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Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
Globe reports steep 73.7% decline in blocked bank-related spam, scam SMS in 2023
The telecommunications company Globe has reported a significant 73.7% decrease in the number of blocked spam and scam SMS related to banks in 2023. This reduction is a result of the interception of 21.9 million bank-related fraudulent messages, a sharp decline from the 83.39 million messages blocked the previous year. Globe attributes this achievement to its proactive strategies and strong partnerships with major banks and financial institutions in the Philippines. The company has established anti-fraud alliances with the Bankers Association of the Philippines and individual players in the finance sector, enabling the sharing of data and intelligence to prevent and investigate fraud effectively. Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe, emphasized the company's commitment to combating financial fraud and enhancing security measures for customer protection. Globe has invested approximately US$20 million to improve its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system and operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages from both international and domestic sources. Despite certain limitations, Globe remains dedicated to customer protection and emphasizes the need for a unified approach in the fight against fraud. The company is focused on leveraging technology and strengthening alliances with key stakeholders to combat fraudulent activities. As Globe continues to advance its technologies and collaborations, it aims to provide a safer and more secure digital environment for its customers. For more information about Globe and its initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT).....»»
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......»»
Consumers express mixed reactions on slight power rate increase
Consumers of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. have expressed mixed reactions to a slight increase in the overall power rate starting January 2024. The increase is attributed to higher market prices affecting the generation rate. Noriza Mabanding, a virtual assistant, noted the impact on her energy usage and the need to schedule appliance usage to save energy. Jenalyn Manguiob, a small business owner, expressed dissatisfaction with the increase's effect on her business but acknowledged the global market's influence and the importance of conserving energy. The increase amounts to P0.0774 per kWh, resulting in a minor increase in electricity bills for residential customers......»»
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......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
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......»»
New Year celebrations at Panigan-Tamugan River prompt conservation call
The New Year celebrations at Panigan-Tamugan River in Davao City have sparked concerns from the environmental group, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis). The group expressed worry over the influx of people to the river, which falls within a Critical Watershed Zone designated by the Davao City Zoning Ordinance 2019 to 1018. Despite regulations prohibiting construction, maintenance of structures, and the conduct of business enterprises in the area, numerous individuals visited the river, leaving behind waste such as plastics, liquor bottles, and cigarette butts. This behavior violates environmental regulations and poses a threat to the watershed, which is a crucial source of drinking water for the city. Idis strongly advises the public against visiting the Panigan-Tamugan River and urges Dabawenyos to promote conservation and responsible tourism to protect the city's future water source. This call for conservation comes after the organization previously criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a protected conservation area......»»
DBP cited for good governance
The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has received recognition for its exemplary corporate governance practices. The government's chief corporate regulator, the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), has honored DBP with the Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) Hall of Fame award for consistently ranking in the top ten of the CGS ratings since 2017. DBP President and CEO, Michael O. de Jesus, highlighted the significance of this accolade, emphasizing the bank's unwavering commitment to best practices in corporate governance. Established under the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, the GCG utilizes the CGS to evaluate and assess the corporate governance initiatives of government-owned and controlled corporations. Moreover, DBP was also recognized as a Top 4 performer in the Corporate Governance Scorecard for 2022, attaining a high score of 100. De Jesus reaffirmed the bank's dedication to fortifying its corporate governance mechanisms, aligning with its core values and the national agenda for good governance. He emphasized DBP's resolve to uphold the highest standards in corporate governance, underscoring its support for the government's efforts to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth......»»
MSU blast victims receive medical, burial assistance
In response to the bomb explosion at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University–Main Campus in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, victims received medical and burial assistance. Officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and other Bangsamoro Government agencies, including Barmm Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Hadj Murad” Ebrahim, visited victims at hospitals. Six patients received financial aid through MSSD’s Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations program. Additionally, injured patients at the MSU Infirmary received financial aid for transportation and medical needs. The MSSD workforce also visited the bereaved families of the deceased victims to provide cash assistance and support. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support will be provided for MSU-Main Campus Marawi students, and interventions for deceased victims' families will be determined by MSSD. Officials from various agencies, including the university and security sector, held a meeting and inspected the site of the incident. Related stories include the naming of MSU Marawi bombing suspects and statements from officials condemning the attack......»»
