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10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
BSP onboards 1st nonbank electronic money issuer
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) achieved a significant milestone by welcoming OmniPay, Inc. as the first nonbank electronic money issuer (EMI) participant in its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system, PhilPaSSplus. This move aligns with the National Payment Systems Act and signifies a more inclusive national payment system, allowing nonbank financial institutions to conduct efficient and low-risk funds transfers directly through the central bank. Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim emphasized the BSP's commitment to safeguarding the entire Peso RTGS payment system amidst global trends of diversified participation. With 236 institutions, including various banks and nonbank entities, utilizing PhilPaSSplus for large value transactions and retail payment clearing, the BSP's initiative reflects a broader trend of central banks facilitating direct access for nonbank entities to settlement services. This development comes as international standard-setting bodies work on access guidelines to manage risks in evolving payment systems with new players and financial technologies......»»
Continue serving with care, compassion, PBBM tells DSWD
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of serving the public with care and compassion during the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) 73rd anniversary celebration. He commended the DSWD for its continuous efforts in providing aid to disaster victims and the disadvantaged sectors. President Marcos urged the DSWD to treat the poor and vulnerable with kindness and empathy, highlighting the agency's role in uplifting communities. He also noted the significant increase in the agency's budget, particularly for programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior pension, food catering operations, and the food stamps program. President Marcos emphasized that the DSWD's programs are designed to offer a hand up rather than a handout, aiming to empower individuals and families to improve their circumstances. He underscored the government's commitment to dignified giving and support for those in need, emphasizing the agency's role in providing assistance while promoting self-sufficiency......»»
BSP Governor Eyes Potential Rate Cut as Inflation Eases
In a recent interview, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. hinted at a potential rate cut later this year, signaling optimism amid the nation’s economic landscape. While cautious about the first semester, Remolona remains watchful, stating that the move could come “within the year.” The BSP, responding to escalating inflation, had hiked […].....»»
BSP sinisipat 4.2% inflation noong Marso
Sa pagtaya ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, maaaring umabot sa 4.2% ang inflation nitong Marso. The post BSP sinisipat 4.2% inflation noong Marso first appeared on Abante......»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
Philippines inflation rate slows to 2.8 pct in January
MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Year-on-year inflation in the Philippines further eased to 2.8 percent in January from 3.9 percent in December 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday. PSA head Dennis Mapa told a press conference that the January inflation rate is the lowest since the 2.3 percent inflation rate was recorded in October 2020. In January 2023, inflation rate was 8.7 percent.....»»
Biz Bureau surpasses 43-K permit renewals
The Davao City Business Bureau has achieved a significant milestone by processing over 43,000 business permit renewals as of January 29, 2024, surpassing last year's numbers. Maribel Paguican, the Head of the Business Bureau, revealed this accomplishment in a radio interview on January 30, 2024. She highlighted the bureau's performance, stating that they had already exceeded the previous year's figures by 270 renewals. Despite the positive outcome, Paguican acknowledged that they are still short of reaching the 46,000 permits issued the previous year. With approximately 2,890 renewals remaining, including 291 applicants considering retirement, the bureau anticipates around 2,599 renewal applicants. Paguican emphasized the upcoming retirement deadline on January 31, urging business owners to comply to avoid penalties ranging from P1,000 to P5,000. She also advised on the required documentation for retirement, emphasizing the importance of submitting the necessary paperwork to facilitate the process......»»
BSP: February inflation expected to settle within gov t target
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects that the inflation rate for February 2024 in the country will fall within the range of 2.8% to 3.6%......»»
BSP logs 40K complaints relating to financial consumer protection; only 5% come from Mindanao
SINCE the effectivity of the Financial Consumer Protection Act (Republic Act 11765) in June 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has logged more than 40,000 complaints from customers of different BSP-supervised financial institutions from all over the Philippines. Of this number, only around 5 percent come from Mindanao, implying the Mindanaoans' unawareness of the law......»»
Solo parents to get P1K monthly subsidy
The Local Solo Parents' Ordinance, recently approved by the 20th City Council of Davao City, promises a monthly subsidy of approximately P1,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Councilor Tricia Ann Villafuerte highlighted the ordinance's significance in providing vital support to solo parents and their children, as there are approximately 6,000 solo parents in Davao City. This ordinance is an adaptation of the national law, Republic Act 8972, customized to address the unique needs of solo parents in the city. It aims to meet the essential needs of mothers and their children, including school supplies, consultation, laboratory diagnostics, and financial assistance, such as medical, death, and burial aid. Additionally, solo parents will receive a monthly monetary subsidy of P1,000 and are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select basic commodities, similar to senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD). To qualify for the benefits, applicants must submit necessary documents and meet specific criteria, while disqualification grounds include changes in civil status and provision of necessary assistance by the other biological parent as per the Family Code of the Philippines. It's important to note that individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ineligible for the Local Solo Parents' Ordinance......»»
