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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......»»
95 areas in Davao Region still grapple with flooding
Ninety-five areas in the Davao Region continue to grapple with flooding, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao). Davao del Norte has the highest number of flooded areas, with 64 barangays affected, followed by Davao Oriental with 22, and Davao de Oro with nine. The region has also experienced over 50 landslides, with Davao de Oro leading with 44 incidents and eight in Davao Oriental. Tragically, a significant landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro resulted in nine confirmed deaths, one critical injury, and four individuals still under search and rescue operations. Davao City also recorded casualties due to heavy rains. The adverse weather conditions have affected thousands of individuals and displaced over 4,000 families in evacuation centers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has provided assistance to the affected families. The heavy rainfall is attributed to a weather system known as a shear line, causing widespread impact in the Visayas and Mindanao areas......»»
BPO workers in economic zones must work on-site, says DOJ
Business process outsourcing firms (BPOs) within special economic zones that adopt work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for their employees are no longer entitled to tax incentives, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). In a legal opinion dated Jan. 3, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla contradicted the position taken by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),.....»»
Shear line affects over 80-K families in Davao
The shear line in the Davao Region has had a significant impact on over 80,000 families, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao). The affected families are spread across Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental. Evacuation efforts have been underway, with some families still in shelters. Tragically, casualties have been reported, including fatalities and injuries due to landslides and flooding. The infrastructure has also suffered, with roads and bridges being blocked or damaged. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has been providing relief to affected residents, and the local government units have also contributed aid. In response to the shear line, the OCD-Davao has raised its Blue Alert status, emphasizing the need for intensified monitoring and immediate mobilization of resources. The situation remains challenging, with ongoing flooding and landslides affecting numerous areas in the region......»»
Creation of more Bangsamoro economic zones welcomed
Business groups and local executives support the planned setting up by the Bangsamoro government of additional economic zones in the autonomous region and in its 63 barangays in Cotabato province in Region 12......»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
‘Converting penal colonies into economic zones unconstitutional’
Converting penal colonies or prisons into economic zones is unconstitutional, according to former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor......»»
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......»»
Malaysian Chamber eyes Davao’s logistics hub potential
THE Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines, Inc. (MCCI) foresees strong business confidence for investing in Davao City, positioning it as a potential world-class logistics hub competing with leading regions in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Macau, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia......»»
DSWD-Davao raises child feeding budget to P21
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has increased its budget for the Supplementary Feeding Program to P21 per child, up from the previous P15 allocation. Kyla Denise T. Pamat, a nutritionist dietician at DSWD-Davao, shared in a radio interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on January 26, 2024, that the enhancement is a result of a budget insertion in 2023. The 13th cycle targets 122,400 children in Davao Region, with five local government units (LGUs) already initiating the feeding program, while others are in the procurement process. The program focuses on children aged two to four in child development centers and supervised neighborhood places, providing hot meals (rice and viand) for 80 days and alternative meals (pancake, nutribun, and fruit salad) for 40 days during the 120 feeding days. Additionally, selected LGUs with a prevalent number of underweight children receive milk feeding for the entire duration. The 12th cycle showed an 82.27 percent improvement in the weight of underweight children, reducing their number from 4,567 to 784 after the 120 feeding days. Pamat highlighted its alignment with Republic Act 11037, also known as the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, and encouraged LGUs, communities, and parents to support the program for continuous improvement......»»
Davao Light pushes for paperless billing
The Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) is advocating for paperless billing, citing its positive impact on the environment. Fermin Edillon, the head of the Reputation Enhancement Department at Davao Light, emphasized the company's large customer base and the significant paper consumption associated with traditional billing. He highlighted the environmental benefits of opting for paperless bills, urging Dabawenyos to consider this eco-friendly alternative. Despite the availability of paperless billing options, Edillon acknowledged that some still prefer traditional paper bills. However, Davao Light has enhanced its paperless bill services, offering options such as the MobileAP app for internet users and the Ebill text option for those without internet access. While promoting paperless billing, Edillon clarified that traditional paper bills will still be available. Residents expressed support for paperless billing, citing its convenience, but also emphasized the need for considerations, especially for those less proficient with technology. The push for paperless billing aligns with efforts to reduce environmental impact and enhance customer convenience......»»
Al-ag proposes to repeal ordinance requiring delivery riders biz permits
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag has proposed the repeal of an ordinance that requires delivery riders to obtain business permits. The ordinance in question, City Ordinance 0612-21 series of 2021, classified delivery riders as independent service contractors, mandating them to apply for business permits. However, a joint memorandum circular issued by various government agencies exempts individuals providing personal services, including delivery riders, from securing business permits. Al-ag emphasized that the city government must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the memorandum. While the proposed repeal is pending, Al-ag advised delivery riders to comply with the existing ordinance. He expressed confidence in the passage of the repeal, citing the solid basis provided by the joint memorandum. Despite a group of delivery riders seeking an audience with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on the matter, Al-ag's proposal was drafted in response to a separate petition. He clarified that the repeal is not about monetary collection but aligning with national law, which exempts delivery riders from obtaining business permits. Al-ag remains optimistic about the repeal's approval, pointing to the support provided by the joint memorandum as a strong foundation for his proposal......»»
Spanish business chamber celebrates 125th anniversary
Top business leaders, government officials and dignitaries came together to celebrate the historic 125th anniversary of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines through La Fiesta, an event commemorating the rich history, culture and trade relations between Spain and the Philippines......»»
Business groups laud passage of Salt Industry Development Act
Business groups Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) welcomed the approval of a law that aims to revive the salt industry which is seen to support economic growth and help create jobs......»»
PHOTO ESSAY: Waterworld in Carmen
CARMEN, Davao del Norte (MindaNews / 02 February) – Travel from Davao City to Tagum City and other parts of the Davao region, Agusan-Surigao and Manila was cut off Friday due to flooding in Barangay Tuganay. Tuganay connects Davao City with Tagum in Davao del Norte, from where one can proceed to Davao Oriental, Davao de […].....»»
Palarong Pambansa 2024 earns support from Mandaue, Cebu business leaders
CEBU CITY, Philippines– The Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) will give out their full support to the organizers of the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2024 scheduled in July. In a meeting last March 18 at the board room of the Aboitiz Corporate Center, CCCI President.....»»
Maritime Zones Bill passed
Maritime Zones Bill passed.....»»
3 sub-provincial health zones created
3 sub-provincial health zones created.....»»
Danger zones di na papuy-an
Danger zones di na papuy-an.....»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»