CEE confident to reach P112-M revenue by end of 2023
The Davao City Economic Enterprise (CEE) is confident that it will achieve a revenue of P112 million by the end of 2023. Maximo Macalipes Jr., the officer-in-charge of CEE, expressed his confidence during the iSpeak media forum. He mentioned that they have already accomplished 80 percent of their target revenue as of October. Macalipes highlighted that market operations, slaughterhouse, and cemetery operations are the biggest contributors to the city's revenue. The special projects division has already exceeded its revenue target, while the Sta. Ana Port, Magsaysay Park, DCRC, and DCOTT are also performing well. Macalipes emphasized that they will continue to renovate public markets and other business activities while adhering to the revenue code......»»
P168-B local development investment program passed
The 20th Davao City Council has passed the Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) for the years 2024 to 2026. The LDIP is an important tool in implementing the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). It is a three-year program that includes a prioritized list of projects and activities for funding. The LDIP for 2024-2026 consists of non-infrastructure projects worth P92.9 billion and infrastructure projects worth P75.1 billion, bringing the total to P168 billion. The projects cover various areas such as public services, social development, economic development, road development, flood control, power supply, water supply, buildings, and other public infrastructure projects. These projects are aligned with the city's 12 key priority areas, which include poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, solid waste management, health, education, agriculture, business and industry support, transportation planning, peace and order, disaster risk reduction, good governance, and tourism development. The LDIP aims to improve the quality of life for the people of Davao and remain responsive to their needs. The LDIP was approved by the City Development Council on October 16, 2023, and is based on the City Development Plan......»»
Over 33-K security personnel for Pasko Fiesta 2023
Over 33,000 security and safety personnel have been deployed for the month-long 2023 Pasko Fiesta celebration in Davao City. The Chief of Davao City's Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), Angel Sumagaysay, announced that a total of 33,672 integrated security and safety personnel will be involved in the annual Christmas festival. The deployment will begin on November 28, 2023, and continue until January 1, 2024. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) alone accounts for 9,862 personnel, with 4,731 being police officers and the rest consisting of police auxiliary and force multipliers. The security plan was established well in advance to anticipate various events throughout the celebratory month. The spokesperson for the DCPO, PCap. Hazel Tuazon, urged the public to actively participate, witness, and cooperate with law enforcement while adhering to the culture of security. She also reminded everyone to follow safety and security guidelines, such as refraining from carrying backpacks and firearms or deadly weapons, to ensure a peaceful celebration of Pasko Fiesta. The month-long festivities will commence on November 28 and conclude on December 31 with the Paghinugyaw.....»»
Davao City council amends CCTV ordinance
The 20th Davao City Council has approved the Amended Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Ordinance of Davao City on its third and final reading. The ordinance aims to ensure the safety and security of the people of Davao without burdening them. Small establishments are exempted from the ordinance, while larger establishments are responsible for maintaining CCTV cameras. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including the suspension or revocation of business permits. The CCTV cameras must be strategically placed to provide maximum coverage. A Technical Working Group will draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations, which will be approved by the City Mayor's Office. The government urges the public to bear with the new ordinance, as it aims to reduce crime and aid ongoing investigations......»»
Chinabank’s 9-month net income reaches P16.2B
China Banking Corporation, also known as Chinabank, reported a net income of P16.2 billion for the first nine months of 2023, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The bank's strong performance was attributed to growth in core businesses and lower loan loss provisions. In the third quarter alone, Chinabank recorded profits of P5.4 billion, a 16% increase from the previous year. The bank's President and CEO, Romeo D. Uyan, Jr., credited the success to effective business strategies and efficient operations. Net interest income grew by 16% to P39.2 billion, while total credit provisions were reduced to P1.3 billion. Despite this, Chinabank maintained a better-than-industry non-performing loans (NPL) cover of 126%. Operating expenses increased by 14% to P20.5 billion, driven by manpower and inflation-related expenses. Chinabank remains the 4th largest private domestic bank with total assets of P1.4 trillion. Gross loans grew by 10% to P765 billion, with consumer loans experiencing a 19% expansion. The bank's NPL ratio remained manageable at 2.2%. Total deposits increased by 14%.....»»