Meralco expects energy sales to grow this year
Despite a projected slowdown in demand from the commercial segment, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) still expects its energy sales to improve by 4.5 percent this year......»»
Council to appeal March 1 as special non-working holiday in Davao City
The Davao City Council is seeking to appeal to the national government to declare March 1 as a non-working holiday in honor of Araw ng Davao, the city's founding anniversary. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized the importance of this appeal for the people of Davao, expressing hope that the president will grant their request. This initiative comes as a response to a new bill that designates March 1 as the new founding anniversary, shifting the traditional celebration date from March 16. Despite the bill and law designating March 1 as a working holiday, the council aims to annually request Malacañang to recognize it as a non-working holiday. The appeal is intended to ensure that Dabawenyos can actively participate in the festivities. Additionally, the executive committee of Araw ng Davao is in the final stages of organizing events and activities for the celebration. Discussions have been ongoing, with plans anticipated to be finalized soon. This move reflects the council's commitment to honoring and celebrating the city's heritage and traditions......»»
BSP on guard vs inflation risks amid El Niño
The BSP chief said headline inflation likely further accelerated to 3.9 percent in March from 3.4 percent in February due to base effects, but lower than the 7.6 percent in March 2023......»»
Climate shocks on inflation can last up to 4 years – BSP
Climate-related inflation shocks may be felt for up to four years, causing a pronounced hike in headline inflation, a study by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Research Academy showed......»»
Police: No truth to bomb threat at PI’s prayer rally
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has debunked a text message claiming a bomb threat at the People's Initiative (PI) “Unity for One Nation, One Prayer” rally in San Pedro Square. The message warned of possible explosions at Rizal Park, one of the rally venues. Despite the lack of credible threats, the police urged vigilance and cooperation from the public for safety. Approximately 300 police personnel were deployed to secure various rally points, with additional support from volunteers and security clusters. Task Force Davao also activated a high alert status as part of the city's security measures. Captain John Louie Dema-ala confirmed that the circulating threat was unfounded and aimed at intimidating rallyists. Despite this, nearly 17,000 Dabawenyos joined the rally to oppose the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha) movement. The police and security forces remain vigilant and are conducting ongoing investigations into the social media threat......»»
Cebu Province inflation rate soared in March 2024
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Province inflation rate rose in March as Cebuanos continue to grapple with rising prices of goods and commodities, the latest inflation report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Cebu showed. On Wednesday, April 17, PSA Cebu Chief Statistical Specialist Melchor Bautista presented the inflation report in Cebu Province for March.....»»
53% drop in Davao City’s road accidents: DCPO-TEU
The Davao City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit (DCPO-TEU) has reported a significant 53% decrease in road accidents during the first 16 days of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Deputy Chief Pcpt. Raymundo B. Bacera Jr. revealed these statistics during the ISpeak media forum, citing 213 recorded incidents in 2023, compared to only 102 in 2024. He noted a reduction in the number of vehicles involved, from 120 to 51. Human error was identified as the primary cause of accidents, accounting for 97% of cases, while vehicle defects and road defects contributed to 2% and 1% of incidents, respectively. Private vehicles were involved in 40% of the accidents, with common human errors including texting/calling while driving, overtaking, and speeding. The peak hours for accidents were identified as between 2 pm to 4 pm. Despite the implementation of the New Speed Limit Ordinance, which came into effect on January 11, 2024, Dionisio Abude, head of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), emphasized that the ordinance cannot guarantee the absence of road incidents, highlighting the critical role of driver behavior and driving habits. Since the ordinance's enforcement, CTTMO and DCPO-TEU have issued citations to 730 violators, with private vehicles constituting 49% of the total, followed by motorcycles, taxis, trucks, public utility jeepneys, buses, and public utility vans......»»
Century Pacific Food logs P5.6 billion income despite inflation
Century Pacific Food logs P5.6 billion income despite inflation.....»»
Traveling on Peak Times or Off-Peak Times? The Pros and Cons
Ever wondered if it’s smarter to travel when everyone else is or pick a quieter time? When you decide to hit the road can really shake up your travel experience, costs, and how easy things go. Think beyond the logistics – it’s also about what you personally like and how much you can deal with […].....»»