride to the Philippines by winning bronze medals at the 2024 World Beach SAMBO Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco on September 7-8.

In the women's -72kg category, Jeniva Consigna delivered a remarkable performance by defeating Dauletzhan Nazereke of Kazakhstan to secure her bronze medal. Meanwhile, Sydney Sy-Tancontian competed in the +72kg category and advanced to the semifinals after overcoming Sylla Ramatoulaye of Guinea in the quarterfinals. Despite a strong effort, Sy-Tancontian fell to Romanian opponents in the semifinals.

Paolo Tancontian, Sydney's father and President of Pilipinas Sambo, expressed his immense satisfaction with the achievements of both athletes. He extended his gratitude to everyone who supported and facilitated their participation in this prestigious international competition.(Bob Braceros)

TROPA's Enduring Partnership with the 10th Infantry Agila Division: A Decade of Promoting Peace and Development in Mindanao

 

Since its founding in 2009, the Tri-Media Organization for Peace and Alliance (TROPA) has forged a strong and enduring partnership with the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, also known as the Agila Division. This collaboration has been pivotal in promoting the peace and development efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) across Mindanao, particularly in Region 11.

TROPA Mindanao, composed of veteran journalists, has actively joined the AFP in disseminating press releases to counter the black propaganda spread by communist groups. Their efforts have been crucial in shaping public perception and ensuring that the truth prevails in the battle for hearts and minds.

When Region 11 was declared insurgency-free, TROPA Mindanao, under the leadership of its president, Manny Autida, took on an even more significant role. The organization worked closely with the AFP to drumbeat the military's programs and development plans, ensuring that the insurgents could not regain their lost ground in this strategic part of Mindanao.

Earlier this year, TROPA Mindanao further cemented its cooperation with the military by embarking on a month-long series of visits to various camps under the jurisdiction of the 10th Infantry Division. This initiative was aimed at strengthening the trust and collaboration between the media organization and the military, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustaining peace and development in the region.

TROPA's partnership with the 10th Infantry Division is a testament to the power of collaboration between the media and the military in fostering a more peaceful and prosperous Mindanao. As both organizations continue to work hand in hand, their combined efforts ensure that the gains achieved in the fight against insurgency are preserved, and the region's development trajectory remains on course.(Bob Braceros)