Davao Cenro underscores how trees mitigate rising temperatures
The Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) recently underscored the vital role of trees in mitigating rising temperatures. In a radio interview, Christopher Asibal, chief of the Cenro Upland Community Project & Forest Management Section, explained that trees and humans have a symbiotic relationship. Trees provide oxygen for humans to breathe, while humans help trees by absorbing their carbon dioxide. Asibal also noted various environmental ordinances in the city, particularly the recent Heritage Tree Ordinance, which aims to protect trees that hold significant value for both the city and the environment. He urged Dabawenyos who have trees in their areas to take proper care of them, especially during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) period when campaigners often attach banners to trees. Asibal said that any injury to a tree can serve as an entry point for fungi, leading to the tree's deterioration......»»
Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside
All it took to start the trailblazing Artefino were five ladies of passion and commitment, three of whom, joined us in a special episode of PairFect, the online show of the DAILY TRIBUNE. [gallery columns="4" size="full" ids="176285,176284,176283,176282"] These ladies are achievers in their own right and have been at the forefront of causes that have continuously benefited the society. Mita Rufino has been the top honcho of the Filipino Heritage Festival which has been going on for 20 years. Maritess Pineda was president of the number one Zonta chapter in this part of the country and region, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs. For the longest time, she was engaged in the export business and was active with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. Cedie Vargas heads the Lopez Group Foundation and is the executive director of the Lopez Museum and Library. [caption id="attachment_176287" align="aligncenter" width="789"] Fiesta throw blankets. | Photograph Courtesy of Ig/abel Philippines[/caption] Our interview article with the three ladies, which we started yesterday, continues in this issue. Here follows our interesting exchange. DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Tell us about your personal passions outside of Artefino. What else keeps you occupied. Mita: I’m with the Filipino Heritage Festival. We work with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. We have our programs and events throughout the Philippines. Our main objective is to bring awareness of our cultural heritage to the whole country if we can. One of our major projects is the Youth Forum participated in by around 60 young students. Last May, we had it in Negros Occidental and we had six cities that joined in. We are trying to make them aware about the different heritage and all forms of cultural heritage, tangible or intangible, in their own areas. We get reports now from them and we discuss how we are going to help them out. This is something which I feel is going to be quite interesting for the youth. We will be 20 years old next year. We’re hoping to go to Ilocos. We would also like to work with Artefino because Artefino is part of our heritage. For next year, another project will focus on our local trees, indigenous hardwood and local. We’re working with the Metropolitan Museum for that one. And, of course, I am active in church and with the Zonta. My time is really full from morning to evening. Sometimes I just ask myself, “Wow, what will I do now? I have to report this, I have to report that.” That’s what’s keeping me quite busy. Maritess: I think what has helped me a lot in doing my share in Artefino is the fact that I was 20 years with CITEM. In the beginning when we were starting in my export business, I would ask the support of CITEM. It gave me a very good perspective of how it is to come up with fairs like this. We used to do it here and abroad. I was 20 years in export and I was part of the board of CITEM for quite a number of years. I was among the pioneers during the time of Mina Gabor, who was the one who trained me. She was the one who trained me how to give a talk to 3,000 women and producers from Bacolod. I refused at first but they said, “No, you will just talk to a few people in a small room.” So, I agree but, at the CCP, I found out there were 3,000 women. Sabi ko doon sa asawa ko, “You stay at the back. Then you will be the only one I will look at and no one else.” I really picked up a lot of things from Mina. She really made our handicraft industry very strong. And because of that, I was able to bring that know-how into this fair. Other than that, I’m very active in the arts. I have been a collector since 1972. That’s my passion. Also, being the granddaughter of Amang Rodriguez, serving the community is really part of my DNA. It is really second nature for us, we in the Artefino, to do anything we could to empower women and their communities so that they could be self-sufficient by putting up their own social enterprises. Something that would