911 Davao version

This is the headquarters of Davao's Central 911 adapting the famous emergency assistance number, being the first in Asia to implement such system and the third in the world next to the USA and Canada. The system uses Emergency Computer Aided Dispatch (ECAD) technology developed by a local electrical company to assist authorities in locating the origin of emergency calls. Central 911 is supported by highly trained emergency medical assistants complemented with state-of-the-art modern ambulances, has its own Fire Auxiliary Services Unit, an elite Urban Search and Rescue Unit equipped with high-tech and cutting edge rescue tools and equipments, and its very own K-9 units. Davao folks can access the number 24/7 through their landline or cellphones toll free, and the ambulances and other emergency services are also provided for free to local residents and visitors alike. Davao's Central 911 was awarded among the Top 25 Best Practices in the country.

Recently I used 911 to solve an annoying dilemma of a neighborhood videoke machine that had the gall to keep making noise too early in the morning. Very efficient indeed, the culprits dared not repeat the mistake the next day.

P99 buffet

This is the interior of a popular restaurant in Magallanes St. Contrary to the picture, lunch time customers actually filled it to the brim some hours before, and it was just in time that I managed to reserve a table. Many people patronize the place because their sumptous lunch buffet with dessert are pleasantly priced for only P99 (less than $2).

art vendors

Davao actually has the largest artist population in Mindanao, but art appreciation of local talents here is not as pronounced. Other artists had to be versatile to make ends meet. Some of them can be seen displaying their handicraft creations just like any vendors do. I talked with one and he narrated how they would sometimes be driven away and be treated just as any ordinary vendors. The city had actually produced topnotch talents but they were more admired and encouraged abroad than locally. A Davao artist now based in New York, though not given much recognition locally, was even considered one of the top contemporary surrealists in the world.

Nevertheless, local artists continue with their quests for the Muse for their inspirations spring not from bigots or the unappreciative but from the undeniably diverse beauty of Davao whom Mother Nature so blessed with.