NEWS UPDATE | With the objective of pioneering data science studies and research in the region, the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao launches the first Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) program in the UP System.

“We have to be responsive to the needs here in Mindanao specifically, but we can expand this to the whole country,” BSDS Program Coordinator Vladimer Kobayashi explained their approach in the development process of the program’s curriculum.

Aretha Castigon, BSDS student, shared that there is added pressure in learning especially that they are from the pioneering batch.

However, they are also confident that the program will move forward smoothly especially that the curriculum is handled by experts in the field.

"The curriculum was reviewed by various experts in the data science field and with that I can see na we will be successful experts in data science in the future," Castigon said.

The course offering aims to create graduates who are competent in using data analytical techniques with entrepreneurial mindset, capable in conducting data science research independently and of pursuing advanced level graduate studies.

In the following years, the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science looks to expand their offerings which include a Masters in Quantitative Methods and Modelling and MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

ALERT | 40th Student Regent Third Nominee John Peter "Jpeg" Garcia had been accused by the 59th Infantry Battalion - Philippine Army (IBPA) of violating the Anti-Terror Act of 2020.

Garcia, who is also the current Chairperson of Youth Advocates for Peace with Justice (YAPJUST) UPLB, is one of the 19 individuals from Southern Tagalog who are facing trumped-up complaints, including young human rights defenders Ken Rementilla, Jasmin Rubia, and Hailey Pecayo who were recently accused last June.

Sgt. Jean Claude Bajaro of the 59th IBPA accused Garcia of going on a "Tour-of-Duty" in the New People's Army in 2021. Garcia is one of the co-accused of Hailey Pecayo for alleged violations of Sections 4(a) and 4(d) of the ATA, as well as Section 4(c) of Republic Act No. 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity).

These complaints against Garcia, along with human rights defenders Pecayo, Rementilla, and Rubia, are undeniable motives of covering up the death of 9-year-old Kyllene Casao in Taysan, Batangas, who was killed by operating troops of the 59th IBPA.

In addition, the Anti-Terror Act of 2020 and other laws are being weaponized against Human Rights Defenders and progressive individuals in creating baseless and unproven accusations. These trumped-up cases are clear manifestations of the dangers brought by enacting the Anti-Terror Law — giving more reasons to repeal it for the safety of our defenders amidst the worsening repression climate brought about by the Marcos regime.

Madayaw, mga Iskolar ng Bayan!

The UP Mindanao community officially welcomes its 353 First Year Students in the 2023 University Convocation at the DC-UP Sports Complex Training Gym, UP Mindanao.

During the program, incoming members of the University Student Council and College Student Councils will also be taking their oath in office for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

IN PHOTOS | Voters from different parts of Davao City express their sentiments and struggles after participating in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Manong Leonard, resident and voter of Barangay 10-A, expressed that his overall experience in his polling precinct at Davao City National Highschool School (DCNHS) was peaceful.

Leonard said that there are instances where they let the elderly vote first which was not a problem, "Peaceful man, kung mauna usahay kato tigulang jud, wamay problema."

Edwin Ampongol from Barangay 11-B also supported Manong Leonard's sentiment, sharing how DCNHS, as one of the largest polling centers in the city, is known for organized election processes.

In an interview with Police Regional Office 11 Regional Director PBGEN Alden B. Delvo, they were also surprised on the seamless flow of the elections.

"Ako nagpasalamat sa katawhan sa Davao City and the whole of Davao Region in the exercise of our suffrage," the regional director asserted while commending the cooperation of the voters.

While that is the case, confusion was still apparent in several polling centers in Davao.

In Don Franciso S. Dizon Elementary School and in Cesareo Villa-Abrille Elementary School, where polls are facilitated for Barangay 19-B and Barangay 76-A, respectively, papers indicating the voters' precinct designation were put hanging on strings that damaged some pages of the list, leaving the voters in a tough situation while locating their clustered precincts.

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) is conducted usually every three years to select an administrative council for local barangays across the country.

Words by MLI. Photos by ASL.

ALERT | Due to heavy rain and strong winds, multiple areas around Davao City experience severe flooding.

According to Davao City - CDRRMO, Lipadas River is currently monitored at Code Orange.

Everyone is advised to stay vigilant and follow evacuation protocols.

Keep posted for more updates.

JUST IN | The University of the Philippines Mindanao students, faculty, and staff evacuated due to an earthquake at around 3:02 p.m.

The earthquake is approximately magnitude 3.5, with epicenter at Magpet, Cotabato. UP Mindanao stands on top of the Lacson Fault line— everyone is advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks.

Erratum: The initial epicenter location in our post was Mindoro with Magnitude 4.8 , which was incorrect. We apologize for the oversight.

NEWS UPDATE | Search and rescue operations continue as massive landslide hits Maco, Davao de Oro at around 7 to 8 pm yesterday, February 6, 2024.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office- Maco (MDRRMO-Maco) reports two buses were feared to be buried under debris on the way home when the landslide hit Zone 1, Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro.

As of February 6, Maco MDRRMO reported 11 people wounded including 1 who was left in critical condition. They were immediately rushed to a hospital in Tagum City.

Forced evacuation was implemented by the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro to the barangays of Masara, Mainit, Tagboros, Elizalde, and Panibasan due to landslide and flash flood threat.

The initial report from Maco Disaster office indicated that the landslide was brought by continuous rain caused by the shear line and the recent trough of a low-pressure area. Reportedly, 12 people are still missing and the exact number of victims is still undetermined.

Words by MLI.

IN PHOTOS | The two leading transport groups, PISTON and MANIBELA led the last transport strike of the year, December 29, to call against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The groups along with the other progressive masses gather in Mendiola for the abolishment of the upcoming deadline of the transport consolidation that may lead to the phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

Together with the other sectoral groups, the jeepney drivers and commuters march starting at Mabuhay Rotunda in Quezon City heading to Mendiola. The nationwide strike aims to clamor to the government to not proceed with the said Omnibus Franchise Consolidation Guidelines.

The jeepney drivers together with the commuters firmly believe that the said modernization will not be beneficial for all. The current situation of drivers having little income and bigger debts proves that the structured plan for 2024 will only benefit those in power.

“Kung inaakala ng gobyernong ito na inutil ang mga mamamayan, pagmasdan natin ang nagkakaisang hanay na nandirito sa paanan ng Mendiola at lumalaban kontra sa PUV Phaseout,” Kyle Angelo Salgado of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan - Timog Katagalugan explained.

The state forces gathered in lines to shield the way starting from the Mendiola Arc to block the people going to Malacañang. Despite the threats, the jeepney drivers together with the youth and the other sectors stayed until the night amplifying their calls while setting up camps along Recto Avenue.

Report and photos by JFM.

ALERT | DOST-Philvocs reported a magnitude 6.9 earthquake with Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as the epicenter, 10:37 pm, December 2, 2023. Everyone is advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks.

Additionally, a Tsunami Warning was also released by Philvocs, 11:05pm. Tsunami waves are forcasted to arrive between 10:37 pm to 11:59pm, December 2, 2023. Residents in coastal areas, particulary Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental are advised to evacuate to areas with higher elevation.