inspire their children to follow suit and not leave their parents’ and grandparents’ crafts for another profession or livelihood. Cedie: I think the best way to describe me is just like an arts and culture advocate. And that sort of ties everything that I do whether it’s in the media or the Lopez group foundation including the Lopez Museum and Library and other foundations outside of the Lopez Group. But what excites me is when I can tie all these together into a few projects. One of the bigger advocacies of the Lopez Group is environmentalism. Whether you’re saving the marine reefs or mangroves or saving the trees. They intertwine and it’s exciting when you are able to create a project that will marry all your different advocacies. You know, you have passion, you have commitment in what you are doing. DT: Tell us about your family lives. Are you mothers? Are you grandmothers? Are you single? Mita: I am single now. I just lost my husband two and a half years ago. I have four kids. Three girls, two of them in London, and one boy. My daughter, Maritoni, is a ballerina and she teaches ballet. My son, Chino, anchors a sport show and he promotes motorcycles. Maritess: I have four children. One is abroad working in hotels. And three of them are here. I already have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Now that they’re all grown up. I have time for all these things. I’m free to do what I want. Cedie: I’m a mother. I’m a grandmother. I have four children and four grandchildren. By the end of the year, I will have six grandchildren. I think what I’m trying to define now is my role as a grandmother. I involve my children and even my grandchildren in this advocacy that I have. Whatever it is that I strongly believe in, I try to expose them to that. Two of my children are with the Lopez group. DT: Can you tell us about someone, a craftswoman, you have empowered? Maritess: We can tell you that we started our first grantee, Sarah Juan, for our Artefino Foundation. Mita: We helped this one designer because she is really good. Cedie: And enterprising. Mita: She works with the community in Davao. Mita: She was our first beneficiary. They were able to come up with a line-up of jackets that were beaded and that sold very well in Artefino. She has two stores now — one in Rockwell and the other in Greenbelt. Cedie: A lot of our brand partners have amazing stories. That’s what interested us in them. That’s why we put up Artefino and the Artefino Foundation because of their amazing stories. DT: It turned out there are a lot of creative Filipinos. Cedie: Yeah. They just need that extra push. Yeah. DT: This year, who will Artefino benefit? Maritess: Well, like we have Anya Lim. She’s from Cebu. Actually, we visited the place. We visited the area, her community and we saw how the ladies, mostly elders, work and help one another. Mita: That particular lady, said to me, “Ma’am, now I can buy a TV because I have already sent my apos to school. Now it’s for me naman to have a television.” Cedie: They are trying to teach us how to weave. We tried. It’s so hard. Mita: It’s a great workout, though. Maritess: Kailangan ng great coordination, eh. Kamay at paa. Mita: You have to move with the rhythm of the loom. Maritess: It was very nice talking with them because they were really telling us their whole stories. Cedie: They were sharing as mothers. They invited us to go back. Maritess: Kasi they were able to send their children and grandchildren to school. So, malaking bagay, 'di ba? Now that the children know that they could earn on weaving, they are willing to learn the trade. Mita: What we’re hearing in different places is that even the men, when they come home in the evening, help out also. Cedie: You know, the men have actually strong hands. The weaves are tighter. DT: What makes this edition of Artefino special? Mita: We are into reused, recycled and repurposed products. Actually, the original person who did all these years ago was Patis Tesoro. She was the epitome of all this without calling it repurpose or recycle. Basta she would pick up any kind of material. Puwedeng kurtina, puwedeng mantel. She would put it together, buburdahan niya. And because of that, we decided to feature her here as the Ms. Patis Tesoro. DT: Thank you very much. It has been our pleasure. We are happy that you have helped a lot of women and at the same time are paying tribute to trailblazing women like Patis Tesoro. With you, ladies, there is indeed hope for our countrymen, especially our creative industry workers in the mountains and seashores of our country. Mabuhay kayong lahat! The post Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
D.C.Plinado Campaign pushed
DAVAO City Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula urged Dabawenyos to continue embodying the "culture of discipline", as a legacy, and to be conscious of turning it into the key for the city's growth......»»
Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls
There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Councilwarned yesterday......»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»