To say that today’s Davao City Council Session is interesting would be and understatement. Where else would you learn about the rise of gangsterism, cybertrafficking, the bunchy-top and sigatoka viruses, ten indigenous vegetables, corn farming, and hito raising???

Councilor Danny Dayanghirang representing the Committee Peace and Public Safety gave a powerpoint presentation on the committee’s hearing on and review of RA 9344 known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. The law, according to Dayanghirang, has empowered some youth offenders to commit crimes repeatedly without fear of being convicted.

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado filed a resolution to request the Philippine Congress, through Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab, to enact a law extensively defining and penalizing cybertrafficking. According to Zozobrado, there is a need to expand RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003).

Councilor Conde Baluran filed a resolution called all concerned offices to act in order to stop the spread of the bunchy-top virus afflicting banana plants. Councilor April Dayap inquired why the resolution only addressed the bunchy-top virus and why not also other banana diseases such as the Sigatoka Disease.

Councilor Baluran also filed a resolution commending the Bureau of Plant Industry for promoting ten indigenous vegetables: malunggay, alugbati, saluyot, pako, gabi, kulitis, labong, talinong, katuray, and himbabaw. This prompted Councilor Victor Advincula to ask what the last five vegetables were.

Coucilor Tessie Mata-Marañon filed a resolution congratulating Susan A. Lao for winning as Outstanding Corn Farmer during the Gawad Saka Parangal sa Magsasaka at Mangingisda. This led to a discussion on inter-cropping vs field farming.

Councilor Louie Villafuerte filed resolutions regarding the celebration of the Pantatan Festival of Los Amigos in Tugbok District. This led to another discussion about hito growing.

It was an interesting session indeed.